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Watch Sislena's message video (1 minute)Dear Friends of Western,Looking back on my own journey as a student, I know without a doubt that scholarships…
Western Washington University’s Sustainability Pathways program has received a $280,000 grant from the Washington Climate Corps Network (WCCN).…
As Director of Archives and Special Collections at Western Libraries, Elizabeth "Beth" Joffrion has spent her life safeguarding cultural memory. With…
Meet Emi Neal, an Environmental Science Major from Duvall, WA. Emi has been in Antarctica performing a research project on snow algae. She is…
Introducing Re-Gown It! — WWU's Graduation Gown Donation Program, designed to help make graduation more affordable and sustainable by giving gowns a…
Business leader and conservationist Jerry Masters makes a landmark gift to create a new endowment for the Salish Sea Institute at Western.
Meet Bella McDermott, an Industrial Design major from Richland, WA. Bella came to WWU for the great Industrial Design program and WWU also happens to…
Meet McKenzie Harris, a current psychology major with a minor in environmental studies. McKenzie is originally from Bend, Oregon and is planning on…
Meet Connor Haines, a Computer Science major in his second year at WWU. In his free time, Connor enjoys hiking the arboretum. Connors professional…
Industrial Design program's 30th annual ReMade project debuts May 30 at Ideal in downtown Bellingham
Meet Matthew Cromwell, a Business Administration major from Sammamish, WA. After graduation, Matthew will be moving to San Francisco to work in…
Lesivya Elsayed is an International Business student from Cairo, Egypt. Lesivya aspires to pursue international corporate law and be a lawyer,…
Meet Sophia Maynard, a Political Science student from Tallahassee, Florida. Sophia hosts a weekend radio show on campus with KUGS, and in her future…
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni is pleased to announce our four winners of the WWU Alumni Awards. These awardees were chosen from a community-…
Meet Ainsley Allen, a second year Elementary Education student from Stanwood, WA. Ainsley is studying to be a 3rd grade teacher, where she wants to…
How did WWU prepare you for your career?I spent three years at WWU, first completing my master’s in music education, then completing the coursework…
Lynden is a marine and coastal science major from Arizona. In the future, he hopes to work in marine conservation with a focus on orcas. He’s…
Geckos, skinks, iguanas—when we look at lizards, we may not see more than scales and legs and a tail, but when 2007 Distinguished Alumnus Laurie Vitt…
Meet Ally! They are an environmental science major from Shoreline, WA. They were drawn to WWU for the location and research labs on campus.…
On Thursday, January 30, the College Promise Coalition, public two- and four-year trustees, student organizations, labor representatives, and other…
Comedian and comedy show producer Travis Sherer ('05) got his start in comedy at WWU, taking in shows in Vancouver. He was inspired by the folks he…
OPINION: Why investing in WWU’s Poulsbo campus is a key to the region's growth
Marshall Van Beurden is the Chief Technology Officer at myTomorrows, a global healthcare technology company based in Amsterdam specializing in…
Late in life, Joyce Feldmiller reflected on her accomplishments and joys, fondly remembering the friends she made and the scholarship support that…
Ethan Huynh graduated from Western in 2023 having just co-led the WWU Cheerleading team to the national USA Collegiate National Championships in…
WWU Advancement wins CASE District VIII awardsCASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) District VIII, which represents the Pacific…
It’s a serrated knife, it’s a ruler, it’s a wire-stripper, it’s a scoring tip, a screwdriver, a bike spoke key, a file, a wrench, a lid opener—heck,…
Exciting news: the WWU Alumni Award Nominations for 2025 are live! Do you know of a WWU alum who is doing amazing work in their field,…
When you’re 15 years old, a college campus—even one as welcoming and beautiful as Western—can be intimidating. But when Andrew Kositsky (’04)…
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni and Career Services teamed up to bring students and alumni Ask A Viking, a tool that facilitates mentorship and…
Michael Pittis, a 1968 WWU alumnus and long-time supporter of Western, has recently designated a significant portion of his IRA to The Foundation for…
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni is pleased to announce our five winners of the WWU Alumni Awards. These awardees were chosen from a community-…
Meet Minh Tran! A psychology major from Renton, Minh hopes to get her Psy.D and become a clinical psychologist one day. Until then, she is enjoying…
Creative writing major Diego Cardenas dreams of crafting stories that make a positive change in the world.
Why did you choose Western?
The…
Recipients represent Western in their field, their community, or among their peers
Check out this video to watch the The Muljat Group and WWU announce "Western Welcomes Home"The Muljat Group and The Foundation for WWU & Alumni…
Otto came to Western from Purdue in 2004 to chair the Biology Department and helmed the department until she retired in 2016
A brainy timber heiress with a passion for sculpture, Virginia Wright brought some of the nation’s best contemporary artists to Western’s Sculpture…
McKenzie Harris of Bend OR is a psychology major and environmental studies minor.
Why did you choose Western?
When looking into colleges, I was…
On Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Western Washington community will say farewell to June Fraser Thistle as she transitions into retirement.
Who is June you…
Ashlynn is a second-year at WWU who is expected to graduate in 2026. She’s a double-major in creative writing and women, gender, and sexuality…
Julann Spromberg learned to love nature on her family farm, and learned to be a scientist at Western
Ben Bagley (’22) honed his craft in sports journalism by broadcasting games at WWU and by majoring in journalism with a public relations…
Alum Paul Merriman shares a lifetime of financial knowledge with WWU students and the community
The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction has unveiled the list of 20 outstanding finalists for the Holcim Awards 2023 competition, and…
By Frances Badgett
The first in his family to go to college, WWU Accounting alumnus Justin Gruba (’07) didn’t really intend on being a mascot for…
The WWU Foundation and WWU Alumni Association are now a single organization.
Following 18 months of planning, a unanimous vote of the Alumni…
The friendly, knowledgeable face behind the Bellingham Bells is WWU alumna Stephanie Morrell. Join us on June 13 and you might catch a glimpse of…
Melinda Assink, executive assistant to the Provost, takes a very supportive and personal approach to WWU Give Day every year—she asks the student…
Alumni Spotlight: Terry Clayton
Alumnus Terry Clayton is the an author and teacher who excelled at athletics and student leadership. His book Facing…
Graduate student Anna Cortines graduated from Western in Spring ’22 with a BA in accounting. She is currently working on her Master of Professional…
By Frances Badgett
When WWU geology graduate student Emily Smoot plans a field trip for high school students, she knows one of the most important…
Meet Morgan Whitt, a WWU sophomore planning to graduate in 2025. Morgan hails from sunny San Diego and she is currently studying environmental…
Over the past many years WECU's impact on Western has been transformational. Last night at the WWU women's basketball game, we recognized WECU…
Meet Tyanin Opdahl! Olympia native Tyanin plans to graduate in Fall 2026 with her masters in computer science. She is receiving her bachelors in…
Meet Hank! Montlake Terrace native Henry Belanger, or “Hank” as he’s called, is an Environmental Studies major with an emphasis on policy and a GIS…
By Frances Badgett
When she died in 2017, beloved coach and gifted athlete Susan Joy Stevens left behind a warm family, grieving students, many…
In 2016, Olympia High School student Petra McDonnell-Ingoglia was having a rough time. Her parents divorced, she lost an important friendship,…
Hi! I’m Milo Campbell and I’m a sophomore planning to graduate in 2025. I’m double majoring in Studio Art and Communication Sciences and Disorders.…
Hi, I’m Ellie Potts!
(she/her)
I recently started my Masters in Business Administration at Western and I will be graduating in Fall 2023. I…
By Frances Badgett
When considering colleges to attend, Montana native Sealey Raymond ('23) knew a few things: she wanted to attend college in…
By Frances Badgett
Michou Yenokida began teaching older adults enrolled in lifelong learning courses in southern California in 2007. A self-…
By Frances Badgett
Attorney Scott Missall (’75) majored in philosophy and political science at Western. Not only did he enjoy his time at Western,…
As with so many accomplished musicians, Dario Ré found the inspiration for his music both on campus and out in the greater Bellingham community.…
Yara Clark, '22
Since the beginning of 2020 our world has seen a series of changes that have introduced unprecedented challenge along with new…
On WWU Give Day, your gift helps students like David Cummins.
A biochemistry major, David grew up in a chaotic household. He never thought…
By Frances Badgett
The WWU Give Day, support your favorite club, the backbone of the Western experience.
Health and Human Services major Jade…
By Frances Badgett
Your gift this WWU Give Day will support students like Juliana Covarrubias.
When Juliana came to Western, she loved the…
by Frances Badgett
Richland-born Nate Jo attended Hanford High School after years of homeschooling, and immediately ran for a leadership position in…
Karlee Deatherage ('13) is passionate about protecting the environment and planning for a more sustainable world. She majored in planning and…
Kristen Deptula (’06) is the co-owner of Canalside Inn (https://thecanalsideinn.com), a dog-friendly inn located in Rehoboth Beach, DE. Kristen…
Jordyn Berg (’16) turned a successful undergraduate experience into a career. She majored in English and creative writing and minored in writing…
by Frances Badgett
When Pasadena-born business major Megan Alle (’21) attended the Double Major: Death Cab for Cutie and ODESZA concert at Civic…
by Frances Badgett
Seattle attorney Jeff Frank has worked in commercial, construction, and real estate litigation for more than 30 years. He is…
by Frances Badgett
Tucked at the foot of Sehome Arboretum amid the buzz of honeybees and the cluck of chickens lies the Outback Farm: five acres of…
Alaska native Megan Lau’s path from Western to winning the 4 Under 40 Award from the American Marketing Association this year is a fascinating one.…
by Frances Badgett
Two years ago, Boise native Elise Batten (industrial design, 2024) was looking for a college that reflected her values and would…
Paul Merriman sold his investment advisory firm and retired in 2012, but he is still a go-to source for advice about investing, regardless of whether…
Joseph Liston ’95 majored in East Asian Studies and Mandarin Chinese at Western. He currently works for an information security company managing and…
In our ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT SERIES meet Sean Jones ’00 who majored in general studies and focused his studies in sociology and English. Jones manages a…
Ali LeRoy ('10) was a journalism major with a public relations focus. She is now the senior marketing and communications manager for Lifelong.…
Meet alumnus David Katsandres ’18!
Katsandres was a computer science major at Western.
“I loved my time in the computer science department at…
Meet alumna Gabrielle Kazuko ’10! Gabrielle studied news-editorial journalism and dance. At Western, her fierce journalism professor Carolyn Nielsen…
Kim O'Neill hired as the new vice president for University Advancement and CEO of the WWU Foundation
Dear WWU Community,
Following a nationwide search, I am pleased to announce that Kim O’Neill will join Western Washington University as our new Vice…
By Frances Badgett
Zoe Evans-Agnew (’21), Outstanding Graduate in Honors and behavioral neuroscience major, came to Western for the diversity of…
By Frances Badgett
(Oluchi uses ze, zim, zis gender non-conforming pronouns)
When Ebonezé “Ebon” Oluchi wrote zis letter of intent when…
By Frances Badgett
When Aliki Valdes transferred into Western from Whatcom Community College, she knew she was interested in biology—she had enjoyed…
By Frances Badgett
It almost didn’t happen. Biology professor Dave Hooper was out on a run when he saw a friend, Dr. Greg Wolgamot, a pathologist at…
By Frances Badgett
When Karen Rockwell considered a gift to Western that would benefit students, she thought of her parents, Benita and Larry Offutt…
by Frances Badgett
Rukhsar Sadat was born in Afghanistan, a country torn apart by war due to Western imperialism. Her Shia Muslim family was…
by Frances Badgett
Huxley alumnus Woody Wheeler (’76) and his wife Lori Cohen have dedicated their lives to environmental protection and…
by Frances Badgett
Dale Durrwachter (’62) is deeply grateful for the success he achieved in the field of education. The retired educator is…
By Yara Clark (’21)
Camp Korey is a year-round camp for youth with life-altering medical conditions. Named for Korey Rose, a teen who lost his…
We Got This America! Meet the CEO and Western Alumnus Who’s Changing the World One T-Shirt at a Time
By Yara Clark (’22)
Brist Manufacturing designs and manufactures apparel for companies and brands around the world. What makes this local,…
The Pacific Northwest has always been my home. I love the rainy weather, the scenic Puget Sound, the proud mountains, and the beautiful woods. I grew…
This year, thanks to the Western Foundation’s Student Ambassador Scholarship, third-year student Tatum Buss was able to work as an intern for her…
Following two decades as Western Washington University’s Vice President of University Advancement and President and CEO of the WWU Foundation …
WWU President Sabah Randhawa has issued a video titled "A Statement of Solidarity and Action" as a message of support for Western's…
Dear Western Community,
In the midst of this pandemic, as we all struggle with loss and fear, we have seen the disproportionate impact of the virus…
Edward Rippe (’11) chose to attend Western the first time he set foot on campus. Nine years later, as a practicing emergency room physician in…
When Western sent a request for donations to the Student Emergency Fund, Paula Rippe answered with her characteristic warmth and enthusiasm. When she…
Dear Alumni and Friends, As we continue to greet uncertainty with courage and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Western Wednesday seemed…
The Pacific Northwest has always been my home. I love the rainy weather, the scenic Puget Sound, the proud mountains, and the beautiful woods. I grew…
Dear members of the Western Family,
As you know by now, last week we announced that all classes and instruction will be offered remotely throughout…
Dear Friends of Western,
I hope this message finds you well. During this remarkable time for our state, our nation, and the world, I am reaching out…
A $10 million gift from Fred Kaiser and Grace Borsari will support “Building Washington’s Future" a campaign to raise $20 million for a new…
This year, thanks to the Western Foundation’s Student Ambassador Scholarship, third-year student Tatum Buss was able to work as an intern for…
The WWU Alumni Association, AS Productions, and AEG Presents are presenting Double Major: Death Cab for Cutie and ODESZA on May 18 during WWU Alumni…
Fairhaven College alumnus Jordan Riber (’04) has been on a long journey from Zimbabwe to Tanzania to Fairhaven back to Tanzania back to Bellingham,…
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…
Recently deceased professor emeritus of Chemistry Mark Wicholas dedicated his years teaching and as chair of the chemistry department to ensuring…
Western Washington University alumnus and Oscar winner TJ Martin won an Emmy Saturday for his National Geographic documentary “LA 92.”Martin, a…
Ruben Van Kempen (’92) was settling into retirement after a career of teaching theater at Roosevelt High School in Seattle. He directed a production…
As a recent Western grad, Ty Minton-Small (’11) responded to a Craigslist ad from a production company asking for someone to shoot video. Little did…
Theater has been a treasured part of WWU alumnus Bryce Hamilton’s (’01) life since he was in grade school. Bryce acted in live theater continuously…
When it comes to Viking Spirit, Ed Roddy walks the talk. Winner of the 2018 Larry “Go Vikings” Taylor Alumni Service Award, Roddy…
The WWU Alumni Association is pleased to recognize 15 alumni, a campus school alumna, and five Athletics Hall of Fame awardees. The following…
Western Washington University honored the 2017 Distinguished Alumni & Recognition Award recipients on May 18 to kick off Western’s…
Children attending Bellingham’s most diverse and lowest-income elementary schools (Alderwood and Cordata) get to participate in free after-school…
Western students who identify as former foster youth or as unaccompanied homeless youth are getting additional support over the next three years…
Awarded through the Ray Wolpow Institute for the Study of the Holocaust, Genocide, and Crimes Against Humanity, the Kohlmeier-Mikulencak Scholarship…
Hardworking and up for a challenge, WWU alumna Lauren Hoffmann (’18) grew up wanting to become a professional musician, but a knack for science and…
Supported by a $25,000 grant that the Rose Foundation awarded WWU Foundation in December 2018, Associate Professor Jenise Bauman is making a…