Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: January 2026

Dear Community,

Happy New Year! It was fitting that the year started off with a Wolf Super-moon; I hope you had a chance to experience it in some way. The winter term is in full swing, and I am filled with excitement seeing the campus come alive once again with the vibrant energy of our students. Their enthusiasm brings a renewed spirit, and I’m thrilled to have everyone back.

This past holiday season, we enjoyed a lovely tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade that captured the warmth and joy of our community. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it a special event.

Looking ahead, we have many exciting upcoming events and activities, such as the Smith Fine Arts Series, men’s and women’s basketball games, softball games, track and field meets, and much more. I encourage you to join us and participate in the many opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together.

Thank you for your continued support of Western and our students. Let’s make this winter term a memorable one!

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University

Support our students today!

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

  • January 17: Smith Fine Arts Series: Nickerson Rossi Dance. Central High School Auditorium. 7: 30 p.m. Get tickets.
  • January 19: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. University closed.
  • January 29: City of Monmouth Quarterly Town Hall. 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 151 Main St. City Council Chambers.
  • February 12: University Lobby Day at the Capitol. Meet directly with legislators, share your experiences, and help elevate Western Oregon University’s impact and priorities. Please RSVP. Contact Evan Sorce at sorcee@wou.edu for more info.
  • February 19: Acclaimed Poet Open Public Forum: Join acclaimed poet Michael McGriff in a public forum where he will discuss his work. 4 p.m. Hamersly Library Room 107.
  • February 27 through March 1: WOU Family Weekend: This is a perfect time for families and support people to reconnect and experience campus life together! Whether it’s your student’s first year on campus or they’re counting down the days to graduation, we’ve got a fun-filled weekend with tons of exciting events and activities! More info.
  • March 4: Criminal Justice Career Day.Current WOU students and high school students can attend. More info.
  • March 14: Smith Fine Arts Series: Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Rice Auditorium. 7: 30 p.m. Get tickets.
  • April 3: Save the Date! Alumni Awards Night. More info forthcoming.
  • April 7: Save the Date! Giving Day. More info forthcoming.

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.

Get tickets now!

University News

Oregon Dept. of Veterans Affairs awards grant to enhance support for student veterans

Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs (ODVA) awarded grants totaling $800,000 to expand campus veteran resource centers and enhance services for student veterans at Oregon’s public universities and community colleges. Western Oregon University’s Veterans Resource Center was a recipient of this grant for the amount of $53,899.

Read More

Michelle Alpie Strowbridge selected as new Career Center Director

Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Alpie Strowbridge, Ph.D., as the new Director of the Center for Professional Pathways, which is the career center at Western.

Read More

Students named to the 2025 fall term honor roll

Western announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the fall 2025 term.

Read More

Western is a Hispanic-serving institution (From OPB’s top ten bright spots of 2025)

Last April, Western became Oregon’s first four-year public university to receive the Hispanic-Serving Institution status.

Read More

WOU Athletic Homegames

Stay up-to-date in Athletics. Check out the athletics schedule.
January 17: Women’s basketball vs Saint Martins University. 2 p.m.
January 29: Women’s basketball vs Simon Fraser University. 5:15 p.m.
January 29: Men’s basketball vs Seattle Pacific University. 7:30 p.m.
January 31: Women’s basketball vs Western Washington University. 2 p.m.
February 7: Men’s basketball vs St.Martin’s University. 4:15 p.m.
February 19: Women’s basketball vs Central Washington University. 5:15 p.m.
February 19: Men’s basketball vs Central Washington University. 7:30 p.m.
February 21: Softball vs Bushnell University. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
February 21: Women’s basketball vs Northwest Nazarene University. 2 p.m.
February 21: Men’s basketball vs Northwest Nazarene University. 4:15 p.m.
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.

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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