Get rid of that stress during #WesternCares events on campus, around town
Finals are approaching and year-long projects are coming due. The end of spring quarter is a busy -- and often quite difficult -- time for students, faculty and staff at Western Washington University.
That's why Western is continuing the #WesternCares campaign begun a couple of years ago, encouraging students, faculty and staff to relax and help others. We're all in this together, and we can get through these weeks with each other's help.
A preliminary list of #WesternCares events is below. Admission to events listed is free, unless otherwise noted. If you know of something that's missing, or if you want to create a new event, let us know! We're looking for any event that gives students, faculty and staff a chance to study, relax, de-stress, socialize, get work done or help others.
When posting about something you've done or received to social media, don't forget to tag the post with #WesternCares to encourage and inspire others. Let's see how much help we can offer others as the quarter comes to a close.
And remember: It's okay to be not okay. Anxiety and depression disorders affect everyone in spectrums. They aren't easy to describe, let alone experience. But that does not mean you are alone in what you may be feeling. There are many resources available to help give you the information and support you deserve. Check out itsokay.info for more information. A project of THRIVE at WWU and Prevention and Wellness Services.
BFA Studio Exhibit - (un)known: May 25 through June 12, Western Gallery
Western BFA candidates and Art History students have their incredible -- seriously, it's fantastic -- work on display through June 12 in the Western Gallery. Always free, always worth a visit.
Canines on Campus: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 31 to June 9, Wilson Library Skybridge
Once again, Western Libraries is being joined by service animals ready to help students de-stress. As students study in the library and finish their last projects and papers of the quarter, they can stop by the gallery space at the end of the Skybridge on the Wilson side of the library and meet new furry friends. The animals will be available on and off between the hours of 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.; a full schedule of the first week is listed below. Smoky the cat will be on campus on June 4.
Barry Herem lecture on Clan Treasures of the Klukwan Whale House: 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, Miller Hall Room 138
Barry Herem, an artist and author, will give a lecture about the Whale House treasures of the Klukwan Whale House. The lecture is free and open to the public. The exquisite at.oow, or clan treasures of the Klukwan Whale House, has interested scholars, private collectors, gallery owners and museums since the late nineteenth century. Despite almost a century of natives and non-natives attempting to purchase the Whale House treasures, the owners of the Klukwan Whale House, the Gaanaxteidi clan, still retain ownership of this impressive collection today. The Chilkat Tlingit Whale House was also carved by Kadjis du axtc, the Tlingit’s most famous artist of his day, and relays the powerful history of the Gaanaxteidi people of Klukwan.
Win Watershed tickets: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, Red Square
Would being able to look forward to a weekend at Watershed this summer help you relax? Stop by Red Square on Wednesday for a chance to win tickets to the sold-out concert event from the WWU chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America.
Shout out to a friend (or stranger): 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, Red Square
Drop by the #WesternCares table in Red Square on Wednesday to write a few words of kindness about someone else on campus. Rewards include warm feelings and a free piece of candy.
#WesternGiveDay: All day Wednesday, June 1, online
Do something nice for someone on campus by donating any amount of money during #WesternGiveDay. You can give to any area of campus, and your money will be matched dollar for dollar! Learn more.
The philosophical case for the existence of God: 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, Bellingham City Hall
Hud Hudson, professor of Philosophy at Western Washington University, will give a talk titled “A Critical Evaluation of the Fine-Tuning Argument for the Existence of God” in the Bellingham City Council Chambers. The lecture is part of the WWU College of Humanities and Social Sciences Dean’s Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the City of Bellingham.
Show! The Show: 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, Old Main Theatre
Need a good laugh? Drop by the Old Main Theatre Wednesday night for some hilarious sketch comedy from the cast members of Show! The Show. Free and open to the public.
Pops!: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 1, PAC Concert Hall
Music from movies, television and video games, all performed by a live band. You've got to check it out!
Outdoor Center Spring Gear Grab: Noon to 3 p.m., Thursday, June 2, PAC Plaza
Are you trying to sell, buy, and/or trade outdoor recreation equipment? Well then the Outdoor Center Community Gear Grab is for you! Join the fun outside at the PAC Plaza. This event will be free of charge to enter and sell your gear for anybody that is interested, not just for WWU community members.
Lecture on the ecological impact of the Baynes Sound shellfish industry: 4 p.m. Thursday, June 2, Communications Facility Room 110
Leah Bendell from Simon Fraser University will discuss the impact of the shellfish industry on Baynes Sound as part of Western’s Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series.
A Capella Club Spring Concert: 7 p.m. Thursday, June 2, Arntzen Hall Room 100
The WWU A Capella Club is having its final concert of the year, and it's free and open to the public. Remember this thing costs $0, and you will be paid generously with good music, entertainment, decent jokes, enthusiasm, and above all, a great concert night.
Art Walk: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 3, downtown Bellingham
The first Friday of every month is Art Walk night in Bellingham. In June, the timing works well for the event to serve as a welcome respite from studying. While you're out, be sure to drop by Western City Center in the Herald Building for free coffee!
Commercial Street Night Market: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 3, downtown Bellingham
Want to get off campus for a bit? Check out the Commercial Street Night Market on Friday night.
Jazz ensembles: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, PAC Concert Hall
The American musical style Jazz cut its teeth on and rose to popularity through its use of popular songs from the first half of the 20th century. Swing by and explore popular music ranging from the second half of the 20th century through today. Featuring works by The Beatles, Steely Dan, Bjork, Radiohead, Soundgarden, Stevie Wonder, and more. This concert features student combos and big bands, directed by Kevin Woods, Christian Cassolary, and Johnny Toulouse.
BFA Dance capstone performances: 7:30 p.m. Friday, June 3, PAC Choir Room
WWU student dancers will perform some of their best work before they graduate. Watch what these dancers have become after studying in WWU's Dance program!
The Magic Flute: 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 4, Bellingham Public Library
Western’s opera program will present an adaptation of Mozart’s classic “The Magic Flute” in the downstairs lecture room. It's geared for elementary-age children, but it'll be enjoyable by all.
BFA Dance capstone performances: 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, PAC Choir Room
WWU student dancers will perform some of their best work before they graduate. Watch what these dancers have become after studying in WWU's Dance program!
The Magic Flute: 1 p.m. Saturday, June 4, Fairhaven Public Library
Western’s opera program will present an adaptation of Mozart’s classic “The Magic Flute” in the second-floor auditorium. It's geared for elementary-age children, but it'll be enjoyable by all.
Lawnstock: 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 4, Communications Facility Lawn
Lawnstock, the annual music festival from ASProductions, is back for a fourth year. This year, the Lawnstock stage will see performances from some of Seattle and Bellingham's best musicians, including: Mary Lambert, The Flavr Blue, Cosmos the Band and Snug Harbor. The lineup also features an opening set from Crooked Neighbours, the winners of Battle of the Bands, ASProductions and Make.Shift's all-ages battle-of-the-bands competition. As always, Lawnstock is free and open to the public.
Afro-Brasilian Festival: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, June 5
The Afro-Brasilian Festival, free for all WWU students, will feature a day of workshops and classes on cultural art forms from Africa and the Diaspora.
Engineering and Design open house: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, June 6
The Engineering and Design Department at Western Washington University will hold its annual open house and student showcase June 6. At the open house, partnered companies learn all about the capabilities of WWU's Engineering and Design programs. Many of the events also are intended for students to learn more about the engineering programs offered at Western. A complete schedule is online.
Lecture on the messy history of cleaning up: 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 7, Special Collections
The recipient of the 2016 James W. Scott Research Fellowship, Kendra Smith-Howard, will explore the history of cleanliness in 20th Century America, including the role and impact of Georgia-Pacific and other regional wood-pulp manufacturers, during the talk “A Messy History of Cleaning Up: Georgia-Pacific and the History of the Disposable Diaper.”
Bellingham for Burma fundraiser at Boundary Bay: 5 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, June 8, Boundary Bay
In the spirit of #westerncares, a group of WWU students recently returned from a service-learning program in Thailand and Myanmar/Burma with the Institute of Village Studies is throwing a special fundraiser June 8. The cost for the benefit concert is $10 for adults and $5 for students. Kids get in free. The students are working to help support three grassroots organizations in Burma. More information is on the Bellingham for Burma website.
