WWU Vikings @ SPU Falcons
Seattle, WA
September 23
Alumni News
Western Washington University alumnus and Oscar winner TJ Martin won an Emmy Saturday for his National Geographic documentary “LA 92.”
Martin, a graduate of Western’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, co-created “LA 92” with longtime directing partner and fellow Oscar-winner Dan Lindsay. Their film “Undefeated” earned the Oscar for Best Documentary Feature in 2012. “LA 92” earned this year’s Emmy for Exceptional Merit in Documentary Filmmaking. Like “Undefeated,” “LA 92” addresses issues of...
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Ruben Van Kempen (’92) was settling into retirement after a career of teaching theater at Roosevelt High School in Seattle. He directed a production of “Oklahoma” in Evansville, Indiana with plans to teach theater to youth around the country. He applied for Social Security and Medicare in February in advance of his 65th birthday, and fully expected to receive the benefits to which he had been contributing for 37 years. “I was crossing every T and dotting every I,” he says.
He submitted the proper documentation to Social Security and made plans for his...
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Western Washington University honored the 2017 Distinguished Alumni & Recognition Award recipients on May 18 to kick off Western’s Back2Bellingham weekend.
This year, the association honored 13 alumni, a Campus School grad, and a family of 23 who carry on the Western legacy. They come from all colleges and span class years from 1923 to 2017. Each recipient’s commitment to excellence and giving back is apparent and their impacts are felt by many, from those on Western’s campus to foreign countries.
“It gives us great pride to celebrate these alumni...
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Theater has been a treasured part of WWU alumnus Bryce Hamilton’s (’01) life since he was in grade school. Bryce acted in live theater continuously up to and through college, where he graduated with a double major in theater and English from WWU. “I started out at PLU, but it just didn’t feel right for me.” He found his home in doing theater at Western—taking advantage of the vibrant student-led productions that are a large part of the theater student experience here.
“I loved the New Playwrights Theatre at Western more than anything. I was most...
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
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.
Brain Trust: Dr. Veith, Behavioral Neuroscience, and Our Alumni Connections
In 2015, Dr. Richard Veith (’69) and his brothers Dr. Robert Veith (’70) and David Veith (’83) established the Barbara Ellen Maguire Scholarship at WWU (in honor of their mother) to support students who are working in research, summer programs, and internships in behavioral science or health science. The scholarship is an extension of the family's dedication to student success, and alternates annually between the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
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Become a member in the WWU Alumni Association to receive special invitations, benefits, and discounts while supporting student scholarships.
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Whether you’d like to serve on our board, host an event, or mentor a student, we have many opportunities for you to engage.
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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.”
