Western New England University

The Western New England University Skookum Awards recognize 15 outstanding members of the Class of 2026 for their leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to serving the University community.

Western New England University (WNE) honored 16 exceptional seniors at the 35th annual Skookum Awards Ceremony in October, recognizing their academic excellence, leadership, and contributions to the University community. Under a crisp autumn sky, families, faculty, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate these future leaders. President Robert Johnson praised the honorees as "the best among the best" and highlighted the vital role of faculty and staff in shaping their success. Alumna D'Naysia Stonick '19 inspired students with advice on embracing change and building networks, while Dr. Allissa Long '17/PharmD'19 described the rigorous selection process that narrowed the field from over 75 nominees to 16 awardees. Three students earned top honors: Ashley Figueroa (Grand Skookum), Elizabeth Heiney (Royal Skookum), and Armani Mayes (Royal Skookum). The Skookum Awards, named after a Chinook word meaning "excellence," have been a cherished WNE tradition since 1989. The ceremony reinforced the honorees' achievements and connected them to a supportive alumni network as they continue their journey of leadership and success.

Western New England University (WNE) takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of over 400 students who have been named to the President's List for the Spring 2025 semester.

Western New England University (WNE) takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of over 640 students who have been named to the President's List for the Fall 2024 semester.

Western New England University (WNE) takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of more than 550 students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2025 semester.

Western New England University (WNE) takes immense pride in recognizing the outstanding academic achievements of over 750 students who have been named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester.

Western New England University's College of Business hosted its 21st Annual Induction Ceremony for Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for business students. Founded at the university in 2005, the chapter now surpasses 500 lifetime members. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is a prestigious international recognition, offered to top students in AACSB-accredited business programs. This year's inductees include high-achieving students across undergraduate (BSBA), MBA, MSBA, and MSOL programs.

Western New England University held its graduate commencement ceremony on May 19 at the MassMutual Center, celebrating the Class of 2024. The keynote speaker, MA Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle L'14, encouraged the students to "be willing to do what's right despite opposition" after sharing how her time as a student at Western New England set an example for her career path. Congratulations and best wishes to the newest Golden Bear Alumni. WNE is proud of you!

The Western New England University College of Arts & Sciences Senior Awards and Student Scholarship Ceremony took place on April 25, 2025.

Western New England University held its undergraduate commencement ceremony on May 19 at the MassMutual Center, celebrating the Class of 2024. The keynote speaker, esteemed journalist Latoyia Edwards, talked about the importance of bringing passion and intensity to one's work without overshadowing what's most important: family. "If you don't remember any piece of advice that I give you this morning, remember to never take anyone who loves and supports you for granted." Congratulations and best wishes to the newest Golden Bear Alumni. WNE is proud of you!

Western New England University is proud to announce the selection of ten outstanding students who will serve as Orientation Group Leaders (OGLs) for the 2024 Summer Orientation and Registration (SOAR) program.

Western New England University held its Distinguished Golden Bear Awards ceremony on May 2 in River's Memorial Hall, recognizing students who have excelled in leadership and community involvement.

The Western New England University Stageless Players make a triumphant return with four eagerly awaited performances of its spring musical, The Rocky Horror Show, on April 12-14.

Western New England University Stageless Players return to the stage performing Little Women on November 19-20.

Western New England University's Women's Wrestling team has achieved a historic milestone, securing qualifications for the 2024 National Collegiate Women's Wrestling Championships (NCWWC). For the first time in program history, the Golden Bears will be represented at this prestigious event, set to take place in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The qualifiers emerged victorious from the recent NCWWC Region I qualifying event, hosted at Lock Haven University. Linda Holeman in the 130-pound weight class, Sabrina Sedor in the 136-pound category, and Dakota-Marie Dinielli in the 143-pound division have earned their spots in the upcoming national championship.

On Sunday, September 25th, the Western New England University (WNE) Men's Ice Hockey team came together to volunteer in the Walk to End Alzheimer's event at Holyoke Community College.

In a remarkable gathering of academic excellence and achievement, Western New England University (WNE) marked the Annual Honors Program with a distinguished first-year presidential reception. The event, hosted on the University Commons' rooftop terrace, brought together esteemed administrators and exceptional students who have embarked on a journey of scholarly pursuit. The Honors Program is a prestigious platform open to students who have been invited by their respective colleges. This program is designed to offer academically qualified and highly motivated students the chance to engage with a community of like-minded peers and immerse themselves in challenging courses delivered by some of the university's most distinguished faculty members. It provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines alongside fellow Honors students, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries and broadening their educational horizons. Furthermore, students actively participate in leadership activities that are closely tied to the Honors Program.

In a remarkable gathering of academic excellence and achievement, Western New England University (WNE) marked the Annual Honors Program with a distinguished first-year presidential reception. The event, hosted on the University Commons' rooftop terrace, brought together esteemed administrators and exceptional students who have embarked on a journey of scholarly pursuit. The Honors Program is a prestigious platform open to students who have been invited by their respective colleges. This program is designed to offer academically qualified and highly motivated students the chance to engage with a community of like-minded peers and immerse themselves in challenging courses delivered by some of the university's most distinguished faculty members. It provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines alongside fellow Honors students, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries and broadening their educational horizons. Furthermore, students actively participate in leadership activities that are closely tied to the Honors Program.

Seventeen students traveled to the city of Sorrento, Italy for three weeks to immerse themselves in the study of Italian culture as part of the WNE Study Abroad Seminar.

Western New England University congratulates 15 students working toward a Doctor of Pharmacy degree who were named to the Dean's List for the Spring 2023 Semester.

Eighteen Western New England University students traveled to Sorrento, Italy for three weeks this summer to immerse themselves in the study of Italian culture.

Engineering and Business students team up to create and market innovative new product concepts as part of the Product Development and Innovation course at Western New England University.

Western New England University students from the Colleges of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Engineering were recognized for their innovations in several competitions in the Pioneer Valley during the month of April.

Western New England University (WNE) held its annual Golden Bear Innovation Jam (GBIJ) sponsored by PeoplesBank. The goal of GBIJ is to foster ideas that have the potential to progress toward innovation, and eventually, commercialization.

Western New England University announces Student Senate election results.

Class of 2023 Doctor of Occupational Therapy student, Anne Wepfer, is one of a select group of students from across the country who was accepted into the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and American Occupational Therapy Foundation's (AOTF) 2022 Summer Institute of Future Scientists in Occupational Therapy.