Welcome to Spring Quarter!

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Welcome to Spring Quarter! I hope you had a restful and restorative break. Spring brings a renewed sense of purpose to campus – a time when we balance the excitement of finishing strong with the anticipation of what’s ahead. Whether you're preparing to graduate, welcoming prospective students, or continuing your journey at Western, I’m glad we’re all in it together.

Firstly, we’re pleased to introduce an important new resource for our students. The WWU Scholarship Portal launches April 9, providing a centralized way for students to apply for WWU scholarships. Additionally, as students continue to navigate this year’s complex FAFSA process, the Financial Aid Office remains a vital resource. Please help connect those with questions to their team.

Each quarter also brings new examples of the remarkable work happening across our community – in the classroom, in the region, and on the national stage. Whether it’s our faculty and staff working with Indigenous communities on Pacific wave data through the NSF’s Backyard Buoys program or Industrial Design student David Griffin taking home top prize in an international design contest, our students and the faculty who support and mentor them continue to show how impactful our programs can be. These accomplishments reflect the curiosity, commitment, and mentorship that define a Western education.

Our student-athletes gave us plenty to cheer for this winter, with both basketball teams advancing to the GNAC championships and indoor track sweeping the conference titles. Spring sports are already underway, with rowing and softball nationally ranked and track and field off to a strong start. I hope you’ll come out to support them.

We’re also proud to celebrate the nominations of Maiyuraq Nanouk Jones and Bo Watkins for the 2025 Governor’s Student Civic Leadership Award. Their leadership and dedication to community reflect the very best of Western. 

Spring brings a number of heritage and recognition months – opportunities to reflect on the identities and histories that shape our campus. These programs are made possible by the work of The Centers for Student Access, Community, and Intercultural Engagement, whose events create space for connection, celebration, and belonging. The Office of Equity’s Belonging at Western series complements this work with dialogues and gatherings focused on what it means to build a more inclusive campus together. These are uplifting, celebratory opportunities for communities facing a growing sense of uncertainty. I encourage all of us to take part, listen with care, and help strengthen the community we share.

On April 24, we’ll also come together for Give Day, a now 10-year tradition that reflects our shared pride in WWU and our belief in the power of public higher education. Whether you make a gift or share the Give Day page with friends and family, your involvement makes a difference.

Finally, over spring break, my wife Uzma and I had the chance to meet with alumni and donors across Washington, California, and Arizona. We were moved by their continued connection to Western and their enthusiasm for where we’re headed. It’s a powerful reminder that the work happening here resonates far beyond our campus.

As we begin the quarter, I hope you’ll take advantage of the many opportunities to connect, learn, and contribute. I look forward to all we’ll accomplish together this spring.

Warmly,

Sabah