Hello readers, happy fall! Do you have trees in your yards and neighborhoods that are vibrant in color right now? The first few weeks of fall is my most favorite time of the year. It’s beautiful outside, both weather wise and visually with the changing trees and foliage. 

On campus, things are picking up with the return of classes and students. Although 95% of instruction is online this term, more than 500 students moved into the residence halls and it’s estimated that 1,500 or more students are living in Monmouth and Independence. It’s been great seeing happy masked faces walking around campus and the towns. 

September was an eventful month. Our hearts go out to those affected by the wildfires that raged through western Oregon and we thank the first responders, fire fighters, and emergency teams! WOU was closed for 6 days due to hazardous air quality from thick smoke and ash and resumed normal operations on September 18. During the month, we held two virtual events, the Hamersly Library 20th Anniversary Celebration and the After Hours with President Fuller. Get recaps of both events below. 

Hamersly Library 20th Anniversary Celebration 

The original plan was to gather at the library and honor Wayne and Lynn Hamersly and their legacy to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the opening of the library. As so much has over the last seven months, those plans had to be modified to a virtual experience which turned into a wonderful afternoon. The event was held on Sunday, September 20, 20 years to the date of the opening of the library. Dean Chelle Batchelor interviewed Wayne and Scott Hamersly and former Dean Gary Jensen via Zoom livestream. Wayne and Scott shared the inspiration behind the Hamersly family donation to the library and how his mom and dad’s giving history has helped and inspired Scott.  Following the livestream, guests attended a Zoom social hour where we chatted, laughed, shared stories and enjoyed one another’s company. You can see the recorded livestream through the link in the e-newsletter. Thank you to all who attended and who have helped the library be what it is today. 

After Hours with President Fuller

This event was originally scheduled for Tuesday, September 9 but was rescheduled to Tuesday, September 29 due to the WOU closures from the fires. President Fuller addressed 20+ alumni, staff members and friends via Zoom and shared how we are opening safely, what we are doing for our students on campus, what our enrollment numbers are and answered questions from the audience. This event was moderated by WOU Alumni President Victoria Scholerman ’04 and was a great, lively one hour. Thank you to President Fuller for spending time with us and thank you the attendees, we hope you enjoyed your time with us and received good information. 

The next After Hours is scheduled for Tuesday Oct. 13 at 5:30 and will be trivia! No registration is required, get more information on the event page at wou.edu/alumni.