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WesternU Hosts Community Dinner to Honor Lebanon Collaboration

On the evening of October 6, 2026, Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) convened community leaders, supporters, and friends for a dinner that celebrated collaboration and future health initiatives in Lebanon, Oregon. This gathering highlighted the ongoing commitment of WesternU to engage with the local community, enhancing the education and resources offered to future healthcare professionals in the region.

President Robin Farias-Eisner, MD, PhD, MBA, FACOG, delivered an uplifting speech about the significant progress being made at WesternU. He expressed gratitude for the partnership and friendship shared with the Lebanon community:

“WesternU has been incredibly fortunate to call Lebanon home. The growth and success of our Oregon campus would not be possible without your support. As our University expands, so does our desire to serve this community.”

These sentiments capture WesternU’s mission to create meaningful opportunities that not only benefit students and faculty but also enhance the well-being of the community and the greater Linn County area.

One of the notable updates shared that night involved the new railroad underpass, which will serve as the main entrance to WesternU’s new Oregon campus. President Farias-Eisner stated,

“Tonight, I am pleased to announce that the Union Pacific Railroad has approved our concept proposal. This is a significant milestone that makes every subsequent step possible for the development of our new campus.”

This progress reaffirms WesternU's commitment to facilitating better access to education and healthcare services for the community.

Engaging the Community with Future Healthcare Professionals

The event also provided a platform for leaders of various colleges within WesternU to share insights into their programs. Dean Lisa Warren from the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific and Heatherington College of Osteopathic Medicine (WesternU HCOM) reported that over 400 students are actively involved in enhancing the local community through volunteer activities, advocacy, and research.

“We’re so proud of how our students engage with the community. Their support from the Lebanon community is invaluable, especially during rigorous training periods,” remarked Dean Warren.

Continuing the focus on healthcare education, Jonathan Perry, MSc, PhD, Site Dean for the College of Health Sciences-Northwest, discussed the expansion of the physical therapy program, which includes Practical Application Labs (PALs). These labs provide students hands-on experience serving local community members. Furthermore, CHS-Northwest is planning to introduce new programs, such as a Master of Athletic Training and a Master of Science in Movement and Rehabilitation Research, to better address the health needs in the region.

“We’re always looking for feedback from our stakeholders to ensure we meet community health needs effectively,” declared Site Dean Perry.

Moreover, the newest college within WesternU, the College of Graduate Nursing-Northwest, has also started fostering its curriculum to serve the community's nursing needs, particularly in behavioral health. Dean Mary Lopez emphasized that the college is responding directly to community inquiries regarding nursing specialties. Dean Lopez stated,

“We went out into the community asking about existing gaps in care and what kinds of nursing professionals the area needs. We listened and took their input into consideration for our programs.”

Looking Ahead: Building Partnerships for Health

The evening was a strong showcase of WesternU’s dedication to collaborating with local partners to meet healthcare demands. As the plans for the Oregon campus become more robust, WesternU aims to nurture and expand its relationships within Lebanon and the surrounding areas. The ongoing commitment to improve healthcare education ultimately seeks to serve the overall health and well-being of the community and its constituents.

Western University of Health Sciences operates campuses in Lebanon, Oregon, and Pomona, California, offering a variety of health degree programs, from osteopathic medicine to nursing. As WesternU continues to develop its facilities and programs, the conversations and partnerships established with the Lebanon community pave the way for future advancements in health care education and provision.

For more information on Western University of Health Sciences, visit www.westernu.edu.