Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: September 2025

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

We officially kicked off the fall term on September 29, and the energy on campus was truly palpable. It was wonderful to welcome our students back and see our community so engaged and vibrant. Our Destination Western program was a great success again this year, equipping our new students to navigate this exciting chapter of their lives.

Looking ahead, we have some fantastic events this month. Join us for the Athletic Hall of Fame on October 17 and Homecoming on October 18, featuring a student leadership reunion, an alumni softball game, an alumni tailgate, and our football game at 1 PM.

Don’t miss our annual Hoop & Howl on October 21, where you can support our men’s and women’s basketball teams. Doors open at 7:30 PM, and we’ll have a three-point and slam dunk contest, crowd participation opportunities, giveaways, and free pizza for the first 100 attendees!

Let’s make this month a memorable one. 

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

October 10: Fall Preview Day. 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. WUC, 2nd floor. This is one of WOU’s largest admissions events of the year, drawing hundreds of prospective students and their families to our community.RSVP.

October 17: Athletic Hall of Fame. Pacific Room. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

October 18: Homecoming. See below for homecoming events. Times coming soon.

• Student Leadership Reunion: Reconnect with past and present student leaders and reflect on the impactful experiences at WOU.
• Softball Alumni Game: Watch our former athletes take the field for an exciting alumni softball game.
• Football Game: Cheer on the Wolves as they compete in a thrilling football matchup.
• Alumni Tailgate: Enjoy great food, free drinks, and company at our alumni tailgate party before the big game.

October 21: Hoop & Howl.Presented by Homestead Property Management. Come support our men’s and women’s basketball teams! Three-point and slam dunk contest and crowd participation opportunities. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Wolves Athletic Center. Giveaways and games. Free pizza from Yeasty Beasty to the first 100 attendees. Students can enter to win the chance for free textbooks for the entire academic year. Email beasleyg@wou.edu with questions.

October 31: Deadline for Alumni Award Nominations: This is your chance to nominate exceptional alumni who have made an impact. Submit your nomination.

November 13: Show of Green for WOU student veterans. 8:30 a.m. Under the big flag on Monmouth Avenue.

November 15: Military Appreciation Football Game. WOU vs. Central Washington University. 1: 05 p.m.

November 18-19: Board of Trustees Meeting. See agenda.

December 5: Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

December 6: Smith Fine Arts Series: My Brightest Diamond. Rice Auditorium. 7: 30 p.m. Get tickets.

Smith Fine Arts Series Season Tickets

We are excited to share our 48th season of world-class performing arts with you! This season promises to be among the best yet, with six fantastic performances featuring bluegrass, Latin fusion, a brass quintet, and a little bit of everything in between. This season has something for everyone! Come as you are and experience the transformative power of music and dance with the Smith Fine Arts Series.

University News

Scoring against adversity: Student-athlete celebrates first goal after overcoming severe health crisis

Abraham Villalobos, a forward on the men’s soccer team, has made a comeback this year to the team after suffering a severe stroke this past March.

New names for athletic facilities

The Old PE Building will be renamed Ruth Lautenbach Hall, while the New PE Building will be known as the Wolves Athletic Center, highlighting its role as the primary venue for training and competition for many WOU athletic teams.

Alumni Awards nominations open through October 31

WOU Alumni Awards nominations are NOW OPEN! This is your chance to recognize fellow alumni who have made a remarkable impact. Submit a nomination by Friday, October 31, 2025.

Alumnus Kevin Alejandrez champions community support and student success

Fueled by the profound impact of his own experience as a student at WOU, Alejandrez is passionately committed to empowering the next generation of students.

WOU Athletic Homegames

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!

Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!