Western Washington University

09/08/2026

alum Grace Yockey turned everyday life as her grandmother’s caregiver into a viral Instagram account and yesterday, she and Valerie (Vava) were featured on the TODAY Show 🥹💙

After graduating from Western in 2023, Grace moved in with Vava, to become her caregiver as she navigates life with dementia. Together, they began sharing their everyday adventures, finding humor and joy in the moments they share and building a community of more than 20,000 followers along the way.

Read more about Grace and Vava’s story: https://news.wwu.edu/wwu-alum-grace-yockey-and-her-grandmother-featured-in-usa-today-and-the-today-show

Watch their segment on the TODAY Show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-R3s-pIoxw

09/04/2026

From day trips to quarter-long immersives, WWU College of the Environment field courses give about 500 students each year the opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. But those experiences can come with an extra cost: outdoor gear.

WWU’s College of the Environment is removing that barrier with a Gear Lending Library, making it easier for more students to get the gear they need and take their learning beyond the classroom. Learn more about the library and WWU field experiences: https://news.wwu.edu/college-of-the-environment-gear-lending-library-removes-barriers-to-field-learning

09/02/2026

Native grasslands have shaped the ecological and cultural landscapes of the San Juan Islands for thousands of years. New research from reveals that 93% of the region’s persistent, old-growth grasslands have been lost since the 1890s, providing one of the clearest pictures yet of how these vital ecosystems have changed over time.

Using historical maps, aerial photography and GIS technology, researchers Kailey Schillinger-Brokaw and Aquila Flower created a resource that can help guide future conservation and restoration efforts while informing community leaders and policymakers.

Explore the research and learn how Western scientists are advancing our understanding of these rare and rapidly disappearing ecosystems: https://news.wwu.edu/wwu-researchers-document-93-historical-loss-of-persistent-old-growth-grasslands-in-the-san-juan

08/28/2026

A new year of firsts is upon us, Viks 🤭

08/26/2026

4 weeks until campus looks like this again…😍✨🥹💙

08/24/2026

Thanks to the incredible generosity of our alumni, parents, faculty, staff, retirees and friends, raised a record $25.5 million in FY26 to support students, academics, research, athletics and programs across the university.

Learn more:

Western Washington University is celebrating the most successful fundraising year in its 133-year history. During Fiscal Year 2026, the university raised a record $25.5 million to support scholarships, academic excellence, student success, research, athletics and programs across Western.

08/19/2026

They’re back…🫶🫶🫶

08/18/2026

Day at the NW WA Fair is this Thursday, August 20!🎡🎉💙

Join us for $2 off admission with your Western ID, free moo-wiches for anyone in Western gear, fun giveaways and more! Details: https://www.wwu.edu/nwwafair

08/17/2026

Sunrise to sunset, Bellingham just gets it 🌅🌲

One of the 11 most beautiful college towns in the U.S. and a great place to spend your college years according to House Beautiful 💙 See our ranking: https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/parks/these-are-the-11-most-beautiful-college-towns-across-the-us/ar-AA2a2Tsu?uxmode=ruby&ctsrc=dgst&ocid=edgdhpruby&pc=U531&cvid=6a7f3a53506646abbdb9161ab3fae192&ei=34