WolfBytes 6/3/2025

Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: June 3, 2025

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2025 Wolves Athletic Auction, the premier fundraiser for Wolves Athletics, which supports our 400+ student-athletes across 14 men’s and women’s NCAA Division II teams. Proceeds from this fundraiser go toward enhancing the student-athlete experience by growing scholarship funds, purchasing team equipment, and offsetting costs of travel and away games. Thanks to our generous donors, sponsors, bidders, and attendees, Wolves Athletics raised $224,774.50 across all aspects of the event!

Academic Excellence Showcase

Below are some highlights from last week’s Academic Excellence Showcase, where students from various disciplines presented their research to the community. This event provides a unique opportunity for undergraduates to engage in research, which is typically reserved for graduate students. It’s yet another way WOU prioritizes student success and fosters academic growth!

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended our recent athletic auction. It was truly wonderful to see so many of you come out in support of our athletic scholarships. The energy in the room was electric, and I want to extend a special thank you to the Foundation and Athletics for organizing such a fantastic event.

Additionally, it was inspiring to witness our students present their research at last week’s Academic Excellence Showcase. This event is a remarkable opportunity for our students to shine in their academic disciplines and showcase their knowledge.

As we look ahead, commencement is just around the corner on June 14. We are excited to celebrate our graduates as they move on to the next chapters of their lives, and we are extremely proud of their accomplishments.

Thank you all for your continued support of our university and our students.

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President

Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

Join us in the July 4th parade in Independence & on August 16 in Woodburn at the Fiesta Mexicana Parade! Free t-shirt if you volunteer. Secure your spot and sign up! 

June 2-6: WolfStore Indoor “Sidewalk” Sale. WOU-branded clothing, imprinted gifts, school supplies & more at a discount! In the Werner University Center bookstore.

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

June 7: Monmouth has Pride. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mainstreet Amphitheater Park. More info.

June 13: Forever Wolves Grad Party. Open to everyone. 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Free food & drinks, free WOU merch, music, games, photobooth, and more. At The Grove on WOU campus. RSVP now!

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. Sign up now!

July 11-13: Elite Girls Basketball Camp. Grades 7-12. More info.

August 16: Fiesta Mexicana Parade. Walk with WOU in the parade in Woodburn! Sign up now!

University News

WOU advocates for critical funding at State Capitol

Over 80 students, staff, faculty, and alumni from Western Oregon University participated in the university’s first Advocacy Day at the State Capitol.

Find your legislator and send them a letter advocating for higher education funding.

Teresa Alonso Leon to be the 2025 Commencement speaker

The 2025 Commencement speaker will be alumna Teresa Alonso Leon, a former Oregon State Representative and the first Indigenous Latina immigrant legislator in Oregon.

Cesar Chavez leadership conference returned to WOU

WOU hosted the 30th annual César E. Chávez Leadership Conference to full capacity for the first time since 2019. More than 950 participants came together to attend leadership, cultural, and educational workshops, connecting students with colleges and career representatives, and celebrating the achievements of Oregon’s Latiné community.

4 Spirits Distillery launches scholarship for student combat veterans

A new scholarship from 4 Spirits Distillery and 4 Spirits Foundation will support combat veteran students. The scholarship and distillery honors the memory of four brave combat soldiers with whom distillery owner and alum Dawson Officer served in the Oregon National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 162nd Infantry Brigade.

Theresa Hickey to be new College of Education Dean

Theresa Hickey, Ph.D., has been selected as the new dean of the College of Education at Western Oregon University, effective June 30, 2025. Hickey has demonstrated a strong record of leadership in developing innovative programs, enhancing student success, and promoting equity throughout her career in higher education.

Winners of the Peter Sears Poetry Prize announced

The English Department is proud to announce the 2025 Peter Sears Poetry Prize winners. This year marks a historic moment for the competition, with a freshman taking the top honor for the first time.

Winter 2025 term Honor Roll announced

Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the winter 2025 term. In recognition of academic achievement, the university makes public at the close of each term an honor roll of undergraduate students who earn 12 or more credits that are not of a pass/no pass nature and earn a grade point average of 3.50 or higher.

The 2025 Pastega Award recipients announced

WOU proudly announces the 2025 Mario & Alma Pastega Awards recipients. This is the highest recognition for faculty and staff excellence. A ceremony and reception were held on May 12 to recognize their accomplishments. 

The T.H. Gentle Professor of Education announced

Ken Carano, Ph.D., has been selected as the T.H. Gentle Professor of Education for the 2025-2026 academic year at Western Oregon University. A Division of Education and Leadership professor, Carano specializes in social studies education.

WOU alumna Nikki Davis Eldridge is the 2025 recipient of the Crystal Apple Award

Eldridge was among the educators nominated for a Crystal Apple award this year. Educators and families cited her passion for accessibility for the students she works with.

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!