Give to WSUBy investing in scholarships at Washington State University, Lewis and Sarah Lee are helping generations of Cougars gain the confidence that leads to success.
Lewis (’88) and Sarah (’89) established the first of three named scholarships at WSU nearly 20 years ago, and have been President’s Associates for 16 of those years. The scholarships support single parents who attend WSU while children are still at home, Honors College students, and student activities associated with the entrepreneurship program in the College of Engineering and Architecture.
Through scholarships, Lewis and Sarah hope to build upon the opportunities and activities they enjoyed as students. Prominent in their memories are the academic advisors and faculty who provided career guidance as well as help in locating on-campus jobs. “We both had a wonderful experience at WSU. The faculty gave us a great education, preparing us for life after college,” Sarah said. Adds Lewis, “For a kid from a small town (Soap Lake, Washington), the Honors Program was perfect for me.”
Knowing how private support makes a difference at WSU magnifies their commitment to scholarships. “We hope our gifts provide students with more opportunities, such as affording an education or experiencing a new program. Perhaps it will also plant a seed for recipients to one day give back to WSU,” they said.
Their personal experiences at WSU cement an enduring loyalty to their alma mater. They met on a blind date at the CUB, fell in love, and spent their first year of marriage living in married student housing.
Sarah earned a degree in Recreation and Leisure Studies, while Lewis received degrees in Electrical Engineering and Business while in the Honors Program. He went on to earn a Law Degree from George Washington University. In 1995, he joined forces with fellow Cougar Dan Hayes (’83) to form Lee & Hayes, PLLC, a law firm based in Spokane, Washington, that specializes in intellectual property law.
Lewis believes his educational background, including the combination of classes he took at WSU, opened his eyes to an array of possibilities in determining his path in life. He discovered that a well-rounded education is a good compliment to a career in the legal profession. His expertise in intellectual property law positions him on the edge of today’s innovation-based economy. His multi-discipline background—engineering, business, and law—guides his work with innovators who are making a meaningful impact through their ideas.
Innovation is driving our global economy, Lewis says, and what sparks innovation is the confidence gained through a quality education.
Click here to learn about how your gifts will impact the Honors College at WSU.
