WWU's Kitto Graduate Student Hub is officially open

Members of the WWU community gathered for the grand opening of the new Kitto Graduate Student Hub on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Supported by a generous foundational gift from Dean Emerita of the Graduate School Kathy Kitto and her husband Dennis Waller, the Kitto Graduate Student Hub is both a physical and virtual space that brings together programs and services designed specifically for graduate students.

Hallway leading to the new Kitto Graduate Student Hub with images of current and former WWU students engaged in research and graduate work displayed on the hallway wall alongside words such as “Invention” and “Collaboration.”

Hallway leading to the new Kitto Graduate Student Hub. Courtesy of Western Libraries.

Located in the Western Libraries on the second floor of Haggard, the new Grad Hub includes consultation rooms, flexible seating and study options, and technology to support both in-person and hybrid engagement. Workshops and events will offer professional development and community-building opportunities for graduate students, and the development of academic literacies toward holistic student success. Program partners include Western Libraries, the Graduate School, and other units from throughout the university. 

“Our collaborative vision and goals and this exciting and welcoming new space allow us to bring together programming and resources that visibly and effectively provide support for graduate student recruitment, retention, degree attainment and success,” said Megan Spiegel, acting head of the Kitto Graduate Student Hub.  

The Kitto Graduate Student Hub includes graduate TA’s, peer advisors, and permanent staff from both Western Libraries and from the Graduate School. During the Grad Hub’s service hours, graduate students will find at least one person from these groups on site and ready to answer questions or assist with navigating resources and using the space. There are also online options for students on Western’s other campuses or for those who cannot be in the Grad Hub’s physical space during open hours.  

The opening event marked the culmination of a project that began years ago, originating from conversations with graduate students who have since completed their work at Western, but whose contributions to the creation of the Grad Hub will have long-standing impacts. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters of graduate education who attended were excited to celebrate the completion of such a significant and important collaborative project.

A plaque sitting on a table that has the words: “Kitto Graduate Student Hub, In Memory of Elizabeth Mary Kitto and created as a space to foster community, belonging, inquiry, and the success of Western’s graduate students. October 2023

Plaque that will hang on the wall in the new Hub, bearing the name of the Kitto Graduate Student Hub and the dedication to the memory of Elizabeth Mary Kitto. Photo by Luke Hollister/WWU.

During the grand opening celebration, Western’s President Sabah Randhawa spoke about the critical importance of graduate programs to Western, and noted how students can choose from over three dozen graduate and certificate programs in STEM, education, the arts and humanities, and social and health sciences. He pointed out the important role of both place and space for students who are choosing their educational institutions, noting that the Kitto Graduate Student Hub will help to address the unique needs of students who are working on advanced degrees while offering them a space that will enhance their student experience. 

President Randhawa thanked Kitto and Waller for their generosity and support in creating a resource that will improve the overall educational journey for a growing population of students. Provost Brad Johnson also spoke about Kitto’s dedication and commitment to Western and its students, touching on a variety of significant positive impacts she has made at the university over many years, while sharing stories that highlighted her considerable leadership and collaborative strengths.  

Provost Brad Johnson talking with Kathy Kitto shortly following his remarks at the Kitto Graduate Student Hub grand opening event. Kathy is seated and Brad is leaning towards her while event attendees in the background are smiling and applauding

Provost Brad Johnson talking with Kathy Kitto shortly following his remarks. Photo by Luke Hollister/WWU.

Additional speakers included Dean of Western Libraries John Danneker, Dean of the Graduate School David Patrick, WWU’s Vice President for Advancement Kim O’Neill, and Western Libraries Director of Teaching & Learning Shevell Thibou. 

Group photo taken moments before the ceremonial ribbon cutting with people standing in front of the blue ribbon tied between the glass consultation rooms of the new Hub. From left to right: Brad Johnson, David Patrick, Kathy Kitto, Dennis Waller, John Danneker, and Kim O’Neill

Group photo taken moments before the ceremonial ribbon cutting. (L to R: Brad Johnson, David Patrick, Kathy Kitto, Dennis Waller, John Danneker, and Kim O’Neill). Photo by Luke Hollister/WWU.

Western Libraries and the Graduate School extend our deepest appreciation to all of the partners and supporters who contributed to this project, and in particular would like to recognize some of the former graduate students who were part of the earliest conversations that led to the development of the Kitto Graduate Student Hub, including: Janine Blue, Ali Holmes, Patrick Kissinger, and Gerry Maxfield. 