Hyde family gift ensures WSU entomology’s growing impact

The James and Marilyn Oliver Hyde estate has gifted $1.4 million to support students in Washington State University’s Department of Entomology, announced WSU President Kirk Schulz on May 17.

The $1.4 million estate gift helps fund student researchers, like WSU Entomology doctoral student Megan Asche, here holding insect specimen donations from the Hyde family. Photo by Seth Truscott, CAHNRS.

The gift marks the largest one-time contribution ever designated for WSU insect education and research. This donation is the legacy of the Hydes — longtime residents of Kennewick, Wash. — who shared their love of learning, nature and the study of insects with many Washingtonians. The entomology program is part of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.

The estate gift creates the new Hyde Fellowship program, doubling the number of high-quality students in entomology. It also establishes the Hyde Speaker Series, which will invite experts to WSU to share the latest advances in research on pollinators, pests and insect science.