Hello, readers. Oregonians, how are you holding up with the heatwave we experienced? In Monmouth on June 28, at one point it was 117 degrees, which felt surreal. Luckily, we got some relief with a breeze coming from the ocean and by 8:30 p.m. that evening temps had dipped into the 70’s, a much more enjoyable and normal range for this region, this time of year. Other than the record setting heat we experienced, other news from this region is that the summer music in the park series has returned starting this month! Independence will have it’s River’s Edge Summer Series on Friday nights and Monmouth will have music on Wednesday nights for their Monmouth Music in the Park series. It will be so awesome to have events like this again, we look forward to a fun summer!

We have some really fun activities and events coming up this summer and fall.  Yes, IN PERSON activities and events! It’s an exciting time and there is a lot to look forward to. We do anticipate hybrid events for the foreseeable future, where there will be a virtual component as well so everyone can participate. This month, we will host the Wolves on the Green golf tournament which will support WOU Women’s Athletics. We are keeping the early-bird pricing through July 15 for readers of this e-newsletter so get registered today! For other events and activities, check the website and follow us on Facebook. More will be added soon! 

June kind of went by like a hurricane, fast and fierce. It was a great month with some really fun happenings and events. Read below for event recaps. 

Wolves Athletic Auction 

The Athletic Auction is the biggest annual fundraiser for WOU Athletics. This year, the auction last a whole week and was mostly virtual. May 29 – June 5 was auction week and throughout the week coaches gave “coach chats” on Zoom during the lunch hour, items were in bidding wars online, and donations came in. The week concluded with a livestream broadcast on June 5 which included auctioneer Paul Schultz, Athletic Director Randi Lydum, Wolfie and a few student athletes in the studio performing music, discussing auction items and calling out for paddle raises. Several groups gathered at local bars and restaurants with friends to watch the broadcast and support our athletes. A huge shoutout to the fine folks at Parallel 45, Crush and Rookies for hosting watch parties for us! The auction was a huge success, thanks to donors like you and our incredible committee members who helped get items, invite friends and shared the event on social media. In 2022 we hope to be entirely in person again and look forward to another fantastic event. 

Commencement 2021 

On June 11 and 12, WOU celebrated and conducted Commencement, 2021. On Friday, June 11, students were invited to participate in a virtual ceremony, which can be watched here.  Then on Saturday, June 12, graduates were invited to participate in a drive-through style celebration where they could decorate their vehicles and ride down Stadium Dr. with their friends and families and go into the McArthur Stadium lot. Grads had the opportunity to walk across the stage, have their name read aloud and shake President Fuller’s hand when they received their diploma. Families and friends were allowed to watch from the stands and celebrate their graduate. It was a super fun, rewarding and amazing day. Congratulations, class of 2021! Welcome to our pack.