Give to WSUThose who knew Paul G. Allen at Washington State University were taken with both shock and sadness when they learned of his death last week.
Allen, 65, was a noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts who attended WSU from 1971‑74. He died in Seattle from complications of non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma on October 15th.
“Paul Allen was a man of great compassion and vision,” said Kirk Schulz, president of Washington State University. “He understood the power of philanthropy to improve the human condition in this country and around the world.”
Allen was presented the Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999. The highest honor WSU bestows upon its alumni, the Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award is given to those who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment and vision that contributes to the betterment of our world.
Allen generously supported a range of WSU programs that reflected his broad interests—from technology to global health to the arts. A member of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, he replaced the chapter house with a state-of-the-art building, and wired all of WSU’s sororities and fraternities on the Pullman campus for the digital age. In 1998, the Paul G. Allen Virtual Education Foundation, created a process for developing online courses that revolutionized how WSU would deliver instruction. Allen also invested generously in agricultural research and the Museum of Art, among other things at WSU over the years.
“We are extremely saddened to hear of the loss of our friend and legendary donor to Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Paul Allen,” said Bryan Slinker, dean of WSU’s veterinary college. “We extend our greatest sympathies to his family and friends both here and abroad.”
In 2010, he made a leadership gift to help create the Paul G. Allen School for Global Animal Health at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. The Allen School is unique among other global health programs because it focuses on the health of animals as a way to improve the health of people and the environment.
Guy Palmer, Regents Professor of Pathology and Infectious Diseases and senior director of Global Health, worked closely with Allen and his Foundation to bring his vision to Washington State University.
“Paul’s creative ability and scientific curiosity were well known,” said Palmer. “During my conversations with Paul, what was most striking was his compassion for people, especially those in vulnerable communities in Africa, and his desire to link science with the mission of improving lives. He was a keen listener and used his curiosity to drive change that will impact human lives far into the future.”
“Paul’s passing is not only a loss to those who knew him but also to those who never met him but knew how his commitment changed their lives,” Palmer added. “His influence and foresight extended far beyond WSU and will resonate nationally and internationally forever.”
The video below was produced in 2011 to honor Paul Allen’s generous contributions across Washington State University.
