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Written by Maureen Brakke Pictured: Earth and Environmental Science students in action on a spring volcanology field trip with Dr. Templeton. MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Earth and Environmental Science program recently secured a three-year GEOPAths (Pathways into the Geosciences – Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric Sciences) grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education (RISE) for approximately $420,000.  This funding aims to bolster undergraduate engagement in the field through a multifaceted approach encompassing course-based training, service learning, and skill development. Spearheaded by Co-Principal Investigators Geology Professors Steve Taylor and Jeff Templeton, the project centers on the vital theme of water in the environment. At its core, the initiative seeks to establish a robust Geo-STEM learning ecosystem, forging partnerships with governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and regional employers. Together, they aim to foster earth science literacy, tackle local environmental challenges, and inspire diverse student populations to pursue careers in geosciences. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the project places a strong emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups such as minorities, females, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students. By providing tailored support, including scholarships, the project aims to cultivate learning cohorts, work-based experiences, and mentorship opportunities that empower students and enhance their sense of belonging in the field. “The GEOPAths NSF award to the Earth and Environmental Science program will provide invaluable resources to support student success in the STEM disciplines at WOU,” said Steve Taylor, Ph.D., professor of geology and chair of the Division of National Sciences and Mathematics.  The majority of grant funds are dedicated to direct student support in the form of scholarships and...

Written by David Beasley, Ph. D. MONMOUTH, Ore. Western Oregon University is pleased to announce the 38th Annual Wolves Athletics Auction presented by Oregon State Credit Union will be held on Saturday, June 1.  The Wolves Athletic Auction is the premiere fundraiser for Wolves Athletics, helping to support the over 440 student-athletes across 14 men’s and women’s NCAA Division II teams and cheer. “The Wolves Athletic Auction is important because it is the biggest fundraiser of the year for Wolves Athletics,” says Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randi Lydum. “It has become a tradition at the university and in the community, and it brings alumni and friends of Wolves Athletics together to support all of our student-athletes.” Western senior Women’s Soccer standout Hannah Rispler will once again serve as the master of ceremonies for the evening, and alumna and former Volleyball and Track & Field standout Samantha Moore is the evening’s featured speaker.  All proceeds from the evening go towards student-athlete scholarships, Wolves team equipment, and team programs. “The impact of the auction is immeasurable and makes a big difference in the lives of all WOU student-athletes,” says senior Women’s Soccer star Hannah Rispler. “The auction not only provides scholarships for student-athletes that make our education possible but proceeds also support other team needs that benefit all student-athletes.” Attendees will have the opportunity to bid on dozens of high-quality items and experiences at the live and silent auctions. Additional elements of the event include a catered dinner with beer from Parallel 45 and wine from Eola Hills Winery, a curated wine wall, and a raffle. The auction is presented...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is proud to highlight the accomplishments of alum Justin Martin ‘96, a business owner and lobbyist. Martin received his bachelor’s in public policy and administration from Western, which helped him achieve career success. While at Western, Martin took advantage of internships, leading him to pursue a career in government. These opportunities confirmed that majoring in public policy and administration was the right step for him. Whether it was state, local, or tribal government, he knew he had found his calling. “I’m proud of the fact that I’ve been able to lobby for my tribe, The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, for the last 28 years,” shared Martin. “My grandfather is a big part of it. He was on the tribal council early in my career. I also own a vintage guitar store and even though that’s music-related and not government-related, I’ve still been able to use what I learned at Western to help me on the business side of it.”  Martin is currently the owner of Perseverance Strategies, a small government relations firm, and the owner of Guitar Castle, a vintage guitar store located in Salem. When Martin graduated from Western, he left prepared for his career because of the experience he received during his internships. Martin was a non-traditional student who attended college after being in the workforce and credits Western’s guidance for helping him focus on what he was passionate about. The flexible curriculum allowed him the opportunity to be successful in his current career path. Learn more about Justin Martin’s success story ### About Western Oregon University Western Oregon University,...

Written by Maureen Brakke Pictured left to right: student panelist Moises Leal Zepeda, Brenda Rocio Martinez, America Joselyne Salazar Nava, Andy Rincon, and moderator Ricardo Lujan Valerio at the 2024 HSI Summit MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University announces its latest Hispanic student enrollment figures. As of fall 2023, 25.2 percent of Western’s full-time equivalent undergraduate students and 24.1 percent of all Western students (both graduate and undergraduate) identify as Latino/a/e. Western is the first four-year public Oregon institution to achieve these numbers, bringing it closer to becoming eligible to obtain an official Hispanic Serving Institution designation. Achieving official designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution requires Western to maintain a minimum enrollment of 25 percent full-time equivalent undergraduate students for three consecutive academic years and maintain the same percentage at the end of the award year immediately preceding the application date to become an official HSI. There are additional criteria that higher education institutions must meet in order to become an HSI, some of which Western has met and some of which are ongoing. Attaining official HSI status will provide Western opportunities to apply for Title V federal grants to expand and enhance academic offerings, program quality, and student services. “As we look towards becoming an official Hispanic-Serving Institution, we recognize the significance of our role in empowering Latiné students and fostering their academic success,” said President Jesse Peters. “Our commitment to serve all of our students extends beyond the classroom, as we strive to create an inclusive environment that values their unique perspectives, stories, and cultures. Together, we provide a personalized learning community where individuals experience a deep...

Photo: Cristian Mendez Garcia Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University recently added a new position of Assistant Director of Hispanic Serving Institution Initiatives in its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to support efforts to become a Hispanic-Serving Institution. After a search, Cristian Mendez Garcia has been selected for this role and officially started on April 22.  Mendez Garcia’s journey began in the early 1990s when he immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico, settling in the Monmouth-Independence community. His educational path led him to Western, where he pursued his passion for art, graduating with a degree in graphic design and fine art photography. As the son of migrant workers, Mendez Garcia deeply appreciates the transformative power of higher education in opening doors to a brighter future. Drawing from his own experiences, he has dedicated his career to advancing opportunities for others. With a wealth of experience in the business sector, Mendez Garcia served as a business operations manager for T-Mobile, honing his skills in strategic planning and project management. In addition, he played a pivotal role as the Chapter Chair for T-Mobile’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts in the Oregon region, demonstrating his commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture. His dedication to Western extends beyond the classroom and workplace. Mendez Garcia has served on the WOU Foundation board and most recently held the position of Trustee member on the Western Oregon University Board of Trustees, where he continues to champion initiatives aimed at enhancing the university’s mission and impact. “I am incredibly thrilled to continue my work with Western Oregon University and am proud of...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University received a five-year grant from the US Department of Education through the Office of English Language Acquisition’s program Project PROMISE, which provides professional development for teachers both in-service and pre-service, to support multicultural and multilingual student learners.  “I’m hopeful in the ways this grant affords the capacity to build a network across Oregon that can be informed advocates, educators, and impact instruction for multilingual learners in schools,” shared Kristen Pratt, Ph.D., one of the principal investigators of the grant. “The idea of equipping the students who come through our program with the tools they need to be effective educators for multilingual learners students and families is really powerful.” The first component is pre-service teacher support, which offers scholarships and mentoring to current undergraduate students majoring in education and receiving an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) endorsement at Western. The second component, in-service ESOL teacher support, targets current teachers working in dual-language early elementary school settings who do not possess an ESOL endorsement.   Curriculum development is also a component, involving revising the current curriculum to be culturally sustaining, ensuring it reflects the diverse experiences and backgrounds of the students. The home-school connections are also a part of this, which includes partnerships with the Salem-Keizer School District and Hillsboro School District.  Mentorship also plays a large role. Current teachers who have completed the program are paired with pre-service students to offer guidance and support. They also participate in a leadership and mentoring graduate seminar, where they complete coursework and engage in relevant readings. “The most exciting thing about this grant is the ability...

Written by Maureen Brakke MONMOUTH, Ore. – The Western Oregon University Board of Trustees convened on April 16 and 17 to consider and approve several items, including the tuition & fees for the 2024-25 academic year. The Tuition Advisory Committee, which includes students, staff, and faculty, submitted a proposed five percent tuition increase, which was accepted by President Jesse Peters and presented to the Board of Trustees on April 17. The trustees approved the five percent increase to resident undergraduate tuition and a 4.86 percent increase to nonresident undergraduate tuition. Graduate tuition will increase by five percent, and is assessed at the same rate regardless of residency. Summer 2024 tuition rates are included at the same rates as the 2024-25 academic year. “We firmly believe that higher education should be accessible to all, and affordability is a cornerstone of our mission,” shares Board of Trustee Chair Betty Komp. “While a slight increase was necessary, it enables us to continue delivering quality education and support to our students, ensuring their success and fulfillment throughout their academic journey.” Western Oregon University remains among the most affordable public higher education institutions in Oregon, offering the second-lowest tuition rate in the state. Western is also a member of the Western Undergraduate Exchange, the largest regional interstate tuition savings program, where students from participating states can attend Western and pay no more than 150 percent of the in-state resident tuition rate.  “Students choose Western because it’s a special place. We take pride in offering students a tailored educational experience, fostering a sense of belonging, and delivering quality support services,” said President Jesse Peters. “We...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University’s men’s and women’s+ rugby clubs have qualified for the Rugby 7s Collegiate National Championships.  This is the first time both teams qualified in the same year, and the first time Western’s women’s+ team has made it to the Rugby 7s national championships. The national tournament will be held in Boyds, Maryland between  April 26 – 28.  To assist with travel costs, both teams are holding the following fundraisers.  In-person fundraisers:  Friday, April 12, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.,  stop by the Werner University  Center on Western’s campus to purchase a Western Rugby t-shirt, hoodie, sweat pants, or Rugby ball. All forms of payment are accepted. Due to construction, please check out our updated parking routes. Sunday, April 14, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., stop by Les Swab in Independence for a $15 car cleaning. All forms of payment are accepted. Online fundraisers: 50 percent of popcorn proceeds go to the women’s+ rugby club. Donate to the women’s+ rugby club Donate to the men’s rugby club Western is currently the only institution across all divisions to have both men’s and women’s+ teams qualify this year. ### About Western Oregon University Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University student Caiden Madzelan is a first-year majoring in exercise science and has competed on the hit show, American Ninja Warrior, three times at 19. American Ninja Warrior is a competition show where elite athletes compete on the world’s most difficult obstacle courses. In the newest season, athletes compete in new, leveled-up stages, including a never-before-seen pole vault, the tallest-ever Mega Wall, and thrilling head-to-head races. Madzelan was in fourth grade when he was inspired by his father’s CrossFit coach, who applied for the show. In middle school, they announced their inaugural season ANW Junior and he applied. He placed in the semi-finalists at the age of 13. The age limit for ANW was lowered from 21 to 15 during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he competed in his first adult season.  “There are other ninja warrior leagues that are not affiliated with the show all around the country. I compete in these all the time,” shared Madzelan. “In my last completion, which was a month ago, I placed first. It fills my cup up to compete in these leagues when I’m not competing on the show.” Madzelan competes in the World Ninja League during his off-season. His goal is to become a physical education teacher and eventually open his own ninja warrior gym for other athletes to train. Ninja warrior gyms have obstacle courses similar to the show, where athletes can train and practice.   ### About Western Oregon University Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA...

MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University will host the third annual Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Summit on April 26, 2024. This year’s summit will focus on what it means to truly serve students. Following the previous two years, this summit will continue to invite state and national partners along with university and greater community members to share ideas and best-practices. “I’m so excited to see Western host our third annual HSI Summit. Participation has grown every year, and that reflects the commitment leaders on campus, and throughout the state, in serving Latiné students,”  shared President Jesse Peters. “This is a time for us to bring collective voices to the table and have good conversations with our partners. Together we work better; in community we are stronger.” Western is an emerging Hispanic Serving Institution. A goal of hosting these summits is to bring together the campus, the community, and both regional and national partners to discuss what it means to become an HSI and why it is so critically important to the success of students and the greater community. Dominique Vargas, Western’s executive director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, is leading the summit planning team. “I’ve been working at Western for almost two years, and it is clear that we are committed to growth and development for our students and as a university. We are working to become a serving institution, and our best and strongest path toward servingness is to engage our entire community.”  This year’s summit will feature two keynote presenters, Patrick L Valdez, Ph. D., and Marissa Vasquez, Ph. D. Valdez will focus on the history, policy,...