“My experiences at Western and the individuals I met have inspired me to continue to push my limits. Our world needs individuals shaped by Western values.”
—scholarship recipient Michael Anne Tracy ('16)
Foundation
Why We Give
Student Success
We encourage our alumni and supporters to make waves by supporting our campaign to provide resources and high impact learning experiences that are the key ingredients for student success.
Carver Reopens with Hall of Fame Room
Enjoy WWU Athletics events, see the legacy of Western Vikings, and tour a state-of-the-art educational program in the renovated Carver Academic Facility.
Foundation News
2019 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
The WWU Alumni Association is pleased to recognize 14 alumni, a campus school alumna, and four Athletics Hall of Fame awardees. The following recipients will be honored at the 2019 Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards & Recognition Celebration:
LARRY “GO VIKINGS!” TAYLOR ALUMNI SERVICE AWARD LISA WOLFF SWANSON (’95)
Scan the crowd at a men’s soccer game at Western, and you’re likely to see Lisa Wolff Swanson cheering on the Vikings with her husband Brad. Brad is a former WWU men’s soccer coach, and Lisa is a former Viking women’s soccer player. Lisa is the consummate...
[field_image_alternate]
Newly launched, LGBTQ+ Western under the direction of L.K. Langley (they/them) works to support the holistic thriving of diverse LGBTQ+ students, faculty, and staff at Western. The new office collaboratively engages the university community with education, consultation and resources on topics of sexual orientation and gender identity, practices for inclusion in and beyond the classroom, and opportunities for community building. Today on Giving Tuesday, the Western Foundation is thrilled to announce that LGBTQ+ Western has a new fund to provide extra support and resources for this important...
[field_image_alternate]
The annual Bellingham Leadership Forum brings together local business leaders, community members, WWU alumni and Western faculty, staff and students for an inspiring talk by a prominent business leader. This year’s event held on October 25 featured Alan Mulally, former C.E.O. of the Ford Motor Company. Mulally spoke of his time at both The Boeing Company and his transition to Ford. He described how lean processes encourage collaboration, increase productivity, and establish quality.
The Forum sold out for the 17th consecutive year. This year, more than...
[field_image_alternate]
Awarded through the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity, the Kohlmeier-Mikulencak Scholarship has an important mission: to reward a student who possesses not only strong moral courage, but someone who stands up for an individual or group in the face of great opposition. The ideal recipient is someone who is not afraid to face the consequences of speaking out despite intense pressure to stay silent.
Bernhard Kohlmeier has an intense interest in ensuring that future generations learn the most important lessons from the Holocaust and make a...
Together We Can Achieve Great Things
Western students need your help to be successful. Just as you've had mentors and supporters along your life's path, student success in today's socioeconomic and political landscape requires support from everyone: families, communities, alumni, donors, organizations, businesses and Western. Find out how you can participate in supporting each of the areas and colleges below.
Ed Roddy (’84): A Champion for WWU Athletes
When it comes to Viking Spirit, Ed Roddy walks the talk. Winner of the 2018 Larry “Go Vikings” Taylor Alumni Service Award, Roddy is a tireless champion and the ultimate booster. His involvement in Viking Athletics for the past three decades has been critical to the success of Western students and alumni. He’s a season ticket holder who rarely misses a men’s basketball game, who attends all pre-season and post-season events, and even travels for away games.