Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: February 3rd, 2025

WOU Student, Daniel, sitting on steps outside of cottage.

Introducing our Student Instagram Takeover Series!

Meet Daniel, a sophomore majoring in sociology and minoring in psychology. He chose Western for its beautiful nature-filled campus, welcoming environment, and programs in sociology, psychology, and American Sign Language.

One of Daniel’s standout experiences has been his involvement with Destination Western @wou.orientation, first as a student and later as a peer advisor. As a first-generation college student, this program played a crucial role in easing his transition to college, and serving as a peer advisor enables him to give back and engage with fellow students.

Each week, another student will provide a sneak peek into their college life. Get to know more WOU students on our Instagram account.

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

President Peters with WOU students

Last month our new Student Success Center opened for students. This state-of-the-art facility will centralize essential student services, including advising, disability access, TRIO/Student Support Services programs, tutoring, career and internships, and our first-generation center, which will help students who are first in their families to attend college, connect with peers and get the extra support they need to navigate their college journey.

We thank our generous donors, dedicated community members, and the state, whose invaluable contributions have made this new building possible. Together, we’re committed to enhancing the success of all our students. We will announce an official grand opening of our Student Success Center soon.

Coming up next month on March 4, is our Giving Day, Howl from the Heart, which is an opportunity for you to provide support for campus programs, funds, scholarships, organizations, and clubs. All funds raised this day count toward the $20M Wolves Rising Campaign goal. Each donation makes a difference and provides the necessary resources to the university, creating a deeper and more meaningful campus experience for countless current and future students, faculty, and staff.

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President

Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

February 19: Join us for the monthly Coach’s Corner Lunch: This is a chance for you to hear from and interact with WOU athletics coaches. Each month, one of our coaches will share info on their program, season, recruiting, and other updates. Coach’s Corner is held the third Wednesday of each month at Grain Station in Monmouth from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact Dave Beasley at beasleyg@wou.edu for more info.

March 4:  Regional Alumni Gathering in Eugene. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PLAY Eugene – 232 W. 5th Ave, Eugene, OR. Free appetizers and two drink tickets per person, fun & games for all. Bring your families. RSVP.

March 7: SAVE THE DATE! WOU’s Annual Giving Day. Learn more.

March 15: Smith Fine Arts Series: Marty Isenberg’s Wes Anderson Playlist. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium Get tickets.

March 22: Alumni Doubleheader Softball Game: First game at noon, second game at 2:30 p.m. Tailgate party after the second game. Food, drinks, and great company provided. RSVP.

April 12: Smith Fine Arts Series: BEO String Quartet. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium Get tickets.

May 22: Jensen Lecture Series: More information forthcoming.

May 26: Memorial Day Campus Closed

June 7: Smith Fine Arts Series: The Revelers. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium Get tickets

June 14: Commencement.

June 19: Juneteenth Campus Closed

University News

WOU staff holding MAPS donation check

Maps Community Foundation donates $25K toward student success

Maps Community Foundation announced its generous donation of $25K toward the new Student Success Center. This support will enhance the student experience and provide essential resources for students on their journey from enrollment to graduation.

Wou student with family

Annual Family Weekend is back with new all-inclusive pass

Students and their families are invited to attend Family Weekend, Feb. 28 through March 2 for an annual celebration of connection, community, and fun. After a four-year hiatus, this event returns, with the exciting addition of a new all-inclusive pass, providing families with a convenient way to access all activities and meals with one purchase.

Joy Brown

Joy Brown selected as new Director of Admission

Joy Brown has been hired as the new director of admissions. With nearly a decade of experience in higher education, Brown brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to her new role.

Stack of books from wou library

WOU provides valuable research opportunities to undergraduate students

The Program for Undergraduate Research Experience (PURE) supports and promotes undergraduate research for students in an open, inclusive, and ethical manner. Save the date for the 2025 Academic Showcase of Excellence, taking place on May 29.

3 western oregon university students

Fall 2024 Honor Roll announced

Undergraduate students are named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the fall 2024 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits that are not of a pass/no pass nature and earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

Student Success Center

Burlingham Trust contributes $50K to support student resources at WOU

The Burlingham Trust recently granted $50K toward supporting the new Student Success Center. With a significant portion of Western’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni coming from Marion and Polk counties, this building will not only expand resources in Monmouth, but also strengthen the deep ties between Salem, Monmouth, and the surrounding counties.

WOU Athletic Homegames

Upcoming Home Games:

Feb. 6: Women’s Basketball vs. Seattle Pacific University University. 7 p.m.

Feb. 8: Women’s Basketball vs. Montana State University Billings. 2 p.m.

Feb 13: Men’s Basketball vs. Western Washington University. 7:30 p.m.

Feb 15: Softball vs. Eastern Oregon University. 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.

Feb 15: Women’s Basketball vs. Saint Martin’s University. 2 p.m.

Feb 15: Men’s Basketball vs. Simon Fraser University. 4:15 p.m.

Feb 27: Women’s Basketball vs. University of Alaska Anchorage. 5:15 p.m.

Feb 27: Men’s Basketball vs. University of Alaska Anchorage. 7:30 p.m.

Feb 28: Baseball vs. Northwest Nazarene University. Noon & 2 p.m.

Stay up-to-date in Atheltics. Check out the athletics schedule

Catch up on the action with scores, photos, videos, and more on our social media channels (@wou_wolves) and website. If you can’t make it to the game, catch it live or replay it on YouTube.

WOU in the News

Join the Emeritus Society

The Emeritus Society is a group of friends of WOU who enjoy learning new things and exploring the community. Benefits of membership include monthly meetings with interesting topics and engaging presenters, field trips, events, Emeritus Society newsletter, sports, performing arts schedules, and supporting WOU students through scholarships.

Become a member today!

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Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. Monmouth OR, 97361
wou.edu