We are asking our community to join our commitment to making higher education an accessible reality to every student who has a dream of attending Western. WWU Give Day is an endorsement of the power and potential of our students and their future contributions to our communities. Give Day is a recognition that no matter where you give – to a building, scholarship, project, or program – you are pushing Western’s values forward and giving students an immersive education.
The Ray Wolpow Institute pledges donations during Give Day directly back to the students by offering scholarships. As we grow our minors in Holocaust and Genocide Studies (HGST), and the Human Rights Minor, we hope to offer summer internships to our students in both minors.
Annual Noémi Ban Memorial Lecture
Local Holocaust survivor Noémi Ban (1922-2019) was a beloved teacher and award-winning educator. She cared deeply about the pursuit of historical truth, sharing her story of loss and survival with thousands of students around the state and the world.
To honor Noémi’s life and legacy, we are seeking funds to expand the Annual Noémi Ban Memorial Lecture and its associated learning programs.
Your contribution this year also allows us to showcase excellence and innovation in research through exceptional scholarly and educational events, thereby providing students and our on-/off-campus communities the opportunity to learn first-hand—and in-person—from top scholars in Human Rights and Holocaust & Genocide Studies.
Throughout the month of April and on Give Day 2026 make a secure donation to the Ray Wolpow Institute (Ray Wolpow Institute Fund) either online of by emailing Dr. Babafemi Akinrinade, Director of the Wolpow Institute, at akinrib@wwu.edu 360 650 2893, or Chrisdee Meder, at mellinc@wwu.edu administrative assistant, or 360 650 2659.
