Winter 2021

Eight-Legged Neighbors

WWU alum Kathryn Kegel spends her days caring for —and out-smarting—the Giant Pacific Octopus at the Seattle Aquarium

an octopus in an aquarium tank, its tentacles and suckers resting against the glass

New Campus Buildings are Taking Shape

The newest residence hall will be named for Western's first Black student
aerial view of the construction of Western's new residence hall on the Ridge

WWU researchers watch harbor seals as they feast on spawning salmon

'The protection of one species might actually be impacting the ability for another species to recover.'
a seal's head is above water, chomping on a salmon

Be well, when all is not well

Of course you don’t feel right. This is your brain in a pandemic. But you’re not alone, and things will get better.
illustration depicting animals chatting on a video conference call

The Plastics Problem

WWU faculty and students are working to grow a new circular economy out of the plastic trash polluting our oceans
a pile of multi-colored plastic pieces run through a person's hands

Showing Up

Meet a few of the hundreds of essential workers who keep Western’s campus and community running during a pandemic
A man in full-body PPE opens the driver's-side door of a white van

Inside Western’s response to the pandemic

Collaboration, transparency helped keep virus numbers low fall quarter
Sislena Ledbetter

Try This Puzzle

Beat this WWU-themed crossword puzzle for a chance for some Western swag

Western is 100 percent wind-powered

Energy from the wind farm enables Western to reduce its carbon footprint by about a third
Four giant wind turbines sit on a forested mountaintop. For perspective, a truck near the base of one of the three-bladed turbines looks like a tiny toy.

Catch up on the latest insights from virtual events

Don't miss these virtual events with compelling, thought-provoking discussions from the WWU Foundation and Alumni Association
graphic of illustration of coronavirus superimposed on a financial chart

New podcast features the voices of Viking Athletics

Get an inside look at WWU Athletics with a new podcast dedicated to telling the stories of Viking coaches and student-athletes.
Viking Voices Podcast graphic

Message from the President: Finding Hope

This issue is chock full of hope for the future, the importance of planning for it, and finding purpose in laying the groundwork for future discoveries.
Sabah stands in front of Old Main with hands in pockets, wearing a suit and a reserved smile

Alumni Conversations: Memories, Membership, and Making Waves

Our students need us. They need us to demonstrate we’re there for them during one of the most challenging times on our planet.

Class Notes: Erin Wall, '98

Acclaimed opera singer remembered for her opulent voice
Erin Wall performs in an elaborate costume

Class Notes: Jonathan “Nate” Perkins, '10

Perkins was on a team of military doctors who invented a device to protect medical workers from COVID

Class Notes: Ijeoma Oluo, '07

The best-selling author will be the keynote speaker for Western's virtual MLK event
Ijeoma Oluo

Class Notes: Teena Thach, '15

A foodie influencer on TikTok
Teena Thach

Class Notes

Beverly Ann Champers - 1965

Obituary
Beverly Ann Champers, 76, a retired elementary school teacher, on Aug. 15, 2019.

Kathi Williams - 1981

Class Note
Kathi Williams, B.S., biology, is an operating engineer working in Alaska for the International Union of Operating Engineers, running heavy equipment in pipeline maintenance and installation, as well as highway and bridge construction. She also works with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on upgrading power and communication lines.

Charles Arthur “Bud” Davis - 1976

Obituary
Charles Arthur “Bud” Davis, 66, a longtime math, science and driver’s ed teacher and coach, on Feb. 11, 2020.
See all class notes