Notable Alumni of Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University (WOU) has a rich history of producing accomplished graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. From education and politics to the arts and community service, WOU alumni have left an indelible mark on Oregon and beyond. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their achievements and contributions.

A Legacy of Excellence: The Outstanding Alumni Awards

Western Oregon University recognizes the accomplishments of its graduates through the Outstanding Alumni Awards. Since 1985, the university has honored alumni who have made significant contributions to their professions, communities, and to the university itself. Starting this year, additional honorees were added to recognize the many accomplishments of our graduates.

Honoring the 2023 Recipients

In 2023, Western Oregon University proudly announced the recipients of the prestigious Outstanding Alumni Awards: Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Katherine Cook, and Mark Zook.

Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Ph.D.: Champion of Equity in Education

Dr. Gustavo Balderas has dedicated his career to educating youth, promoting equity and inclusion, and creating systems that provide greater access and opportunity for all students. He is most proud of the work done during his time as a school superintendent, specifically in the areas of promoting equity and disrupting systems to create new ones that create greater access and opportunity for all students. Doug Ladd, president of Western’s Alumni Board of Directors, lauded Balderas for his commitment to these values.

Katherine Cook: Award-Winning Journalist and Community Advocate

Katherine Cook's career path is a testament to her perseverance and dedication. She started out as a solo journalist in Southern Oregon, gradually progressing to becoming a weekend anchor and reporter in Medford. Later, she worked in Colorado Springs, where collaboration with a photographer improved her storytelling. Cook has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a recent regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Writing and a Northwest regional Emmy for Best Reporter in 2022. She’s also received an Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, received a Feature News Report from the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, received a Mark Twain Award for featured reporting from the Western Regional Associated Press, and was named Most Memorable Portland Media Stars of All Time by the Oregonian.

Cook exemplifies everything we hope our alumni can achieve. Through her journalism she has inspired, given hope, made a difference in the lives of others, and brought joy to her community. She also values giving back and volunteers with organizations such as Medical Teams International and at her church. She also delivered the commencement address at Western in 2009 and emceed the Western Athletics Auction fundraiser from 2010 to 2019.

Mark Zook: Financial Leader and Community Servant

For the Zook family, Western is their family university with Mark’s father, sister, and nephew as alumni. His 14-year-old daughter plans to attend Western as well. For the last 15 years, Zook has been the CEO of Maps Credit Union in Salem, Oregon. Zook is most proud of the organization he’s created at Maps. They employ approximately 325 people and serve close to 80,000 members in the mid-Willamette Valley. They are known as a welcoming place to work and as an innovator in financial services. Maps is recognized by the industry for its work in creating a stronger credit union system.

Community service is a significant aspect of Zook’s life, with a notable highlight being the co-founder of the World Ocean School in Boston, where he served as director for 16 years. He is currently involved in several organizations, including the Salem Health Board of Trustees and the Oregon Community Foundation’s Mid-Valley Leadership Council. In 2011, he established the Maps Community Foundation, dedicated to promoting financial literacy, community vibrancy, and economic empowerment in the Mid-Willamette Valley. Zook holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from the University of Oregon, a Master of Science in Business Administration from Southern Oregon University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Western Oregon University.

Alumni in Education

Western Oregon University has a long-standing tradition of producing outstanding educators. The College of Education at WOU is a cornerstone of the university, dedicated to preparing teachers and educational leaders who are committed to student success. Jer spent his career as a teacher and superintendent in multiple school districts in Oregon. He retired from Hermiston School District and he and his wife Norah reside there now. Retired from teaching. Passionate about helping others, reading and learning as well as volunteering.

Kate Dickson: Western’s College of Education Alumni of Special Note.

Alumni in Politics and Public Service

WOU alumni have also made significant contributions to the political landscape of Oregon.

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Wallace W. Carson, Jr.: He served as a circuit court judge in Washington County from 1995 until 2011, including as presiding judge for three years.
Edmund D.: Retired representative from Oregon State Legislature. An advocate for education and educators during her tenure in the legislature. Currently serves on the WOU Board of Trustees and is a great supporter of WOU and it's students. which helps students travel to Washington D.C. and other historic sites to learn about citizenship. Is also known for his generosity and charitable giving.
Michael E.: Former president of Chemeketa Community College in Salem and chair of Oregon Gov.

Alumni in the Arts

Western Oregon University has fostered the talents of numerous artists.

Ariana Richards: Ariana Richards attended Western in 2006. In addition to Ariana Richards career as an actor, she is also recognized as an accomplished painter. She is a member of both the Portrait Society of America and the California Art Club. Artists that she credits for her inspiration include John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn and Mary Cassatt. She has created work for multiple exhibitions, although her current focus is on painting specially commissioned pieces for individuals.
Moustafa: Moustafa created and self-published a 54-page coloring book titled “Chin Up, Dreamboat!” in 2016. The production of her coloring book was completely crowdfunded on Kickstarter within five hours, according to chinupdreamboat.com. In an interview with metro.co.uk, Moustafa stated that, “I had this idea after I ended a relationship where we rushed into some serious commitment … It was a typical, over-committed too soon relationship. So, I created this.

Alumni in Other Fields

Social justice, equity and inclusion pioneer: Retired from OSU as their director of Equity and Inclusion and has spent her whole life fighting for social justice.
Retired school administrator: Builds furniture and volunteers in his community.
Medical Doctor: specializing in urology.
Director of Education Partnerships: at MaPS Credit Union, serves on various boards within the community and state.

Western Oregon University: A Foundation for Success

Western Oregon University's impact extends beyond its campus, shaping the lives and careers of its graduates who go on to make meaningful contributions to society. The university's commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and personal growth provides a solid foundation for students to achieve their goals and make a difference in the world. The Western Oregon University Foundation was founded in 1965 and is the fundraising arm of Western Oregon University. A nonprofit corporation, governed by a volunteer Board of Trustees with IRS 501(c)3 status, the WOU Foundation’s scholarship program includes more than 250 donor-funded scholarships. In addition, the foundation manages nearly 300 funds for academic and student programs.

The Evolution of Western Oregon University

Western Oregon University has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1856. Originally established as Monmouth University by Disciples of Christ pioneers, the institution has undergone several transformations throughout its history.

From Monmouth University to Western Oregon University

1856: Founded as Monmouth University.
1865: Merged with Bethel College and became Christian College.
1882: Renamed Oregon State Normal School.
1910: Renamed Oregon Normal School.
1939: Renamed Oregon College of Education.
1981: Renamed Western Oregon State College.
1997: Became Western Oregon University.

WOU Athletics

The Western Oregon athletic teams are called the Wolves. The university is a member of the Division II level of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), primarily competing in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (GNAC) since the 2001-02 academic year.

Recent Graduates in Athletics

CLASS OF 2022
- EMERSON DENNIS - Clackamas HS Linfield University - Baseball
- REECE DIXON - Powder Valley HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- ZACH DODSON-GREEN - West Salem HS Montana State University - Football
- CAMP LACOUTURE - Siuslaw HS 3A Defensive Player of the year (22’)
- KADEN LUDWICK - Clackamas HS University of Oregon - Football
- CHASE MARTIN -Molalla HS University of Montana Western- Rodeo
- CONLEY MARTIN - Adrian HS 1A State Player of the Year (19’ and 22’), State Champion 100m, 400m, 4x100, 4x400,
- JORDAN MCCARTY - Silverton HS Western Oregon University - Football
- HENRY RANKIN - Siuslaw HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- AUSTIN RATLIFF - Silverton HS University of Oregon - Football
- TAYLOR ROLLINS - Ione HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- CHARLIE WHITE - Banks HS Portland State University - Football
- MILES WILLIAMS - Clackamas HS Eastern Washington University - Football
- GUNNER YATES - Coquille Valley HS Southern Oregon University - Football
CLASS OF 2023
- MARCUS ALLEN - West Albany HS Umpqua Community College - Baseball
- DAVID BROWN - Eagle Point HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- BRAIDEN COPELAND - McNary HS Western Oregon University - Football
- NATHAN CORDOVA - Eagle Point HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- SAM DIAZ - Tillamook HS Shasta College, CA - Football
- ANDREW ENDERS - Nyssa HS College of Idaho - Football
- CADEN HARRIS - Banks HS Pole Vault State Champion. All American Junior Olympics. Will compete at the D1 level after he returns from his LDS mission in Santiago Chile.
- TRENT HODNEY - Sherwood HS Western Oregon University - Football
- DEMARCUS HOUSTON - West Albany HS Portland State University
- HUNTER KEMPER - Burns HS Eastern Oregon University - Wrestling
- JEDIDIAH KOLLAER - South Albany HS Western Oregon University - Rugby
- KOFFI KOUAME - West Linn HS Western Oregon University - Football
- KYLE LITTLEJOHN - Redmond HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- JACE MARTIN - Adrian HS United States Air Force Academy - Track and Field
- JAYDON MCBREEN - Westview HS Bluffton University, Ohio - Football
- GAVIN NGUYEN - Sprague HS Linfield University - Football
- TY PUGLIANO- North Medford HS John Hopkins University - Football
- WAYLON RIEDEL - Estacada HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- TRAEJON ROBERTS - Deerfield Beach HS (FL) Presbyterian College (SC) - Football
- KONOR ROBINSON - Mohawk HS Willamette University - Football
- SKYLER SCHMIDT - Scappoose HS Jessup University (CA) - Football
- WESLEY SHIPSEY - Central Catholic HS Wake Forest University - Cross Country/Track
- CHAD SPITZ - Redmond HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- BROCK THOMAS - Sheldon HS University of Oregon - Football
- Tinitali Tinitali III - South Salem HS Portland State University - Football
- ANDREAS VILLANUEVA - Myrtle Point HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- JAXON WATSON - South Salem HS Carleton College (MN) - Football
- LUKE WOLGAMOTT - Elmira HS Southern Oregon University - Wrestling
- ZACH WUSSTIG - Jefferson HS Portland State University - Football
CLASS OF 2024
- LOGAN BACKMAN - Myrtle Point HS Willamette University - Football
- TYLER BOWERS - Creswell HS Feather River (CA) - Football
- MATIX CARPENTER - Central Catholic HS Idaho State University - Football
- STEPHEN DEL GIUDICE - West Linn HS Southern Oregon University
- GUS DONNERBERG - West Linn HS University of Idaho - Football
- WES DONNERBERG - West Linn HS University of Idaho - Football
- LUCAS EL YOUSSEF - La Salle Catholic Prep Western Oregon University - Football
- KEATON EMMETT - Lakeridge HS Western Oregon University - Football
- Hayden George - Lebanon HS University of Nevada - Football
- KALLEN GUTRIDGE - Wilsonville HS Oregon State University - Football
- ALEXANDER HAGER - Sandy HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- COLE HANSEN - North Bend HS Shasta College (CA) - Football
- ETHAN HENDRICKSON - Ontario HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- DEAGAN HODGSON - Barlow HS Feather River Junior College (CA) - Football
- TAYSON HONER - Creswell HS Shasta College (CA) - Football
- MATT IRWIN - Owyhee HS (Idaho) University of Idaho
- ELI JOHNSON - South Salem HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- JACK MCALLISTER - Sprague HS Western Oregon University - Football
- ROCCO MCCLAVE - Crescent Valley HS Western Oregon University - Football
- JAYLAN MOORE - Sherwood HS College of Idaho - Football
- ISAIAH MOSLEY - Dallas HS Western Oregon University - Football
- CARSON MULLINS - Sherwood HS Linfield University - Football
- CADEN NEGRA - Ashland HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- CRU NEWMAN - Central Catholic HS Portland State University - Football
- JOEY OLSEN - Lakeridge HS University of Southern California (USC) - Football
- XAVIER OROZCO - Silverton HS Linfield University - Football
- AJ PUGLIANO - North Medford HS University of Oregon - Football
- SKYLER SALZMAN - Hillsboro HS Treasure Valley CC - Wrestling
- GABE STASZAK - South Medford HS University of Idaho - Football
- COLTEN STEPLETON - Vale HS College of Idaho - Football
- KORBEN STORNS - Gold Beach HS 2A Discus State Champion (24’)
- ELIJAH TRAEGER - John F. Kennedy HS Western Oregon University - Football
- CODY VANCE - Newport HS Treasure Valley CC - Wrestling
- CORT WAGGONER - Siuslaw HS Linfield University - Football
- PIERCE WALKER - North Salem HS Portland State University - Football
- GAVIN WHITE - Ashland High School Hillsdale College (MI) - Football
- KARTER WILCOX - Barlow HS Golden West College (CA) - Football
- AVERY WILLIAMS - Century HS San Joaquin Delta College - Football
- NELSON WILSTEAD - Gold Beach HS 2x 2a Javalian State Champion
- LUKE WOMACK - Lakeridge HS Eastern Oregon University - Football
- PATRICK WOOLEY - Liberty HS Southern Oregon University - Football
CLASS OF 2025
- ZACHARY DAVIS - Central Catholic Committed: Georga Tech University - Football
- TOBIN HOLLOWAY - West Albany HS Southern Oregon University - Football
- CORBIN HOOVER - Oakland HS George Fox University - Football
- ZAC STASCAUSKY - Central Catholic Committed: University of Oregon - Football
- AUSTIN SIMMONS - West Albany Committed: Washington State University - Football
- GABE WILLIAMSON - Oakland HS George Fox University - Football
CLASS OF 2026
- ANSU SANOE - Lakeridge HS Committed: University of Washington - Football
CLASS OF 2027
- JOSIAH MOLDEN - West Linn HS 4 Star. 1st Team Freshman All American. Offers: Sacramento State, Washington State, Washington, San Diego State, Cal, Arizona State, Colorado State, Nevada, Portland State, Oregon State, University of Oregon

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