Human Resources

• Zoë Higheagle Strong – President’s Office
• Victor Romo – Dining Services
• Jennifer Gil-Aguilar – Aviation
• Aiden Blanco – Dining
• Michele Graaff – University Advancement
• Tyler Vargas – Grounds and Maintenance Shop
• Sissy Sokolik – Student Engagement and Success, Vice President

Our TIAA rep will be on the Ellensburg campus February 3, 4, and 5 and March 3, 4, and 5 for in-person meetings.

No matter where you are in life—whether you’re just getting started or planning for retirement—a session with a financial consultant can help you create a plan for your goals. And it’s at no additional cost as a part of your retirement plan. You’ll get answers to these questions and more:

• Am I invested in the appropriate mix of investments to help meet my goals?
• Am I saving enough to create the retirement income I need?
• How do I take income from my retirement account once I stop working?

TIAA is the plan administrator for the CWU Retirement Plan (CWURP) and the Voluntary Investment Plan (VIP). The CWURP is the mandatory faculty and exempt retirement plan, and the VIP is an optional retirement savings plan available to all non-student employees. Sign up today, as space is limited. Register for sessions at tiaa.org/schedulenow or by calling 800-842-2252, weekdays, 5 AM to 7 PM

For Leaders at All Levels: Staff, Faculty, and Students.

How to Enroll: MyCWU >> Learning Tab >> enter "First Friday" in Search for Learning field

More information: cla@cwu.edu

Learn more at hca.wa.gov/pebb-smarthhealth

The Washington Experience Giveaway is back for 2026
Twenty lucky SmartHealth participants will win $500 gift cards to use for a Washington experience.

Winners choose a $500 gift card from one of the following businesses:

• Hotels.com
• Airbnb
• REI
• Washington State Parks store

How do I enter?

First, complete your SmartHealth well-being assessment and report completion of the “Washington Experience Giveaway” featured activity in SmartHealth.

Note: Everyone is required to complete the well-being assessment each year to qualify for the $125 wellness incentive and to be entered into this giveaway.

When are the deadlines?

Three separate drawings will be held. The following are deadlines to be entered into each drawing:

• Drawing 1: March 31, 2026
• Drawing 2: June 30, 2026
• Drawing 3: September 30, 2026

Review the FAQs for more details.

*Gift cards were not purchased with state funds.

Supporting you on your journey toward living well

smarthealth.hca.wa.gov

Presidents' Day was originally established in 1885 in recognition of President George Washington. The holiday became popularly known as Presidents' Day after it was moved as part of 1971’s Uniform Monday Holiday Act, an attempt to create more three-day weekends for the nation’s workers. While several states still have individual holidays honoring the birthdays of Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and others, Presidents' Day is now popularly viewed as a day to celebrate all U.S. presidents, past and present.

All 2025 FSA and DCAP expenses must be submitted for reimbursement by March 31, 2026.

Unused DCAP balances will be forfeited and unused FSA balances above $660 will be forfeited. To receive FSA carryover, you must be enrolled in the FSA for 2026 or have at least $120 left in your account.

Login to your Navia account for more information and to submit claims.

Direct questions to Navia’s customer service at 800-669-3539 or customerservice@naviabenefits.com

Employee Assistance Program: Support When You Need It

Your well-being matters. The First Choice Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers 24/7 access to licensed mental health counselors. Just call 800-777-4114 for immediate support. You can also explore a wide range of confidential resources online, from emotional wellbeing to financial tools, parenting, legal topics, and more. Visit www.FirstChoiceEAP.com and log in with the username CWU to get started. Services are available to all faculty, staff, and their family members.

Behavioral Health Services available through your PEBB medical insurance or call Uniform Medical (UMP) or Kaiser.

Local Helpline | 24/7 | Master's-Level Counselors | 509-925-4168 

National Hotline | 24/7 | Dial 988 or Text 'Home' to 741741

online chat feature: suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Every day, our colleagues go above and beyond to support student success and contribute to a workplace rooted in Engagement, Belonging, Stewardship, and Student Success.

Help us recognize the exceptional work happening across campus by nominating a classified or exempt employee for the Employee of the Month Award. Whether it’s through a standout project, a positive impact on others, or consistently living into CWU’s mission, we want to celebrate those who make a difference. Let’s shine a spotlight on those who make CWU a better place every day.

Who can nominate?       Anyone
Who is eligible?              Classified and Exempt Staff
What’s the reward?        $125 and recognition at a quarterly celebration
Bonus:                               Monthly winners are eligible for Employee of the Year

Nomination Form

Celebrate a Colleague's Exceptional Efforts by nominating them for the Wildcat Way Spotlight—a heartfelt way to recognize their dedication and share their story with the CWU community. Each nominee receives a personal message of appreciation, and their supervisor is notified as well. It’s a simple, meaningful way to say thank you.

Affordable Homes for First-Time Homebuyers in Ellensburg
Applications are open for the final six homes using referral code SM3.

Interested? Direct questions to: Marissa.london@habitatskc.org or 509-818-1974

Ingredients 

• 1 ½ Tablespoons Vegetable Oil
• 2 ½ Tablespoons Brown Sugar
• 1 Egg White, from a large egg
• 2 ½ Tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter
• 3 Tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
• 1/4 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1 Tablespoon Chocolate Chips

Instructions 

• Combine oil, sugar, and egg white in a mug and whisk well with a fork until fully combined.
• Add the peanut butter and mix well again.
• Add flour, baking powder, and chocolate chips and mix until combined.
• Cook in microwave on high for 1 minute and 10 seconds.

Recipe Notes

1. Egg white: you can swap the egg white for 2 tablespoons of any
   milk (almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, soy milk, etc.) but egg white definitely gives the best texture.
2. Cooking time: This will vary depending on the wattage of your microwave so test at 1 minute first, then increase in 10 second increments until you’ve found your perfect cook time.

Oh Sweet Basil

“The happiest people are those who do the most for others.”

                                Booker T. Washington