Spring 2022

Reforesting the West

Climate change, drought and horrifying wildfires have destroyed millions of forested acres and threaten millions more. Kea Woodruff nurtures the seedlings to replace the trees of the West.

a hand sweeps over the tops of green tree seedlings

Look Up

Isamu Noguchi exploded the boundaries of contemporary art and lived an amazing 20th-century life. One of his best works is at the center of Western’s campus.
A man can be seen in profile against Skyviewing Sculpture an the sky.

Growing community

Western’s Outback Farm celebrates 50 years as a hub of food production and friendship on campus
students working in a chicken coop

Video: Tour the Next-Generation Hall of Science

Tag along on a tour of the new Interdisciplinary Science Building
The concrete, wood and glass surfaces Interdisciplinary Science Building reflect the early morning light.

Keep Talking

The alum who wrote ‘So You Want to Talk About Race’ cherishes Western like an old friend—a friend you can be honest with.
Ijeoma Oluo sits in a modern arm chair, facing the camera

Chocolate, Smuggling and Slavery

A murderous night at sea reveals a somber tale of colonial America in Jared Hardesty’s latest book.
Jared Hardesty smiles for the camera with the steps of Old Main in the background

2022 WWU Alumni Awards

Meet fellow alumni who are making a difference
group photo of Alumni Award recipients

Looking Under Rocks

Geologist Paul Rady has a talent for finding oil and gas beneath the surface. He got his start with a crucial mentorship at Western.
Paul Rady

Alumni Conversations: A Month of Celebration

We welcomed friends back to campus for several events last month.
Kim O'Neill stands for a portrait on the walkway in front of Old Main.

A top national scholarship for student’s brain research

Caitlin Bannister works on computational neuroscience research on Huntington's Disease
Caitlin Bannister sits beneath a tree on campus, a laptop computer in her lap

Western’s Cybersecurity Program gets more funds

The cyber range allows students to practice protecting computer networks from digital attack
dim light glows from a laptop keyboard

Bringing home disaster funds for small businesses

WWU's CJ Seitz made the case that small, rural businesses needed more help to recover
areal view of floods covering much of Sumas

Verónica Vélez receives partnership award from Bellingham schools

Vélez helped develop an ethnic studies curriculum
Verónica Vélez smiles for the camera, flanked by three other smiling people

SEA Discovery Center reopens in Poulsbo

The free public aquarium is home to saltwater denizens of the Salish Sea
The exterior entrance of the SEA Discovery Center

Message from the President: A lesson in looking up

As we struggle with the harmful effects of social isolation, it seems that we could benefit by spending a little more time looking up.
Portrait Sabah Randhawa standing in front of Old Main with red brick and greenery in the background

1996: Coretta Scott King speaks at Western

King spoke to a packed house in Carver Gym
Coretta Scott King sits beside Karen Morse and holds the hand of a person kneeling to talk to King

Class Notes

Carolyn Price - 1977

Class Note

Carolyn Price, B.A., journalism, retired in 2021 after publishing OutdoorsNW magazine for 33 years. Carolyn founded the outdoor recreational publication in 1988 and it became one of the top regional magazines of its kind in the country. She now plays drums in rock and roll bands.

Uluao “Junior” Aumavae - 2010

Class Note

Uluao “Junior” Aumavae, B.A., general studies, became the chief equity officer for the city of Anchorage, Alaska. Aumavae played professional football with the NFL, IFL, and AFL for teams that included the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets, among others. Before working for the city of Anchorage, he served as the Community Outreach specialist for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Alaska as part of Operation Engage. He also worked for the National Football League Player Association, serving as the secretary and vice president. Aumavae also founded Elite Athletic Trend (EAT), a non-profit that works with youth in athletics to develop successful life skills and civic engagement, ensuring communities are vibrant, resilient, and strong.

Laura Fead - 1994

Class Note

Laura Fead, B.A., history and ’96, certificate, recently became the principal of Concrete High School after spending 17 years in Las Vegas area schools.

See all class notes