Scholars Week at Western Washington University is almost here, bringing three-minute thesis talks, creative writing readings, poster presentations and the opportunity for students’ hard work to be acknowledged.
Western students and community members are invited to celebrate a milestone for academic excellence during Scholars Week 2025 — a five day showcase of research and innovation from students & faculty members happening May 12 to May 16 across campus.
Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Scholars Week is how Western showcases its students’ achievements. The event invites undergraduate and graduate students to present their academic work — including research-in-progress, creative activities and performances and presentations of completed works — while highlighting the important role of faculty members within the progression of these students' work.
Maria McLeod teaches journalism at Western and serves as chair of the Scholars Week Planning Committee.
“I think it’s indicative of the close relationship between professors and their students and the mentorship that happens at Western,” McLeod said. “Scholars Week is an expression of that engagement — to show people what’s happening at our university on the hill.”
Throughout the week, Western’s colleges, such as Fairhaven College, departments and programs will be hosting events reflecting the university's broad academic spectrum — from environmental science to poetry and psychology to performing arts.
Five keystone events will be returning for Scholars Week 2025, each drawing significant interest from students, faculty members and visitors alike.
The scholarly events will be free and open to the public. The poster session in particular invites attendees to engage one-on-one with 300 students' research methods, results and personal experiences in the learning process displayed on their poster.
Undergraduate Nia Stillman discusses her poster presentation, "Yurie Nagashima: Capturing Womanhood From a New Lens," on May 15, 2024 in Bellingham, Wash. As a centerpiece event at Scholars Week, this year’s poster session will demonstrate the depth of student research and academic discoveries. // Photo courtesy of Vanessa Blackburn
Kumiko Juker, a public relations student and Scholars Week staff, said student accomplishments often go unseen. Scholar’s Week is a way for students’ hard work to be recognized.
“When a faculty member recognizes your work, it instills confidence,” Juker said.
Faculty involvement is a foundational part of Scholars Week. Many projects on display result from independent student projects under the supervision of faculty members, whose involvement often spans from months to even years. These partnerships provide students with hands-on research experience, access to advanced tools and the guidance needed to navigate difficult academic questions.
“They’re together from beginning to end, whether the research starts in the library, takes them to the laboratory or into a field. Oftentimes faculty members are the source for bringing in the money for the equipment and supplies for the students' research,” said David Patrick, the dean of the graduate school and vice provost for research at Western.
Three-Minute Thesis Talks are returning to Scholars Week , allowing graduate students to present their research in a compelling presentation in under three minutes. This format offers the audience a rigorous and engaging experience with complex academic topics.
In addition, the MFA/MA Creative Writing Presentations give a spotlight for students to read from original works, such as poetry, fiction, nonfiction and/or hybrid works showcasing the literary talent on campus.
“Scholars Week is like a tornado of excitement. If you’re walking across campus, come on in and take a look around. We invite everyone to come experience Scholars Week and support our students,” said Patrick.
Hailey Brown (they/them) is a campus news reporter for The Front this quarter. They are a third-year visual journalism major with a minor in women’s, gender, and sexuality studies. Outside the newsroom, you can find them taking too many photos, on the beach collecting sea glass, or with their nose in any book. You can reach them at haileybrown.thefront@gmail.com.
