PULLMAN, Wash.—Washington State University alumni, friends, and industry partners contributed $142.4 million to benefit students, faculty, research, and outreach system-wide during Fiscal Year 2025, which ended June 30. In total, more than 28,000 Cougs made a statement in support of WSU’s land-grant mission to offer higher education that is accessible, attainable, and affordable.
“Our gratitude extends to each of WSU’s incredible donors and volunteers, who through their collective advocacy, leadership, and investment are playing a critical role in positioning the university for success today and long into the future,” said Mike Connell, vice president of Advancement at WSU and CEO of the WSU Foundation. “Year in and year out, this extraordinary generosity supports WSU students, faculty, research, and programs that without a doubt make a transformative difference in countless lives and communities.”
During FY25, donors supported myriad projects, initiatives, and funds, benefiting the work of students and faculty in every college and at each of the university’s six campuses as well as research and extension centers across the state of Washington. In addition, the WSU Foundation distributed over $27.4 million from its endowment to support scholarships, research, and other programs system-wide during FY25.
“At a time when WSU—and indeed all of higher education—is experiencing headwinds, philanthropy can help ensure a margin of excellence for the educational experience, and fuel innovative research and community partnerships that benefit all of us,” said Elizabeth Cantwell, WSU president. “Since beginning my term in April, I have marveled at the support and devotion from the entire Cougar nation for the university’s land-grant mission and pursuit of excellence within academics, research, and service.”
A few highlights from across WSU during FY25:
- This fiscal year marked the second-highest year in additions to the endowment. The endowment as of June 30 was valued at $795 million. The endowment is composed of nearly 3,000 endowed funds established by donors for specific purposes, such as named scholarships or professorships.
- Generous investment in WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine. At $6 million, this anonymous gift ranks as the largest in support of a faculty chair in the university’s history.
- #CougsGive. WSU’s annual day of giving on April 16 achieved a fundraising milestone during the 10th-annual #CougsGive, as donors provided more than $1 million in contributions in a single day for the first time ever.
- Fifty years of generosity from ’50 grad. John Wiess’s decades of giving to WSU, culminating in five endowed scholarships, reflect his deep belief in education’s power to transform lives and inspire future generations.
- Through the Crimson Chronicles Oral History Project, the WSU Alumni Association has engaged with over 11,000 alumni, gathering nearly 8,000 personal stories, and updating more than 47,000 unique biographic updates.
- The WSUAA-hosted career networking and mentoring platform, Cougs Connect, already has over 1,000 alumni and students actively engaging in groups, sharing insights and building meaningful connections. Join today at cougsconnect.wsu.edu.
- Recorded the highest number of private grant dollars at $29.6 million since FY19.
- In the fall, the Cougar community celebrated the grand opening of the privately funded Taylor Sports Complex and the Champions Center.
- Through a privately supported match challenge, WSU Athletics brought in over 1,000 new members to the Cougar Athletic Fund.
To learn more about supporting WSU, visit give.wsu.edu.