Western Oregon University Honors Outstanding Students
Western Oregon University (WOU) is celebrating its remarkable graduates at the commencement ceremony on June 13. Let’s shine a light on some of the students who have made an impact during their time at WOU.
Ashley Radmer: A Leader in Science and Community
Ashley Radmer, from Sutherlin, Oregon, will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. Her academic journey has been impressive, consistently earning her a place on the President’s List and Dean’s Honor Roll since 2022.
Ashley stands out not just for her grades. She has led as President of both the Ackerman Hall Government and the Natural Science Club. She also took part in multiple clubs, winning accolades such as the Principles of Biology Achievement Award in 2024. Outside of school, she co-owns a goat business and has volunteered with the National Marrow Donor Program.
Her thesis project, “From Hoof to Horns: A Guide to Everything Goat,” includes a YouTube channel dedicated to goat care. This fall, Ashley will begin her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree at Des Moines University, aiming to become a foot and ankle surgeon.
Faith Howle: Advocating for Justice
Faith Howle, hailing from Albany, Oregon, is graduating with a degree in Criminal Justice and a minor in Forensic Anthropology. As a first-generation college student, she quickly established herself as a leader, regularly landing on the Dean’s Honor Roll.
Faith focused on violence prevention during her time at Abby’s House, where she developed vital programs to combat abuse. She collaborated with the Liberty House to host a Child Abuse Prevention workshop. Currently, she’s working on Survivor Support Guides, which offer essential resources for survivors of sexual assault.
Her internship with Fostering Success led her to study the connection between the foster care system and the criminal justice system, uncovering the need for trauma-informed interventions. After graduation, she aims to work in violence prevention and survivor support.
Aubree Reese: A Voice for the Deaf Community
Aubree Reese, originally from Arizona, is graduating with a Master of Arts in Interpreting Studies: Theory. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in the same field at WOU. Aubree chose WOU for its strong American Sign Language program and its connection to the Deaf community.
As a Graduate Research Assistant, she contributed to research while completing over 575 hours of field experience as an interpreter. Aubree has also dedicated over 300 volunteer hours to support DeafBlind initiatives, raising over $7,000 for summer programs.
Her leadership in Western’s ASL Club helped the organization receive the Club of the Year recognition. After graduation, she hopes to offer high-quality interpreting services in educational and mental health settings.
Jennifer Gage: A Champion of Care
Jennifer Gage, from Spokane, Washington, has a rich background in healthcare, starting as a CNA in high school. Her experiences, including working as a 911 call receiver and traveling during her husband’s military service, led her back to nursing.
Balancing nursing school with raising three children, she learned resilience and adaptability. After graduation, Jennifer plans to work as a Float Pool Nurse at Salem Health. She appreciates the support from her classmates and the OHSU nursing program.
Jennifer found her passion during her clinical rotations, especially in fast-paced environments like the Emergency Department. She values her experiences with diverse patient populations, including those facing homelessness and mental health challenges.
A Look Ahead
These four students exemplify the commitment to excellence that WOU fosters. Their leadership, advocacy, and dedication not only enrich their communities but also set a strong foundation for their future careers.
For details about Western Oregon University and its programs, visit WOU’s official site.
