University Foundation

Why We Give

photo of Hacherl Research and Writing Studio

Impact: Hacherl Research & Writing Studio

The Hacherl Research & Writing Studio was made possible through the generosity of Cindy and Don Hacherl, and their son, Adam.

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.

“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 News

2018 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI

The WWU Alumni Association is pleased to recognize 15 alumni, a campus school alumna, and five Athletics Hall of Fame awardees. The following recipients will be honored at the 2018 Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards & Recognition Celebration: Ed RoddyLarry “Go Vikings” Taylor Alumni Service Award Ed Roddy ('84) Business Services Loan Officer, Certified Financial Planner, WECU When it comes to Viking Spirit, Ed Roddy walks the talk. His involvement in Viking athletics for the past three decades has been critical to the success of Western students and alumni. Roddy didn’...

[field_image_alternate] Hoku Rivera

Now More Than Ever: The Kohlmeier-Mikulencak...

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...

[field_image_alternate] Steve Herrick (l) and Sean O’Loughlin (r)

WWU alumnus and former music professor “Papa” Steve...

WWU alumnus Steve Herrick, nicknamed “Papa Steve” by his adoring students, is a Whatcom legend. In his 44 years of teaching at Lynden High School he has shepherded students past the honk and squawk of practice to find tone, style, and rhythm, creating memorable performances and a lifelong love of music. Steve Herrick and Sean O’Loughlin Herrick got his start in teaching music at WWU. His father, Jack Herrick, was a WWU alumnus who taught in the Bellingham school district. Even then, Herrick knew his real love was high school band. “Seems as though I always wanted to be a high school band...

[field_image_alternate] Wicholas and his scholarship recipients

Formula for the Future—Endowment Supports Chemistry...

Mark Wicholas (1940-2017) Reshaping the Landscape of Chemistry at WWU Mark Wicholas (1940-2017)Recently deceased professor emeritus of Chemistry Mark Wicholas dedicated his years teaching and as chair of the chemistry department to ensuring that students and new faculty had adequate funding for research and research-related travel. Wicholas joined the faculty in 1967 before student research was a part of the academic experience at Western. He shifted the chemistry curriculum from strictly on-campus classroom and lab focus to travel, research, and professional development, effectively engaging...

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.

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Photo of WWU Women's soccer team winning the Division II cup.

WWU Athletics

Photo of line and bar graphs to represent CBE

College of Business and Economics

College of Fine & Performing Arts

College of Science and Engineering

Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies

Photo of the Environmental Science Building

Huxley College of the Environment

Western Libraries

Woodring College of Education

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.