WolfBytes 5/5/25

Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: May 5, 2025

Get tickets to the 39th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction

Check-in begins at 5 p.m.

Dinner & Auction begin at 6 p.m.

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

We have had lots of excitement lately, with the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Student Success Center, our fourth annual Hispanic-Serving Institution Summit, our Pow WoW, and the recent lobby day at our state capitol with Oregon’s Technical Regional Universities. I am also thrilled to announce that Western is now an official Hispanic-Serving Institution. Becoming an HSI is an important milestone for Western and stems from the dedication and hard work of our employees over many years. This designation not only reflects our commitment to supporting Latino students but also enhances our ability to provide resources and opportunities that will benefit all of our students. We are committed to maintaining a diverse learning environment where all students feel a sense of belonging and to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community.

This month, the Wolves Athletic Auction takes place on May 31. This auction supports scholarships for our student athletes and their success. I look forward to seeing you there.

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President

Western Oregon University

(Pictured LTR: Malissa Larson, Evan Sorce, Megan Habermann Guthrie, Makayla Wright, Wolfie, Jackson Stalley, and Pres. Peters)

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

May 17: WOU Block Party: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In the WOU Campus Grove. Family-friendly event for all. Live music, food carts, vendors, yard games, campus tours, ghost tours, free photo booth, free treats, beer garden & more!

May 22: Jensen Lecture Series: More information forthcoming.

May 26: Memorial Day Campus Closed

May 31: 39th Wolves Athletic Auction. New PE Building. Check-in at 5 p.m. Dinner & Auction at 6 p.m. Get tickets.

June 7: Smith Fine Arts Series: The Revelers. 7:30 p.m. Rice Auditorium Get tickets

June 13: Forever Wolves Grad Party. Details forthcoming.

June 14: Commencement. 10 a.m. McArthur Field.

June 19: Juneteenth Campus Closed

July 4: Monmouth Independence Day Parade. Walk with WOU in the parade. Details forthcoming.

University News

President Peters speaks to The Chronicle of Higher Education on Regional Universities & Workforce Development

The Chronicle asked administrators at regional public universities nationwide how the American public and Federal and State lawmakers understand the value of the country’s regional public universities, producing graduates ready for the workforce.

Western Oregon University becomes Oregon’s first public, four-year Hispanic-Serving Institution

WOU is now the first public, four-year university in Oregon to have reached Hispanic-Serving Institution eligibility, after having met the requirements of having at least 25 percent of undergraduate Hispanic full-time equivalent student enrollment.

Randi Storch selected as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Randi Storch, Ph.D., will serve as the new Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Western Oregon University, effective June 30. Storch brings a wealth of experience in history education, collective bargaining, and faculty development, having taught at SUNY Cortland, where she was promoted to Distinguished Teaching Professor.

Oregon State Credit Union donates $50,000 to the new Student Success Center

Oregon State Credit Union has pledged a generous donation of $50,000 over five years to support Western Oregon University’s new Student Success Center, with naming rights reserved for the First-Generation Center. 

Campus Recreation opens doors to Community College students with new Club Sport Player Pass

Campus Recreation has launched a new club sport membership option called the Club Sport Player Pass. The pass is available to local community college students, allowing them to participate in WOU’s vibrant club sports program. Previously, club sport participation was limited to WOU students. 

From classroom to spotlight: Dance takes center state with Rainbow Dance Theatre

Rainbow Dance Theatre is associated with Western and local to Polk County, offering world-class choreography and cutting-edge technology. The shows feature extraordinary performances, including wearable electronic costumes, props, and puppets. These performances aim to ignite excitement and curiosity about the technological components of STEM learning and push the boundaries of what is possible in contemporary dance.

Students take center stage at wildlife research conference

Students majoring in Biology and Aquarium Science attended the Oregon Chapter of The Wildlife Society’s Annual Conference in Salem. This conference is the premier event in the state for professionals in wildlife biology and natural resources, attracting significant participation from state agencies and employers.

Winners of the Nature Writing Prize announced

WOU’s Write Place announced the first annual Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing winners, which recognizes exceptional student writing that reflects a deep engagement with the natural world. First prize was awarded to Aubrey Baker for their lyrical essay, Medusae, with an award of $300. Second prize went to Isabel Lesher for her imaginative short story, The Doe’s Body, with an award of $200.

WOU Athletic Homegames

Stay up-to-date in Atheltics. Check out the athletics schedule

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!

Western Oregon University. Where YOU Belong!