Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: December 2025

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

As I reflect on this past year, I want to express my gratitude to our friends, alumni, faculty, and staff for your support of our university and students. We proudly achieved several milestones, including becoming the first four-year public university in the state to receive Hispanic Serving Institution designation and the opening of our new Student Success Center, dedicated to helping our students thrive.

Your presence at our plays, concerts, and sporting events has been vital, as has your generous financial support for scholarships, academic programs, and student clubs. This year, our football team competed for the Lone Star Conference title in front of a sold-out crowd, while our men’s and women’s soccer teams made history by qualifying for the NCAA tournament, with our women’s team achieving this for the first time! 

Our Academic Excellence Showcase highlighted the exceptional research produced by our students under the guidance of our dedicated faculty. We came together in joy during the July Fourth parade and the Fiesta Mexicana parade in Woodburn, fostering community spirit. Thank you for being such an essential part of the WOU family. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a happy New Year!

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

December 24, 25, 26 & 30: University closed. 

January 1, 2026: University closed.

January 5, 2026: Winter term begins.

January 17, 2026: Smith Fine Arts Series: Nickerson Rossi Dance. Rice Auditorium. 7: 30 p.m. Get tickets.

January 17, 2026: Men’s Basketball Alumni Night. More info forthcoming.

January 19, 2026: Martin Luther King Jr. Day. University closed.

March 14, 2026: Smith Fine Arts Series: Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass. Rice Auditorium. 7: 30 p.m. Get tickets.

April 3, 2026: Save the Date! Alumni Awards Night. More info forthcoming.

April 7, 2026: 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.

University News

Occupational Therapy Professor Salvati honored with Sybil Hedrik Park Award of Merit

Brianne Salvati, Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy, was awarded The Sybil Hedrick Park Award of Merit. This prestigious recognition honors an occupational therapy practitioner with over four years of experience who has actively contributed to the national, state, and local OT community through various initiatives, including legislation, program development, management, and public advocacy.

Women’s soccer selected for NCAA tournament for first time in school history

The women’s soccer team for the first time in school history was selected to the NCAA Tournament as the Wolves picked up the No. 6 seed in the West Region.

Leadership program cultivates career advancement

Executive Assistant to the Provost, Anabel Manzo, has been selected to participate in a rigorous and impactful leadership development program through the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber of Oregon and Southwest Washington.

Women’s soccer coach Bingham departs WOU to become new head coach at UNLV

Head coach Kacey Bingham will become the next head coach at UNLV. Bingham in seven seasons with the Wolves went 48-45-30 overall, including 34-25-23 in Great Northwest Athletic Conference play. She leaves Monmouth with the best winning percentage in program history at 0.512.

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.

Become a member today!

Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!