Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: January 6, 2025
Wishing you a joyful New Year!
As we ring in the new year, we are celebrating the launch of Western’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University which kicked off during the President’s Club Dinner in mid-December. Our ambitious goal is to raise $20 million in current support and future gift commitments. This campaign is vital for continuing our nearly 170-year legacy of fostering a personalized learning community where every student feels a true sense of belonging and empowerment.
Wolves Rising reflects our deep commitment to student success. The funds raised will enable us to provide more scholarships for students who demonstrate merit and financial need. We’re also excited to enhance Wolves Athletics with a new soccer turf field and support the opening of the new Student Success Center, along with essential resources for our students.
As of December 14, 2024, we’ve already raised $17 million toward our campaign. Let’s work together to reach our $20 million goal in 2025! Your support makes all the difference in the lives of our students.
Glimpse from The President’s Club Dinner. From top left to right: Campaign co-chairs Jan and Mike Morgan, Lowell and Pauline Ford, Anne McGee, Mike Lynch, Dave Novotney, President Jesse Peters, and student Jaidah Garcia.
A Message from President Peters
Dear Community,
Happy New Year! As we welcome 2025, I am filled with excitement for all that lies ahead, especially with the recent launch of the Wolves Rising Campaign, a pivotal moment for our university that aims to enhance scholarship opportunities, support our athletics programs, and empower our students to succeed.
I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has contributed to this campaign. Your support is not just a financial commitment, but a testament to our shared belief in building a personalized learning community where every student feels a sense of belonging and can truly thrive.
Thank you for being an essential part of Western’s journey. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students and ensuring a bright future for our university.
We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University
Photo from LTR: President Jesse Peters, Campaign Co-Chairs Jan and Mike Morgan, and Katie Wojke, VP of Advancement and Executive Director of the WOU Foundation.
News
WOU launches $20M fundraising campaign to bolster student success
On December 14, WOU announced the launch of its first comprehensive fundraising campaign, Wolves Rising: The Campaign for Western Oregon University. This campaign, with a goal of $20 million in current support and future gift commitments, will raise critical funds to ensure Western’s nearly 170-year-old legacy of providing a personalized learning community where students feel a sense of belonging and empowerment.
WOU students and staff receive award from the American Red Cross for lifesaving actions
Students Robert Shidek, Mimi Swetish, and Sophia Espinoza, along with the Assistant Director of Campus Recreation Zachary Hammerle, were awarded the Lifesaving Award after saving the life of a young boy who had fallen 40 feet at Smith Rock State Park.
WOU awarded $650K Latinx Student Success Grant
This grant from the Oregon Department of Education will enhance partnerships with Central School District and the communities of Monmouth and Independence, to expand resources and programs for bilingual education.
WOU empowers faculty with culturally sustaining pedagogy initiative
The Center for Teaching and Learning at WOU focuses on faculty development programming, instructional design consultations, and the integration of technology in education. Its primary goal is to deliver high-quality, inclusive courses funded through sustainability initiatives, including providing grants that equip faculty with the tools and resources needed to diversify and decolonize the curriculum.
WOU Provost Faculty Fellows announced
The Office of the Provost launched Provost Faculty Fellows, which recognizes faculty’s commitment to academic leadership and their significant contributions to the university. The first cohort of fellows are Patricia Gimenez-Eguibar, Ph.D., David Szpakowski, Ph.D., Feier Hou, Ph.D., Kristen Pratt, Ph.D., and Melanie Landon-Hays, Ph.D.
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
January 18: Smith Fine Arts Series: Emily Branch. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium.
Get Tickets.
January 20: Holiday Tree Lighting & Making Spirits Bright Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Campus Closed
March 4: SAVE THE DATE! WOU’s Annual Giving Day.
March 15: Smith Fine Arts Series: Marty Isenberg’s Wes Anderson Playlist. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium Get tickets.
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
WOU Athletic Homegames
Jan. 11: Men’s Basketball vs. Saint Martin’s University. 4:15 p.m.
Jan. 23: Women’s Basketball vs. Northwest Nazarene University. 5:15 p.m.
Jan. 23: Men’s Basketball vs. Northwest Nazarene University. 7:30 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.
More News
WOU students make all the difference for an 11-year-old who fell 40 feet at Smith Rock
WOU honor society dedicated to first-generation college students
Look inside the new Student Success Center
Western Oregon University launches $20M fundraising campaign to bolster student success
Listen to the newest episode of the Monmouth Monthly podcast
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.
Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. Monmouth OR, 97361
wou.edu
