Notable Alumni of Western Oregon University

I. L. Patterson 1859–1929

18th governor of Oregon

George W. McBride 1854–1911

U.S. senator from Oregon

Charles E. Wolverton 1851–1926

18th Chief Justice of the Oregon Supreme Court

Also attended: University of Kentucky

Marco A. Hernandez 1957–

U.S. district judge for the District of Oregon

Also attended: University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Teresa Alonso Leon 1975–

Oregon state representative from 2017 to 2023

Also attended: Portland State University

Mike Nearman

Former Oregon state representative

Also attended: Marquette University

Robin L. Taylor 1943–

Alaska lawyer, judge and Republican politician

Also attended: Willamette University, University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Brian Boquist 1958–

Former Oregon state senator

Also attended: Oregon State University

George H. Burnett 1853–1927

Chief justice of the Oregon Supreme Court

Also attended: Linfield University

David Arthur Brodie 1867–1951

Botanist and early Washington State football coach

Ariana Richards 1979–

Actress in Jurassic Park, and painter

Also attended: Art Center College of Design, Skidmore College

Jennifer Lyon 1972–2010

Actress known for Survivor: Palau

Also attended: Oregon State University, Portland State University

William L. Adams 1821–1906

Writer, newspaper editor and physician from Oregon

Also attended: Bethany College

John Doan 1951–

Guitarist and composer

Sheba Hargreaves 1882–1960

Oregon writer, author of The Cabin at the Trail's End

Rick Bartow 1946–2016

Wiyot painter and sculptor from Oregon

Also attended: Southern Oregon University

Kevin Boss 1984–

Former NFL tight end

Sibling: Terry Boss (University of Tulsa)

Dan Straily 1988–

Former MLB pitcher

Shelley Beattie 1967–2008

Professional female bodybuilder and actress

Robert Andrew Day 1982–

Former professional basketball player

Tyrell Williams 1992–

Former NFL wide receiver

Jason Slowey 1989–

Former NFL center drafted by San Francisco 49ers

Brian Greene 1972–

Former Arena Football League player

Jeff Charleston 1983–

Former NFL defensive end

Also attended: Idaho State University