Thanks to your generous donations on Give Day 2018, the Linguistics Program was able to offer its first ever Linguistics Student Scholarship, awarded to Holly Lund. Holly was recognized for this award at our annual End-Of-The-Year Linguistics Potluck.

"This year, the linguistics program provided me with several amazing opportunities to explore a wide variety of research and curiosity. I was able to present my essay on the historical areal relationship between German and Estonian at the Linguistics Symposium during Western's annual Scholars Week conference. I also had the pleasure of working as a TA for Professor Mata, which provided me with an extensive groundwork in teaching, tutoring, and writing exams. The generous gift of our donors and the linguistics department itself has been instrumental in helping me pursue these fantastic learning experiences. I would like to sincerely thank the donors who made these opportunities possible, and the professors, faculty members, and fellow students who continue to inspire me and my thirst for knowledge." 

- Holly Lund, 2019 Linguistics Student Scholarship Award Recipient

This year is extra special because in fall of 2019, the WWU Linguistics Program is becoming the WWU Linguistics Department!  This is one more way the University and its supporters have recognized the important role that the scientific study of language plays in our understanding of human development and culture.

Our alumni are living, working, and contributing in exciting and important ways to their communities all over the world, including in China, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Korea, Scotland, Arizona, Texas, New York, Montana, Indiana, California, and all over the Northwest. 

Our Linguistics Program and now our new Department leads students not only to find interesting and engaging careers but also to give back to their communities in important ways. They are teaching, creating, writing, analyzing, and serving in a vast array of jobs and civic engagement.

WWU Linguistics now has about 130 majors and 30 minors. We have 11 Linguistics faculty members and another 11 affiliated faculty members from 10 programs and departments in three colleges, and an eager and active Associated Students Linguistics Club. But as we launch our new department, your support is needed more than ever.

Your Impact

Your financial support can help the new Linguistics Department offer scholarships and awards to our outstanding and deserving students. We would also love to be able to send our students to academic conferences and events outside of Western. This opportunity makes all the difference as our students’ prepare to launch their careers.

You can choose to make a gift in honor of your favorite faculty member or another loved one who has supported you through your educational journey. We appreciate your support as WWU Linguistics continues to grow and receive national attention for the quality graduates we are known for.