News

CHENEY, Wash. - Eastern Washington University's student body has selected Oscar Ocaña to serve as president of the Associated Students of EWU (ASEWU) for the 2011-2012 academic year. Ocaña received 48 percent of all votes cast in the May 3 election.

More than 22 percent of EWU's students are ethnic minorities - a much higher percentage (55 percent) represents the first generation in each family to attend college. EWU currently has nearly 500 international students from more than 30 countries. Ocaña holds the honor of being the first international student elected as student body president at EWU.

"I believe strongly that we can create many opportunities for those who work hard every day to become successful in academics and life," says Ocaña. "Together we can create something big for our community, Eastern Washington University and the state through education, diversity and unity."

Ocaña, an economics major from Mexico, transferred to EWU from Spokane Falls Community College in August 2010. He is a 2010-11 merit-based EWU International Ambassador Scholarship recipient and serves as the public affairs officer of the International Student Association (ISA) of EWU.

"As Oscar's life goals include returning to Mexico upon completion of his education in order to improve his country's quality of life via public service, I have no doubt this position will provide an opportunity for him to hone his leadership skills while positively impacting the EWU community," says Catherine Dixon, interim vice provost, Division for International and Educational Outreach. "We are very proud of Oscar and know he will represent the students of EWU well."

For additional information, please contact Olga Baron at obaron@ewu.edu or 509.359.4948.