Our Staff

Cherie began her professional career at Central Washington University in 1997; she currently provides oversight for Building Operations, Campus Activities, Custodial, Event Support Services, Information Center, Student Union Administration, SURC Maintenance, Wildcat Tickets and the University Scheduling Center. Cherie is also the primary advisor to the Student Union Advisory Board and the chair of the SURC Partners team. For the duration of her career at CWU, she has provided leadership in various capacities including playing an active role from inception to completion on the construction team of the Student Union & Recreation Center in 2006. Cherie is an active member in the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) regularly presenting at regional and national conferences. She has dedicated her career to serving students and values the small impacts she makes on her students’ lives.

Hi! I am Robbi Goninan and I have the pleasure of overseeing the Campus Activities & Wildcat Tickets offices at CWU. As a proud Alumnus, twice over, I am excited to continue to be a shining face at CWU. As native from Eastern Washington, I have always loved this area and am happy to make it my home. I have been working with the students, staff for over 12 years, and am excited for my next adventure as an adjunct faculty with the Hospitality, Tourism and Events Management department. My position gives me the flexibility to work one on one with students, planning some of the most popular events at CWU. Whether it is Monday Movies, Wildfest or Boo Central you can always count on me to be in 100%. Besides my love of CWU programming, my husband and I love the Ellensburg area and have enjoyed it as our home for the last 15 years. In our spare time, we love the great outdoors and traveling. We appreciate what different cultures and countries have to offer. Despite our travels, we are always excited to come home to Ellensburg.

Drew is a proud Canadian, who moved to the U.S. when he was 5 years old. He attended Central Washington University from 2008 – 2012, receiving his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in Theater Design & Technology with a focus in lighting design and production management. Upon graduation Drew pursued a career in higher education event management. Starting with a role as a technician at University of Florida Performing Arts. He then moved on to serve the Islanders at Texas A&M – Corpus Christi as the Technical Manager of a 2300-seat Performing Arts Center. He oversaw their 10-year building transition, including a $400,000 electrical renovation. He now proudly serves his alumnus, coming back to Central Washington University in 2016. He is responsible for the safety and security of the Student Union along with the successful execution of all events occurring in the student union. He oversees a great blend of staff including building managers, media technicians, and event staff. In addition to his daily duties he serves as an advisor for the Student Union Advisory Board. He is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve CWU and to be able to raise his family in Ellensburg, Washington.

Originally from Florida, Bonnie has zig-zagged the country pursuing her career goals. Having lived in D.C., Denver, Texas and Iowa, she is happy to be settled down in Washington state. She has Bachelor’s of Science degrees in both Communications and Biology. She earned her Master's here at Central Washington University in 1999 working for Washoe's family, the first chimpanzees to learn American Sign Language. After graduation she worked as a zookeeper and then a real estate marketing and education director. In 2011 Bonnie returned to CWU as associate director of the Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute. After the two remaining chimpanzees, Tatu and Loulis, moved to Fauna Foundation, Bonnie joined the Student Union Operations Scheduling team. She finds working with the students to be the most rewarding part of her job.

I have over 20 years experience in the business and accounting fields, the last ten years being in education. I love working with students so much! I have worked at a variety of fun and interesting places, from a seafood company, to an international photography company, to a school district - but CWU is my favorite by far! Though I'm not an Ellensburg native, I grew up on a farm in rural Iowa, and feel right at home here. In my free time I enjoy cooking, making jewelry, and spending time with my husband, ten-year old son, and our crazy dog.

Certifications:
CWU Certificate of Leadership Foundation
CWU Certified Adminstrative Professional
CWU Customer Service Certificate
Licensed Washington State Notary Public
 

I have worked in both Samuelson Union Building, and the SURC for more than 40 years. As Building & Grounds Supervisor, my position oversees the Maintenance Department in the SURC. We provide a safe, clean, and well maintained facility for our students, staff, and guests.

Mike has worked at CWU for the past 2 years. He provides building maintenance and support for the Student Union & Recreation Center, maintaining the building mechanics and care of the facility.In his spare time, Mike likes to go camping and target shooting. Mike plays an integral part in providing a safe enviroment for our students, staff and community.

My primary focus is maintaining the quality and excellence of the Student Union Building, which encompasses not only the physical upkeep of the building, but also the social environment. As the hub of campus activity for both students and staff, it is important that the building is open and welcoming to all. I work with a team of four other full time custodians and several student staff to achieve these goals. A local resident of Ellensburg my entire life, I have many ties to groups both within and outside the university. I have attended Central in the past and appreciate both the administrative and academic sides of working on campus. Happily married for over a year to my wife, Erin. I love chatting with friends, co-workers, and students about the goings on in the world and am a huge geek and nerd of many subjects. I love running 5k's and going with my wife on adventures such as hikes, wine tasting or visiting other places near and far.

Martin works for the Student Union Custodial Department, and has been with CWU for two years.

I have worked at CWU since January 2019 as the window washer and weekend custodian. I clean all the glass in the SURC, and do my part in maintaining a high standard appearance of the building. In my free time, I like to take my kids and dogs snowboarding, camping and quad riding in the dunes.