Previous happenings in the college...
WOU well represented at 2009 Geological Society of America national meeting
Faculty and undergraduate students from the Department of Earth and Physical Science took time away from classes to attended the 2009 national meeting of the Geological Society of America, October 18-21 in Portland. The meeting hosted over 6000 geoscientists from around the world. Dr. Jeff Myers was involved as co-leader on a paleontological field trip to the John Day basin in eastern Oregon. Dr. Jeff Templeton presented a paper on the geochemistry of tuff deposits at Newberry Volcano. Instructor Phil Wade was co-author on a paper that examined the effectiveness of using Google Earth in K-12 geoscience education. Dr. Steve Taylor and undergraduate student Ryan Stanley presented a pair of theme-based papers on land-use history and vegetation change in the mid-Willamette Valley.
(Earth science students in photo. Front row (l-r): Heather Hintz, Brandon Snook, Brittnie Andrews, Alyssa Pratt, Alicia Thompson, Kelsii Dana, Josh Suarez; back row (l-r): Thomas VanNice, Dr. Taylor, Keoni Wong, Gerritt Vincent, Bill Vreeland, and Kevin Friscia.)
Spring graduate addresses President's Club dinner
The annual fall President’s Club dinner set the stage for the university to thank the many friends and benefactors who have provided financial support to students through scholarship and program donations. Ms Rebecca Chadd--a spring 2009 graduate and recipient of the Julia McCulloch Smith Award for outstanding woman graduate--spoke to the audience on behalf of students in LAS programs who have received scholarship support from benefactors of the university. Ms Chadd participated in the University Honors Program while completing dual baccalaureate degrees in Spanish and in Dance as well as a minor in International Studies. Photo: President Minahan, Ms Chadd, dean Scheck (l-r).
WOU signs exchange agreement with Central Police University, Taiwan
Dr. Yu-Lan Yeh, of Central Police University (Taiwan), was on campus for the official signing of cooperative agreements between WOU and Central Police University. Part of this collaboration will provide opportunities for officers from CPU to enroll in WOU’s on-line graduate degree program in criminal justice as well as intensive multi-week institute courses at WOU. Institute attendees will also have opportunities to visit governmental agencies in Oregon. Dr. Terry Gingerich, associate professor of criminal justice, initiated the cooperation; he has previously collaborated with faculty at CPU on comparative studies on community policing in the United States and Taiwan. (Photo: Dr. Yu-Lan “Sandy” Yeh with (l-r) dean Scheck, Dr. Gingerich and Dr. Stephen Gibbons, chair of the criminal justice department.
Deans host international visiting scholars
A number of visiting scholars to the LAS College from China enjoyed a beginning of the academic year evening dinner with dean Scheck and Dr. Hilda Rosselli, dean of the College of Education. The LAS College typically has five to ten visiting international scholars on campus each year.
(Back row, l-r) Jingyang Lin, Yang Yu, Xiuyan Zhao, dean Scheck, He Zhao, Chenyuan, Li, dean Rosselli, Yebing Feng; (front row, l-r) “Lily”, WOU international students Yuhang Bai and Shengnan Wang, “Jenny”
WOU art presence at Salem Art Association exhibit
Art professors Elaina Jamieson, Jodie Raborn and Paul LaJeunesse had landscape paintings on display at the Art About Place exhibit sponsored by the Salem Art Association and hosted at the historic Capitol Center Building. Project Space II is funded by a grant from the Oregon Arts Commission to provide community access to exhibits and art discussions. Art About Place, the final juried exhibit of the summer season, runs through September 12. (Photo of professor LaJeunesse with one of his entries taken at exhibit reception, September 2.)
Dean awards Karen’s Fund scholarship to incoming freshman
Incoming pre-education student, Michael Hamilton, is the second annual recipient of the freshman scholarship for unique students from "Karen’s Fund." The fund, established by the Scheck family, is in memory of Karen Bowman, a college-aged niece of Dr. Scheck who died in 2007. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Central High School graduate who will be attending WOU. Central High serves the local community where WOU is located. Candidates are recommended by WOU admissions counselors and Central High School staff. Mr. Hamilton, a resident of Independence, was involved in student government and was an outstanding athlete (football, basketball, baseball) during his years at Central High. He plans to play varsity baseball at Western.
Students put body effort into carillon performance
WOU student composers celebrated the end of the academic year by performing their compositions on the campus carillon. Additionally, students participated in an interactive piece composed by Dr. Joseph Harchanko’s Electronic Music III class-- "In Memoriam Twitchy: Requiem for a Fish" --by creating body movements in front of a video camera that were processed into carillon notes using software algorithms written by the class. To learn more about creating music through motion tracking and algorithmic programming, see Dr. Harchanko’s faculty web page. Dr. Harchanko, assistant professor of music, has collaborated with Dr. Scot Morse (computer science), and Professors Sharon Oberst and Darryl Thomas (dance) in the creation and use of Western Oregon University's Wireless Human Interface (WOUWHI) for the translation of body movement into computer generated music and video in real-time. A clip of their collaborative work "Walking I Was" can be seen at www.wou.edu/~harchanj/works.htm.
Art students contribute to habitat restoration
Students in art professor Mary Harden’s beginning three-dimensional design class applied their artistic talents to habitat restoration work for the Luckiamute Watershed Council. The students used willow branches to create sculptures that have been placed in watershed areas to act as natural barriers for moderating water flow into stream channels (see photo, below). This is not the first time professor Harden's students have contributed art to the community; in 2006, her ceramics students created a series of medallions for placement in Monmouth downtown city sidewalks as part of the sesquicentennial celebration of the co-founding of the city and the university in 1856.
Professor Harden, students and Luckiamute Watershed Council project manager, Michael Cairns. (Photo courtesy of Gail Oberst, LWC)
Associate professor meets fifth graders
On Friday, May 29, Western Oregon University was pleased to host the fifth grade classes from Hoover Elementary School of Salem, Oregon, for a day on campus--including a workshop on writing provided by Dr. Katherine Schmidt, associate professor of English and director of the University Writing Center. Alan DeMeurers, principal of Hoover, as well as Cathy Tilley of North Salem High School, and Justin Strohmeyer of WOU’s Office of Admissions were instrumental in coordinating the event. Tilley and the Office of Admissions have partnered to provide university outreach to the Salem/Keizer School District for several years to strengthen the pathways to college.
Hoover Elementary School fifth graders and Hoover and WOU faculty & staff.
Professor and students hit the airways
Students in Dr. Eduardo González-Viaña’s spring 2009 Hispanic Culture and Civilization: Latin America class put textbook knowledge into action through the production of a series of radio broadcasts and listener call-in sessions on Willamette Valley Spanish radio stations "La Campeona" KWIP 880AM (Dallas) and "Radio Movimento" KPCN 95.9FM (Woodburn). The programs featured WOU students from Hispanic backgrounds who shared their experiences in making it to college. Students also produced a video for distribution on U-Tube that features interviews with President John Minahan and Provost Kent Neely. The students wished to reach the Hispanic youth in Oregon to inform them about opportunities at Western Oregon University. This spring's activities are an extension of Building a Bridge, a program in which Dr. González-Viaña’s students go into Hispanic homes to teach English, citizenship, DMV rules, and other skills for survival in this country. From 1993 until the present, more than two thousand individuals have received assistance through the Build a Bridge program. Admissions counseling for Hispanic students and family is available.
One of a number of admissions billboards targeted to prospective Hispanic students and families.
Honors program seniors present theses
Graduating seniors in the University Honors Program presented their work at the 2009 annual honors thesis presentation program. Topics ranged from the politics of war to the self-revelatory nature of the creative process. The Honors Program is under the direction of Dr. Gavin Keulks, associate professor of English. Theses advisors were professors Max Geier, John Rector, David Doellinger (history); Tamina Toray, Rob Winningham (psychology); Michael LeMaster (biology); Deborah Jones (dance); Peggy Pedersen (health and PE); and Katherine Schmidt (English).
Senior honors program students (l-r) Betsy McDonald, Ashley Kuehlwein, Rebecca Chadd, Dustin Byers, Stephanie Woods, Lauren Zegers, Kimber Saville, with past honors director Dr. Sriram Khe (l) and current director Dr. Gavin Keulks (r). Not pictured: honors seniors Chelsey Miller and Annaka Wendt.
Governor appoints professor to state commission
Dr. Kimberly Jensen, professor of history, has been appointed by Governor Ted Kulongoski to a 4-year term on the Oregon Heritage Commission. The commission prepares and adopts an Oregon Heritage Plan to address coordination for the identification, curation, restoration, and interpretation of heritage resources; coordinates a comprehensive inventory of state owned cultural properties; and works with the Economic & Community Development Department to encourage tourism activities relating to heritage resources.
Dr. Jensen most recently has involved undergraduate students with work on interviewing women physicians in Oregon. An exhibit about this work -- Oregon Women Physicians: Changing the Face of Medicine -- was opened at the Hamersley Library and runs through June 2009; it most recently had been on exhibit at the Portland Central Library.
(l-r) Dr. Kimberly Jensen, undergraduate student researcher Caitlin Summers, and three of the women physicians interviewed for the Oregon Women Physicians project--Nancy Boutin MD, Marge Thompson MD, and Beverly Olsen MD--at the May opening of the Hamersley Library exhibit.
Model UN team participates in World MUN
Undergraduates, Brandon Harris, Jeff Sawyer, Max Beach, Emiko Hori, Christina Palmrose, Melissa Lee and Michael Maeda, and faculty advisor, Dr. Mary Pettenger, associate professor of political science, returned from a successful engagement at the 2009 World Model United Nations conference in The Hague, The Netherlands, March 22-27. The WOU team members represented positions at the conference for Uganda. Close to 2,500 delegates, representing 275 universities from 53 countries, participated in this year’s conference. The WOU Model UN delegates also participated in other conference activities including meeting with non-governmental groups, visiting United Nations sites and trips within the Netherlands.
(L-R) MUN delegates--Emiko Hori, Michael Maeda, Brandon Harris, Christina Palmrose, Melissa Lee. Not Pictured: Jeff Sawyer, Max Beach.
Dean and International Student and Scholars director visit China
Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the college, and Mr. Neng Yang, director of WOU’s International Student and Scholars office engaged in discussions about study abroad opportunities at WOU with administrators and faculty at a number of universities during a two-week visit in China. Ms Toni Gong, a visiting international scholar at WOU this academic year, accompanied Scheck and Yang during their visit to her home institution, Zhongyuan University of Technology in Zhengzhou, Henan.
(Above) A greeting for the WOU team at the Business College of Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi. (Below) Dr. Scheck and visiting international scholar Toni Gong at the thousand-year old Shaolin Temple.
Math students receive recognition at annual conference
Five WOU undergraduate Mathematics majors presented work at the annual Pacific Northwest Section Conference of the Mathematical Association of America, April 3-4, at Central Washington University. Matt Schmidgall and Masaki Ikeda were among the top three presenters recognized at the conference. Also presenting papers at the conference were WOU undergrads Jenne Elston, Michael Rivers, and Wesley Parker. Drs. Mike Ward, Klay Kruczek, Cheryl Beaver and Scott Beaver accompanied the students.
Dance class entertains older citizens…
Students from professor Darryl Thomas' World Dance class
provided a Hula demonstration to residents of the Heron
Pointe Retirement & Assisted Living Community in Monmouth.
Professor Thomas is involved in numerous community outreach
activities both through his classes in the WOU dance department
and as artistic director/choreographer of the professional dance
troupe based in Monmouth, Rainbow Dance Theatre.
(Above) Students perform one of their Hula dances for residents. (Below) Professor Thomas and the World Dance class.
Active day as WOU hosted 2009 Oregon Academy of Science...
Dr. Jeffrey Myers, associate professor of earth and physical science, in one of his last duties as out-going president of the Academy, hosted the 68th Annual Meeting of the Oregon Academy of Science on February 28. WOU faculty and students were amply represented at this year’s meeting. WOU Provost, Dr. Kent Neely, gave a welcoming address at the plenary session. Undergraduate students, Alyssa Pratt and Matt Buche co-organized the meeting with Dr. Myers; Matt Buche also gave a presentation on government-community planning for earthquake preparedness. The annual meeting program can be viewed at OAS.
Dr. David Foster, associate professor of psychology, poses with undergraduate psychology student association members, (l-r) Sarah Brault, Clayton Herman, Erich Surber and Kayla Willhite (front row). The students assisted with staffing the registration desk at the annual meeting.
Undergraduate biology major, Emily Uhrig, presented findings on her work on red-sided garter snakes; Dr. Neely (below) addressing the academy.
High school science students tour WOU cadaver lab…
Adventurous students from West Salem, Benson Polytechnic, Oregon Episcopal School and Jesuit high schools took a break from student presentations to visit the WOU human cadaver laboratory. Students pose with Dr. Irja Galvan, associate professor of biology who conducted the tour. Western Oregon University hosted the 2009 Oregon Junior Academy of Science and Junior Science and Humanities Symposium meetings on Feb. 27. Dr. Adele Schepige, professor of teacher education, coordinated the science conferences. Dr. Arlene Courtney, professor of chemistry, and Dr. William Schoenfeld, associate professor of earth and physical science rounded out Dr. Schepige’s faculty coordinators. WOU faculty Dr. Patricia Flatt, instructor Karen Brown and emeriti faculty Dr. Lowell Spring and Dr. Dave McCorkle assisted as judges in some of the sessions. Drs. Schepige and Courtney will be assisting select students in submitting materials for participation in the 47th National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium to be held at the U.S. Air force Academy in Colorado Springs this spring. Dr. Courtney will be accompanying the contingent from Oregon.
Dr. Galvan (center) with high school visitors.
WOU criminal justice-Taiwan Central Police University initiative …
Dr. Charles K.M. Chang, professor of police policy at Central Police University (Taiwan) was on campus to discuss future cooperation between WOU’s department of criminal justice and the Central Police University. Part of this collaboration will involve officers from CPU enrolling in WOU’s on-line graduate degree program in criminal justice as well as intensive multi-week institute opportunities to study at WOU and visit with governmental agencies in Oregon. Dr. Terry Gingerich, associate professor of criminal justice, and Dr. Chang have previously work together on comparative studies on community policing in the United States and Taiwan. Dr. Gingerich presented a number of lectures at the CPU during his recent sabbatical stay in Taiwan.
Dr. Chang presented dean Scheck and Dr. Gingerich a gift from Central Police University president, Dr. Yu-Ih Hou. The gift is a replica of a memorial statue on the CPU campus: “Righteousness and Courage”. Professor Gingerich had met president Hou during his recent sabbatical stay in Taiwan.
WOU to host 2009 Oregon Academy of Science...
Dr. Jeffrey Myers, associate professor of earth and physical science and president of the Oregon Academy of Science, will chair the 68th annual meeting of the Academy on February 28. The annual meeting provides an opportunity for scientists, social scientists and mathematicians from Oregon institutions to meet. The meeting also showcases student research presentations. Concurrent sessions throughout the day will be in biology, chemistry, economics, geography, geology health science, history/philosophy/social study of science, mathematics,/computer science, physics, political science, psychology, science education, and sociology/anthropology. The Academy will present three awards during the meeting: Outstanding Scientist; Outstanding Teacher in Science and Mathematics (college level); Outstanding Teacher in Science and Mathematics (K-12 level). The meeting is open to the public; for registration information, please contact the academy or Dr. Myers.
Prospective students visit with faculty at Preview Day ...
Dr. Laura Stahman, assistant professor of German, and Elizabeth Braun, instructor of Spanish, visit with prospective students and family members at a fall Preview Day. During Preview Days, students have the opportunity to visit with members of the faculty to discuss degree options within WOU’s academic programs that best suit their future career plans. In the global society of the 21st Century, mastery of a second language is ever more important and continuation with study of foreign languages in college is encouraged, regardless of the degree program pursued--be it business or criminal justice or pre-health, or K-12 teaching. Indeed, many students pursue additional coursework in a language they started in high school or pick up a second foreign language—and put them to good use while participating in WOU’s Study Abroad programming. In addition to degree programs offered in German, French and Spanish, opportunities to study Arabic and Mandarin language courses are provided through WOU’s division of extended programs.
Dr. Laura Stahman (forefront) and Elizabeth Braun talk with prospective students about the benefits of studying a foreign language.
Art professor applies talent to kiln building…
Mary Harden, assistant professor of art, spent time during the summer rebuilding the primary kiln for the art department. The new kiln is a natural gas, downdraft, shuttle kiln. Nearly three times the size of the previous kiln, the new structure is constructed of a steel exterior with the floor and door connected together and mounted on wheels that move the floor in and out of the kiln. The exterior steel structure/car component and steel exhaust system was welded by Bruce Tuma; the gas pipework was completed by Tom Cournaya (both are with the WOU physical plant staff). The kiln was designed and the brickwork was constructed by professor Harden. The size of this new kiln permits fireing of larger scale works and will reduce the number of firings in the kiln facility thereby improving studio efficiency. Past work in the WOU kiln studio can be seen in city sidewalks in downtown Monmouth; in 2006 Professor Harden's students fired commerative tile disks in celebration of WOU's and Monmouth's sesquicentennials.
Professor Harden (front left) and students show dean Scheck the new downdraft shuttle kiln.
Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences receives achievement award...
Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the college, was back at his alma mater, Fort Hays State University, to receive an FHSU Alumni Achievement Award. The Alumni Achievement Award honors graduates who have made outstanding contributions in service to their community, state or nation as citizens, in chosen fields, educational areas, and through philanthropic activities and community betterment. Dr. Scheck’s undergraduate experiences at Fort Hays were very influential in his choosing to come to Western Oregon University in 2006 to serve as dean of the college. Both universities have a commitment to first-generation students and to an academic culture in which faculty mentoring of students—both in the classroom and in out of class learning experiences—are strongly supported.
Dr. Scheck with 95-yr-old Fort Hays graduate, Nola Ochs; the world's oldest individual to earn a baccalaureate degree.
Art faculty welcome artist in residence...
Members of the art department —with department head, professor Kim Hoffman in the lead— pose in front of historic Campbell Hall; home of the department and the Dale and Gail Cannon Gallery of Art. Joining the faculty this fall as a visiting artist in residence is Dr. Motohiro Kozawa, professor of art at Saitama University, Japan. Professor Kozawa (second row, right) is teaching a painting course during his stay at Western. The two art departments have formal faculty exchanges and have scheduled a 2009 exchange of art exhibits showcasing works by the faculty from each institution.
Dean awards inaugural scholarship to incoming freshman…
Incoming pre-nursing student, Adriana De La Cruz, is the inaugural recipient of a freshman scholarship for unique students from "Karen’s Fund." The fund, established by the Scheck family, is in memory of Karen Bowman, a college-aged niece of Dr. Scheck who died in 2007. The scholarship is awarded to an outstanding Central High School graduate who will be attending WOU. Candidates are recommended by WOU admissions staff and Central High School staff. Ms. De la Cruz is participating in the WOU-SEP program with plans to seek a medical career.
Dr. Scheck presents Ms. De La Cruz with a stained-glass pictorial of WOU’s historical Campbell Hall designed and created by The Stained Glass Place, Salem.
OHSU-WOU Nursing academic program director now on site…
Jean M. Donovan, RN, Ph.D. has officially started as the inaugural director of the OHSU School of Nursing program at WOU. The program will get underway with an initial cohort of 27 nursing students arriving in late September. Students in the program will be taking some of their coursework from faculty in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The School of Nursing is located on the second floor of the newly renovated and renamed Math and Nursing Building (previously the home of the Oregon Police Academy). Final preparations of the clinical laboratory facilities are in full swing.
Dr. Donovan and Dr. Scheck in one of the examination rooms in the new nursing facility.
Faculty group receive Canadian government grant…
Dr. Robin Smith, professor of anthropology, and faculty member in the Canadian Studies interest group at WOU received word from the Canadian Consulate General’s office that grant funding has been awarded to Western Oregon University to support the interest group’s teaching and research on Canadian issues. Other faculty in the interest group are Drs. Mary Pettenger, Shaun Huston and Emily Plec. The Seattle Consulate’s Senior Political, Economic & Academic Officer, Kevin P Cook, will be visiting campus in October.
Dr. Smith and anthropology students.
Army ROTC at Western is going strong...
Lt. Col. Roy Susuico, senior military science instructor and head of the WOU-Army ROTC detachment, stopped in recently to update dean Scheck on ROTC programming at Western. Approximately 30 WOU students—representing a wide range of majors—are participating in the program. Upon graduation, students are commissioned as second lieutenants in the Army.
WOU faculty involved in Global Climate Change Institute for Teachers…
Dr. William Schoenfeld, associate professor of physics and colleagues, Dr. Adele Schepige, professor of teacher education and Mr. Philip Wade, adjunct professor of earth science, hosted two, one-day workshops for elementary teachers to examine global climate change. The workshops were designed to help primary teachers introduce the basics of climate and climate change into their classrooms. Sessions included an introduction climate change, carbon footprints, a review of climate change literature for children, along with multiple hands-on experiments and activities using inexpensive materials that can help teachers integrate climate change into their school curricula. The institute is funded by NASA as part of the education outreach of Dr. Laurence Padman of the Earth and Space Research Institute, Seattle, Washington. Conference presentations are planned for this fall, as well as more teacher workshops for summer 2009.
Professors Schoenfeld (right rear) and Philip Wade with institute assistants, chemistry/physics undergraduate, Shawn Decker (far left) and math/physical sciences education graduate student, Avery Cotton.
Professor Tsunehiko Kato visits WOU...
Tsunehiko Kato, Vice Chairperson for the Inter-Faculty Institute for International Studies at Ritsumeikan University in Kayoto, Japan, spent time with dean Scheck discussing faculty and student exchange opportunities between Ritsumeikan University and WOU. Ritsumeikan offers programming (taught in English) for WOU exchanges students as well as intensive Japanese language curricular opportunities.
WOU math professors host workshop to promote creative approaches for preparing future K-8 teachers in math instruction...
University math instructors from across the country take a break from the "Active Learning Approaches and Visual Methods for Teaching the Foundational Mathematics for Elementary Teachers Courses" summer workshop sponsored by the Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program). WOU mathematics faculty-- Drs. Laurie Burton, Klay Kruczek and Cheryl Beaver received grant support from the MAA to lead the summer workshop. The WOU mathematics department recently received recognition by the National Council on Teacher Quality for its elementary teacher preparation curriculum in mathematics (more detail about this recognition can be found in the college's previous happenings section).
WOU math preparation for elementary teachers receives national recognition…
WOU's math curriculum for elementary school teacher preparation was among 10 programs singled out in a nationwide study as meeting critical coursework needs in teacher preparation. WOU was one of 77 institutions selected by the National Council on Teacher Quality for math curriculum review. The study examined university curriculums for their relevance, breadth and depth of math training. The complete report is available at the NCTQ. The mathematics department is strongly committed to teacher preparation in mathematics and works closely with colleagues in the College of Education to develop curricular programming for teaching math at the elementary and more advanced grades. This July 21 - July 25, math faculty Cheryl Beaver, Laurie Burton and Klay Kruczek will be hosting a Mathematical Association of America PREP (Professional Enhancement Program) workshop "Active Learning Approaches and Visual Methods for Teaching the Foundational Mathematics for Elementary Teachers Courses" at WOU for 17 participants from around the U.S.
Math faculty members (l-r) Drs. Maria Fung, Cheryl Beaver, Scott Beaver, Michael Ward, Laurie Burton and Klay Kruczek. Chair of the department, Dr. Hamid Behmard, is not pictured.
Communication Studies Program receives national recognition…
WOU's Communication Studies Program is the recipient of the Program of Excellence Award from the National Communication Association's Undergraduate College and University Division. The Rex Mix Award is presented to one undergraduate program each year and recognizes "...quality, innovative, theoretical, and practical programs." The winning departments "tend to solidly ground their programs in the theoretical foundations of the field while embracing new developments and advancing practical application in innovative ways." The award will be presented to representatives of the communication studies department at the 94th annual NCA convention to be held in San Diego, California in November.
Faculty members (front row) Drs. Molly Mayhead, Emily Plec, Claire Ferraris; (back row) Drs. Cat McGrew, Frank Nevius, Nick Backus.
Fire Services Administration baccalaureate program recognized by National Fire Academy …
Western Oregon University’s Fire Services Administration program was the recipient of the 2008 Lasting Achievement Award issued by the United States Fire Administration/National Fire Academy at their annual spring conference. The baccalaureate program was recognized for the caliber of its long-term involvement in the National Fire Academy’s Degrees at a Distance program; WOU has been providing programming since 1979. Professional fire personnel across the US and Canada can complete baccalaureate training through a combination of on-line and intensive 1- and 2-week institute courses offered by WOU. LaRon Tolley, who accepted the award on behalf of the university, directs the program. The program admits students who have experience as working firefighters or who have completed community college fire-fighting programs.
Len Papp (l), fire prevention officer with the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, Brampton, Canada will be graduating June 14 with a B.S. in Fire Services Administration. Mr. LaRon Tolley (r) is director of the program.
Math and Nursing construction progressing...
Building renovation to house the WOU department of mathematics and the Oregon Health & Science University School of Nursing (Monmouth campus) is progressing ahead of schedule. The building will have the latest in computer-assisted math education classrooms and nursing simulation laboratory facilities. Mathematics and nursing faculty will move into the building in August and classes in the building will start with fall term. Portland-based Soderstrom Architects and FORTIS Construction, Inc. are handling the renovations. For more information about the project please contact the WOU planning department.
Governor Kulongoski 2008 commencement speaker...
Governor Ted Kulongoski (center) and WOU administrators--Provost Kent Neely, Dean Stephen Scheck, President John Minahan and Dean Hilda Rosselli (l-r) pose for a photo prior to the 2008 WOU graduation ceremony.
Governor Kulongoski and Oregon Senate President Peter Courtney prior to the 2008 WOU graduation ceremonies. When not serving in the Oregon Senate, Mr. Courtney serves on WOU President John Minahan's staff and is an adjunct assistant professor in the communication studies department.
Outstanding business and economics students recognized by faculty…
The Business & Economics Recognition Night celebrated the academic accomplishments of outstanding graduating seniors and the meritorious service of members of the Business & Economics Club. Award recipients are selected by the faculty of the business and economics division.
Mr. Scott Meeker of the Oregon Society of Certified Public Accountants joins Dean Scheck to congratulate accounting student Stephanie Clements on being the recipient of the Oregon Certified Public Accountants Award.
Graduating seniors address President’s Club dinner...
The annual President’s Club dinner set the stage for the university to thank the many friends and benefactors who have provided financial support to students through scholarship and program donations. Representing students in LAS programs were two graduating seniors—Amanda Cline (BS in biology; chemistry minor) and Alec Wilson (BFA in theatre/acting). Amanda and Alec provided colorful commentary from the podium on life at WOU and the unique learning opportunities they were able to pursue because of their close relationships with their professors. After graduation Alec will be involved in professional theatre and Amanda will be starting a Ph.D. program in biochemistry.
Alec Wilson, Dr. Scheck and Amanda Cline at the annual President's Club dinner.
Dean Scheck with Drs. Tom Bergeron (l) and Keller Coker (r) of the music department and student vocalist, Sherry Alves. The music professors, Ms Alves and students Adam Bates and Jon Shaw perform as The Pinot Noir Jazztet. The Jazztet provided musical entertainment for the President’s Club dinner.
State Attorney General addresses pre-law students...
The WOU chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity held its 2008 annual initiation at WOU's Gentle House. Two new members were inducted; Chris Young and Arianna Jantze. State of Oregon Attorney General, Hardy Myers, joined in the celebration and addressed the student group. Faculty advisor Dr. Mark Henkels, professor of political science, noted that a number of Phi Alpha Delta members graduating this spring have been accepted to law school. Information about Pre-law.
Attorney General Hardy Myers joins professors Ed Dover, Mark Henkels and Molly Mayhead and members of the Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity at the annual new member initiation..
Dean Scheck joins Attorney General Myers and faculty advisor Henkels
after Mr. Myers' address to the Phi Alpha Delta induction ceremony.
Communications students place well at annual conference…
WOU undergraduates, Tashia Pettyjohn, Kaleen Flukinger, Jody Piquet, Jesse Alexander; and Tiffany Rockwell presented papers at the 2008 annual conference of the Northwest Communication Association (NWCA) in Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Eighteen colleges and universities were represented at the conference. The top three undergraduate and graduate student papers at the conference are recognized by the NWCA; Western Oregon University undergraduate students Jody Piquet and Jesse Alexander were among the three undergraduate students recognized at this year’s conference. Dr. Nick Backus, associate professor and head of the communication studies department, Dr. Molly Mayhead, professor of communication studies, Dr. Ed Dover, professor of political science and Dr. Niki Young, director of the center for teaching and learning, also attended the conference and served as session chairs, panelists, presenters or responders. Dr. Mayhead is the immediate past president of the NWCA.
2008 WOU undergraduate participants at NWCA: (l-r) Tashia Pettyjohn, Kaleen Flukinger, Jody Piquet, Jesse Alexander; and Tiffany Rockwell (front row).
WOU dancers perform to standing ovation at festival…
"Man of My Dreams" was adjudicated and selected for inclusion in the spring 2008 Northwest Conference of the American College Dance Festival Association held at the University of Utah, March 17-20. The humorous performance--the dance is performed on Razor® scooters and a Segway® Personal Transporter--received a standing ovation.
Choreography: Valerie Bergman & professor Darryl Thomas
Costume Designer: assistant professor Sandy Hedgepeth
Lighting Designer: Thaddeus Shannon III (joining the WOU faculty September 2008)
WOU Dancers (l-r): Latoya Lovely, Marketa Renner, professor Thomas, Rebecca Chadd, Sam Hobbs, Michael Coleman, Jenna Moser, Kailee McMurran, Samantha Beasely, Jessica Evans and Jessica Sanford.
More information about the dance program at WOU can be found at the Theatre and Dance home page.
History students present research at spring conference…
Undergraduate students, Mindy Nichols, Rebecca Carlson, Karyn Taylor and Mary Wright (l-r in photo) traveled to Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington for the annual Phi Alpha Theta Historical Honor Society conference, April 10-12. The students gave presentations on their upper-division research work in the history program. Over 120 presentations were made at the conference with each presenter fielding public critique and questioning about their research. While at the conference, the students were guests of the History Department at Eastern Washington University.
Dr. John Rector, professor of history and chair of the social science divison with student presenters and aspiring canine history major.
Math department hosts high school girls for day of mathematics…
The mathematics department hosted the annual Sonia Kovalevsky Day for high school girls and their teachers. Throughout the day, girls and teachers had the opportunity to participate in sessions on secret codes, hexaflexagons, math games and tricks, and math problem solving. The day provides an excellent opportunity for high school girls with an aptitude toward math to engage with other like-minded girls from Oregon high schools.
Math faculty members (l-r) Drs. Maria Fung, Cheryl Beaver, Scott Beaver, Michael Ward, Laurie Burton and Klay Kruczek take a break from the day’s activities.
Break-out sessions were facilitated by undergraduate math majors (l-r) Masaki Ikeda, Emily Trigg, Courtney Stowell, Anne Sanders, Meghann Barger, Kristal Temple, Laura Waight, Jenne Elston, and Cassie Ann Jacinto.
Spring receptions for newly-admitted students underway…
Dean Scheck joins (l-r) associate provost David McDonald, president John Minahan, director of admissions Rob Findtner, and alumni volunteers Donna Hamor (BA ‘70; MS ‘76) and W. Clark Hamor (MS ‘76) at a recent admitted student and family event. The Hamors have been assisting with event registration for a number years at WOU’s spring receptions for admitted students and their families. These receptions give students and parents an informal opportunity to learn more about WOU and have their questions answered.
Representative Vicki Berger views nursing and math construction…
State Representative Vicki Berger stopped by campus to take a tour of construction activities to accomodate the department of mathematics and the new program in nursing. Dean Scheck joins Representative Berger and Tom Neal, director of physical plant; they are standing in the location were the nursing simulation lab is being constructed. Ms Berger represents District 20 which includes portions of Salem and the cities of Independence and Monmouth and also serves on the Salem Hospital Foundation.
Director of Cooperative Center for Study Abroad visits WOU...
Dr. Michael Klembara, executive director of the Cooperative Center for Study Abroad (CCSA) was on campus to visit with faculty about opportunities to teach in CCSA ’s international programs; WOU has been a member university for many years. CCSA offers intensive two week winter inter-session programs and and two and four week intensive summer programs. In addition, nine week internships are available for which students receive academic credit. Michele Price, director of the WOU Study Abroad and International Exchange Office assists faculty and students interested in the CCSA program and programs offered through a number of other consortiums for study abroad that WOU partners with.
Dr. Klembara with Dr. Scheck, dean of the College.
Graduate music program receives positive review...
The music department has received Plan Approval from the National Association of Schools of Music for the department’s program of study for the Master of Music in Contemporary Music. This is a critical step in the final accrediting process for the music degree; the masters program was initiated at WOU in 2006. The department’s undergraduate music programs are fully accredited by the association. The NASM Commission on Accreditation commended the department for the thoroughness and innovativeness of the graduate program. More information and application to the Master of Music program is available or contact Dr. Diane Baxter, professor and head of the music department, to discuss personalized opportunities of the program.
Music faculty: Drs. Baxter, Keller, Nail (bottom row) and Bergeron, Helppie, Holmquist, Harchanko and Walczyk (top row).
WOU hosts over 250 students for the Central Western Oregon Science Exposition…
Over 250 students and teachers arrived on campus for the two-day Oregon Junior Academy of Sciences, Oregon Junior Science and Humanities Symposium and Intel Science & Engineering Fair event, February 22-23. Heading up the organizing committee were adjunct business instructor Judy Beebe, chemistry professor Dr. Arlene Courtney, education professor Dr. Adele Schepige and WOU science education graduate student Avery Cotton. Dr. David Hackleman, Linus Pauling Chair of Chemical Engineering at OSU rounded out the organizing team.
Dr. Scheck, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, takes a few moments with students from Crescent Valley High School (Corvallis) before the start of their oral presentations in one of the Science Expo chemistry sessions.
South African Consul General addresses WOU Model United Nations...
The Honorable Jeanette Ndhlovu, Consul General for the South African Los Angeles office was guest speaker at the MUN annual fundraiser banquet on February 21. The WOU MUN team is representing South Africa in MUN competitions during the 2007-2008 academic year. Students in the Model United Nations program explore issues dealing with current social, economic and political problems of the world. Dr. Mary Pettenger, associate professor of political science, is faculty moderator of the club. Team members have competed, nationally and internationally, at MUN assemblies.
Consul General Ndhlove poses with the WOU Model UN club members and invited guest, Kenny Clark, president of the Central High School MUN.
The Honorable Jeanette T. Ndhlovu, Consul General for South Africa, Dr. Mary Pettenger, MUN faculty moderator and Dr. Scheck, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences pose in front of the national flag of South Africa.
Young Chinese journalists visit with dean Scheck...
Dr. Scheck, dean of the college of liberal arts and sciences greeted elementary students and their teachers representing seven elementary schools in Anshan, China. The students made WOU their first stop on a two-week cultural exchange tour of Oregon and California. The students are part of the student youth news program for the Anshan Newspaper Group-Qianshan Evening News Corps. Lead teacher, Shijin Li and WOU music professor Dr. Solveig Holmquist, who recently toured China with the WOU Chamber Singers, pose with Dr. Scheck and the students.
Senator Smith visits site of future nursing simulation laboratory...
US Senator Gordon Smith stopped by campus during Senate recess to visit with WOU pre-nursing students, faculty and staff about the new simulation laboratory facility being constructed on the WOU campus for the joint OHSU-WOU BS in Nursing program, starting fall 2008. Dr. Michael LeMaster, assistant professor of biology and pre-nursing advisor and Dr. Scheck, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences join Senator Smith and students for a group photo. Senator Smith, US Senator Ron Wyden and US Representative Darleen Hooley were instrumental in procuring federal funding to underwrite part of the equipment needed in the nursing simulation laboratory. In second photo Senator Smith poses with Dr. Scheck and State Senator Peter Courtney who assisted with procuring state funding for the OHSU-WOU nursing program.
Language arts faculty well-represented at state Field Test Scoring workshop…
Drs. Jason Waite, Meg Artman, Cornelia Paraskevas and Katherine Schmidt pose with Mr. Ken Hermens (back row), language arts assessment specialist with the Oregon Department of Education (ODE). The writing and linguistics professors and Dr. Adele Schepige, chair of the Teacher Education division in the College of Education, coordinated participation of education majors in writing and linguistics courses to participate in the only field testing site hosted by an Oregon university for assessing the scoring accuracy of the state’s 4th, 7th, and 10th grade writing assessments. WOU students participating in this field test workshop will become certified scorers in the ODE writing assessment process. In addition to supporting the ODE with writing assessment, Dr. Paraskevas is a certified program reviewer in writing/linguistics for National Council of Teachers of English and National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Andrea Marcotte, a senior at Madras High School and her father, Mike, join Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the College at a fall Preview Day for prospective students and their families. Andrea is interested in elementary education and occupational therapy. The Marcotte family visit to WOU also gave Mr. Marcotte and Dr. Scheck an opportunity to catch up on old times—they were graduate student colleagues in Kansas in the 70’s.
Dieter Rice and the WOU pep band take a break from playing at WOU’s homecoming football game to pose with Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the College. Mr. Rice, a graduate student in WOU’s Contemporary Music program, is director of the pep band. The pep band plays at home football and basketball games and consists of music majors and students from other disciplines who wish to keep their musical talents engaged.
Professor Yu Jiayou, president of Dalian Polytechnic University in Dalian, China, was on campus to discuss arrangements to have DPU students study art at WOU. President Yu also visited with faculty in the business and computer science divisions. Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Mr. Neng Yang, director of WOU’s Office of International Students and Scholars joined president Yu and professor Kim Hoffman, chair of the art department for a photo outside Campbell Hall, home of the art department and Cannon Art Gallery.
Head coach Arne Ferguson and returning seniors Paul Wright, offensive linesman from Portland, Oregon and Mark Thorson, quarterback from Sandy, Oregon, pose with Dr. Stephen Scheck, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences during summer training camp. The academic programs at WOU work very closely with coaches and athletes to ensure academic success. Indeed, the average GPA and graduation rate of varsity athletes exceeds that of the general student population at WOU. Wright is a health and physical education major with a business minor and Thorson is a physical education major with a health minor. The men and women on WOU’s varsity teams can be found pursuing virtually every major offered in the College.
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences--with its seven academic divisions, multiple laboratories, performing arts studios and robust faculty-student scholarly engagement-- runs a complex budget of over $13 M, annually. Budgetary assistance is provided to the dean by other offices on campus. Joining Dr. Scheck, dean of liberal arts and sciences, are two such valuable individuals, Randy Stockdale (left), director of development for the WOU Foundation and Mark Weiss (right), vice president for finance and administration. The culture at WOU is one of teamwork; professionals such as Stockdale and Weiss enable the college to accomplish much with the funds it receives through tuition, allocations and gifts from alumni and benefactors.
Phase one construction is progressing on schedule in the two-phase Humanities and Social Science building seismic upgrade. Current construction involves enclosing the office wing under-story to stabilize the structure for earthquake safety. When completed, the enclosed space will become the new home for the college's department of communication studies. In addition, the second and third floor offices, housing social science and humanities division faculty and staff, are being upgraded to be more energy and space efficient. Phase two (2009) will involve upgrade work on the classroom wing of the building. Please see earlier postings, below to learn about undergraduate student involvement in the seismic upgrade project.
Dr. Stephen Taylor, associate professor of geology, engages students in his summer Earth Science Field Studies course examining the geomorphology of Oregon river environments. Students participating in the course gain unique insight into the environmental dynamics of Pacific Northwest river systems. Dr. Taylor will also be leading a field class to Mt. Saint Helen’s later this summer. Immersion field courses such as Dr. Taylor's are offered each summer by faculty in the earth sciences and biology departments. Courses can be enrolled in for graduate or undergraduate credit or for noncredit through the division of extended programs.
Kim Jong-gan, mayor of Gimhae, South Korea along with city officials and business representatives from Gimhae toured the WOU campus with Dr. Stephen Scheck, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Randy Stockdale, WOU director of development. The group is posed in front of the campus’ signature Sequoia tree—planted as a seedling by students in 1887. The delegation’s visit complements an earlier visit to Gimhae in 2007 by Salem, Oregon officials; Gimhae and Salem are sister cities. During the visit, Gimhae officials expressed their interest in student exchanges between WOU and schools in Gimhae as well as to invite WOU graduates to spend time in Korea teaching English to Korean students.
Incoming freshmen students Amanda Haskell (Education), Rosa Cortez (Dance), Katelin Wright (Business) and Nathan Miller (Health/Physical Education) pose with WOU PLUS team member Janell Pulido (Biology/Spanish minor) and Dr. Stephen Scheck, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, during one of the 2007 summer freshmen orientation/pre-enrollment sessions. Peer Leaders Understanding Students such as Ms Pulido assist faculty advisors in enrolling students into their coursework for the fall term and serve as big brothers and sisters to incoming freshmen.
Dr. Eduardo M. González-Viaña, Professor of Spanish in the Modern Languages Department and Dr. Stephen Scheck, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, pose with spring 2007 students in the “Building a Bridge” program. Students in González-Viaña’s Hispanic Culture and Civilization: Latin America course spend 3 hours per week tutoring English and coaching members of Hispanic households in daily issues related to consumer competency in English. Since the program’s inception in the mid 1990’s over 900 area families have been matched with WOU students.
Associate Professor of Earth/Physical Sciences Dr. Jeffrey Myers, and Dr. Stephen Scheck, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, pose with seismic documentary team members Alyssa Pratt, Kelsey Young and Laura Fitzgerald. The three undergraduate students are working with Dr. Myers, geotechnical engineer Yumei Wang, and the campus Planning and Construction department to document the FEMA-funded seismic retrofit planning, design and construction project to take place in the Humanities and Social Sciences building through December of 2007.
Neng Yang, Director of International Students and Scholars program, and Dr. Stephen Scheck, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, pose with the Portland Chinese Dancers troupe who performed on campus. WOU has a growing population of international students from across the globe. WOU also has a growing population of students engaging in Study Abroad and International Exchange experiences.
