Stories from 2026
June 2026 Edition
Celebrating students of the Sciences
The month of May offered us two rare opportunities to gather and celebrate the people that define the College of the Sciences.
Celebration of the Sciences May 7
24 honorees from across the College were recognized for research, leadership, and stewardship in their fields.
SOURCE 2026 May 21-22
With support from more 60 faculty mentors, COTS students shared more than 130 presentations with the wider community.
Graduation / Commencement June 13
And now, as we enter June, we congratulate the 600+ COTS students graduating this year. We are so proud of you. You will always be part of this community!
Do introductory courses build scientists?
A new study from Science and Mathematics Education researchers Dr. Anne Egger and Dr. Leighanna Hinojosa finds that how intro science courses are taught directly affects whether students leave feeling they can "think and act like a scientist."
Read their research article and see our extended Q&A with Dr. Egger and Dr. Hinojosa.
'A Bite of Science' seminars continue in June
After Dr. Akin's widely-attended talk on conservation in May, the Chemistry Department will be hosting June's 'A Bite of Science' seminar. Join Dr. Joshua Kirk, DMD, for "A Bite of Dental Chemistry" at the Ridge Restaurant & Bar in Ellensburg on Tuesday June 9 at 5:30 PM.
Read more on A Bite of Science.
Department Feature 📌 The Department of Law & Justice
The Law and Justice (LAJ) Department had an exceptionally active and successful year filled with student engagement, professional development opportunities, and community partnerships. LAJ hosted another successful Career Fair featuring 75 agencies from across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Students also participated in hands-on learning experiences through partnerships with the Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys and the Office of Public Defense, where students served as witnesses and participated in Voir Dire training exercises.
Additional highlights included a “Preparing for Law School” panel featuring attorneys, current law students, and the Associate Director of Seattle University School of Law Admissions. The 2nd annual LAJ Expo welcomed 10 law enforcement agencies recruiting CWU students and showcased helicopters, bearcats, and motorcycles. LAJ also partnered with the Ellensburg Police Department for the inaugural C.H.A.S.E. Internship program, providing five students with immersive experiences in law enforcement and community engagement throughout the academic year.
The department’s Mock Trial Team also advanced from Regionals to the Opening Round Championship Series (ORCS) in Phoenix, Arizona
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LAJ Graduate Hooding CeremonyJune 12, 2026 | 6:00 PMSue Lombard
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Farewell to Farrell EventJune 5, 2026 | 11:00 AMEast side of Farrell Hall lawn | Open to all
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Roger Schaefer on his promotion to Full Professor
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Sara Toto on her promotion to Associate Professor
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Saul Chacon on earning his Ph.D. from Gonzaga University
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Shinhae Hwang who received the COTS Celebration of the Sciences award for LAJ.
CWU News
Former CWU sprinter building her profile with Team USA
June 1, 2026 by David Leder
Revamped CWU Paramedicine program re-establishing itself as a leader
June 1, 2026 by David Leder