Celebrate David Hamiter as he retires after nearly three decades in ATUS

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Celebrate David Hamiter as he retires after nearly three decades in ATUS

September 23, 2026

by Justina Brown, AJ Barse and John Farquhar

ATUS colleagues

David Hamiter, longtime manager of the Student Technology Center (STC), will retire this month after nearly three decades of service to Western. See below for ways to wish him well and participate in his celebration.

David has been a valuable member of the ATUS family and a trusted resource for students, staff, faculty, and administrators across Western. Throughout his career, his focus has remained constant: providing the best technological solutions while empowering clients to develop the skills to carry out those solutions on their own. Notably, his love and care for student employees as they learned technology and customer service skills has been paramount.

In 1998, David joined ATUS as an Application Support Specialist. Collaborating with ATUS and Center for Instructional Innovation staff, he trained employees on the software and applications they relied on every day.

"When David Hamiter and Susan Brown joined us, they brought joy to the work and we all had newfound energy for sharing emerging technologies with the people of Western."

-- Justina Brown, Senior Instructional Designer, Center for Instructional Innovation

A Western alumnus, David earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Manufacturing Engineering Technology with a Minor in Computer Science in 1992. After he completed Udacity's Intro to Programming Nanodegree program in computer programming, he became a Microsoft Certified Trainer. His professional experience also included work with Microsoft, where he helped secure Microsoft software for the entire Western campus and earned a place as a President's Club benefactor.

In 2002, David helped launch the student technology fee-funded Student Technology Center, hiring students and preparing them as trainers. For nearly 25 years, he mentored hundreds of student employees and helped establish the STC as a hub for technology, creativity and community.

"David poured his heart and soul into the Student Technology Center. Much of the success of the Center can be attributed to David's hard work and dedication."

-- John Farquhar, ATUS Director, 2016-2026

The STC has supported many events and exhibitions over the years, including Scholars' Week-printing dozens of scientific posters every year-and hosting annual STC alumni reunions and holiday gatherings. David gave students valuable experience while using technology to foster connection and creative exploration.

"I spent 10 years working alongside David, and in that time we supported so many students in the Western community. What I remember most is the culture we built together. The STC wasn't just a workplace for our student staff; it became a community. Traditions were forged, like the legendary annual STC Holiday party photo-a photo within a photo that goes back years now, and this team has stayed close long after leaving the second floor of Haggard Hall. Every year, we watched students come in as coworkers and graduate as lifelong friends; and a lot of that traces back to how David treated everyone who walked through the door.

One of the most valuable things he taught me is something he reminded me of often: 'If you do good things, good people are attracted to that and to you.' I watched that prove true over and over. It's a simple idea, but it shaped how I approach my own work with students and colleagues.

David is fueled by helping others at the STC. He once told me, 'What is not to love about this job?! I get to work with 20-year-olds and watch them grow into who they really are!' He meant every word. That energy is why the STC has been what it is for so long."

-- AJ Barse, Instructional Designer, Center for Instructional Innovation

David has been dedicated to the STC's success in so many ways, including serving as a thoughtful steward of the Student Technology Fee award that funds the STC's operations. He has led marketing and communications efforts, increasing awareness of the resources available to students and the importance of voting to renew the funding, often by baking a thousand chocolate chip cookies for Red Square Info Fairs-adding some well-placed bubble machines for good measure-and, of course, keeping the coffee and treats flowing in the STC!

Through David's efforts, the STC has become a place where any student can try something new, whether it was assigned in a class or simply something they're curious about. Long before these technologies became commonplace, the STC offered 3D printers and virtual reality (VR) systems for students to explore and use. It has been the campus "MacGyver" space, where students can walk in, tinker with a new technology, and develop real-world tech skills, regardless of their major.

"I have had the pleasure of working for and with David over the years. While I was a student at WWU I was also an employee at the STC. Now, I am one of the supervisors at the STC. David is one of the most caring, creative, and courageous people I know. Not only does he share his enthusiasm for technology with our students and staff, but he also shares his passion for making others feel like family throughout the WWU community. David is truly one of a kind. I am extremely happy he's finally able to 'graduate.' Thanks for being an amazing teacher, co-worker, and friend."

-- Thayne Yazzie, Instructional Technology, STC

David's commitment to students and technology education extends to community organizations including Cascade STEAM and the Technology Alliance Group for Northwest Washington, as well as his support for Western as a donor and member of the WWU alumni community.

David and his partner, Rob Olson, received the 2015 WWU Campus Volunteer Recognition Award, in recognition of their careers and philanthropy supporting Western students, establishing scholarships, funding student programs, and making long-term commitments to expand educational opportunities at Western.

In reflecting on his connection to Western, David has described his philanthropy in terms of gratitude: "I was lucky to have been given so many graces in life. One was to have found WWU. I want to give those graces back as best I can."

That commitment to giving back is also reflected in David's work initiating the Susan Brown Advancing Technology Education Scholarship, and the STC Booster Fund, which helps create an enduring source of support for students and technology education at Western.

After nearly 30 years at Western, David's lasting legacy may be less about the technology itself than the people he helped along the way. In a career that has spanned an extraordinary period of technological change, David has helped Western navigate each new generation of technology with patience and kindness.

David leaves behind generations of students he employed and mentored, colleagues he supported, technologies he helped introduce and improve, and a campus community that benefited from his willingness to help.

Western thanks David for his many years of service and wishes him all the best in retirement.

• Sign our digital card!
• Join the on-campus celebration: Friday, Sept. 25, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Haggard Hall 222
• Recognize David's service with a WWU donation to the Student Technology Center Booster Fund.