Western Oregon University announces keynote speaker Salinas

Pictured: Congresswoman Andrea Salinas.

MONMOUTH, Or. – University of Western Oregon announces his Early 2024 on Saturday, June 15 at 10 a.m. at MacArthur Field. More than 1,237 students are eligible to walk across the stage and graduate, achieving an important milestone in their lives. Nearly 50 percent of Western students are first generation, meaning they are the first in their families to complete a four-year education.

A first-generation college student herself, Western is proud to announce its commencement speaker, Congresswoman Andrea Salinas. Salinas, the daughter of a Mexican immigrant, is one of the first Latinas to represent Oregon in Congress. After self-educating, Salinas pursued public service as a congressional assistant and policy advisor, as well as an advocate for labor unions, environmental groups, and reproductive rights organizations. In 2017, she was appointed to the Oregon House of Representatives and served until the end of her term in 2022. In the Oregon House of Representatives, she served as House Majority Whip and chaired the House Health Care Committee.

In Congress, Salinas is proud to serve on the House Agriculture and House Science, Space, and Technology Committees, where she crafts policies that will help level the playing field for Oregon farmers and rural communities and create more good-paying union jobs to create. As co-chair of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, she has prioritized making mental health and addiction services more accessible and affordable.

“We are honored to welcome Congressman Salinas as the keynote speaker for this year’s commencement ceremony,” said President Jesse Peters. “As a first-generation American and a first-generation college student herself, she understands the transformative power of education. Her comments will undoubtedly inspire our graduates and highlight the possibilities that lie ahead for them. Western Oregon University is the only four-year public university serving its district. We appreciate her advocacy for higher education and the support she has provided to our university.”

“As a first-generation college student, I am so grateful for the opportunity to speak at this year’s commencement ceremony,” said Rep. Salinas. “Growing up, my parents taught me the importance of hard work, perseverance and community spirit – the very same values ​​Western instills in all of its students. I know these graduates have the skills they need to succeed, and I look forward to congratulating the Class of 2024 as they take the next big step into the future.”

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About Western Oregon University

Founded in Monmouth in 1856, Western Oregon University is proudly Oregon’s oldest public university. With approximately 4,000 students, Western is a mid-sized NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students coming from out of state. The diverse student population consists primarily of individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans and non-traditional students. Western is the campus of choice in Oregon for those seeking an enriching education in a nurturing, student-centered environment characterized by faculty-led instruction. Together we succeed.