Retirement breakfast set for Feb. 9 to celebrate Elissa Mowry

Elissa Mowry, graphic designer for Western Washington University Extended Education’s marketing department, will be retiring after 31 years of service to Western, and a farewell breakfast for her will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 9 in College Hall room 137.

Mowry started at Western in 1987 as a student in the Equal Opportunity Office, then known as the Affirmative Action Office. She later worked as a secretary and office support in the Faculty Senate. After taking a short break from Western, Mowry came back and worked for the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services from 1990 to 1998, where she served as a program coordinator, program assistant, and support supervisor.

Since 1998, Mowry has worked in Extended Education. She has held the roles of program support supervisor, web developer and graphic designer.

“Elissa has served as the sole designer for Extended Education marketing efforts for nearly two decades,” said Courtney Hiatt, marketing manager for Extended Education. “She helped shape our program identities and success in such a critical way, and she has always done so with incredible dedication, patience and some of the greatest kindness I have ever seen.” 

“Elissa’s wit and creativity helped bring about change in the way our marketing team worked and the work we do,” said Rebecca Beardsall, marketing director for Extended Education. “We are going to miss her tremendously, but we are excited for her to start her new chapter.”

Through her positions at Western, Mowry has made connections with several employees at Western, as well as student employees.

“She’s made me feel welcomed and part of the team since day one. She always has a smile on and a bright personality,” said Joyce Voraphongphibul, one of Mowry’s current student graphic designers. “Her contributions make the work environment so much more fun.”

Jean Webster, web designer for Extended Education’s marketing department, has worked with Mowry for four years. Webster said Mowry’s cheerful attitude and warm personality have been a joy to work beside.

“Her compassion and understanding has been bedrock for the team. She always has a minute to listen out what someone has to say regardless of who it is or what it is,” Webster said. “Her generosity is legendary. She will literally give away the lunch on her plate or half the cookie in her hand.”

We wish Elissa all the best on her retirement.