Kevin Helppie, '79, B.A., music performance, recently retired as professor of music from Western Oregon University and was made professor emeritus after 23 years on the faculty. Now, he’s a voice instructor at Oregon State University and a member of the board of directors of the Eugene Opera. Kevin’s wife, MaryRuth Helppie, B.Mus., music performance, and ’82, cert., music education, also recently retired from a 38- year career as an elementary music specialist, including the last 20 years in the Canby School District near Portland, Oregon. They now enjoy spending more time with their five grandchildren.
Fall 2022
An alum who helped develop a new solar window technology in a lab at Western returns to install the finished product at the Western Gallery
Alum Will Taylor’s book about first love is one of a growing number of LGBTQ+ stories for kids
Canadian Football Hall-of-Famer and alum Orlondo Steinauer knows there are no do-overs in football—or family
The Civic Design Awards celebrate quality design arising from collaboration between architects and their civic clients.
Western’s fall enrollment is showing strong signs of a return to pre-pandemic levels
Erik Fretheim, director of Western’s Cyber Security Program, offers a few tips for the rest of us to keep our data out of the wrong hands
Schermer was recently elected to be a fellow of the American Geological Society
Kim uses social media to share golf advice -- and get more people out on the course
The U.S. Department of Energy has recognized Western’s bachelor’s degree in Energy Science and Technology as a world leader in teaching zero-energy design.
Western has a long tradition of student involvement in campus art, even if they don’t know it.
The Office of Equity bridges two complementary areas, compliance, and community education and development
Americans are becoming desensitized to political violence, Campbell warns in his new book
Pushing beyond our comfort zones can enhance our outlooks
For those of us fortunate to work in higher education, our year begins with the return of thousands of students
The Washington State Legislature recently approved more than $3 million in new spending to support student retention and strengthen Western’s nursing and cyber-security programs
Class Notes
MaryRuth Helppie - 1980
Class Notes (General)
Michael F. Adams - 1988
Obituaries
Michael F. Adams, 59, a conservationist, ethical shellfish farmer, and former commissioner for the Bainbridge Fire Department, on July 4, 2022.
Thomas Hunter - 2016
Class Notes (General)
Thomas Hunter, B.A., environmental policy, became the assistant city manager of Pflugerville, Texas, northeast of Austin. Previously, he was director of Public Works and Utilities for the city of Port Angeles.