Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: November 2025
Photos from Homecoming and the Hoop & Howl.
A Message from President Peters
Dear Community,
As I reflect on the vibrant energy of this past month, I want to share some highlights that showcased the spirit of our university. Our Homecoming festivities brought together alumni, students, and supporters in a whirlwind of joy and reconnection. From engaging alumni events and student-led activities to tailgate gatherings, the week and weekend built an incredible sense of unity. The excitement reached its peak at the football game, where our Wolves delivered an outstanding victory!
We also marked a successful Hoop & Howl event, which drew over 250 enthusiastic spectators to cheer on our men’s and women’s basketball teams. The energy of the crowd as they participated in the various competitions highlighted the deep passion that defines our university.
It was heartwarming to witness the support and love you all have for Western Oregon University. Moments like these remind us of the strong bonds that make our community so special.
Looking ahead, I encourage you to stay connected and join us for more opportunities to celebrate.
We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University
Upcoming Events & Notable Dates
November 6: Presidents Club Dinner. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific Room.
November 11: Veterans Day. University closure.
November 13: Show of Green for WOU student veterans. 8:30 a.m. Under the big flag on campus off 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.
November 20: Meet the Deans. You’re invited to meet the new College of Education and Liberal Arts & Sciences Deans along with the Dean of Library and Academic Innovation! Open to all. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Illahe Hills Country Club in Salem. Appetizers and beverages are provided.
November 22: Run N’ Ruck 5K. R parking lot. 11 a.m. Register now.
November 22: In-Person Occupational Therapy Program Info Session. 10 a.m. Center for Graduate Studies, Salem. More info.
November 27 & 28: Thanksgiving Holiday. University closure.
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
Celebrating First-Generation Student Week
Every year, universities nationwide celebrate First-Generation Student Day. Once again, Western Oregon University is dedicating an entire week of workshops and activities to highlight the experiences of first-generation students and celebrate their contributions to the campus community, from November 3 through November 7.
Honoring Excellence: WOU & Unitus Community Credit Union acknowledge Bilingual Scholarship recipients
The following new recipients were recognized as this year’s scholars: Moncerrat Alvarez Hernandez, Addison Berry, Alessandra Cervantes Ramirez, Jose Contreras, Evelyn Estrada, Miriam Herrera Hernandez, Nataly Lopez Cabrera, and Areli Santos Gomez.
Orientation program Destination Western helps retain students
Destination Western is an immersive, all-expenses-paid ten-day residential program tailored to equip students with essential skills for success in college-level writing and mathematics while fostering social connections. It also plays a significant role in student retention.
Three new trustees are confirmed
Western Oregon University Board of Trustees welcomed three new trustees after being nominated by Governor Tina Kotek and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate on October 1.
Meet the Salem-Keizer football head coaches with roots at WOU
Five Salem-Keizer football head coaches have roots at Western Oregon University.
WOU Athletic Homegames
Stay up-to-date in Athletics. Check out the athletics schedule.
November 6: Men’s soccer vs Simon Fraser University. Noon
November 6: Women’s soccer vs Saint Martin’s University. 2:30 p.m.
November 6: Volleyball vs Northwest Nazarene University. 7 p.m.
November 8: Men’s soccer vs Western Washington University. 10 a.m.
November 8: Women’s soccer vs Montana State University Billings. 1:30 p.m.
November 8: Women’s basketball vs Linn Benton Community College. 2 p.m.
November 8: NCAA Cross Country Regionals.
November 15: Football vs Central Washington University. 1:05 p.m.
November 15: Women’s basketball vs Corban University. 2 p.m.
November 21: Men’s basketball vs Simon Fraser University vs Westmont. 4 p.m.
November 21: Men’s basketball vs Westminster College. 6:15 p.m.
November 21: Women’s basketball vs Willamette University. 7 p.m.
November 22: Men’s basketball vs Simon Fraser University vs Westminster College. 3:30 p.m.
November 22: Women’s basketball vs Evergreen State College. 6 p.m.
November 22: Men’s basketball vs Westminster College. 8:15 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.
Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!
Western Oregon University
345 Monmouth Ave. Monmouth OR, 97361
wou.edu
