About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Western Oregon University by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University’s College of Education has been awarded a $650,000 Latinx Student Success Grant from the Oregon Department of Education, to enhance partnerships with Central School District and the communities of Monmouth and Independence, to expand resources and programs for bilingual education.
The grant will facilitate a range of initiatives within Central School District, including:
- Equity-Centered Professional Development: Planning and delivering training for educators to promote equity in the classroom.
- Advisory Board Establishment: Creating a student and family advisory board to ensure community input.
- Peer Mentoring Program: Establishing a mentoring program that pairs high school students with elementary students to foster academic growth and support.
- Community Events: Organizing events that promote literacy, school attendance, and post-secondary education opportunities.
- Coaching in ESOL and Bilingual Education: Providing targeted coaching for educators in English for Speakers of Other Languages and bilingual education.
- Policy Evaluation: Conducting evaluations with the district’s equity team to enhance educational practices and policies.
- MECHA Programming Expansion: MECHA is a Mexican-American student organization that promotes unity and empowerment through civic engagement. It will expand its program to middle schools, promoting cultural awareness and academic success.
- Afterschool Literacy Support: Offering support for afterschool programs focused on literacy development.
- Grow Your Own Multilingual Future Teachers Program: Establishing a program to cultivate future multilingual educators within the community.
- Post-Secondary Connections: Creating peer-tutoring opportunities and connections between MECHA and Latiné college students at Western Oregon University.
Professors Jessica Dougherty, Marie LeJeune, and Mandy Olsen, all co-PI’s who will manage the grant, look forward to collaborating with colleagues and community partners to implement impactful strategies that empower Latiné students. “This grant represents a significant investment in the future of Latiné students in the region and reflects Western's commitment to fostering an inclusive educational environment,” they shared.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University, in collaboration with the Monmouth Business Association will host the 57th annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6, a beloved event that brings joy and unity to campus and the community. This year’s ceremony promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. The lighting of the magnificent 123-foot sequoia tree will mark the beginning of the holiday season, creating a magical atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of the season.
The holiday parade starts at the Monmouth Public Library at 6 p.m. and concludes on Western’s campus in front of the sequoia tree for the lighting. Following the tree lighting, activities will take place in the Werner University Center for all ages such as photos with Santa, cookie decorating, coloring, and the Monmouth Merry craft market (the market opens at 5 p.m.) with over 30 vendors. Abby’s House is also hosting its annual silent auction that evening, where proceeds will support the services they provide to students. These activities have become cherished traditions that create lasting memories for all.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, community members, and the public are all invited to participate in the celebration.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University supports The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Safety Office by administering the required training to become an ODOT-approved driving instructor through the state’s Traffic Safety Education Grant.
“It’s really valuable for WOU to be involved in the program. It’s an opportunity for us to continue providing education with a new group in a different focus area that supports all of Oregon. “ shared Megan McDermeit, traffic safety education program manager at Western.
The grant focuses on different areas within ODOT-TSO including:
- Trainers of Trainers (ToTs) team: This team at Western supervises and coordinates assignments for adult instructors who wish to teach driver education in Oregon.
- Training and mentoring: Western provides training and mentoring to adult instructors to prepare them to teach teen drivers and offer courses and assistance programs in all regions of Oregon.
- Certification and recertification: Western provides certification and recertification for instructors to teach in ODOT-approved driver education programs.
- Annual conference: Western plans and coordinates the annual PacNW Driver and Traffic Safety Conference, which covers various driver education topics.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Building upon Western Oregon University’s success in educating bilingual teachers to serve Oregon’s diverse communities, the university has been awarded a $2 million Workforce Ready Grant by the Oregon Legislature, administered by The Higher Education Coordinating Commission to help train more counselors and behavioral and mental health professionals through June 2026.
Similar to the shortages of teachers and medical providers, there is a severe lack of counselors and behavioral health professionals who can work with clients in both Spanish and English. The program will recruit bilingual undergraduate students, provide them with tuition assistance, and offer opportunities to work with Polk or Marion County in an earn-to-learn setting. Students placed with the counties will work part-time, gaining valuable experience and supervised clinical hours while addressing the acute shortage of counselors in the community.
The program will also support students in Chemeketa Community College’s Behavioral Health program, Western’s Master of Science in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling program, and the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program. The community-based organization Interface Network will assist in recruiting students and helping them overcome barriers that affect their ability to earn their degrees, such as lack of childcare, transportation, and technology.
"As a clinician for 25 years working alongside our Latino community members and other service providers, I know firsthand the benefit of working with clients in their preferred language,” said Carlos Texidor Maldonado, Ph.D., assistant professor in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at Western. “It is thrilling that Oregon, particularly Western Oregon University, is purposefully training more bilingual counselors and behavioral health professionals to meet the increasing needs of our communities."
The program launches in early 2025 and is currently recruiting students. Learn more about the program.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University is committed to supporting veterans as they pursue their educational and career goals. Every year, events and activities celebrate and honor veterans during Veterans Week.
This year, Veterans Week is from November 8 through November 16, and the Veterans Resouce Center is hosting a variety of events with support from other campus organizations. Events throughout the week include a Veterans of Foreign Wars uniform showcase in the Hamersly Library, warrior yoga for students and staff, a veterans breakfast, and the annual Ruck N’ Run 5k.
“We dedicate a week each year to our veterans to create a culture of connectedness across the campus community to promote well-being and success,” shared Director of Veterans Resource Center, Logan Doerfler. “This is an opportunity for our veterans to be honored and for campus partners to support them.”
The Ruck N’ Run 5k is open to the public. Register today.
Saturday, November 16 at 11:30 a.m. Parking Lot R, outside of the Health & Wellness Center at Western Oregon University.
Learn more about the Veterans Resource Center.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
MONMOUTH, Ore. –Western Oregon University is the first public university in Oregon to join the Tri-Alpha honor society specifically for first-generation college students. Nearly 50 percent of Western’s student body identifies as first-generation, making this membership another way the university supports and elevates first-generation students.
Membership benefits include a lifetime membership, outward recognition of personal accomplishment and an incentive for continued high scholarships, opportunities to connect with other first-generation scholars from all academic disciplines on campus and create a supportive environment for first-generation students. It also provides opportunities for students to mentor younger first-generation students and receive mentoring from more senior students, along with professionals who were the first in their families to attend college.
Dana Nunez-Silva, First Generation coordinator at Western, shares that the university joined Tri-Alpha so first-generation students’ achievements could be recognized and elevated more intentionally. She adds that Tri-Alpha provides an intentional space for students to support each other and feel empowered and capable of achieving their academic goals. “Tri-Alpha will help many first-generation students overcome impostor syndrome, a feeling that is very common to the first-gen experience.” Nunez-Silva will also be the advisor for the Tri-Alpha chapter at Western and shares that she is honored and excited to recruit students to join the honor society and begin establishing a new tradition at Western.
About Tri-Alpha:
Alpha Alpha Alpha, or Tri-Alpha, was founded on March 24, 2018, at Moravian College (now Moravian University) in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Over 100 members of the Alpha Chapter were initiated that day, including undergraduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, and honorary members. Following the successful induction, the College took steps to incorporate Alpha Alpha Alpha so that chapters could be started on other campuses across the country. Tri-Alpha exists as a not-for-profit (501(c)3) organization, for the purposes of supporting the activities of the honors society.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / November 6, 2024
Western Oregon University and Unitus Credit Union celebrate Bilingual Scholarship recipients
University Marketing and Communications
Maureen Brakke, 503-838-9329
Brittany Kima, 503-838-8163
Unitus Credit Union
Autumn Foster, afoster@unitusccu.com
MONMOUTH, Ore. – Western Oregon University in partnership with Unitus Credit Union, hosted a reception to celebrate seven Unitus Bilingual Teachers scholarship recipients. In 2022, Unitus Community Credit Union made a $75,000, multi-year commitment to Western Oregon University's Bilingual Teacher Scholars Program to further expand its efforts and fund an additional eight-student cohort. This scholarship aims to foster diversity and inclusivity within the teaching profession.
The following students were recognized as this year’s scholars: Miriam Herrera Hernandez, Maria Guadalupe Salazar, Vanessa Quintero, Alessandra Cervantes Ramirez, Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio, Evelyn Estrada, and Areli Santos Gomez.
“We are excited to celebrate the dedication of our bilingual teachers today. This scholarship not only honors their commitment but also invests in the future of our community,” shares Western’s Dean of the College of Education, Mark Girod, Ph.D. “This partnership with Unitus helps us shape a world where every voice is heard and every student can thrive.”
Unitus Community Credit Union President and CEO, Steven Stapp, addressed the scholars, offering them encouragement as they work toward their goals. "We've been talking about believing in yourself a lot today, you have to have your own belief, your own motivation," said Stapp. "I want you to know that you have many of us that are here supporting you as well. We look forward to following your journeys as you move into the classroom in our local communities."
Nicole Davison León, executive director of the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber and vice chair of the Unitus Community Credit Union board, delivered the keynote address. Davison León draws on her experience as a first-generation Latina to bring a unique set of perspectives to her roles. Her diverse background offers valuable insights that connect and highlight prominent issues affecting often underserved communities.
Two scholars shared their stories and inspiration for pursuing a career in education. Vanessa Quintero reflected on being a scholarship recipient: “It means so much to me to be a bilingual scholar. It helps me continue my education to be a teacher without having to worry about the financial burden.”
Scholar Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio shares: “I’m currently teaching as a bilingual teacher and I am just so thankful to Western and Unitius for supporting my education and my passion. I’m so happy that I am finally in the classroom and educating the future generation.”
Pictured from LTR: Nicole Davison León, Aimee Berg, Maria Guadalupe Salazar, Vanessa Quintero, Keysel Corea-San Ermeterio, Miriam Herrera Hernandez, and Steven Stapp.
###
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 by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
About Unitus Community Credit Union
At Unitus, we’re dedicated to improving lives in the communities we serve. As a member-owned local credit union, we invest in people by doing the right thing. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, we provide support for community groups through volunteerism and financial donations. Our 105,000 members count on us to serve them and their communities; our 300+ employees share that passion for service. Learn about the local impact Unitus makes by visiting unitusccu.com.