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Western hosts the only collegiate fencing organization in western Washington. Its team competes at the club level (there is no varsity fencing in any of the northwestern states or the [[NCAA]] Northwest Region). The only other Washington colleges with fencing teams are [[Eastern Washington University]], [[Washington State University]], and [[Whitman College]].
Western hosts the only collegiate fencing organization in western Washington. Its team competes at the club level (there is no varsity fencing in any of the northwestern states or the [[NCAA]] Northwest Region). The only other Washington colleges with fencing teams are [[Eastern Washington University]], [[Washington State University]], and [[Whitman College]].

Other club sports include: crew, cycling, equestrian, ice hockey, judo, lacrosse, rugby, sailing, and waterpolo.


==Trivia==
==Trivia==

Revision as of 09:00, 6 April 2007

Western Washington University
File:Wwu logo 71.gif
TypePublic
EstablishedFebruary 24, 1893
Endowment$30,059,846[1]
PresidentKaren Williams Morse
Academic staff
628
Undergraduates12,226[2]
Postgraduates843[2]
Address
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
,
Bellingham
,
WA
,
USA
Campus215 acres (870,000 m²)
NicknameVikings
Websitewww.wwu.edu

Western Washington University (also referred to as WWU or Western) is one of six state-funded, four-year universities of higher education in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located in Bellingham and offers bachelor's and master's degrees.

Western has consistently ranked among the top schools in its category and according to US News and World Report's ranking, is the number 2 public master’s-granting school in the western region for 2006,[3] while placing 18th overall (both public and private).[1] "For the 10th consecutive year, Western Washington University is ranked first among top public master’s-granting universities in the Pacific Northwest and second in the West, according to the 2007 U.S. News & World Report college rankings. Only two public schools are ranked in the top 25 master’s-granting universities in the West, a region stretching from Texas to the Pacific."[4]

The university is noted for its orientation to teaching and the liberal arts. Its Vehicle Research Institute has led Automobile Magazine to describe Western as "very possibly the best school in the country for total car design". The Philosophical Gourmet Report mentions Western as having one of the best philosophy departments among colleges and universities that only offer a B.A. in the discipline. Western was among only eight public universities so honored. [5]

Class sizes are small and are typically taught by a full PhD. Professors are readily accessible, and individualized attention is the norm. Undergraduates have the opportunity to take graduate level courses. Undergraduate research in the sciences and humanities is encouraged.[6] Funds are available for undergraduate research in any field.[7] Western is an NCAA Division II school, meaning that limited athletic scholarships are awarded. Western does not recognize fraternities or sororities.[8]

Firms that most frequently hire graduates of Western include: Microsoft, Boeing, Washington State school systems, Bank of America, KPMG LLP, Moss Adams, Starbucks, T-Mobile, SAFECO, Maxim, Macy's, Weyerhauser, Wells Fargo, and various government agencies.[9] Western has the fourth largest group of alumni serving in the Peace Corps among top ranked medium-sized colleges and universities.[10]



History

Western was established on February 24, 1893 as the New Whatcom Normal School, a teacher's college for women, after Governor John McGraw signed legislation. The first class entered in 1899, composed of 88 students.

The institution that is now Western Washington University has since undergone several name changes. In 1901, the school's name was changed to State Normal School at Whatcom to reflect New Whatcom's name change. Again, in 1904, the name was changed to Washington State Normal School at Bellingham when the townships of Whatcom and Fairhaven joined, and again in 1937, to Western Washington College of Education when it became a 4-year university. Twenty-four years later it became Western Washington State College and finally, in 1977, the institution gained university status.

The 1960s was a period of especially rapid growth for Western, as its enrollment increased from 3,000 students to over 10,000 during the decade. Also during this time, Fairhaven College was founded (1967), with non-traditional education methods that would serve as a model for The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington. Two years later, the Huxley College of the Environment was founded, continuing Western's trend toward "cluster" colleges. That same year, on a spring afternoon, students gained headlines by blocking Interstate 5 to protest the Vietnam War.

Since this period, the College of Arts and Sciences was founded (1973) and divided into the College of Humanities & Social Sciences and the College of Sciences & Technology (2003); the College of Fine and Performing Arts was formed from several art departments (1975); and the College of Business and Economics was established (1976). During the 1999-2000 school year, Western celebrated its Centennial.

Today, WWU has a major presence in Bellingham's economy, and contributes significantly to the political, social, and artistic aspects of the city. With a student body that currently consists of over 12,000 students, the university is the third largest in Washington. Dr. Karen Williams Morse has been serving WWU since 1993 as the University's 12th president.

Campus setting

WWU's scenic location in Bellingham, a rapidly-growing city of about 74,000 people, overlooks Bellingham Bay and many of Puget Sound’s 172 San Juan Islands. It was originally built on a peat bog, and due to this and the area's geography, the university has had to address problems from its buildings slowly sinking into the ground. The university is 90 miles north of Seattle, 55 miles south of Vancouver, British Columbia, and an hour’s drive from 10,778 foot (3285 m) Mount Baker. Interstate 5 is located close to the university.

The campus is 215 acres (870,000 m²), including the 38 acre (154,000 m²) Sehome Arboretum, operated jointly with the city of Bellingham. Western also has off-campus facilities at Shannon Point Marine Center in Anacortes, Washington; a 15 acre (61,000 m²) student-university facility at nearby Lake Whatcom; and Whatcom County property used for environmental and aquatic analyses.

Western's on-campus wireless network can simultaneously accomodate 4,800 users (approx). [11]

Academics

Academic organization

Western offers bachelor's degrees and the degrees of Master of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Music. The university is composed of the following colleges:

Accreditation

The university is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities; National Association of Schools of Music; National Recreation and Parks Association; American Speech and Hearing Association; National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education; Computing Sciences Accreditation Board; Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business; and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs.

Honors

  • High-achieving freshmen from colleges in other western states can enroll at Western at a reduced tuition level that is equivalent to a $30,000 dollar, four year scholarship.[12]
  • The undergraduate honors program offers merit scholarships worth up to $5,000 dollars. These scholarships are awarded to successful applicants to the honors program. No separate application is necessary.[13]

Notable Degree Programs

  • Bachelor's degree in Politics/Philosophy/Economics, a program of study similar to one offered by Oxford.[14]
  • Western is introducing a bachelor's program in emergency planning and management. It is the first bachelor's degree of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. "Students in the program will be looking at environmental mitigation, safety factors, coastal issues, geomorphology, watershed planning and flood plain and erosion issues, as well as issues related to terrorism."[15]

Research Institutes and Laboratories

Border Policy Research Institute
Center for Continuing Education and Rehabilitation
Center for Cross-Cultural Research
Center for International Business
Center for Pacific Northwest Studies
Center for Performance Excellence
Center for Service Learning
Demographics Research Laboratory
Institute for Watershed Studies
Internet Studies Center
Shannon Point Marine Center
Vehicle Research Institute

Recent Student Accomplishments

The Submarine Team Club won best presentation at the 2006 Human Powered Submarine Contest in Escondido, Calif. "Driving the only two-person propeller driven submarine, the team had the fourth fastest time of all submarines in the contest. The team also placed second in overall engineering." The students designed and built the sub.[16]

Scholarships

Merit Scholarships:

Oswald Hall and Henny Lund Scholarship
$27,200. "Selection criteria include outstanding academic achievement and financial need. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[17]

Washington Scholar Award
Currently valued at over $20,000. "High school principals nominate the top 1 percent of their school’s graduating senior class on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community service.[18]

Washington Achievers Scholarship
Scholarships are expected to average $20,000. Students at Cleveland, Clover Park, Davis, Foster, Henry Foss, Kent-Meridian, Kittitas, Lincoln, Mabton, Mariner, Mount Tahoma, Stevenson, Tonasket, Truman, West Valley, and Yelm High Schools are eligible. [19]

Western National Merit Scholarships
“National Merit finalists are guaranteed a minimum of $10,000 scholarship assistance....[they] need only submit a copy of their award form to the Admissions Office to be eligible.”[20]

Lorraine M. Mortimer Scholarship
“Recognizes an entering freshman from Washington who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement, financial need, a history of community-oriented activities, and potential for leadership at Western Washington University. The award covers tuition and fees for four years. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[21]

Western Alumni Association Scholarships
Freshman applicants are considered for the Alumni/President’s Scholarship, a $10,000 award. Also: “The WWU Alumni Association offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, including some that are renewable for multiple years. Recipients must demonstrate strong academic achievement, a diverse background in school and community activities, and financial need. Selection priority is given to children and grandchildren of Western Washington University alumni." [22]

James Michael Haskell Memorial Scholarships
A total of $10,000. "Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[23]

Western Washington University Presidential Scholarships
 Ranges from $500 to $5,000. "Selection for the scholarship is comprehensive, taking into consideration the cumulative grade point average, SAT or ACT, curricular rigor – including advanced coursework and courses beyond core requirements, and achievements exhibited in the personal statement. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[24]

Admission with Highest Honors
 “Students ranking in the top one percent of our incoming freshmen class, based on cumulative GPA and test scores, are Admitted with Highest Honors, assured admission into Western’s Honors Program and offered a 2-year $2,000 merit scholarship. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[25]

Seattle and Bellingham Business Forum Scholarships
“...approximately fifty $1,500 scholarships for new freshmen and transfers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. Recipients are eligible to study in any field of interest. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[26]

All-Washington Academic Team Scholarships
“Each community college in Washington State is invited to nominate two students to the All-Washington Academic Team, based on academic achievement and community service. Western offers a $1500 Seattle Business Forum scholarship and a $500 President’s Scholarship to any member of the All-Washington Academic Team who enrolls at Western.”[27]


Academic Department Scholarships:

Distinguished Scholars Programs – Business and Economics, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Journalism, Science, Mathematics and Technology
“Students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement in high school and desire to major in one of the listed areas are invited to participate in enriched first-year activities to make connections with faculty and academic opportunities in their area of interest. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[28]

Mathematics Memorial Scholarship
“Several scholarships of up to $1,000 are awarded to entering freshmen. Applicants must possess a strong record of academic achievement in mathematics courses and exhibit an interest in math-related activities throughout their four years of high school.”[29]

Forensics (Debate) Alumni Scholarship
“One or more scholarships equal to in-state tuition for one quarter is awarded to an entering freshman with demonstrated success in high school forensics who plans to participate in Western's forensics program.”[30]

Grabert Transfer Scholarship – Anthropology
“One or two $600 scholarships are awarded to new incoming transfer students entering Fall Qtr and majoring in Anthropology."[31]

Scholtz Memorial Scholarship – Art
“One or more scholarships are available for entering freshman that show talent and potential as artists. Admitted Freshmen to Western Washington University who pass the Department of Art portfolio review are automatically considered for this scholarship.”[32]


Diversity Scholarships:

Nahbi Ram Joshi Scholarship
“Scholarship applicants must either have been born in India or have a parent or grandparent born in India and must demonstrate strong leadership qualities as well as high academic merit.”[33]

Oscar Olson Research Scholarships
Six new undergraduates who are interested in majoring in biology, chemistry, computer science, geology, or physics/astronomy are selected annually to receive a $1,500 merit scholarship and a $500 research stipend. Recipients must have lived in a single parent household, with priority consideration for this privately funded scholarship given to underrepresented minority students.” [34]

Washington Achievers Scholarship
“Students at Cleveland, Clover Park, Davis, Foster, Henry Foss, Kent-Meridian, Kittitas, Lincoln, Mabton, Mariner, Mount Tahoma, Stevenson, Tonasket, Truman, West Valley, and Yelm High Schools may be eligible...Scholarships are expected to average $20,000 for a four-year program.”[35]

Multicultural Achievement Program Scholarships
“Tuition waiver and/or on-campus housing and dining scholarships ranging from $500 to $6,000 are awarded to 200 freshman and transfer applicants whose applications for admission demonstrate an ongoing commitment to multiculturalism and/or diversity. Some awards extend over two years. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.” [36]

Garfield High School Scholarship
“One or more entering freshman from Garfield, Franklin, Cleveland, or Rainier Beach High Schools will receive a $2,000 scholarship. Preference shall be given to an African American student. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[37]

Northwest Indian College Scholarship
“Available to entering transfer students who have completed at least 25 transferable credits at Northwest Indian College, with preference given to students who are NWIC graduates.”[38]

American Indian Endowed Scholarship
“The American Indian Endowed Scholarship program helps financially needy students with close ties to a Native American community to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies. The program annually awards about 7 new scholarships and 10 renewal scholarships, ranging from about $500 to $2,000.”[39]


Area High School Scholarships

Thomas D. Wynn Family Scholarship
“An incoming freshman from Ferndale High School is awarded an annual scholarship of $6,000, renewable for up to four years – for a total scholarship value of $24,000.”[40]

Thomas Frazier Scholarship
“Entering Freshman from Ballard, Cleveland, Franklin, Ingraham, Garfield, Nathan Hale, Nova Project, Rainier Beach, Roosevelt, Sealth or West Seattle High Schools....may be eligible for this scholarship, worth $10,000, renewable for a second year. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[41]

Garfield High School Scholarship
“One or more entering freshman from Garfield, Franklin, Cleveland, or Rainier Beach High Schools will receive a $2,000 scholarship....Preference shall be given to an African American student. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary.”[42]

August and Carol Radke Scholarship
"Two students from Sehome High School will be awarded $2500 scholarships. Recipients are identified through admission application materials; no separate application is necessary."[43]

Outdoor Sculpture Collection

File:Wwusculpture.jpg
"Normanno Wedge" by Beverly Pepper on the WWU campus

WWU's prized collection of outdoor public art sculptures is a major presence on its campus. The collection, funded by the Washington State Arts Commission, the National Endowment for the Arts, and private donations, includes 24 works:

Athletics

WWU Vikings
WWU Vikings

WWU is a NCAA Division II member of the Great Northwest Athletic Conference. The university's mascot is the Viking.

The Vikings won the first three GNAC All-Sports Championships and placed 31st among 225 NCAA II schools in U.S. Sports Academy Directors’ Cup standings in 2003-04. In January 2004, the women's basketball team became the 15th NCAA school to win 700 games. A total of 59 Vikings earned league all-star honors and 34 were GNAC academic all-stars in 2003-04. Starting fall 2006 the Vikings will be participating in football as a member the North Central Conference after the GNAC announced it would discontinue the sport following 2005.

Two former Viking football players have gone on to play at least one regular season game in the National Football League. Defensive back Erik Totten (2002) played one in one game for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002, and placekicker/punter Michael Koenen (2005) has been the starting punter and occasional placekicker for the Atlanta Falcons for the past two seasons.

Two other WWU students have gone on to play in the NFL. Dane Looker, a point guard on the Viking men's basketball team from 1994-96, transferred to the University of Washington where he starred as a wide receiver. He went on to play in the NFL for the New England Patriots and is currently with the St. Louis Rams. Offensive lineman Erik Norgard, who had an eight-year NFL career with the Houston/Tennessee Oilers (now the Tennessee Titans) attended WWU for two years in the late 1980s before transferring to the University of Colorado.

Western hosts the only collegiate fencing organization in western Washington. Its team competes at the club level (there is no varsity fencing in any of the northwestern states or the NCAA Northwest Region). The only other Washington colleges with fencing teams are Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Whitman College.

Other club sports include: crew, cycling, equestrian, ice hockey, judo, lacrosse, rugby, sailing, and waterpolo.

Trivia

  • In 1996, The "" Population Association of America", the world's premiere professional association for demographers, at its annual meetings in New Orleans, honored Western Washington University by dedicating a special session to this university's contributions to the field of demography.

Notable Alumni

  • Adam Snel (2004), tight end, all-American
  • Robert Angel (1981), inventor, Pictionary
  • Benjamin Gibbard (1998), lead singer, Death Cab for Cutie
  • Nicholas Harmer (1998), bass, Death Cab for Cutie
  • Chris Walla (1997), guitar, Death Cab for Cutie
  • Joyce Taylor (1984), TV broadcaster
  • Greg Otterholt (1989), broadcaster, musician
  • Michael Koenen (2004), punter, Atlanta Falcons
  • Erik Totten (2002), defensive back, Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Art Chantry (1978), graphic designer
  • Alec Stone Sweet (1982), professor, Yale Law School
  • Richard M. Barlow (1980) former CIA officer and nuclear weapons expert
  • Daniel P. Beard (1965), Chief Administrative Officer of the US House of Representatives
  • Erin Baker and Corey Lewis, 1999 winner of the Payne Award for Ethics in Journalism for their work on the University newspaper
  • Clarence "Cuddles" Marshall, Major League Baseball player for New York Yankees (1946-1949), St. Louis Browns (1950)
  • Forrest "Woody" Jensen, Major League Baseball player for Pittsburgh Pirates (1931-1939)
  • Roger Repoz, Major League Baseball play for New York Yankees (1964-1966), Kansas City Athletics (1966-1967), and California Angels (1967-1972)

Notes

  1. ^ a b USNews.com: America's Best Colleges 2006: Western Washington University: At a glance
  2. ^ a b 2005-06 (3 quarters & AYA) SCH & FTE Faculty Report
  3. ^ USNews.com: America's Best Colleges 2006: Universities-Master's (West): Top Publics
  4. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/depts/ucomm/excellence/
  5. ^ The Philosophical Gourmet Report 2004 - 2006 :: Undergraduate Study
  6. ^ http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drmiss_3802_brief.php
  7. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/depts/rsp/mentorugrad.html
  8. ^ https://west.wwu.edu/admcs/process/forms/AS/formaclub.htm
  9. ^ http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drservices_3802_brief.php
  10. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/depts/ucomm/excellence/
  11. ^ http://www.usnews.com/usnews/edu/college/directory/brief/drservices_3802_brief.php
  12. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/tuition/t_wue.html
  13. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/depts/honors/faq.html#scholar
  14. ^ http://www.cbe.wwu.edu/econ/curriculumPhilEcon.asp; http://www.admissions.ox.ac.uk/courses/ppec.shtml
  15. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/depts/ucomm/excellence/
  16. ^ http://west.wwu.edu/ucomm_news/articles/1256.asp
  17. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/ScholarshipOpportunities-200740.pdf.
  18. ^ http://www.hecb.wa.gov
  19. ^ http://www.waedfoundation.org
  20. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/ScholarshipOpportunities-200740.pdf.
  21. ^ Ibid.
  22. ^ Ibid.
  23. ^ Ibid.
  24. ^ Ibid.
  25. ^ Ibid.
  26. ^ Ibid.
  27. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/ScholarshipOpportunities-200740.pdf.
  28. ^ Ibid.
  29. ^ Ibid.
  30. ^ Ibid.
  31. ^ http://www.wwu.edu/anthro
  32. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/ScholarshipOpportunities-200740.pdf.
  33. ^ Ibid.
  34. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/OscarOlsonResearchScholarship-200740.pdf.
  35. ^ http://www.waedfoundation.org
  36. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/tuition/t_map.html
  37. ^ http://admissions.wwu.edu/print/ScholarshipOpportunities-200740.pdf.
  38. ^ Ibid.
  39. ^ Ibid.
  40. ^ Ibid.
  41. ^ Ibid.
  42. ^ Ibid.
  43. ^ Ibid.

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