WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.000 Good-morning everyone, welcome to the groundbreaking ceremony for our new college of education building here, on campus, here at Western Oregon University. 00:00:10.000 --> 00:00:17.000 For those watching online, it is Saturday June 14th, and we're broadcasting live from Monmouth Oregon. 00:00:17.000 --> 00:00:24.000 Cheering 00:00:24.000 --> 00:00:28.000 My name is Mark Girod, and I serve as Dean of The College of Education. 00:00:28.000 --> 00:00:37.000 We have a short but powerful program for you this morning. Including several speakers and a date with some golden shovels I see back here. 00:00:38.000 --> 00:00:44.000 Speakers include Danny Ledezma, Education policy advisor for Governor John Kitzhaber. 00:00:44.000 --> 00:00:50.000 Mr. Jan Looking Wolf Reibach from The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. 00:00:50.000 --> 00:00:54.000 Travis Meuwissen 2013-14 Student Body President. 00:00:54.000 --> 00:00:57.000 University President Mark Weiss. 00:00:57.000 --> 00:00:61.000 Dr. Richard Woodcock and his wife Elizabeth 00:01:01.000 --> 00:01:11.000 We'll hear final comments from President Weiss. And will close with the ceremonial groundbreaking led by Jan Looking Wolf Reibach. 00:01:12.000 --> 00:01:20.000 I'd like to thank everyone for joining us here this morning as I see many of our faculty, staff, and even a few students. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:27.000 As I look around I'd also like to say thank you to our W-O-U foundation board members in attendance. 00:01:27.000 --> 00:01:32.000 Also, to Tim Nesbitt on behalf of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission 00:01:32.000 --> 00:01:40.000 To Hilda Rosselli, former Dean of the College of Education, now representing the Oregon Education Investment Board. 00:01:40.000 --> 00:01:44.000 As well as to Dr. Richard Woodcock our generous benefactor. 00:01:44.000 --> 00:01:50.000 Dr. Woodcock is joined by several of his family members this morning. Thank you so much for being with us. 00:01:50.000 --> 00:01:59.000 As we break ground today I'd like to share with you a few details about the building that will soon stand where we are gathering here today. 00:01:59.000 --> 00:01:64.000 Our building design team has been working hard across the last several months 00:02:04.000 --> 00:02:10.000 To consider carefully our needs, our desires, and our dreams. 00:02:10.000 --> 00:02:16.000 To meet the demands and opportunities in teaching and learning today our new building will include several features. 00:02:16.000 --> 00:02:20.000 Technology rich classrooms and community spaces 00:02:20.000 --> 00:02:28.000 including multiple computer labs, a language learning lab, and a full multi-media production suite. 00:02:28.000 --> 00:02:33.000 Specially designed collaborative learning spaces to facilitate 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:40.000 communication, connections, and innovation across faculty staff and students. 00:02:40.000 --> 00:02:46.000 Specific classroom spaces for teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. 00:02:46.000 --> 00:02:52.000 Early childhood education, second language acquisition, and special education. 00:02:52.000 --> 00:02:56.000 Our new building will also serve as a demonstration project 00:02:56.000 --> 00:02:62.000 for the Governor's initiative on innovative uses of wood products and locally sourced materials. 00:03:02.000 --> 00:03:06.000 Dr. Woodcock and family 00:03:06.000 --> 00:03:12.000 from faculty staff and students here at Western Oregon University, thank you for your generosity. 00:03:12.000 --> 00:03:19.000 Your gift will have a lasting impact on the quality education we provide here at Western Oregon University. 00:03:20.000 --> 00:03:28.000 Applause 00:03:28.000 --> 00:03:34.000 Good morning, and thank you for having me here today. My name is Dani Ledezma and I am Governor Kitzhaber's education policy advisor. 00:03:34.000 --> 00:03:40.000 and I'd like to offer congratulations and best wishes to everyone here today. 00:03:40.000 --> 00:03:46.000 As you know our governor has laid out ambitious and audacious education goals for our state. 00:03:46.000 --> 00:03:52.000 And we know to achieve these goals, we need to continue to build a pipeline of effective, 00:03:52.000 --> 00:03:57.000 innovative, and inspiring educators to lead our way in our state. 00:03:57.000 --> 00:03:63.000 And so it's with this in mind that we hope that this will continue to be fertile ground that cultivates 00:04:03.000 --> 00:04:08.000 the very best educators in our state here. And so on behalf of our governor John Kitzhaber 00:04:08.000 --> 00:04:14.000 I want to extend our congratulations and best wishes for Western Oregon University. Thank you. 00:04:14.000 --> 00:04:22.000 Applause 00:04:22.000 --> 00:04:25.000 Good morning. 00:04:25.000 --> 00:04:32.000 I'm Jan Looking Wolf Reibach and I'm from the tribe of Grande Ronde, I'm the museum manager and the culture director. 00:04:32.000 --> 00:04:36.000 Pardon my dress, I just came from another ceremony. 00:04:36.000 --> 00:04:44.000 I'll keep this breif, but I'd like to acknowledge the great work that our governor is doing in cultural diversity and supporting Native American tribes in Oregon. 00:04:44.000 --> 00:04:52.000 And also to give this blessing to this great university for recognizing the indigenous people here. 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:60.000 The confederated tribes of Grande Ronde, our lands extended all the way from southern Washington to northern California 00:05:00.000 --> 00:05:04.000 before we were marched to our reservation in Grande Ronde in 1856. 00:05:04.000 --> 00:05:08.000 We have over 27 bands and tribes of the Grande Ronde people. 00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:14.000 We have a great relationship with Western Oregon University. We are looking forward to more collaborations 00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:19.000 with this staff that is so committed to excellence in education for the community. 00:05:20.000 --> 00:05:26.000 and I'd just like to thank them for recognizing our ancestors here, and it's an honor to be here to give this blessing. 00:05:26.000 --> 00:05:31.000 So I'll keep this prayer brief, but please know that it is a sincere prayer. 00:05:31.000 --> 00:05:36.000 and before I offer this prayer, at the end you will hear me say Hayu Masi. 00:05:36.000 --> 00:05:42.000 It's like, 'hi', 'you', and then like 'mossy' on a tree. Hayu Masi 00:05:42.000 --> 00:05:45.000 And we say that, 'many thanks. 00:05:45.000 --> 00:05:47.000 So everyone try that, Hayu Masi. 00:05:47.000 --> 00:05:52.000 Hayu Masi. Hayu Masi, so we can say that together in unity today, 00:05:52.000 --> 00:05:57.000 and truly the tribe owes many thanks to our great partners here in Oregon 00:05:57.000 --> 00:05:63.000 and many thanks to this university for yet another excellent endeavor. 00:06:03.000 --> 00:06:13.000 So, we'll just say a quick prayer. Feel free to pray however you pray like that, it's fine. 00:06:13.000 --> 00:06:20.000 Creator, we thank you for this day. 00:06:20.000 --> 00:06:24.000 We thank you for this blessing, and for this university, for this new project. 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:31.000 We thank you for all who are here, for all who are involved, and all the hands on this project. 00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:37.000 Creator we thank you for our communities and our children, please keep your eye on them. 00:06:37.000 --> 00:06:41.000 Watch over them, have pity on them, have blessings on them. 00:06:41.000 --> 00:06:48.000 Creator we pray that today goes in a good way, and that the speakers listen to their heart. 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:56.000 We thank you for these good words, we thank you for water, for food, for shelter, for fire. Hayu Masi. 00:06:56.000 --> 00:06:60.000 Hayu Masi 00:07:05.000 --> 00:07:11.000 Hello, I'm Travis Meuwissen I was the 2013 to 2014 ASWOU President. 00:07:11.000 --> 00:07:17.000 Thank you for having me here today. Today is not just the beginning of a new wonderful building at Western Oregon University. 00:07:17.000 --> 00:07:20.000 But it also marks the end of my undergraduate career here. 00:07:20.000 --> 00:07:27.000 And as I look back and think about the faculty members, the mentors, and the people that have really shaped my life here 00:07:27.000 --> 00:07:34.000 I then look to the future and what see what writing 'Western Oregon University graduate' means on my resume. 00:07:34.000 --> 00:07:39.000 The first thing that comes to mind is pride, pride in my education here. 00:07:39.000 --> 00:07:44.000 Before Western, I was very confident that I would receive an education at this university that I could be proud of. 00:07:44.000 --> 00:07:50.000 As the teachers who impacted me most throughout my high school career were Western Oregon University alums. 00:07:50.000 --> 00:07:57.000 In fact they are the ones who started talking to me about Western, and really convinced me that this would be a wonderful institution. 00:07:57.000 --> 00:07:61.000 Since arriving here four years ago, Western has not let me down. 00:08:01.000 --> 00:08:09.000 The resources available have allowed me to get the education I need to become a well competitive adult in today's work force. 00:08:09.000 --> 00:08:16.000 With the addition of this new building, Western will be able to further it's dedication 00:08:16.000 --> 00:08:22.000 to being a leader in education studies, and I would like to thank Dr. Woodcock for this generous donation. 00:08:22.000 --> 00:08:27.000 Because of your commitment in helping the next generation of teachers 00:08:27.000 --> 00:08:32.000 we will be better prepared, better equipped '" 00:08:32.000 --> 00:08:38.000 Better equipped, and better prepared to have professionals teaching our students. 00:08:38.000 --> 00:08:44.000 From the bottom of my heart, thank you. This building and the resources that will be attached 00:08:44.000 --> 00:08:49.000 Will instill a new generation of Western Oregon University graduates not just with the pride I feel today 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:57.000 but the constant assurance that WOU has the top of the line programs and means to advance their education to teach the new generation. 00:08:57.000 --> 00:08:62.000 For this program here, does not just enrich the lives of the students it teaches 00:09:02.000 --> 00:09:07.000 but it is a cycle of WOU graduates teaching and shaping the next generation. 00:09:07.000 --> 00:09:12.000 This donation, this gift, will be a gift that keep on giving, and I thank you for that. 00:09:12.000 --> 00:09:19.000 Applause 00:09:24.000 --> 00:09:31.000 Its a great morning. Good morning I am Mark Weiss. President of Western Oregon University. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:38.000 I would like to thank our speakers for participating today on this ground breaking ceremony. 00:09:38.000 --> 00:09:43.000 Thank you all for joining us during commencement weekend. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:49.000 I am thrilled to make two exciting announcements related to our university. 00:09:49.000 --> 00:09:54.000 It is my honor to publicly announce the Dare to campaign. 00:09:55.000 --> 00:09:59.000 To advance our College of Education Dare to. 00:09:59.000 --> 00:09:70.000 This effort is built upon the well known quote that was placed above the campus elementary school entrance in 1915. 00:10:10.000 --> 00:10:13.000 That's ninety-nine years ago isn't it? 00:10:13.000 --> 00:10:17.000 Which is now the instructional technology center. 00:10:17.000 --> 00:10:25.000 The quote reads, 'Those who dare to teach must never cease to learn. 00:10:25.000 --> 00:10:29.000 We set out with two missions for this campus. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:34.000 First to get the necessary funding for a new College of Education building. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:39.000 That will result in improved collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. 00:10:40.000 --> 00:10:46.000 Our second goal is to improve financial aid for our derserving students. 00:10:46.000 --> 00:10:55.000 By raising significant funding for scholarships by the time we meet here again for this ribbon cutting in two years. 00:10:56.000 --> 00:10:61.000 To accomplish this we plan to raise three million dollars. 00:11:01.000 --> 00:11:07.000 And I am delighted to say in large part due to our honored guest today Dr. Woodcock 00:11:08.000 --> 00:11:13.000 We have secured 55% of that goal. 00:11:13.000 --> 00:11:19.000 And all of the necessary funding for the new College of Education building. Thank you Dr. Woodcock. 00:11:20.000 --> 00:11:26.000 Applause 00:11:26.000 --> 00:11:31.000 Not only are we appreciative that Dr. Woodcock has chosen, 00:11:31.000 --> 00:11:32.000 00:11:32.000 --> 00:11:36.000 to invest in Western Oregon University. 00:11:36.000 --> 00:11:39.000 We are honored to place his name on our building. 00:11:39.000 --> 00:11:47.000 Both Dr. Woodcock and his wife Elizabeth. Along with their family and friends here today, 00:11:49.000 --> 00:11:59.000 It is now my opportunity to formally introduce Dr. Woodcock and to share with you a little about his career and impact on education. 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:05.000 And why it is important to have his name connected to our College of Education. 00:12:05.000 --> 00:12:11.000 Dr. Woodcock is a native Oregonian and holds academic degrees 00:12:12.000 --> 00:12:16.000 from one of our sister O-U-S institutions just down the road. 00:12:16.000 --> 00:12:26.000 He is a highly esteemed former faculty member here at Western Oregon University from 1957-1961. 00:12:26.000 --> 00:12:33.000 Serving as an assistant professor of psychology. And reading clinic director. 00:12:33.000 --> 00:12:46.000 In addition he is one of only two honorary doctorate degree recipients in the one hundred and fifty plus year status of this university's history. 00:12:46.000 --> 00:12:53.000 Receiving that honorary doctorate degree in 2006. 00:12:53.000 --> 00:12:68.000 Following his tenure at then Oregon College of Education he spent time at other prestigious universities including Vanderbilt, University of Southern California and the University of Virginia. 00:13:08.000 --> 00:13:18.000 His most noted work to improve education nationwide is as founder of Measured Learning Consultants. 00:13:18.000 --> 00:13:21.000 A test development and research organization. 00:13:21.000 --> 00:13:28.000 Most significant is his work to create the Woodcock-Johnson battery of tests. 00:13:28.000 --> 00:13:35.000 Which grew from his desire to improve and measure an individuals learning ability. 00:13:35.000 --> 00:13:45.000 His award winning career illustrates his efforts and dedication to improve learning for all students in Oregon and around the world. 00:13:45.000 --> 00:13:57.000 Dr. Woodcock's philanthropy aligns directly with Western Oregon's vision of high quality, innovative facilities and affordability. 00:13:57.000 --> 00:13:67.000 Dr. Woodcock's generous support of the university's mission is an example to all who believe in the power of education. 00:14:08.000 --> 00:14:14.000 His previous support in funding the David S. Brody Memorial Scholarship. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:25.000 Speaks directly to W-O-U's emphasis on serving students of diverse backgrounds and traditionally underserved populations. 00:14:25.000 --> 00:14:44.000 In fact the first recipient of this scholarship Karina Valencia Chavez, Salem Keizer Principal, joins us here this morning and will be our commencement ceremony speaker later today. 00:14:44.000 --> 00:14:56.000 Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to announce the naming of W-O-U's new college of education building as the Richard Woodcock Education Center. 00:14:56.000 --> 00:14:64.000 Please join me in welcoming Dr. Richard Woodcock and his wife Elizabeth if you wish to the podium. 00:15:04.000 --> 00:15:16.000 Applause 00:15:16.000 --> 00:15:27.000 Thank you President Weiss for those kind words and all of that history which some of I have really kind of forgotten. 00:15:27.000 --> 00:15:28.000 Laughing 00:15:28.000 --> 00:15:36.000 It's a pleasure to be here today along with this opportunity to contribute to Western Oregon University's future. 00:15:36.000 --> 00:15:41.000 Other than teaching extension courses around the state fifty or sixty years ago. 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:54.000 An invitation to join the faculty of then Oregon College of Education lead to my first full time college teaching job. And what a job that was. 00:15:54.000 --> 00:15:57.000 I had to teach five 3 hour courses a quarter. 00:15:57.000 --> 00:15:65.000 But the administration took pity on me for the first quarter only, and I only had to teach four courses that first quarter. 00:16:05.000 --> 00:16:11.000 As you know being on a college faculty is a learning experience as well as a teaching experience. 00:16:11.000 --> 00:16:25.000 And this is immortalized really well on the words on what we used to call the lab school when we were there. And two of my children including Diane up here in the front seat started school there. 00:16:25.000 --> 00:16:30.000 Much of my learning came sharing an office with Dr. David Brody. 00:16:30.000 --> 00:16:37.000 Who was a professor of psychology at Oregon College of Education that time for many years. 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:44.000 I don't recall the student body at that time being particularly diverse in respect to ethnicity. 00:16:44.000 --> 00:16:50.000 For example I may be incorrect but I don't recall any black students while I was here. 00:16:50.000 --> 00:16:55.000 I don't know about hispanic students but I expect it was a rather small number. 00:16:56.000 --> 00:16:61.000 We did have a number of students from Hawaii attending O-C-E under a special program. 00:17:01.000 --> 00:17:09.000 Back to Dave Brody he often spent weekends in migrant work camps in the Salem and Woodurn areas. 00:17:09.000 --> 00:17:17.000 On Mondays when he would be back in the office he would relate to me some of his experiences he had over the weekend. 00:17:17.000 --> 00:17:30.000 And he would tell me about the people he worked with and the problems they had and about their families. And the very fine interrelationships in the family of these people. 00:17:30.000 --> 00:17:39.000 After David passed away the David Brody scholarship fund was established as President Weiss has already mentioned. 00:17:40.000 --> 00:17:47.000 One of our goals with these scholarships was to facilitate more diversity on the O-C-E campus. 00:17:47.000 --> 00:17:57.000 These scholarships were intended in general for bi-lingual students coming from families without a college education and with limited financial resources. 00:17:57.000 --> 00:17:65.000 One feature of these scholarships is their provision of living expenses as well as school expenses. 00:18:05.000 --> 00:18:11.000 The purpose was so that these students would not need to work while pursuing their degrees. 00:18:12.000 --> 00:18:20.000 The first recipient of the scholarship as President Weiss has already mentioned was Karina Valencia Chavez. 00:18:20.000 --> 00:18:27.000 You cannot imagine my delight when I learned she was to be our commencement speaker today. 00:18:27.000 --> 00:18:29.000 Laughing 00:18:29.000 --> 00:18:35.000 This like coming full circle as you mentioned President Weiss. 00:18:36.000 --> 00:18:46.000 Last night Tommy Love sent me an email with some impressive statistics about the diversity of the students on Western Oregon campus today. 00:18:46.000 --> 00:18:56.000 Among other facts Tommy told me the Hispanic population on campus is eleven percent and the non-white population is approximately twenty five percent. 00:18:56.000 --> 00:18:67.000 He also reported that Western Oregon is one of the most diverse universities in Oregon and has the highest percentage of Latino students in the Oregon University System. 00:19:08.000 --> 00:19:13.000 I believe the Brody scholarships have contributed in some part to this diversity. 00:19:13.000 --> 00:19:24.000 And that the new Center for Education along with other University outreach efforts will facilitate even more diversity at Western Oregon University. Thank you. 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:36.000 Clapping 00:19:40.000 --> 00:19:47.000 It's just amazing the circle of events that happen here today. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:57.000 We have the Native American blessing on this land which was once land of the Tribes. 00:19:57.000 --> 00:19:65.000 We have the Brody scholarship funding an education for Miss Valencia Chavez. 00:20:05.000 --> 00:20:17.000 We have Dr. Woodcock funding our new College of Education building. 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:22.000 It's just incredible. 00:20:22.000 --> 00:20:27.000 As we move towards the closing of today's ceremony by turning the shovels. 00:20:28.000 --> 00:20:36.000 I would like to invite the following individuals to join me along with Dr. Woodcock and Mrs. Jackson Woodcock. 00:20:36.000 --> 00:20:46.000 So please come forward as I call your name, grab a shovel and take your appropriate place and we will get things started. 00:20:46.000 --> 00:20:51.000 Remember we have a lot of ground to clear for this building. 00:20:51.000 --> 00:20:52.000 Laughing 00:20:52.000 --> 00:20:58.000 Miss Danny Ledezma Education policy advisor representing Governor Kitzhaber. 00:20:58.000 --> 00:20:62.000 Miss Karina Valencia Chavez and todays commencement speaker. 00:21:02.000 --> 00:21:07.000 Dr. Stephen Scheck Vice President for academic affairs. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:12.000 Dr. Mark Girod Dean of the College of Education. 00:21:12.000 --> 00:21:18.000 Miss. Kim Olson representing Mahlum Architects. 00:21:18.000 --> 00:21:26.000 Mr. Travis Meuwissin representing the associate students of Western Oregon University. 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:35.000 Dr. Emily Plec Professor and Chair of Communication Studies and member of the Oregon State Board of Higher Education. 00:21:35.000 --> 00:21:40.000 Dr. Cheryl Davis Chair of the Special Education Division. 00:21:40.000 --> 00:21:47.000 Dr. Maria Dantas-Whitney Chair of the Division of Teacher Education. 00:21:48.000 --> 00:21:55.000 Mr. Tim Nezbit Chair of the Higher Education Coordinating Commission. 00:21:56.000 --> 00:21:62.000 And Dr. Peggy Peterson Chair of Division of Health and Physical Education. 00:22:02.000 --> 00:22:07.000 Dr. Woodcock and Mrs. Woodcock if you wish please. 00:22:08.000 --> 00:22:18.000 And as we conclude momentarily I would like to invite you to join us for commencement. 00:22:18.000 --> 00:22:22.000 Beginning at 11 o'clock at McArthur Field. 00:22:22.000 --> 00:22:30.000 Now let me get in place and please those with shovels follow my instructions. 00:22:30.000 --> 00:22:32.000 Laughing 00:22:52.000 --> 00:22:65.000 So from the 3-2-1 on the count of dig we shall commemorate the occasion. 00:23:09.000 --> 00:23:20.000 Clapping