September 2023

Dear Eagle Family and Friends,

The 2023-2024 academic year has begun, and what a start we’ve had! September has been a whirlwind of activity, from athletic events and move-in weekend, to Welcome Week and the first official day of classes — the Eastern campuses are busy! I say it every year, there is nothing quite as special as the transition from summer to fall on a college campus.

This year we welcomed over 1,100 new students to our residence halls over the very busy move-in weekend. Our Movers & Shakers helped students and families find their new home for the year, pushing bins, carrying bags and directing traffic with some high energy Eagle Spirit. Next up for our new students was the special University Welcome at Roos Field. After hearing from their ASEWU president Lucas Fyre, athletic director Tim Collins (and a few words of encouragement from me), students learned our fight song and gathered on the Inferno for the traditional EWU class photo. A special thank you goes out to our New Student Orientation team for all their hard work. The Class of 2027 is ready to go!

On Sept. 19, faculty and staff gathered in the Showalter Auditorium to hear my annual University Convocation. Providing a look back, I highlighted just a few of our achievements, including our five College of Distinction Awards for nursing, business, education, engineering and career development. I also spoke about the dedication of our faculty and staff, emphasizing that it’s the small, daily gains that lead to great success as an institution. The message this year is unity, as we support our students and each other to ensure Eastern is a welcoming, accessible campus for all. I was also able to announce some exciting new programs — including new Staff/Faculty Appreciation Days at various athletic events, reduced fees for faculty and staff at the University Recreation Center, and the plan to begin offering tuition fee waivers for employee dependents. Eastern is a great place to work, and this year we’re giving back to the faculty and staff that work day in and day out to make our institution successful.

Following the Convocation, current students and alumni joined faculty and staff to line the Hello Walk to Showalter Hall, high-five and cheer on our new students during the annual Pass Through the Pillars event. Noisemakers, cowbells and Go Eagles signs were waiving — such an amazing way to demonstrate to our students what being an Eagle means…we’re here for each other…we’re all Eagles for Life!

And finally, Welcome Week closed out on Friday with Neighborfest. Campus and community organizations set up tables all around Arévelo Mall to get the word out about all the various activities, events, Greek Life organizations and local businesses we have to offer as members of EWU and the Cheney community.

It’s going to be a great year. And if I see you on Sept. 30, as EWU football takes on the Idaho Vandals, give me a wave and shout Go Eags!

Shari McMahan, PhD
President
Eastern Washington University