Western Oregon University’s Newsletter: May 2026

Dear Community,

Thank you to everyone who supported our annual Giving Day last month. With your generosity, we saw a record-high total raising over $255,000 for important campus projects. We also had a wonderful turnout at our Hispanic Serving Institution Summit, which brought together a spirit of conversation and collaboration as we worked to strengthen and advance our commitment to serving students. I’m excited to continue that momentum this year.

This month, we have several events to celebrate and attend together. Join us on May 28 for the Academic Excellence Showcase, our premier event for showcasing undergraduate student research, scholarship, and performance. This event is free and open to everyone. Then on May 30, I hope to see you at the Wolves Athletic Auction, featuring quality auction items that directly support our incredible student athletes. 

Thank you again for your continued support of our university and I look forward to connecting with you all soon!

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

Join us at the 40th Annual Wolves Athletic Auction

Upcoming Events & Notable Dates

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

Finding support, building connections, and turning passion into opportunity

Sophomore and first generation student Yair Gomez Romero chose to attend Western Oregon University partly because of a family connection. Little did he know that his own journey would be so smooth, especially after moving from Clackamas, Oregon to the smaller town of Monmouth.

Record donor turnout for Giving Day

This year, WOU had achieved a number of milestones: 1,144 gifts from 966 donors, a record-high total, raising over $255,000, also a record. Unlocking the BIG Gift of $25,000 happened with the support of 500 donors, and the surprise Challenge Gift of $20,000 for the new WOU Data Center, was unlocked by an additional 150 donors.

Melanie Landon-Hays named acting Dean of the College of Education

Landon-Hays has been a faculty member at WOU since 2013 and brings extensive institutional knowledge, deep pedagogical expertise, and a strong commitment to educator preparation to her new leadership position.

Scholarship reception celebrates student success and inspires giving

After nearly a decade hiatus, WOU and the WOU Foundation brought back the annual Scholarship Reception, an event that recognizes and celebrates student scholarship recipients and the donors who fund them.

Two students awarded the second annual Loie Bunse Prize for Nature Writing

Students Malia Vican and Sadie Latimer were awarded this prize which recognizes exceptional student writing that reflects a deep engagement with the natural world.

Ben Barlow named director of alumni and parent engagement

Barlow is a Western alumnus and earned an undergraduate degree in interdisciplinary studies and a graduate degree in organizational leadership. Most recently, he served in a student leadership development coordinator role at WOU, overseeing leadership programming, advising student government, and assessing program effectiveness through measurable outcomes.

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!