News – Page 4 – The Western Howl

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Nov. 14, 2024, Democrat Janelle Bynum won the race for the representative for Oregon’s 5th congressional district. In the Democratic primary election, Bynum won against Jamie McLeod-Skinner and went on to defeat current Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer, a Republican, in the general election. Bynum received approximately 47.5% of the vote and Chavez-DeRemer received approximately 45%.

Bynum will be making history as Oregon’s first Black representative. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bynum said, “I am also proud to be the first — but not the last — Black Member of Congress from Oregon. In Congress, I will always stand up for Oregonians — no matter who you voted for in this election — and fight tirelessly every day to deliver for families all across our district.”

Before running for Congress, Bynum was elected as an Oregon state senator in 2016 and has held that position since.

“Today, we chart a new path forward for Oregon — one of hope, opportunity and change for the better,” said Bynum.

Chavez-DeRemer won the seat in the House of Representatives in the 2022 election and had been a representative for the time being before conceding to Bynum. 2022 was the first time in about 25 years that the 5th congressional district had been flipped to Republican.

In Oregon’s 6th congressional district, where Monmouth resides, Democrat Andrea Salinas was reelected as representative. She has been a member of Congress since 2023, having served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2017–2022.

Democrat Val Hoyle was reelected to Congress for Oregon’s 4th congressional district. She ran and won against Republican Monique DeSpain. Before being elected to Congress for the first time in 2022, she was the commissioner of Oregon’s Bureau of Labor and Industries.

In the 3rd district, Democrat Maxine E. Dexter won against Republican Joanna Harbour. Along with working in the healthcare field as a pulmonologist, Dexter also was an Oregon state representative from 2020–2024.

Cliff Bentz, a Republican, was reelected to Congress for Oregon’s 2nd district. He was first elected to Congress in 2020. The 2nd congressional district has been led by Republicans since 1981.

In Oregon’s 1st congressional district, Democrat Suzanne Bonamici won against Republican Bob Todd. Bonamici has been serving in Congress since a special election in 2012. Before that, she was elected as an Oregon state senator in 2008 and reelected in 2010.

Contact the author at howlnews@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

First-gen week

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

The week of Nov. 4 – Nov. 8 was dedicated to Western’s first-generation students. Almost 50% of Western’s student population are first-generation college students. Each day of the week had events that were themed around different aspects of being a first-generation student.

Monday’s theme was financial literacy and basic needs. There were events that taught students how to budget for groceries and meal prep and a financial literacy workshop hosted by Unitus Credit Union.

Tuesday was designated for mental health awareness. Students learned about mindfulness and self-care, wrote gratitude letters and unwound with arts and crafts.

Wednesday’s theme was about finding a support system by meeting new people and making connections. The first event was a meet and greet with first-generation Western employees, with yoga and meditation being offered shortly after. An escape room for first-generation students was put together in the Willamette Room of Werner University Center. That evening,there was a presentation about navigating college life.

Thursday was centered around career readiness, with events that helped students be prepared for their future careers. Students could get free professional headshots taken. They could also prepare for the Fall Extravaganza, happening Nov. 13, by learning how to network, build a resume and succeed in an interview. Thursday’s theme also had the “Career Readiness Inventory” event and a panel of first-generation alumni.

Friday was the time for people to learn about and celebrate National First-Generation Day. The day started with the Experiential Learning Workshop with Mohammed Soriano-Bital. After the workshop concluded, a panel was held highlighting first-generation Western employees. The last event of the week was a lunch that was catered by Mi Casita Market.

Along with organizing a first-generation week and celebrating National First-Generation Day, Western has also joined the Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, Honor Society. Tri-Alpha is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and celebrating first-generation students who are pursuing higher education. Moravian University in Pennsylvania founded Tri-Alpha in March of 2018. Over 150 universities in the U.S. have since made a Tri-Alpha chapter, but Western is the first public college in Oregon to join the organization.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

Get involved

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Macy Clemens is the program assistant for marketing and virtual engagement. In Spring 2024, she graduated from Western with a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in marketing. On campus, Clemens promotes events and is passionate about encouraging students to participate in everything Western has to offer. Because of her interest, Clemens decided that Student Engagement was the perfect place for her.

One tool that Clemens hopes students take advantage of more often is Involve, which is a website that has lists of clubs, organizations and events on campus.

“With Involve, students can explore everything happening at campus at any given time. It’s like a personal event calendar for all things at (Western), which I think is helpful,” said Clemens. “Involve offers some cool opportunities and it helps students to gain skills and build their networks.” Upcoming events on campus include the “FEM in STEM Speaker Series” Nov. 14 from 4 – 5:15 p.m., the “Show of Green” event Nov. 14 from 8:30 – 8:50 a.m. with a veteran’s breakfast the same day at 9 a.m. Additional information on those events and others can be found through Involve.

“Involve can either be accessed through (your) portal, or you can download an app on your phone,” said Clemens. Students can connect the app to their Google calendar so they are notified when there is an event coming up. For many organizations and events, students can see more information and sign up directly on the Involve app or website. It also shows users how to contact many of the groups on campus.

“It’s more than an app though — It’s a way for students to find and build a community,” said Clemens. “Involve can help you get connected on campus. And it also helps make connections that extend beyond college.”

Clemens knows that students may be nervous to try clubs or go to events that are new to them, however, she believes that the experiences students will gain from getting involved will be invaluable.

“Branching out is what’s really important,” said Clemens. “Taking that first step and going to these different events is really helpful. You might realize it’s actually a lot better, even if (you were) nervous to branch out a little bit.”

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

Women’s March

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Saturday, Nov. 2, over 100 people gathered in Parker Plaza at Oregon State University to rally for women’s rights and voter participation. Before the event began, pieces of cardboard and markers were available for attendees to make their own signs.

Allison Doss, one of the organizers of the Get Out to Vote Women’s March, stepped in front of the crowd with a megaphone and welcomed everyone. “Look around you. Each face in this crowd represents a shared dream of a world where every person can live without fear, without barriers and without discrimination. Today we march for that world. We march for the voices that have been silenced, for the rights that have been denied and for the future that still needs our courage to make it possible. We march not only for ourselves, but for every woman who’s paved the way before us, and every young girl who will follow,” said Doss.

Many people in the crowd cheered, and some held up signs that said things such as “Vote,” “My body, my choice” and “Harris/Walz 2024.”

“This march isn’t just about a single moment, it’s about creating momentum,” said Doss. “It’s about changing systems that keep women marginalized, overlooked and underrepresented. It’s about reminding our leaders and communities that we will not rest until true equality and justice are achieved. To all of you here today, I thank you and let’s march.”

With that, the group of marchers set off to Central Park in Corvallis. A call and response chant started, with one person towards the front of the crowd shouting, “Whose choice?” and every other person shouting back, “My choice.”

“The big election is coming up and I think it’s really important for everyone to be voting right now, making sure other people vote,” said Grace McClaskey, a participant in the rally and a student at OSU. “It’s a scary time right now, for women especially. Getting awareness out there is really important right now.”

McClaskey hopes that this march will raise awareness and inspire other people. “A big thing has been people not voting because they think there’s no point in it and that things aren’t really going to change. It’s important to continually show that people do care and want the change to happen, and I think it eventually will.”

The march ended at Central Park with the attendees gathered around four guest speakers. Oregon state Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin was the first to deliver a speech.

Gelser Blouin focused on “making sure that we get the right leaders in the right places to amplify your voices and promise a bright, fair and just future to every single person here, including access to economic equity, access to abortion and health care services when you need it, and respect for every single person in this United States.”

Sarah Finger McDonald, a potential state representative, was next to take the megaphone. “The first time I ever spoke to a crowd at this park we were demanding stronger gun legislation. The last time I spoke to a crowd in this park was when we were demanding protection for our rights to legal and safe abortion. I believe those rights and so many more are on the ballot this election,” Finger McDonald said.

One person who was not part of the event interrupted Finger McDonald’s speech, saying, “You’re just standing around. Do something.” A member of the crowd then shouted back, “We’re going to do something.” The crowd cheered, and Finger McDonald finished her speech. She then introduced Val Hoyle, who is running for Congress.

“(My mother) fought to make birth control and abortion legal before Roe versus Wade. And she said, ‘I do not want to see my granddaughter or my children have less rights than I fought for,’” said Hoyle. “We can work to bring the protections that we had from Roe versus Wade throughout the country to make sure you all have the same rights that I did when I was growing up.”

The final speaker of the event was Sen. Jeff Merkley. “Thank you for giving me the chance to join you all on this stage with powerful, smart women who are driving change here in Oregon and in America,” said Merkley.

“There are two words that have never been spoken in the Oval Office, and the way that we organize and work in the next couple of days will determine whether or not we get to say those words. And those words are ‘Madam President.’

“How about we fight for lifting people up all across our state and across the country,” said Merkley. “How about affordable, reasonable college loans that don’t put a millstone around the neck of our youth? How about we fight to electrify everything with renewable energy so we stop climate chaos?”

After the speeches had concluded, every attendee was invited to volunteer for a Get Out to Vote canvas, where the volunteers could knock on doors in the area and have conversations with Corvallis residents about the upcoming election.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

GAPS possible strike

Written by: Hannah Field | Editor-in-Chief

During the first week of school in Sep. 2024, a heat wave of more than 100 degrees swept the town of Albany. Schools encouraged students to dress lightly and drink water instead of closing down or early for student and staff comfort as well as safety. GAEA, the Greater Albany Education Association, posted online, “Unfortunately, many of our classrooms are not equipped with air conditioning, and as of now, district leadership has not communicated a plan to address this concern … We are advocating for the district to take immediate action to ensure our students and staff can continue learning in a safe and comfortable environment.”

Since then, Albany teachers have only gotten closer to striking.

Educators demand safe, healthy classrooms, fair, competitive pay and essential healthcare benefits. Rallies have been persisting since Sep. 23 with a large turnout of supporters. They’ve also requested smaller class sizes, fair caseloads and supportive work conditions.

A vote held Oct. 29 led to 92 percent — 542 of 590 — of union members from Greater Albany Public Schools voting yes to striking Nov. 12 if demands are not met by the GAPS administration before then.

Amanda Miles, teacher at South Albany High School and Greater Albany Education Association bargaining chair as well as secretary, stated, “… I authorized a strike. I didn’t do it for myself or wanting to be paid more. I did it because the students in my school district aren’t getting what they deserve, and I’m willing to stand up and fight for what’s right for them.”

Another mediation date is set for Nov. 7, with the school district stating, “We will continue to collaborate with GAEA and hope to settle the contract as soon as possible.”

One individual took to Facebook to state that the union declared an impasse after eight months of negotiations and brought new complaints to light. “Today I listened to story after story from staff who are dealing with being bit, tables being flipped, teachers covered in bruises and people not feeling safe,” they wrote. “Teachers do not get paid enough to be injured every day … Things are not changing or we are being completely ignored.”

A bargaining update published by GAEA Nov. 2 stated, “We believe that it will cost between $400K and 600K each year to fully fund reasonable learning conditions for our students — a far cry from the $4.2 million management is claiming … After nine long months, it’s time for management to stop playing games and settle this contract NOW.”

On top of that, the bargaining update alleged multiple other miscalculations from the district.

During the mediation session Nov. 4, GAPS “took hours” to tabulate information regarding class sizes and GAEA checked the average class size to find it incorrect. “Despite these setbacks, we remain steadfast in our commitment to a fair contract that addresses these core issues,” said GAEA publicly. “Our members have made it clear that the bargaining team is to stand firm on these priorities until we secure a contract. It’s disappointing to see the amount of time management is spending trying to intimidate and coerce our members, but your resilience in the face of these tactics is inspiring.”

“Over 12 hours of mediation today, and no movement,” wrote one West Albany High School teacher on Facebook. They continued to allege that the information GAPS was publishing regarding class sizes and other data was exaggerated or incorrect. “Teachers DO NOT want to strike, but we will not back down,” they finalized.

District Superintendent Andy Gardner implored all teachers to “deeply consider the rush through these steps, and the ultimate impact of their actions on the community, families and most importantly, their students. Last year, Portland Public Schools learned that there are no winners at the end of such a process.”

Portland Public Schools went on strike for more than three weeks in November of 2023, losing 11 days of school. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stepped in when the strike escalated to the point of vandalism and safety threats to bargain between both sides, leading to a higher-paying contract. Despite the win, it implied budget cuts and the union claimed they could no longer trust management.

The Albany school district has made attempts to reason with GAEA, adding class size caps and increased financial compensation, but has not met the demands listed by GAEA.

“Our educators do not take this step lightly,” said Dana Lovejoy, president of GAEA, in regard to the potential upcoming strike. “We do it because we are deeply committed to the students we teach and the community we serve.”

Contact the author at howleditorinchief@mail.wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

Connections

Written by: Jaylin Emond-Hardin | Entertainment Editor

From Oct. 14 to Oct. 25 the Werner University Center — WUC — hosted a student art gallery by Alex Hitchens named “Connections.” The gallery, which featured a combination of acrylic paintings and photography, offered an insightful look into the changes in connection between people, nature and technology.

“The evolution of the internet is like that of a Pandora’s box, which then itself contains other little boxes of even smaller boxes,” Hitchens said. “Each box opened (social media, security challenges, AI) connects us all more greatly but then disconnects us greatly at the same time.”

Paintings of pill bugs in various stages of being rolled up, a mixtape unraveling with butterflies emerging from behind and a girl staring, almost longingly, at her computer screen conveyed Hitchens’ theme by remembering and seeking a balance between her three main focuses.

“My painting called ‘Yin-Yang’ is my favorite because it’s the newest in the set but also because its intended meaning is seeking balance in the digital age.”

The piece featured two robotic dogs facing each other, one black and one white, on a background of binary code. The dogs are positioned in a shape similar to the well-known Chinese philosophy symbol.

On the other side of the gallery, photos taken between 2020 and 2024 were arranged into a collage, featuring a diverse range of women and showcasing Hitchens’ photography skills.

The photo set, entitled “Feminine Powers,” shared the diversity of what it means to feel feminine and act as a reminder that femininity and womanhood are always evolving

“I made one wall my photography (and) the other wall my paintings. Both are about connection but through two different scopes. I knew my theme way beforehand because I had been painting these pieces that spoke on the connection between humans, nature and technology. Narrowing down which images was more difficult for me though, as there were way too many favorite portraits to pick from,” Hitchens said.

Hitchens is currently a senior in the Art Education program at Western and hopes to either work at a Title I middle school or to continue their education and pursue art therapy.

“I picked Western for several reasons, but the most prominent is because I know so many people who went to this school and had nothing but positive feedback on their time here. I think I made a really excellent choice,” she said. “I’ve always been artistic but never had any discipline. (At Western) I’ve been able to grow (and) develop immensely. In part because of the diligence (and) expertise of my teachers but also in the authenticity (and) bravery of my classmates as well.”

Hitchens talked about the importance of displaying art in areas like the WUC, pointing out that it offers a low-pressure way to engage with art, for artists, gallery workers and students. They spoke of possibly inspiring other students by seeing her art displayed.

“I learned so much about how I want my art displayed, what to have prepared beforehand, how to communicate with the gallery team. This experience feels paramount to me (for) ‘working out the kinks’ in a safe space before you’re ready to start showing in other professional galleries,” they said.

Hitchens also uses her artwork and photography as a further means of awareness and social activism. In a post on their Instagram, @artbyalexzandria, Hitchens shared photos they took at a pro-Palestine march in Portland. Captioned “ceasefire now!” the images highlight protestors and their signs, as well as a graffitied watermelon — a symbol now synonymous with a call for justice for Palestine.

Other political artwork on her page includes a satirical cartoon showing Elon Musk on the moon with the Earth on fire in the background, with Musk saying, “It’s a good thing I invested when I did.”

Hitchens continues to share her artwork and photography on her Tumblr blogs “Art by Alexzandria” and “Alex’s Photographs,” as well as selling vintage items in her Etsy store.

“By example, I can show other students that these goals are accomplishable, so they can believe in their own work enough to hang in public, too.”

Contact the author at howlentertainment@wou.edu

The Western Howl

Home » News

Homecoming week

Written by: Sadie Latimer | News Editor

Every year for one week during the fall term, Western students come together to show off their school spirit. From Oct. 21 – 26, the campus was filled with many events, such as trivia games, a carnival and a dodgeball tournament. The week drew to a close with the homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 26.

The week started with an event called “Paint the Town Red,” hosted by ASWOU. Many different clubs on campus were able to paint the windows of businesses on Main Street in Monmouth. Many clubs participated, including the Native and Indigenous Culture Club, Math Club, Public Health Club, ASL Club and M.E.Ch.A Club.

On Monday evening, students gathered at Luna’s Café. They ordered drinks, socialized with their peers and got to use coffee to paint their canvases in aa relaxed and creative environment. This “Paint and Sip” event was hosted by Student Engagement.

A trivia night was hosted Tuesday by the Residence Hall Association in the Summit in the Werner University Center — WUC. The theme for the event was “Under the Sea.” Students teamed up with each other to test their knowledge of ocean facts. There were snacks available for everyone and fun prizes for the winners, some students walking away with items such as a Squishmallow or a blanket.

The Homecoming Carnival, hosted by Student Engagement, was Oct. 23 and occurred in the Grove. Students milled around the rows of carnival games and won prizes with others joining the long line to get a custom-made airbrushed hat or bag. Meanwhile, other students took full advantage of bounce houses propped up for their leisure. There was also cotton candy, shaved ice and popcorn available. Many people simply walked around and took in all of the sights. During the carnival, students also gathered to help re-paint Western’s emblem onto Church Street.

“The Homecoming Carnival is one of my favorite traditions,” said Karina Barron, a videographer for the event.

The club fair — Thursday, Oct. 24 in the WUC — was a great opportunity for students to learn about different organizations and clubs they could join. Tables and posters were set up all around the second floor of the WUC that showcased nearly all of the clubs and organizations that Western has to offer. Some clubs also advertised upcoming events that they were organizing. For instance, Student Veterans of America — SVA — promoted a display in the WUC from Nov. 1 – Nov. 14 of people who currently serve or have previously served in the military. Students can add their loved ones to the display by filling out the Google Form linked in the SVA’s Instagram account. ASWOU, who hosted the fair, helped encourage students to get involved on campus.

Also in the WUC during the same time as the club fair was an event called “Stop Horsing Around: Cookies and the Code.” Students could pet a miniature horse and eat free Crumbl Cookies while learning about Western’s Code of Conduct.

Abby’s House hosted a purple-out volleyball game Thursday, where fans showed up dressed in purple to support domestic violence awareness. It was a well-fought game with Western’s volleyball team winning 3–0 against Alaska Anchorage.

A dodgeball tournament was held Friday in Old PE. The teams were random, and the winners got bragging rights and Wolfie keychains with different animals dressed in Western T-shirts.

Friday night, students gathered around a bonfire for a pep rally while Western’s cheerleaders performed their routines. Students enjoyed good music, the warmth of the bonfire, socialized and observed an energetic cheer performance. Even though it started raining, students still stayed to celebrate their school. Many people commented how the rain made the event even more memorable.

The football game Saturday, Oct. 26 was a lively event, despite the wet conditions. The tailgate before the game was filled with excitement and paired with free food. Before the game started, Western’s choir and band performed the national anthem and the alma mater. The cheers of students and fans could be heard all throughout campus. At halftime, Western’s dance team stepped into the spotlight to perform. Abbi Duhart, a sophomore and member of the dance team, said, “Dancing at the homecoming football game was so much fun, especially with the stands being so full. I love my team and the choreography the officers come up with is amazing.”

Homecoming royalty was also crowned during halftime of the football game. The three winners were Daryn Heim, Amari Hendrix and Malia Fernandez. The homecoming royalty are students who are chosen because they represent the values of Western.

“Western is a great community and I love what they do for its students,” said Eli Mignano, a sophomore at Western.

Homecoming week was a great way for students to show off their pride in Western. “Having school spirit is important for students. It boosts morale and helps them feel more connected to other students,” said Mignano.

Contact the author at howlnews@mail.wou.edu

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility Public Records Privacy Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.

Representatives of Oregon

First-gen week

Get involved

Women’s March

GAPS possible strike

Connections

Homecoming week

Tools

Resources