Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: July 2026
Dear Community,
Commencement is always a highlight of my year and I have to say that it hits differently here at Western. We don’t just hand out diplomas; we walk beside our students every step of the way, through every challenge, every breakthrough, and every milestone. This year, celebrating the achievements of more than 1,000 graduates was a powerful reminder of why this work matters so deeply. I am incredibly proud of every one of our students, and I have no doubt they are going to do remarkable things in Oregon and beyond.
The celebration didn’t stop there. We brought our Wolfpack energy to the Fourth of July Grand Parade, and it was wonderful to see so many alumni, students, faculty, and staff come out to celebrate in our hometown. Moments like these remind me that WOU is more than a university. We are a community, and that community shows up for each other.
If you missed us on the Fourth, you’ll have another chance. We will be participating in the Fiesta Mexicana Parade in Woodburn on August 22, and we would love to see you there. Come celebrate with us and show the region what the Wolfpack is all about.
Thank you for being part of this community. I am honored every day to lead it.
We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
Smith Fine Arts Series
Season Tickets
We are excited to share our 49th season of world-class performing arts with you! This season promises to be among the best yet, with fantastic performances featuring bluegrass, Latin pop, modern classical – and a completely new kind of performance with a live graphic novel. We are also thrilled to partner with PRAx at OSU to offer two small-venue jazz shows featuring indigenous artists.
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
Seniors honored for outstanding achievements
The 2026 Outstanding Graduate Undergraduate Awards recipients were recognized at the commencement ceremony on June 13, and gave a short speech.
New name and scope for student leadership conference announced
Western announces the new name for the annual student leadership conference, which was formerly named the Cesar E. Chávez Leadership Conference. In March, the university removed Chávez’ name from the conference due to the troubling reports of abuse that came out regarding Chávez. With feedback from current students and votes from students who attended the May leadership conference, the new conference name is Conferencia Voces de Cambio y Liderazgo, which translates to Voices for Change and Leadership Conference.
24 new members inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honors society
24 new members inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honors societyThis past spring, 24 new members were inducted into the Phi Kappa Phi honor society Established in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation’s oldest all-discipline honor society, dedicated to recognizing academic excellence across various fields. Western’s Chapter 223 was founded by faculty in 1979, and membership is extended by invitation only to the top 7.5 percent of juniors and the top ten percent of seniors and graduate students.
The 2026 Peter Sears Poetry Prize recipients announced
The 10th annual Peter Sears Poetry Prize winners are students Richard Loos, Lizze Saager, and Jandika Borden. The first-place winner received a $200 cash prize and all winners received cash prizes and read their work at the English session of the Academic Excellence Showcase which took place on May 28.
Women’s soccer adds Graham to coaching staff
Women’s soccer adds Graham to coaching staffThe women’s soccer program and first-year head coach Nate Ulness announced the hiring of Mady Graham as its new assistant coach. Graham comes to WOU after a very successful two seasons as the assistant coach at NCAA D-II Missouri Western State – helping the Griffons go 26-6-10 along with two NCAA tournament appearances and an MIAA Tournament title in 2025.
Men’s soccer coach Behonik departs WOU
Men’s soccer coach and two-time GNAC Coach of the Year Michael Behonick is departing to take an assistant coach position with the Oregon State men’s soccer program. Behonick took over a Wolves program heading into year two in 2023 and instantly made WOU a force in D-II men’s soccer.
Men’s basketball head coach Orton announces the 2026 men’s basketball signing class
Men’s basketball head coach Orton announces the 2026 men’s basketball signing classA native of Oregon, Ryan Orton knows the value of having players from home on a college roster. So since taking over as the men’s basketball head coach, he’s made a concerted effort to recruit in-state and it shows in his latest recruiting class. With Dayton Jenkins coming in directly out of high school and former preps Kavon Bradford and Kap Laila returning home, the Wolves hope to make some moves up in the GNAC standings in 2026-27.
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.
Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. Monmouth OR, 97361
wou.edu
