Human Resources

HR Espresso

Your monthly source for express HR updates and news

As July brings warmer weather and the heart of summer, many employees continue to support our university operations while also finding time to enjoy vacations, family, friends, and the outdoors. Whether you're traveling, taking a long weekend, or simply enjoying a slower pace after work, summer offers a great opportunity to recharge and focus on your well-being. We hope you find time this season to relax, refresh, and enjoy all that summer has to offer.

Direct questions about anything in this newsletter to hr@cwu.edu.

  • Welcome New Employees to the Wildcat Family!

    CWU employees posing with CWU mascot, Wellington

    • Danielle Anderson - Admissions
    • Cole Gilmore - Acad Tech & Media Services
    • Isaac Hayes - CWU Libraries
    • Kelli Heim - COB Deans Operating
    • Brandon Kapp - Disability Services
    • Naylonii Macias - Academic Advising-Exploratory
    • Patti Miles - College of Business
    • Rives Robertson - Geography/Computer Science
    • David Schulz - Douglas Honors College
  • Happy Retirement

    • Joe Bach – Student Union Operations
    • Bret Bleggi – Marketing and Communication
    • Michael Caldwell – Theatre and Film
    • Brenda Gardner – CWU Libraries
    • Koush Ghosh – Economics and Business Analytics
    • Mark Goodenberger – Music
    • John Harbaugh – Music
    • Lad Holden – Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction
    • Diane Houser – Graduate Studies
    • Kathy Johnson – Human Resources
    • Jean Marie Linhart – Mathematics
    • Daniel Lipori – Music
    • Patrick McCutcheon – Anthropology
    • Mia Spencer – Music
    • Karen Turcotte – Philosophy and Religious Studies

  • Employee Appreciation Awards

    Each spring, we recognize CWU employees who have reached milestone service anniversaries. This year celebrating those with 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service. These dedicated individuals are the heart of our university, helping us serve our students and bring CWU’s mission and vision to life every day. Explore this year’s honorees on the HR website for the full program, featuring individual recognitions and photos from the celebration.

  • MEET WITH A FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

    Our TIAA representative will be on the Ellensburg campus July 21, 22, 23, August 11, 12, 13, and September 15, 16, 17, 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

  • Earn your Wellness Incentive through SmartHealth!

    Smart Health Logo

    Take the next step toward a healthier, stronger you!

    If you earn 2,000 total points by November 30, you can qualify for a wellness incentive, (if eligible) and earn $125 off next year’s medical deductible or a $125 contribution to your HSA if enrolled in a CDHP.  

    Learn more about SmartHealth on HCA’s website and then visit SmartHealth to get started!
  • 10 Habits to Support a Long, Healthy Life
    1. Choose More Whole Foods
      Fill your plate with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber-rich foods. Preparing meals with fresh ingredients is a great way to nourish your body.
    2. Live Tobacco-Free
      If you don't smoke, keep it that way. If you do, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health. Your blood pressure and circulation begin improving quickly, and your cancer risk decreases over time.
    3. Move Your Body Every Day
      Regular physical activity, even just 15–20 minutes of vigorous exercise each week in short bursts, can help lower your risk of premature death and improve overall health.
    4. Practice Forgiveness
      Letting go of resentment can reduce stress and support your heart, metabolism, and immune system. If you're struggling with stress or difficult emotions, consider reaching out to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 800-777-4114 explore resources online at FirstChoiceEAP.com
    5. Stay Connected
      Make time for family, friends, coworkers, and your community. Strong social connections help reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, and contribute to a longer, healthier life.
    6. Celebrate Small Steps
      Lasting change often starts with one small habit. Whether it's packing a healthy lunch, taking a short walk, or drinking more water, every positive choice adds up.
    7. Be Proactive About Your Health
      Schedule regular checkups and preventive screenings, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations, and make healthy choices that support your long-term well-being.
    8. Prioritize Quality Sleep
      Aim for consistent, restful sleep by keeping your bedroom cool, dark, and free from distractions. If sleep continues to be a challenge, talk with your healthcare provider.
    9. Manage Stress in Healthy Ways
      Taking time to unwind benefits both your mind and body. Journaling, meditation, deep breathing, spending time outdoors, and other relaxation techniques can help you better manage life's stresses.
    10. Focus on What You Can Control
      While genetics play a role in health, your daily choices matter too. Eating well, staying active, managing stress, building relationships, and keeping up with preventive care all contribute to healthy aging.

    Remember: Healthy aging isn't about making one dramatic change—it's about consistently making small, positive choices that support your well-being over time. Every healthy habit is an investment in your future.

  • First Choice Health

    First Choice Health Logo

    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.

  • Additional Mental Health Services for CWU Employees

    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

  • Nominate a Colleague for Employee of the Month

    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

  • Wildcat Way

    Wildcat Way Banners (Welcoming, Inclusive, Knowledgeable, Responsive, Proud)

    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.

  • Buttermilk Peach Cobbler Recipe

    INGREDIENTS

    • 2 pounds fresh peaches, pitted and sliced (peeling
      is optional), or 6 cups frozen peach slices
      (or nectarines, apricots, or plums)
    • ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
    • 2 to 3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
    • ½ cup unsalted butter
    • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 cup granulated sugar, more for sprinkling
    • 1 Tablespoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1 ½ cups buttermilk
    • ½ to 1 teaspoon flavoring: nutmeg, citrus zest, cinnamon, vanilla, or ¼ teaspoon almond extract
    No buttermilk? As a replacement, pour 4 ½ teaspoons of lemon juice or vinegar into a liquid measuring cup, and enough milk to make 1 ½ cups, stir, and let sit for about ten minutes.

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
    2. Combine fruit, brown sugar, and lemon juice in large (10- to 12-inch) well-seasoned cast-iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium heat. Simmer and stir constantly, until the sugar melts and the liquid thickens slightly, 2 to 4 minutes.
    3. Pour peaches and liquid into a bowl and set aside.
    4. In same pan (don’t wipe it out) melt butter over medium heat, swirling pan occasionally, and cook until it smells nutty, turns golden brown and flecks of dark amber appear, 2 to 4 minutes. Turn off heat and reserve the brown butter in the pan.
    5. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in buttermilk, flavoring, and mix just until combined.
    6. Scrape batter on top of the brown butter in the pan, but don’t mix it in. Scatter peach slices and their juices on top of the batter without stirring. Sprinkle with a little sugar.
    7. Bake until cobbler is golden brown, 50 to 60 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm.
  • Olive Oil Zucchini Bread

    INGREDIENTS

    • 1 ½ cups grated zucchini  
    • ⅔ cup brown sugar
    • ⅓ cup olive oil
    • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • 2 large eggs
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla
    • 1 ½ cups flour
    • ½ teaspoon EACH: salt, baking soda, baking powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
    • ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)

    DIRECTIONS

    1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Butter an 8-inch loaf pan.
    2. In a large bowl, use a rubber spatula to mix together the grated zucchini, sugar, olive oil, yogurt, eggs, and vanilla.
    3. Whisk together flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, lemon zest, and spices in a separate bowl. Fold dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Fold in the walnuts if using.
    4. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake 40 to 55 minutes, rotating pan halfway through baking. The bread will be done when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.
    5. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool on a rack completely before cutting and serving.
  • Quote

    “Ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
                                    John F. Kennedy

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