WesternU HCOM Welcomes New Class Under Historic Name

The rebranding of the college, formerly known as COMP-Northwest, was formally celebrated during the annual white coat ceremony on July 31, 2026. President Robin Farias-Eisner noted that this is the first time in the university’s 48-year history that a college site has been named in honor of a donor. The Heatherington Foundation has provided over $50 million in support to the institution, including a significant donation of 150 acres of riverfront property in Lebanon intended for campus expansion and a new behavioral health therapy program.

During the ceremony, faculty emphasized the weight of the white coat as a symbol of professional responsibility rather than status. Dean Lisa Warren highlighted the competitive nature of the incoming Class of 2030, noting that these 108 students were selected from a pool of nearly 3,600 applicants. Reflecting the school's regional focus, one-third of the students are Oregon natives. As part of a local tradition, community members presented each student with a black medical bag, containing notes and local business coupons to foster connections between the new physicians and the Lebanon community.