Important Message from Vice President Stephanie Bowers

May 5, 2020

Dear Friends of Western,

I hope this message finds you well. During this remarkable time for our state, our nation, and the world, I am reaching out to update you on the impacts of the coronavirus on our WWU community.

Please know that all of us at Western appreciate how your gifts and advocacy have made Western such a great university. My heart goes out to each of you as you navigate our uncertain world. Each day, we must integrate and respond to emerging news about this pandemic.

At Western, we have been monitoring news of COVID‐19 carefully, with a terrific team of planners. The World Health Organization’s announcement of a global pandemic and Washington state’s declaration of a state of emergency has caused us to take pause and reflect on how we can address this situation in a thoughtful and proactive manner. Today, President Randhawa issued this message regarding the spring quarter for students, faculty, and staff.

In keeping with public health agency and university guidance, I want to let you know that all Western events and large gatherings of supporters are cancelled through the month of April. We will keep you informed about future programs as the season unfolds.

I am particularly mindful of our graduating seniors for whom this was the last quarter on campus. As part of our inner circle, I know how much you care about our students and faculty. Please know how much we value your involvement with Western and the many ways you demonstrate your support for our students and programs.

Although we cannot gather in-person at this time, community can take many forms. We are still here for you. You will still hear from us routinely. My staff team and I remain accessible via email and phone, and we will continue to uphold our Western values: inclusive, compassionate, respectful, optimistic, and student-centered. You can reach me at Stephanie.Bowers@wwu.edu.

As circumstances change, we will ensure you are kept aware. You may also wish to refer to wwu.edu/coronavirus for updates on the coronavirus as it relates to Western, and for Frequently Asked Questions.

We greatly appreciate your continued support, care, and compassion during this time. Our university is more than a campus. We are all Western. Rest assured that we will continue to connect and thrive despite unprecedented challenges.

With deepest appreciation,

Stephanie Bowers
Vice President of University Advancement; President & CEO of the Western Foundation