Steve Valandra, B.A., journalism, retired in 2021 after 40 years of work, first as a reporter and editor at the Friday Harbor Journal, Bellingham Herald and the Salem Statesman‐Journal, then as a communications professional for several state agencies. He served as director of communications at the departments of General Administration and Enterprise Services and finished his career as deputy commissioner of Public Affairs for the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Steve now splits his time between homes in Olympia and Porto, Portugal.
Spring 2023
If you want to catch a crook, sometimes you have to think like one—just ask Western’s cybersecurity students.
WWU students and faculty are showing how plastic beach trash can be put to good use somewhere else.
This gorgeous peak in southern Alaska could be one of the nation’s most dangerous volcanoes. WWU geologists are looking for clues before disaster strikes.
WWU’s Tesla Monson may have found the key to one of evolution’s great mysteries right under our noses.
Facing climate change will be the job of people in many fields.
Western hosts the U.S. Holocaust Museum's Joseph and Rebecca Meyerhoff Annual Lecture
Undergrads working on research alongside world-class faculty mentors is one of Western’s top selling points.
Tag along with AS Outdoor Center trip leaders for a late-winter paddle on the Skagit River.
Wax from marine algae may replace petroleum and animal products in cosmetics
Bowe will work with partners at Palestinian universities on journalism curriculum design, academic research and writing.
Hatch's work combines mainstream science and ancestral knowledge
The partnerships mean more opportunities for undergrads
Introducing the Foundation for Western Washington University and Alumni
Class Notes
Steve Valandra - 1980
Class Notes (General)
Brian Ogolsky - 2002
Class Notes (General)
Brian Ogolsky, B.A. psychology, was promoted to full professor of Human Development and Family Studies at the
University of Illinois Urbana‐Champaign. He was also named University Scholar for distinguished contributions to
research, teaching, and service. Brian is the department's director of graduate programs and leads the H.E.A.R.T. Lab (Healthy Experiences Across Relationship Transitions), which explores how romantic relationships change over time. He was recently selected to co-chair the 2026 National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference.
Carolyn Sue Urban - 1994
Obituaries
Carolyn Sue Urban, 85, on Feb. 1, 2023, in Borrego Springs, California.