An evening of Cougar spirit and philanthropy illuminates the power of giving
The Palouse Ridge Golf Club glowed crimson on April 11 as the WSU Foundation hosted its annual Donor Recognition Celebration. The event brought together an exceptional group of Cougs whose collective generosity has empowered Washington State University and the communities it serves. Student emcees Cassidy Collins and Caden Honeysett set the tone for the evening, sharing how donor support shaped their own WSU experiences.
“Being a Coug is a lifestyle,” said Collins, a broadcast journalism major and cheer squad member. “Cougs helping Cougs—that’s what this community is all about.” Honeysett, whose family boasts multiple Cougar alumni, added: “I thank my lucky stars every day for the opportunities I’ve had at WSU.”
Leadership celebrates donor impact
WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell praised donors for their generous support in one of her first official events since assuming leadership on April 1.
“The difference between WSU merely getting the job done or achieving extraordinary success lies in your unwavering leadership and generous investment,” Cantwell said. “You empower us to innovate, excel, and transform the future of education.”
Vice President of Advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation Mike Connell highlighted how philanthropy touches every corner of campus: “Your commitment to WSU makes a real impact on real lives—from talented students to groundbreaking research to state-of-the-art facilities.”
Honoring transformational gifts
The evening recognized donors at three transformational milestones: Crimson Benefactors ($500,000−$1 million in lifetime contributions), Laureates ($1 million−$5 million), and Crimson Laureates ($5 million−$10 million). Each tier represents a profound commitment to WSU’s future and the communities it serves, from supporting scholarships and athletics to groundbreaking research and facility enhancements.
Crimson Benefactor Honorees:
- Wayne and Lindsey Asmussen (’86)
- Dan and Claudia Goodfellow (’76)
- Professor Emeritus Richard (’68) and Nancy Mack (’71)
- The Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington
Laureate Honorees:
- Jack and Karen Bowers (’80)
- Jim (’79) and Diane Coughlin
- Robert and Karen Felton (’68)
In addition, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories received recognition as Crimson Laureates for their 40-year partnership, which includes the naming of the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture’s new Schweitzer Engineering Hall, which is scheduled to be completed on the Pullman campus in Fall 2026.
A toast to the Cougar spirit
As the program concluded with a performance by the Cougar Marching Band and cheer squad, Connell offered a heartfelt tribute: “When you’re lucky enough to be a Coug, you’re lucky enough.”
The celebration underscored how private support continues to elevate WSU’s mission—one life-changing opportunity at a time.