Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: December 2, 2024
November was a month of celebration and recognition at Western Oregon University. We kicked things off by honoring our first-generation college students during First-Generation Student Week – an important opportunity to highlight the perseverance and achievements of this vital part of our student body. We followed that by paying tribute to our veteran community during Veterans Week, culminating in the annual 5K Ruck-N-Run. Thank you to everyone who participated in these meaningful events!
As we look ahead this month, we’re thrilled to invite the community to join us for the 57th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Parade on Friday, December 6th. This beloved tradition will feature cookie decorating, Santa, a festive Merry Market with over 30 local craft vendors, and of course, the lighting of our magnificent sequoia tree.
Happy Holidays from President Peters & Dr. Susan Cannata.
Click the image above to view their message.
A Message from President Peters
Dear Community,
November has been a busy and exciting month and I’m happy to share some of the great news and changes happening.
First, I want to congratulate our men’s soccer team on being named the 2024 GNAC champions. This is an incredible accomplishment, considering the program has only been around for three short years. Our head men’s soccer coach, Michael Behonick, was also recognized as the GNAC Coach of the Year for the second year in a row. I’m proud of the hard work and dedication we continue to see from our student-athletes.
Our Salem location will be transitioning to become the Western Oregon University Graduate Education Center. This change will allow us to further focus our efforts on expanding our graduate-level programming and serving the needs of our graduate student population. The graduate office will be relocating to Salem to increase our visibility and access to the broader graduate workforce in the region.
Launching this month at the President’s Club Dinner is the Campaign for Western Oregon University, Wolves Rising. This comprehensive fundraising campaign has three key pillars: Scholarships, Wolves Athletics, and Student Success. Our goal is to raise $20 million by June 30, 2028, and I’m confident that with the support of our incredible community, we will reach this milestone.
Time and time again, I hear directly from our students about the profound impact that the WOU community has had on their educational and personal journeys. I want to thank all of our community members, partners, alumni, faculty, and staff for your commitment to our students and their success. You are the heart and soul of WOU, and I am grateful for your continued dedication.
As we look ahead to the new year, I am filled with optimism and excitement for what the future holds for Western Oregon University. Together, we will build on our momentum and continue to transform lives through the power of higher education.
We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University
Pictured: President Peters with the 2024 GNAC champions, WOU men’s soccer team.
News
WOU administers driver education for the state
Western Oregon University supports The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safety Office by administering the required training to become an ODOT-approved driving instructor through the state’s Traffic Safety Education Grant.
Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomes seven new trustees
The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees recently welcomed seven new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate on September 25, 2024.
Four generations of WOU alumni: A legacy of tradition and pride
Alumnus Galen B. Nielsen ‘66 fostered a legacy of education and service at Western that spans four generations of his family. After earning his mathematics degree, Nielsen taught at Western and spent 15 years working with the Saudi Arabian Coast Guard, while his daughters and grandchild followed in his footsteps at the university.
Announcing the 2024-2025 Smith Fine Arts Series
A half-dozen music and dance groups will delight and amaze audiences with their diverse styles and world-class abilities during the 2024-25 Smith Fine Arts Series beginning this month at Western’s Rice Auditorium. From mariachi to the music of Wes Anderson films–and a little bit of everything in between–the series has much to offer during its 47th season.
Series subscriptions and individual performance tickets are available for purchase. Act now to guarantee your seats.
WOU Foundation releases annual report
The Western Oregon University Foundation released its annual report for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The report includes total contributions to the Foundation, and recent budgetary year results on Endowment, Scholarships, and Competitive Grants.
Homecoming Events
October 25:
Wolves on the Green Golf Tournament: Create your team name and get ready to play golf during the annual Wolves on the Green. This fundraiser benefits WOU Athletics. Location: Illahe Hills Country Club at 8:30 a.m. Sign up.
Earth & Environmental Sciences Community Lecture, Student Showcase & Alumni Gathering. Natural Sciences Building. 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame Induction Dinner. Pacific Room. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $20 per person. Email alumni@wou.edu to RSVP. Deadline is 10/18.
Class v. Class Dodgeball Tournament. Intramural Field. 6 p.m.
Homecoming Bonfire. Field by Public Safety. 8:30 p.m.
October 26:
Student Leadership Reunion. Pacific Room 10 a.m. to noon. For all current and past student leaders. Refreshments will be served.
Alumni Saturday Market. Campus parking lot F. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Live music by Tuesday String Band, 20+ vendors, and yard games.
Football Alumni Reunion. McArthur Field South Gate. 11 a.m. WOU v. Texas A&M Kingsville. Free entry to the game, special seating & 1 free drink. New WOU beer by Xicha Brewing.
Softball Slow Pitch Alumni Game. Softball Field. 10 a.m. Email alumni@wou.edu to play.
Rugby Game. Intramural Field. 1 p.m. WOU v. Washington State. 1 free drink token.
Library Open House & Wolfie Costume Exhibit. Hamersly Library Lobby. 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Alumni Volleyball Game. New PE Building. 6 p.m. WOU v. University of Alaska Fairbanks. Free entry to the game and reception for Volleyball alumni to connect.
Register to attend! All events are family-friendly.
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
October 11: Smith Fine Arts Series: Lucia Micarelli & Leo Amuedo. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium. Get tickets.
October 25 – 26: Homecoming: SEE ABOVE FOR DETAILS. Register to attend events.
October 26: Homecoming Football Game v. Texas A&M Kingsville. 1 p.m.
November 19 – 20: Board of Trustees Meeting. Learn more.
December 6: Holiday Tree Lighting & Making Spirits Bright. More info coming soon.
December 7: Smith Fine Arts Series: Grupo Bella. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium. Get tickets.
More 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.
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