By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Camden Triplett for April’s Student Spotlight. Camden is a junior dual-majoring in Management and Marketing in the School of Business.

Camden is in his junior year here at EWU, dual-majoring in Management and Marketing with a minor in Economics. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2026. He recently received certification as a Microsoft Office Specialist in Excel. He is currently a full-time student working part-time at a restaurant and is in the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU.

Growing up in Cheney, WA, Camden always had a strong connection to the local community. When it came time to choose a college, he decided on Eastern Washington University not only because it was close to home but because it was the best option financially for him and his family. It was not just the cost that helped him make this decision, but also EWU’s business program stood out to him as a strong beginning for his future.

Deciding on a direction after high school wasn’t easy. Camden admitted that figuring out what school to go to and for what career path was a challenge. However, during his senior year of high school Camden took a business communication class where he was introduced to different areas of the business industry, such as management and marketing. Through this class, he realized that communication and people skills are not just important in the business world but valuable in everyday life. Camden explained, “I knew studying business would help me develop those skills and be in a field that has endless opportunities and growth.” That realization is what sparked his interest in pursuing a business degree.

Through his experience at EWU so far, Camden shared that there have been many faculty who have helped him and have made his experience more enjoyable in his program.

My professor John Dunlop had great teaching tactics and made the Operations Management course really fascinating. Additionally, Professor Jeffrey Culver had an engaging classroom and made the Business Statistics 2 course easier to understand & learn.

Next, Camden described how one of his best accomplishments is his work ethic. As a full-time student who also works part-time, and stays actively involved in his fraternity, his schedule can be very busy.

Throughout my time in college, I’ve learned that the most important part of having a busy schedule is figuring out how to manage it well…That process has really improved and strengthened my work ethic, which is something I am very proud of.

Through hard work and dedication, he has learned how to better manage his time and balance the demands of school, work, extracurriculars, and his personal life. This is a skill that will continue to form his professional and personal growth.

As part of the business program, Camden shared one thing that surprised him which was learning how the human brain processes information better in groups of three. This means seeing three subjects or points at once. He said that “when presenting and having more than three paragraphs or visual aids, it can get overwhelming. So, I thought that was really useful to know, especially when presenting, teaching or holding meetings.”

As Camden is a member of the Pi Lambda Phi fraternity here at EWU, he encourages other students to check out Eastern’s Greek life. He shared that “joining a fraternity or sorority can help you develop your social skills, make friends, and help you stay academically focused.”

Lastly, 5 years from now, Camden sees himself working for a company that he is passionate about in a management position located in either the Seattle or San Diego areas.

The College of Professional Programs is pleased to acknowledge Camden Triplett for his academic focus, dedication, and involvement as CPP’s April Student Spotlight!

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Ryan Finner for March’s Student Spotlight. Ryan is a junior in the Interdisciplinary Studies program. 

Ryan is in his junior year here at EWU, he is majoring in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus in Sociocultural Anthropology and minoring in Africana Studies. He plans to receive his Bachelor’s degree in June of 2026. Ryan is also a student council member in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion where he shows his dedication to fostering inclusive environments for marginalized communities.

After growing up in Ontario, California, Ryan and his family moved to the Spokane area when he was 11-12 years old. He attended middle school and high school locally which is where he then got the chance to attend EWU as a Running Start student. Ryan decided to continue his studies here because he had found his community and felt engaged in the environment here at EWU. One of the reasons Ryan was interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies program is because of the flexibility it gives him. He expressed that since he is a person who has multiple different interests, this program allows him to combine all his interests into a degree that will help him in the future since he will have multiple skills from different disciplines.

Through his experience at EWU so far, Ryan shared that he has had multiple great mentors at Eastern.

Thanks to Dr. Okera Nsombi (Africana Studies Department) and Cori Jaeger (McNair Student Advisor) I have been able to get where I am. They have encouraged me every step of the way to authentically myself and to put my all into everything I do.

One challenge that Ryan faced during his journey was finding a community that he felt truly a part of. When he first became a college student here, he was trying out several different ways to find his community here at EWU. After so long, he thought about giving up, however, Ryan did overcome the feeling of not being a part of a community by being a part of multiple.

Getting the opportunity to be a part of multiple different communities and organizations has truly helped me develop a diverse lens and perspective on the things I do every day.

Now, Ryan’s greatest accomplishment is being able to become a McNair Scholar here at Eastern Washington University. This is the federally-funded TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program at EWU. For Ryan’s McNair research, he will be focusing on how bilingual and multilingual undergraduate students are navigating their academic spaces. His research interests also include multicultural identity, cultural interpretation, environmental justice, and linguistic variations across cultures.

Something Ryan shared that he has learned during his program is to take advantage of the opportunities of experiential learning.

Having the opportunity to participate in experiential learning is extremely important and allows you to test out different professional and/or academic fields.

Ryan believes this will apply to his professional future as he already has knowledge and skills in the field he is going into, which is Sociocultural Anthropology and higher education. Additionally, he has done internships, seminars, and been a teaching assistant, which have helped him become more passionate about using research and teaching to make a meaningful impact.

His advice for others interested in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program is to consider your future goals and interests and ask yourself “what do you hope to do with this degree?” Ryan said that once you figure that out then consider if having multiple skills from different disciplines could be helpful as a working professional.

Ryan also recommends becoming a part of Psi Chi to those who are a psychology major/minor or just interested in psychology. He emphasized that It will definitely help in your studies and allow you to make connections with others in the field. Another place Ryan encourages other students to check out is the JLR Multicultural Center in the PUB. “Everyone there is extremely welcoming, and it is a fun spot to hang out or relax.”

Lastly, 5 years from now Ryan sees himself two years away from completing his Ph.D. in Sociocultural Anthropology and being a part-time professor while doing his studies!

The College of Professional Programs is pleased to acknowledge Ryan Finner for his achievements, aspirations, and efforts as CPPs March Student Spotlight!

By Brynne Irish

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Hawa Bangoura for February’s Student Spotlight. Hawa is an undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program.

Hawa will soon graduate from EWU with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work and a minor in Psychology. She is currently interning with the nonprofit organization, Communities in Schools.

As Hawa grew up on the other side of the state in Federal Way, WA, she thought EWU was the perfect distance away from her family and hometown, not too far but still far enough for her to start her new journey. EWU was a top pick for Hawa, one because she was interested in seeing a different side of the state, but most importantly, she found that EWU had a good Social Work program which solidified her decision to attend EWU.

The Social Work program caught Hawa’s attention the most, and she decided to pursue this academic area of study because she felt that the social work field is very important but there are not enough social workers to do the work required. Hawa knew that she wanted to pursue a career where she would be helping others, and she believes that the real-world system is in need of more social workers. She expressed that “sometimes when people think of social workers, they may often think about the more negative side to it, such as taking children away from their home or how there is this narrative that social workers don’t get paid enough.” Hawa believes that this is what a lot of people can see or hear, and it steers them away from the social work field. She also mentioned that social workers can be present and helpful in many different settings, such as schools, hospitals, juvenile centers, and much more. However, “there just seems to be a lack of social workers when we need them and their support,” which is another valuable factor of why she is very passionate in contributing to improving the system.

Through her experience in EWU’s Social Work program, Hawa expressed how every faculty member and mentor in the program has been very helpful and has made it clear to the students that they have their best interest at heart, which Hawa found to be very reassuring.

Hawa is currently an intern with Communities in Schools, which is a nonprofit organization. For her internship, Hawa works at Sunset Elementary School in Airway Heights alongside the Student Support Coordinator there. She shared that in her role, she has learned how to do case management and how to help students who may be dealing with any behavioral issues. Additionally, Hawa and the Student Support Coordinator work with a caseload of kids with a big focus on social and emotional learning. One thing that had surprised Hawa during her time in the social work program was that when dealing with clients, “we aren’t necessarily telling them how to solve their problems, we actually help them solve their own problems instead of just doing it for them.”

One challenge Hawa expressed that she faced was adapting to the college lifestyle and learning to become more independent.

I managed to overcome this challenge because I have such an amazing good support system through my program, family, and friends.

While one of her greatest achievements is making it this far into college because “at the beginning, I was unsure of how far I would get, but I am so grateful and proud of what I have accomplished and how much I have grown through my college experience.”

If I had to give one piece of advice to others who may be interested in the social work program, I would say make sure you plan out how to manage your time as much as you can, while also making sure you take care of yourself by prioritizing your own self care.

Hawa also expressed that she would encourage other students to join any club that interests them because through EWU’s clubs you can build connections that can further help you when you’re done with college.

Lastly, Hawa shared that she plans to get her Master of Social Work (MSW) after finishing her bachelors degree. Five years from now she sees herself having her Master’s degree in Social Work and potentially leaving the state or remaining local.

The College of Professional Programs is honored to feature Hawa for all of her hard work, her passion for social work, and helping others!

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is proud to highlight Andrew Tse, a Finance major in the EWU School of Business.

Originally from Hong Kong but born in Minneapolis, MN, Andrew pursued his education in the United States. He completed his associate’s degree at Whatcom Community College before enrolling at Eastern. Tse is currently earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) degree with a major in Finance, and a minor in Economics. He plans on graduating Fall Quarter 2023.

When asked about his area of academic study, Tse says that he loves numbers and wants to do something related to society.  After considering studying Professional Accounting, he decided to major in Finance instead, due to his interest in investment strategies for stocks and bonds.

Before earning his associate’s degree, Tse was advised to check out Eastern by a friend.  When he decided to attend Eastern for his bachelor’s degree, Andrew made the choice to embark on an adventure despite any obstacles along the way.

Once at Eastern, Tse not only faced typical challenges of new students but also discovered trials involved with studying abroad. He recalls the language barrier of being an English as a Second Language (ESL) speaker and experiencing culture shock while trying to work and complete school projects.

My greatest achievement is becoming an independent person after moving far away from my relatives / parents. – Andrew Tse

In spite of many challenges, Andrew learned to adopt new communication skills and methods through daily life, and schoolwork. Andrew takes part in outdoor recreation trips sponsored by EPIC Adventures, where he gets to spend time with a small group of other EWU students on an outdoor adventure.  He uses the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) buses to get around town with other international students (STA travel is free for EWU students with your EWU ID card) which he notes helped save him money as a college student.  He hopes to earn his one day obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) so he can serve the international community as a driver for STA.  Due to his patience and grit, it is evident that Tse demonstrates Eastern’s core values.

Andrew encourages other students in his area of study to focus hard on the problem they are trying to solve and use effective methods of learning to apply the material. One tactic he suggests is to rewrite problems or theories by hand to enhance memorization and increase success.

After completing his bachelor’s degree in Finance, Tse plans on pursuing a  Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2024. He intends on using the skills he has cultivated at EWU and apply them in the workplace after graduation.

Andrew tells of how he learned the importance of personal responsibility, leadership and teamwork while attending Eastern and how he was able to apply what he’s learned to applying/interviewing for internships.  Tse carefully invests in his future. Not only does he display diligence in his academics, but he inspires other students to learn and grow, building a solid foundation for their personal development as a professional.

As the College of Professional Programs, we proudly acknowledge Andrew Tse for his achievements and efforts!

Learn more:

Interested in going into the business profession? Check out our business degree options here.

Want to learn more about internships? Check out the EWU Career Center here.

Want to learn more about going on an EPIC Adventure? Learn more here.

by Mya Brossoit

The College of Professional Programs is excited to recognize Jamie Trudgeon, a Master of Social Work (MSW) student in the EWU School of Social Work.

Jamie Trudgeon is a part-time student working to earn her Master of Social Work (MSW) degree and intends on graduating in the spring of 2024. Originally from Spokane, Washington, Trudgeon decided to attend EWU for her undergraduate degree, and describes it as  a “positive experience” in which she had the privilege of networking with those in her area of study. Trudgeon describes her experience with a former supervisor who spoke highly of EWU’s graduate program in social work. Ultimately, the flexible classes offered at EWU and the positive testimonial about the program is what pushed Trudgeon to pursue her education further.

Before entering the MSW program, Trudgeon tells of the challenges she faced when making her  decision. She cites several obstacles, including choice of study, determination of timing, and  and covering the cost of continued education. Yet, her career goals and motivations surpassed these obstacles leading her into the successes she owns today. Looking back, she holds much gratitude for her choice to personally grow and invest in her future.

With aspirations to help others reach full potential, Jamie wants to use her degree to make a positive influence in the world. She hopes to use her education in social work as an outlet to serve and help make a positive change in the lives of others. When considering different career paths, Jamie states that “Social Work stood out to me because of the ethics and values that are a part of working in [sic] the field.” She also notes how vast the field is and the many ways a professional can serve.

…I knew that I wanted to continue my education and personal growth and I’m so glad that I decided to enroll in the MSW program. – Jamie Trudgeon

When asked to share a meaningful learning experience from the MSW program, Jamie reflected on the topics covered in the Grief, Loss and Resilience course. In discovering different coping mechanisms and behavior of those who have battled loss, she is now able to apply this knowledge in the workplace during the interactions and conversations with clients and colleagues.

One of the things Trudgeon is most proud of is her decision to move abroad for two years after graduating with her Bachelor’s degree. She states that, “It was extremely challenging, exciting and eye-opening. I think having that life experience shaped me in a lot of ways and helped guide me down the personal and professional path that I am on now.” Jamie lived & taught in Cheonan, South Korea and then in Seoul, South Korea. She also spent some time traveling in Hong Kong, Indonesia & the Philippines and lived in Newcastle, Australia for a bit.

Jamie acknowledges the support she has received from her Agency Field Advisor, Kylie Engeland, and Faculty Field Advisor, Veronica Risken-Oakes, who have guided her throughout her practicum, where she applies what she has learned in the classroom into practice with real clients. Trudgeon also shares that Dr. Sarah Shears, Professor of Social Work, has enriched her learning experience in the classroom. With the help of faculty, she is accomplishing her dreams of personal growth and self-development in effective ways.

Currently, Jamie is the Youth Program Coordinator with the International Rescue Committee (IRC) – Washington, overseeing the Individualized Learning Program for students. She helps match newly arrived refugees and immigrants with volunteer tutors who provide student homework support and English learning assistance. She shares the wonderful opportunity their programs offer for “refugee students and families to make connections with members of their community and to build relationships that support their strength and resiliency as they are settling in the U.S.”

Jamie is excited to progress in her career as she uses her knowledge of social work to help others. When envisioning her future, she hopes to work with an agency that provides supportive services for families and individuals who need assistance with the challenges they are facing. Because of Jamie’s personal investment at college, she continues to use her education to soar in the field of social work.

As the College of Professional Programs, we proudly acknowledge Jamie Trudgeon for her achievements and efforts!

Learn more:

Do you work in a school district in Spokane? The Spokane IRC office is relatively new, and they are “looking forward to partnering with additional school districts in the area to provide after-school programming, educational orientation and mentorship to the growing refugee population.” Learn more.

Are you interested in traveling abroad? Consider EWU Education Abroad Opportunities! Learn more.

Are you considering the Master of Social Work (MSW) program at EWU? Learn more.

• • Join the MSW-Graduate Program Director by Zoom for an information session on the MSW Program and the Fall 2022 Application Cycle. Please register in advance up to the time of the session. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. If these sessions do not meet your schedule, contact Dr. Deb Svoboda at MSW@ewu.edu to set an appointment.

The College of Professional Programs is very proud to highlight Marina Conner, a student in the EWU School of Psychology.

Originally from Westport, WA, Marina Conner is majoring in psychology, with a minor in criminal justice, and anticipates graduating in June of 2023. The more she studies psychology, the more she is interested. “I knew this was the major for me!” she reports.

Initially, Conner thought a degree in psychology would prepare her for a role as a therapist. Now, she revels in the multiple possibilities, settings, and careers this degree can unlock. The path that most excites Maria is that of forensic psychology, working mainly within the prison and justice systems, providing psychological evaluations to those on trial and taking the stand in court proceedings. With degrees in psychology and criminal justice, she plans to pursue a PhD in clinical psychology, ideally involving an internship working with incarcerated females.

Conner credits her success and enthusiasm to her overall “academic involvement,” including serving as president of Psi Chi (psychology honor society), working in the EWU School of Psychology, conducting research with faculty, and attending conferences.

Marina is a very conscientious student and an energetic leader. She has participated in independent research, presenting the results at Western Psychological Association’s annual convention. She is always willing to promote psychology . . . Marina has provided continuity in the front office of the School of Psychology for the past several years and is quite an asset to our program.

– Jillene Grover Seiver, PhD, EWU School of Psychology

When asked if she has any advice to offer fellow students, Marina encourages connecting with professors, even if he/she/they are not a direct advisor. “Go to office hours and talk to them . . . they are some of the nicest and most helpful people,” she says.

A deep sense of connection has provided Marina strength for all her efforts. She chose Eastern Washington University after falling in love with campus, the great psychology program, and small class sizes, but recalls she was worried about moving so far away from home. Marina says she overcame the feeling “with the help of my friends and coworkers here in Cheney. I have made such strong friendships here and EWU slowly started to feel like home too.” Marina proudly credits Dr. Kayleen Islam-Zwart and Program Support Supervisor Maria Szep as her mentors.

Maria also advises that students join groups such as Psi Chi, an international honor society for psychology students. Psi Chi exists to build community, develop leadership, and promote philanthropic activity among psychology students. With Marina’s leadership, the chapter held monthly member meetings, game nights, social nights, and an end-of-year fundraiser. Psi Chi also worked to increase social media promotion to energize existing members while attracting new membership. Marina points out that joining such a group “provides excellent connections and opportunities.”

As the College of Professional Programs, we salute Marina’s efforts and celebrate her ongoing successes and accomplishments!

About EWU School of Psychology: Psychology is a diverse discipline, grounded in science, aimed to understand human behavior. While some are basic researchers who develop and test theories, others apply the discipline’s scientific knowledge to help people, organizations, and communities. Whether you are interested in educational, behavioral, or applied psychology, we have a program for you. Learn more.

About Psi Chi: Psi Chi is the International Honor Society in Psychology, founded in 1929 for the purposes of encouraging, stimulating, and maintaining excellence in scholarship, and advancing the science of psychology. Membership is open to graduate and undergraduate men and women who are making the study of psychology one of their major interests, and who meet the minimum qualifications. Learn more.

We are proud to announce the chartering of the EWU Student Society of Human Resources Management Chapter!

The Chapter, officially chartered on March 11, held a ceremony on June 1. The local Inland Northwest Society of Human Resources (INSHRM) sponsored EWU’s first 8 charter members in order to qualify for chartering.

It has been a busy time, but I have enjoyed helping this group get started because we have wonderful, hardworking students. . . This new professional society on the EWU campus offers many opportunities for experiential learning and connects our students with our business community.

 

–M. Eldonna Shaw-Davis, MA, IOM, DEBS, Management Faculty, SHRM Chapter Advisor, School of Business

The ceremony, sponsored by INSHRM, was attended by EWU members and officers, as well as INSHRM members of local companies, such as Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center, Stamper Reubens Law, Alarm.com, Itron, Washington Trust Bank, Spokane Teachers Credit Union and Canopy Credit Union. The Chartering Certificate was provided by the Washington State SHRM.

Celebration and Chartering Ceremony took place on June 1, 2022, at the Spokane Club, thanks to local INSHRM.

Student Civic Leadership Awards Recognize Two Future Social Workers

The College of Professional Programs is very proud to highlight Beta Alpha Psi (BAP), an organization of students pursuing degrees and careers in accounting, finance, and information systems.

EWU’s Beta Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Chapter (#110), strives to shape the future of financial and business information professions by helping club members develop into ethical, professional, and confident leaders. Membership is open to all EWU undergraduate, graduate, and post-baccalaureate students with an interest in accounting, finance, or information systems. 

Beta Alpha Psi members are EWU’s top accounting and finance students! They are driven, passionate, and ready to take their future careers seriously. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with BAP members the past 4 years. I have gotten to watch each of them grow and become more confident throughout their time as members.

–Nikki Schroeder, Faculty Advisor 

BAP has a three-fold focus of presenting available career path opportunities, providing networking opportunities with like-minded peers and professionals, and creating opportunities to give back to the community through organized and individual service events. Despite the pandemic, BAP has continued efforts to connect students with a variety of professionals. 

The mission of Beta Alpha Psi, the premier international honor and service organization for financial and business information students and professionals, is to inspire and support excellence by: encouraging the study and practice of accountancy, finance, and information systems; providing opportunities for service, professional development, and interaction among members and financial professionals; and fostering lifelong ethical, social, and public responsibilities.

There are various ways club members can learn and network with finance and accounting professionals. Every other Thursday, from 5 – 6 pm during each quarter, professionals present topics related to their various fields. “May will be a busy month for our organization,” reports Vice President of Events, Tina Meland. The club is working with EWU Career Center on an event featuring free professional headshots followed by a presentation by LinkedIn. The club will wrap up the month’s activities by hosting the Spring Banquet for all finance and accounting students on Wednesday, May 25. Students can register here: https://ewu.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1037180.

In addition to networking opportunities and career path exploration, members describe other benefits of membership. According to Mike Hays, current Vice President of Membership, “anyone wanting to pursue a career in accounting or a related field can benefit through participation in Beta Alpha Psi.”

Beyond the jobs and networking opportunities provided by the club, it is a community. Having attended a national event virtually, it is very apparent to me that while certain aspects of our chapter are unique, the overall culture of the organization is relatively uniform across the country. This uniformity makes it easy to relate to members from other chapters and alumni of the organization.

–Mike Hays

. . . my communication and leadership skills are continuously improving. I have enjoyed networking with local CPA firm professionals through the chapter’s events. I have had the opportunity to work with a great team this year. The other officers continue to contribute their skills and time to the organization. I love my team and we love to work together.

–Julie Moore

Being a BAP officer on top of doing school and working full time has been challenging, but it is really worth the effort. I was able to network with many firms and have many ideas for my career path…

–Linh Nguyen

Julie Moore, the current club President, has clear advice for EWU students- 

Join Beta Alpha Psi as early as you can if you are interested in accounting or finance. By becoming a candidate member, you will start building your professional reputation, create relationships with fellow members, develop better communication skills, and enhance your university experience.

–Julie Moore

Through networking, service work, and club involvement, members of BAP have clearly formed strong bonds. Current Treasurer Linh Nguyen, like other club members, would like to stay in touch. “The BAP officers have been a solid supporter team for me during senior year at EWU. I have learned so much from each of them and would love to hear about everyone’s journey.” Others, like Mike Hays, also plan to assist BAP as an alumni member throughout their careers. 

To learn more about the Delta Sigma Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, visit: https://www.ewu.edu/cpp/business/student-organizations/beta-alpha-psi/

After getting their start at the EWU E-Ship Center, former Eagles Startup Challenge participants Amy Swanson, Lloyd Dees, and Cody Birkland, and their company, now called Ultropia, are reaching new heights. These EWU graduates have won the annual MIT Climate and Energy Prize, worth $100k, as well as UW’s 2022 GIX Innovation Competition for their environmentally-friendly, low-energy laundry technology. “They all got their start here at EWU in our E-Ship Center! We are very proud of them,” states Phillip Appel, director of the EWU E-Ship Center.