WolfBytes 7/7/2025

Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: July 7, 2025

The July 4th parade through Monmouth and Independence was once again a big success! WOU students, faculty, and staff showed up to represent the Wolves and connect with the community!

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

What a wonderful celebration we experienced at this year’s commencement! It was an honor to recognize our remarkable students for their hard work and dedication. As they step into their bright futures, we look forward to them staying connected to our community and encourage them to get involved as cherished alumni. Congratulations to our graduates!

We also had a great time representing WOU in the July 4^th parade and enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces watching from the sidelines! We extend our heartfelt thanks to Secretary of State Tobias Reed and his son for joining us in the parade. It was a pleasure to share the beauty of our cities with them. Monmouth and Independence are amazing communities, and Western Oregon University is proud to be a part of this special place. I hope to see you at the Fiesta Mexicana parade in Woodburn on August 16.

We. Are. Wolves.

Jesse Peters, President

Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

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

July 11-13: Elite Girls Basketball Camp. Grades 2-12. More info.

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

University News

WOU seniors honored for exceptional achievements

Four seniors were recipients of the Outstanding Undergraduate Awards:

Jaidah Garcia, Alexis Pacheco, Ariel Rolfe, and Cruz Lopez spoke at commencement and were recognized.

The Class of 1975 honored at commencement

Three members of the class of 1975 were honored as this year’s Golden Wolves at commencement. They led the academic procession at this year’s commencement, a tradition that symbolizes the university’s deep pride in its alumni. The Golden Wolves are Sheila Daniels, Carol Bartholomew Miller, and Sharon Baugh.

Wolves athletic auction exceeded expectations

The 39th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union drew approximately 300 attendees to campus, as well as dozens more to the online auction held the week prior. Thanks to generous donors, sponsors, bidders, and attendees, Wolves Athletics raised $224,775 across all aspects of the event.

Occupational Therapy Capstone Coordinator Halley Read receives prestigious honor

Halley Read, Ph.D., capstone coordinator for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program, was the recipient of the Grace Black Award of Honor at the 2024 Occupational Therapy Association of Oregon’s Annual Conference. This award is the highest recognition for an occupational therapist practitioner in Oregon.

Smith Fine Arts Series launches with an exquisite fusion of performances

The 2025-2026 Smith Fine Arts Series kicks off in September at Rice Auditorium, promising to enchant and inspire audiences with a vibrant array of music and dance performances. Featuring six high-caliber groups, this season showcases a rich blend of styles, from the magical harmonies of The Arcadian Wild, a four-piece indie folk/pop group from Nashville, to De Tierra Caliente, a dynamic Latin fusion band that will ignite the air with vibrant colors and irresistible rhythms, creating an infectious atmosphere.

Inside Track unveils new initiative to elevate Latino student success

Mission-driven nonprofit InsideTrack launches Strive initiative to boost Latino student success and institutional capacity at colleges and universities on the cusp of receiving the Hispanic Serving Institution designation–or newly designated HSI’s such as WOU.

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!