2019 Children’s Literature Conference
Bellingham, WA
February 23
Alumni Association
Alumni News
Fairhaven College alumnus Jordan Riber (’04) has been on a long journey from Zimbabwe to Tanzania to Fairhaven back to Tanzania back to Bellingham, collecting stories and telling them in the way his parents taught him—on film. “My mother edited on a Steenbeck in the living room when I was a kid.”...
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The WWU Alumni Association is pleased to recognize 15 alumni, a campus school alumna, and five Athletics Hall of Fame awardees. The following recipients will be honored at the 2018 Annual Distinguished Alumni Awards & Recognition Celebration:
Larry “Go Vikings” Taylor Alumni Service Award Ed Roddy ('84)
Business Services Loan Officer, Certified Financial Planner, WECU
When it comes to Viking Spirit, Ed Roddy walks the talk. His involvement in Viking athletics for the past three decades has been critical to the success of Western students and alumni. Roddy didn’t participate...
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WWU alumnus Steve Herrick, nicknamed “Papa Steve” by his adoring students, is a Whatcom legend. In his 44 years of teaching at Lynden High School, he has shepherded students past the honk and squawk of practice to find tone, style, and rhythm, creating memorable performances and a lifelong love of music.
Steve Herrick and Sean O’Loughlin
Herrick got his start teaching music at WWU, but even then he knew his real love was high school band. “Seems as though I always wanted to be a high school band director. I had made that decision by the third grade and worked toward that end from...
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Dr. Mark Wicholas (1940-2017) Recently deceased professor emeritus of Chemistry Mark Wicholas dedicated his years teaching and as chair of the chemistry department to ensuring that students and new faculty had adequate funding for research and research-related travel. Wicholas joined the faculty in 1967 before student research was a part of the academic experience at Western. He shifted the chemistry curriculum from strictly on-campus classroom and lab focus to travel, research, and professional development, effectively engaging students in what was then considered post-graduate pursuits....
Programs & Benefits
“My time at WWU not only prepared me for my career but it exposed me to so many other opportunities in life. Having a lifelong connection to the Western community has enriched and enhanced my intellectual growth.”
—Kane Hall (’00), CEO Daylight Properties
—Kane Hall (’00), CEO Daylight Properties
Our Stars Don't Shine Alone
From the summit of Mount Everest to the depths of the ocean, Vikings everywhere are making a difference in the world. Our community is strong and growing. Here are some of the faces that make WWU special.
Ed Roddy (’84): A Champion for WWU Athletes
When it comes to Viking Spirit, Ed Roddy walks the talk. Winner of the 2018 Larry “Go Vikings” Taylor Alumni Service Award, Roddy is a tireless champion and the ultimate booster. His involvement in Viking Athletics for the past three decades has been critical to the success of Western students and alumni. He’s a season ticket holder who rarely misses a men’s basketball game, who attends all pre-season and post-season events, and even travels for away games.
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We Are Vikings!
We are innovators and advocates, collaborators and entrepreneurs, we are scholars and activists, we are Vikings! With more than 126,000 living Vikings around the world, our network is strong, and getting stronger with each graduating class.
Jesse Moore (’05)
Principal Consultant, Common Thread Strategies. Former speechwriter for President Obama.
“People coming out of Western don’t always feel compelled to jump out front, or grab a mic to announce that we are ready to lead. We’re people who step into a room or a workplace, who figure out what’s missing, and who can fill that void.”
Schuyler Telleen, (’04)
Emmy Award-winning Production Designer and Graphic Designer "Portlandia," "Mad Men," "Parks and Recreation," "Veep," "Captain Fantastic"
“I love Western. Traveling around the world as I’ve done many times and working in the industry in L.A., I’m always impressed at the valuation of my degree and how much it’s increasing. It’s just incredible.”
Vini Samuel (’84)
Mayor, Montesano, WA
“What Western does so well is shape students into community-minded citizens. I look at Western graduates, and almost all of them are involved in making their communities stronger.”