Central Washington University Alumni Association

08/25/2026

Long before it was Hebeler Hall, it was the Hebeler Elementary School, a place where CWU's future teachers practiced their craft and the children of faculty and staff got one of the most progressive educations in the region.

This past July, a group of HES alumnae came back to campus to walk the halls, share memories, and rediscover what made their time there so singular.

"Our experience here was unlike any other and might never be repeated that way again," said Ronda Brooks Patrick, daughter of former CWU President James Brooks and the organizer of the reunion. "The change we've experienced in our lives, from pre-internet to AI, feels like it could have spanned centuries."

What they remembered wasn't just the building. It was the philosophy. Students wrote their own learning goals. Classrooms had one-way observation windows. Fourth graders learned that freedom and responsibility go hand in hand. "What stood out to me…was how progressive the curriculum was," recalled Maureen Rust, HES alumna and former CWU librarian. "I'm so glad to have experienced a slice of it."

For Alicia Fuller McRae, it was simpler than that: "We were really fortunate to go to school here."

That feeling, of being fortunate, of belonging to something that shaped you, is one Wildcats carry for a lifetime. Link below to read the full story.

https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/08/hebeler-elementary-school-alumni-reunite-and-reminisce-at-cwu.php

08/20/2026

Ash Perron's path to CWU wasn't a straight line. Growing up, she moved constantly, attending six different elementary schools before fifth grade, and music became the one thing that stayed the same, even as she swapped instruments from town to town until she settled on the flute. She didn't think college was an option until her senior year of high school, when a hallway full of "where I'm going" posters gave her the idea to apply.

An associate's degree at Pierce College led to a transfer to CWU, at the recommendation of her band teachers, and an English degree in 2013. After a few years and a few career changes in Olympia, Perron moved back to Ellensburg in 2019 and found her way onto CWU's staff, first at the Lock Shop, then in the College of Education and Professional Studies, and now as a program coordinator in the Office of Undergraduate Research.

"That person seeing me in that light helped me see myself that way, too," Perron said of the coworker who encouraged her to apply for her current role. "It helped me embrace my need for bigger challenges."

In her work with OUR, Perron helps first-generation and non-traditional students, people like her, navigate college and discover opportunities like the McNair Scholars program. Along the way, she also rediscovered her own love of music, forming the string band Tinned Fish with friends, recently voted Best Local Band by the Ellensburg Daily Record.

"Growing up low-income is a totally different experience that a lot of people don't understand," she said. "I think having that lived experience helps me connect with students and connect students with the resources they need."

This fall, Perron starts a Master of Applied Science program at CWU, studying music in the context of cultural and environmental resource management.

Read her full story at the link below.
https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/08/music-helped-shape-past-and-present-for-cwu-alumna-staff-member.php

08/20/2026

08/14/2026

Presley DeJesus has been dreaming about the Seahawks Dancers since she was old enough to watch practice from the sidelines.

Her mom, KimMee, danced for the SeaGals, the previous iteration of the Seahawks Dancers, from 1999 to 2001, and passed the love of dance down early. Presley started dancing at 3, joined the Junior Seahawks Dancers as a kid, and kept building her range through jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and ballet with the Allegro Performing Arts Academy. She brought all of it to Ellensburg, where she spent four years performing with the CWU Dance Team and Orchesis Dance Company and helped take the CWU Dance Team to nationals in 2025.

This spring, DeJesus tried out for the Seahawks Dancers. She made it through the open call, submitted a video routine, and was named one of 57 finalists invited to an in-person tryout in Renton. On the final day, she heard her number called as one of the 28 dancers selected for the 2026 season.

"I was so excited that I cried," DeJesus said. "It was such a huge relief to have my number called. I can still hardly believe I made it."

DeJesus, who earned her degree in elementary education, has been practicing with the team since late May and will debut at the Seahawks' home opener at Lumen Field on September 9. She's also working as a leadership facilitator for Girls Rock Math and beginning her search for an elementary teaching position around the Puget Sound.

Through it all, Ellensburg still holds a special place in her story.

"I had the best four years at Central," DeJesus said. "For me, the people really made the place special, and I feel like the friendships I made will last a lifetime."

Read her full story at the link below.
https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/07/cwu-dancer-follows-her-talent-to-the-seahawks-dancers.php

08/11/2026

Game Day Central is officially back for another season of Wildcat football, and RV Season Passes are on sale right now.

A Season RV Pass is $500 and covers RV parking for all six home games, the easiest way to guarantee a spot for the whole season.

New this year: all Game Day Central reservations, RV parking and Alumni Plaza seating alike, move to Wildcat Tickets, the same platform used for football ticket purchases. That means passes and tickets are available in one convenient location. Single-game RV parking passes, Alumni Plaza Reserved Tables (seating and plaza access for four), and Alumni Plaza Reserved Box Seating (seating and plaza access for eight) go on sale the week of September 1, alongside single-game football tickets.

Alumni Plaza remains the family-friendly, elevated game day experience on the north end of the field, with a head-on view of the action and food and beverage available for purchase, including beer and wine. General admission is $10 per adult at the gate, with kids admitted free alongside a participating adult. Football tickets are sold separately and required in addition to any Game Day Central reservation.

Get a Season RV Pass now at the link below, and get ready for another great season of Wildcat football.

https://cwuwildcattickets.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?id=2852

08/06/2026

Jose Iniguez ('00) grew up working the orchards of Mattawa with his family, listening to the mariachi music that would shape the rest of his life. Today, he's an operatic frontman leading a full-size traveling symphony, and the Ellensburg Daily Record just featured his story.

Iniguez came to CWU for vocal performance, then picked up a business degree along the way, a decision that set him up to build Encanto Arts nearly a decade ago. What started with Iniguez and one pianist has grown into a multi-award-winning organization that tours the country and raises money for music residencies at universities across Washington.

This summer, Encanto Arts opened a free music academy in South Seattle, giving kids the chance to learn without financial barriers standing in the way.

"I often think about how many talented young people face those same barriers today," Iniguez told the Daily Record. "This program is dedicated to those students and families."

From Mattawa to the world stage, and a CWU degree along the way. Read the full feature at the link below.

https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/07/daily-record-features-cwu-business-alum-and-opera-star.php

07/29/2026

For 51 years, Farrell Hall has hosted incredible history, community, and Wildcat pride. As we prepare for its demolition this July, we're celebrating the memories made and looking forward to the opening of the new North Academic Commons! 🐾

What’s your favorite Farrell Hall memory?

Click https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/06/cwu-students-faculty-and-staff-say-farewell-to-farrell-hall.php to read more.

07/24/2026

From a high school field trip to walking the commencement stage, Jordan Taylor found a supportive community at CWU.

As a viola performance graduate and honors student, Jordan overcame the challenges of chronic illness to build a unique path in music education and performance.

Read more about Jordan's journey: https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/06/music-performance-graduate-found-their-balance-at-cwu.php

07/20/2026

Once a Wildcat, always a leader. 🐾

Central Washington University accounting graduate and former soccer defender Kayla Gout ('22) is making a massive impact in her hometown of Yakima.

After a knee injury sidelined her from playing, Kayla channeled her passion into coaching, taking the reins of a youth squad with the Central Washington Sounders. By blending the mentorship styles of her former CWU coaches, she is helping young athletes build the confidence they need to succeed on and off the field.

We are incredibly proud to see our CWU alumni shaping the future of their communities!

Click https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/06/former-cwu-soccer-player-giving-back-to-her-hometown-club.php to read more.

07/16/2026

"There really is no one right way of doing college."

From exploring behind-the-scenes theater production to hosting a show on 88.1 The ’Burg and serving as a CWU Student Trustee, recent graduate Vy Frolov (’26) let curiosity guide their journey at Central.

As a non-traditional transfer student, Vy jumped into every opportunity with both feet, proving that it’s never too late to chase a new passion or redefine your path. Now, they are ready to take that confidence into the world!

Join us in celebrating Vy’s incredible leadership and welcoming them to the CWU Alumni family!

Read more about Vy's journey: https://www.cwu.edu/about/media-resources/news/2026/06/graduating-student-trustee-reflects-on-two-years-of-fulfilled-curiosity.php