Student retention thrives on community connection. Likewise, universities flourish when they actively engage with their surrounding communities. With these dual objectives in mind, Western Washington University (WWU) introduced Western Wednesday: First Night Out (FNO) in fall 2023. In collaboration with the Downtown Bellingham Partnership and the City of Bellingham, FNO debuted as a vibrant celebration of community life in Bellingham. Over 1,500 students, led by their student body president, athletics teams, and a lively student band, made the journey from campus to downtown Bellingham. Downtown came alive with music, complimentary food, activities, and exclusive discounts at 50 local businesses. The festivities, culminating in a dynamic music festival, encouraged students to explore their community, injecting vitality into the downtown scene. While FNO marked the students' first night out on the town, the Western Wednesday benefits extend the connection throughout the year. Over 70 businesses now offer discounts to anyone with a WWU ID. This partnership fosters mutual support: The community welcomes students with open arms and discounts, while the university encourages its members to explore downtown, helping the local economy.
From the Judges
A good model of community/institution engagement and connection that used resources wisely. Western Wednesday holds promise as a cornerstone tradition for other institutions to replicate.
