WOU Foundation

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About the WOU Foundation

The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising-arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs. As of 2021, the WOU Foundation has approximately $25 million in assets and a permanent endowment of $16 million.

Our Mission: The Western Oregon University Foundation exists to strengthen relationships and provide resources in order to serve and support the mission and vision of Western Oregon University

Our Vision: Ensuring every student has the opportunity to have access to a quality educational experience that increases their ability to succeed in our ever-changing global economy and society.

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2023 Annual Report

Annual Report

The following numbers reflect total contributions to the Western Oregon University Foundation for 2022-2023.

Student voices

Moshe Martinez

Moshe Martinez

Moshe Martinez Class of 2023 Major: Computer ScienceMinor: Information Systems & Spanish Moshe Martinez is going into his final year at Western Oregon University. He is majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Information Systems and Spanish. Currently, Moshe is a coordinator and mentor for the Multicultural Representatives (MCR) program. The MCR is a program supported through the Multicultural Student Services and Programs department. This program consists of a select group of students who are strongly committed to assisting with the retention of historically underrepresented & underserved students. They promote and strengthen Western Oregon University by providing a personal perspective and guidance to new students from first-generation, low-income, and/or underrepresented backgrounds. Recently, the MSSP department was awarded a grant from the WOU Foundation board to bring a motivational speaker with a historically underrepresented background to speak with Western’s campus community. Supporters of the Fund for WOU (Greatest Need Fund) allow for grants, like this, to be awarded on an annual basis to further impact the lives of our students. Why Western?I chose WOU because it’s a place where everyone feels welcome, and you feel a sense of community through clubs and orgs. Favorite memory on campus?One of my favorite memories on campus was participating in the clubs and orgs fair last year and seeing all the different programs we have on campus. Favorite campus event?Midnight movies at the Independence Cinema are always fun to go to with friends. Clubs or programs you are a part of?Multicultural Representatives (MCR)Campus AmbassadorsDestination WesternWOU Men’s Club Soccer Describe MCR in your own words:The MCR program is designed to provide a mentorship program to...

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Carlee Richard

Carlee Richard

Carlee Richard Class of 2022 Major: BiologyMinor: Forensic Science Carlee Richard recently graduated Western Oregon University with her Bachelor of Arts in Biology and minor in Forensic Science. During her time at WOU, Carlee worked in The Cottage with the Foundation team where she assisted in data entry. Carlee’s dedication to ensuring that the database was up to date allowed for members of the Foundation and campus partners to effectively uphold communications over the pandemic. We are proud of Carlee and look forward to seeing what she does in the future! Congratulations Carlee and Class of 2022! Why did you select WOU?I chose WOU because I wanted to attend a university where I was noticed. I did not want to be another number and wanted to be able to have a connection with my professors. Initially, I began my journey as a criminal justice major then found a calling for forensic science.   What is your favorite building on campus?My favorite building would probably have to be the DeVolder Family Science Center! It was always such a great place to study! What was your favorite WOU memory?My freshman year I lived in Heritage Hall in 2nd Gunn. I met some of the best friends there. We always hung out in our fishbowl, ate meals together and are all still very close friends to this day! What are your plans after graduation?After graduation, I plan to go home for the summer and then come back to Oregon for a job in the biology field for the next year. Support Students like...

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Sofie Fashana

Sofie Fashana

Sofie Fashana Class of 2024 Major: Business Sofie Fashana is in her second year at WOU studying Business. Being a child of the foster care system, she recognized the connection between what she wore and her confidence level. Confidence that she needed to make an impact in our community in creating Stitch Closet. Recently, the Stitch Closet was awarded a grant through WOU Foundation’s Competitive Grant Program. This honor was bestowed upon the program because of the impact it has on the entire Monmouth and Independence communities. To be considered for this award, Sofie completed an application that was reviewed alongside several other worthy causes. The Stitch Closet is one of twelve programs to be awarded this grant for the 2022-23 year. Describe your experience with creating and operating the Stitch Closet to fruition.The idea for Stitch Closet was born in September 2020 when students from the Plus team and Student Service leadership became friends and recognized a need amongst their fellow students that were not being meant; clothes. Because approximately 60% of university students encounter economic insecurity and our founders knew how wearing an appealing and expressive outfit affected self-esteem, they decided to establish clothing drives for any WOU student-facing economic hardship. After the further collaboration, they received non-profit status less than one year later. Recognizing the desire to wear an outfit that wouldn’t negatively single someone out, Stitch Closet implemented a policy of not accepting mass donations of torn or spoiled clothes. The clothes Stitch Closet carries are thoroughly inspected to ensure maximum quality and satisfaction for all WOU shoppers. What is your biggest takeaway from this...

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WOU Foundation

The Cottage 345 Monmouth Ave N Monmouth, OR 97361

Phone: 503-838-8281 | Email: foundation@wou.edu  |  SMS Privacy Policy

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