WolfBytes 8/18/2025

Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: August 2025

Students, staff, and faculty came together to participate in the vibrant Fiest Mexicana Parade in Woodburn this past weekend. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with our alumni, friends, and the local community A special thank you to alumna and former state representitive Teresa Alonso León and her family for their warm welcome. 

We look forward to another fantastic celebration next year!

A Message from President Peters

Dear Community,

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of participating in the Fiesta Mexicana parade in Woodburn. It was an honor to walk alongside alumna Teresa Alonso León and her family, strengthening our relationships in the area while connecting with so many of our students and alumni.

Additionally, this month we welcomed a delegation from Wenzao University in Taiwan, alongside Representative Paul Evans and representatives from Southern Oregon University, Eastern Oregon University, and Oregon Institute of Technology. We celebrated our shared commitment to creating opportunities for student exchange, joint research, and Mandarin language programs.

We. Are. Wolves.
Jesse Peters, President
Western Oregon University

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

September 5: Kick off the first home football game of the season the night before at Parallel 45 in Independence. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

September 6: Football vs Southern Oregon University. 1:05 p.m. (Alumni, stop by the alumni tailgate tent to get free beverages and snacks! SWAG giveaways too!)

September 6: Football Hall of Fame. McArthur Field. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

September 25: Smith Fine Arts Series. The Arcadian Wild. Tickets on sale now. Get yours!

September 28: High School Boys Basketball Skills Elite Camp II. Rising grades 9-12. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP.

September 29: Fall Term Begins.

October 17: Athletic Hall of Fame. Pacific Room. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

October 18: Homecoming. More info coming soon.

University News

WOU to host national training in emerging Protactile language with DeafBlind community

Western Oregon University will host pioneering training sessions from August 7 to 20 in the language of Protactile, an emerging language within the DeafBlind community. While traditional American Sign Language is a visual language, Protactile, created in the early 2000s, is fully contact-based and communicated by touch between two or more people. 

WOU announces Spring ’25 Honor Roll

Western Oregon University announces the undergraduate students named to the Honor Roll and President’s list for their academic honors for the spring 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.

New WOU Foundation board members announced

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.

Cultivating future leaders: Robust program for aspiring academic officers

Chelle Batchelor, dean of the Library and Academic Innovation, and Judy Sylva, associate provost of Academic Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison Officer, were selected to participate in the Western Academic Leadership Academy.

WOU Foundation drives creativity at art fundraiser

The Foundation, in partnership with the art and design department, successfully hosted its second annual Art and Wine fundraiser on Saturday, August 2. The endowed Rosa Mendez Memorial Art scholarship will provide annual scholarships for art and design students in perpetuity.

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!