Hello, readers. How is fall treating you so far? I hope everyone is healthy, safe and thriving. Campus has been full of life with students, faculty and staff members, and people from the community heading to and from class, attending sporting events and utilizing campus resources. In early October, the food pantry was reopened in its new an improved location in the Welcome Center in a much larger, more inviting space than before. Admissions has been busy giving tours daily to prospective students and their families and the dining hall has been bustling with activity all month. School is back and in full force and it is so great to see people in person while also taking the proper precautions against Covid-19. 

October was a very busy month in alumni engagement. We hosted three home football games, Homecoming, had a board meeting and started a new tradition at home games. For a recap of October’s events, keep reading below. 

First Home Football Game and Alumni Board Meeting 

On a sunny day on Saturday, October 2 the WOU Alumni Board of Directors met during a hybrid meeting under the leadership of the new president, Doug Ladd ’88. Half of the attendees joined via Zoom while the other half were on campus together. At the meeting, goals for the year were set and updates from Foundation Executive Director, Erin McDonough were presented. We also enjoyed meeting new potential board members! Following the meeting, we enjoyed a tailgate in the McArthur Stadium Parking lot and the football game against a Texas team, which we won! 

Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend 

After missing last year due to the pandemic, Homecoming returned to campus on October 8 and 9. Part of Homecoming this year was the return of the WOU Athletics Hall of Fame, which had been on a four year hiatus. This year, we honored three inductees – Duke Iverson (coaching), Kurt Davis ’71 (wrestling and football) and Katie Torland-Hein ’11 (women’s BxB). Duke passed earlier this year so long time family friend Shane Hendrick accepted the award on Duke’s behalf. The ceremony was held on Saturday morning in the Pacific Room at the Werner Center. Prior to the induction ceremony, guests enjoyed a plated meal from Forks and Corks Catering, coffee and mimosas. Congratulations to our inductees! 

Other Homecoming activities included a class of 1970 and 1971 reunion at the Welcome Center, campus tours, an all athlete alumni reception under the stadium, tailgating and the football game. The weather was amazing- brisk but sunny and warm in the afternoon. People were happy to be on campus and come home to Western Oregon University. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces and meet people who haven’t been on campus since graduation. Thank you all, for helping to make Homecoming and Hall of Fame Weekend special and memorable!

Final home football game

The final of four home football games for WOU is on Saturday, November 13. WOU will play Lincoln University for the first time. Kickoff is at 1:05 p.m. Tickets are available at the gate and we will be ready to welcome alumni and families at the alumni tents in the parking lot starting at 11 a.m. Come by the tents to grab a beverage, a snack and check out our giveaways. We will be honoring another WOU alum veteran at the break between the first and second quarter and we look forward to an afternoon of fun.