Alumni Features

In September 2019, the Seattle based REI Cooperative published its new lifestyle magazine Uncommon Path. The magazine, which diverges from a traditional retail catalog to include more creative storytelling and environmental news, is the brainchild of Western alumnus Paolo Mottola.
Mottola graduated from Western in 2005 with a Journalism major. As most young journalists at Western, Mottola started his journey working for The Western Front to fulfill requirements. As he moved through the major, Mottola said he found his place at Klipsun, where he cultivated a passion for feature writing, and covered topics such as arts, music and culture. He went on to be photo editor, and later editor-in-chief.

When Casey Gainor and Alexis Tahiri graduated from Western, they shared more than a journalism degree. They shared a love of music, a background in brass instruments and a desire to always pursue their passion.
Casey graduated from Western in 2008 after following the news-editorial track. His repertoire includes sports reporter, editorial analyst, tech writer and last but not least: rapper.

My name is Don Wittenberger, and I’m one of WWU’s original journalism students. After spending two years at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, and working as an (unpaid) student reporter for MU’s teaching newspaper, the Columbia Missourian, I came west and worked for the Bellingham Herald in 1967-1968 under then-editor Bill Fowler, alongside a newsroom staff that included George Boynton, Jack Carver, Huntley Gordon, and Jack Mayne.