WWU's Woodring College of Education Offers New Rob Brand Elementary Education Scholarship

Western Washington University’s Woodring College of Education has a new scholarship, named in honor of Bellingham educator Rob Brand.

“Rob Brand is a living legend. He has been a part of teacher preparation at Western since he was an elementary student in the Campus School,” said Chris Ohana, chair of the Elementary Education Department at Woodring College of Education.

“Rob has contributed to hundreds, if not thousands, of our students through meticulous observations and caring words,” Ohana said. “It isn’t just a profession to Rob. It is his life. We named this scholarship after Rob in recognition of the institution he is.”

After graduating from Western and teaching for a number of years in Oak Harbor and Bellingham, Brand returned to Western and earned a master’s degree in educational administration. He then served nearly 30 years as an elementary school principal, working at five different Bellingham schools and teaching in Educational Administration in Woodring College.

After retirement in 1992, and unable to sit still, he returned again to Western and the Department of Elementary Education. He has been there ever since.

“It goes without saying that I am sincerely humbled by this recognition. It is my hope that future recipients of scholarship assistance will find the teaching profession to be the challenging, yet satisfying and rewarding journey that has been mine to enjoy,” Brand said.

Scholarships will be awarded every year to the candidate in Elementary Education (in Early Childhood or Kindergarten - Eighth Grade) who best exemplifies the qualities of hard work and caring that are so intrinsic to Rob Brand. Criteria for selection will include financial need, professional excellence and leadership qualities.

For more information, contact the Elementary Education Department at: 650-3336. For more information about donating to the scholarship, please contact Michael Reinke at: 650-2368.