WOU Earth Science Alumni Society

MISSION STATEMENT

Supporting the Western Oregon University Earth Science Program to promote student success and
career outcomes in the Geosciences.

VISION STATEMENT

To form a collaborative community of Western Oregon University alumni, students, faculty, and
supporters working together to advance the Earth Science Program.

 

VALUES

  • Inclusion
  • Integrity
  • Shared Knowledge
  • Collaboration
  • Sustainability

 

OBJECTIVES

  • Strengthen connections and relationships within the Western Oregon University Earth Science
    community.
  • Provide opportunities to support learning and career development for current Department
    students.
  • Promote the Department’s educational value and academic excellence.
  • Provide student scholarships.

Steering Committee Officers

Matt Buche ‘09

President, Class of ’09
Senior Project Geologist
Gannett Fleming

Bio

Matt is President of the Earth Science Alumni Society, Class of ’09, with a B.S. in Earth Science. Matt’s father, Dave, graduated from WOU (then Oregon College of Education) in 1982, and brother, Scott, in 2011. Since graduation Matt has worked as a consultant addressing geologic hazards. He is a registered
professional geologist in California and a Senior Project Geologist for Gannett Fleming, Inc. Matt specializes in landslide mitigation and geotechnical instrumentation for monitoring dams, canals, pipelines, tunnels, landslides, and other structures. He and his wife Megan live in Rocklin, California, and are kept busy by their two daughters. Matt is looking forward to meeting fellow Earth Science alumni and promoting WOU student success and career outcomes in the geosciences.

Rachel Pirot ’06

Vice President, Class of ’06
Engineering Geologist
Weyerhaeuser

Bio

Coming soon

Dane Wagner ‘07

Treasurer, Class of ’07
Project Manager
HI-TECH Rockfall Construction, Inc.

Bio

Dane is the Treasurer of the Earth Science Alumni Society, class of ’07, with a B.S. in Earth Science. Since Graduation Dane has worked as a Project Manger for a Geotechnical Engineering Firm, which focused on natural hazard assessment, analysis, design, development, and construction. Dane is now the Project Admin for HI-TECH Rockfall Construction a specialized contractor which provides natural hazard mitigation construction services to federal, state, municipal, utility, transportation, mining, oil and gas, and commercial Owners throughout the United Sates. He and his wife Molly and two children live in
Beaverton, Oregon. Dane is looking forward to establishing an Alumni group that will provide an active space to share experience, knowledge, and mentoring opportunities for students and Alumni.

Kyle Warren ‘18

Secretary, Class of ‘18
Staff Geologist
Central Geotechnical Services, LLC

Bio

Coming soon

Jeff Kent ‘06

MarComm Director, Class of ‘06
Preconstruction Engineer
Turner Construction Company

Bio

Jeff is the Marcom Director of the Earth Science Alumni Society. He graduated in 2006 with a B.S. in Earth Science.  After graduation, Jeff worked for a Copper mine in Arizona as a Geologist, Drilling Supervisor, and Field Operations Supervisor, his focus was core sampling and evaluation as well as drilling supervision and logistics. He then joined a company in the drilling field in Utah as the Operations Manager for the Large Rotary Drilling Division overseeing
drilling operations on the west coast. Five years ago, Jeff changed career paths and went into the field of Construction in Washington state where he has worked as a Field Superintendent, Project Engineer, and a Project Manager on an Aquarium, Highrise Residential building, and Mass Timber ground up project.  He is currently working as a Preconstruction Engineer evaluating constructibility of projects, trade partner bids, and project buyout. Jeff and his wife Shannon and their two children live on Bainbridge Island, in Washington state. He is excited for the opportunity to be a part of this Alumni group and the possibilities it has to offer in the way of
mentoring current and future Earth Science students.

Ryan Stanley ‘10

Website Manager, Class of ‘10
Software Engineer
Apple Maps Team

Bio

Coming soon

Nicole Niskanen ‘21

Class of ‘21
Staff Geologist
Central Geotechnical Services, LLC

Bio

Coming soon

Advisory Members

Jeff

Dr. Jeff Templeton

Steve

Dr. Steve Taylor

Scott

Dr. Scott Burns

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