Our Crimson 50 series honors Cougs who have been making gifts to Washington State University for 50 years. Their enduring generosity has created lasting opportunities for students, faculty, and communities across Washington and beyond. Each Crimson 50 profile shares their journey—from first gift to most recent—and their reflections on philanthropy, WSU, and the indomitable Cougar spirit.
Gary’s Story
Gary Manchester’s path to Washington State University began in an eighth-grade classroom. His teacher, Jim Miller, took a sincere interest in him and encouraged him to aim for WSU, where Jim and his wife, Joann, had both earned education degrees. Gary worked his way through college and graduated in civil engineering in 1965. He began giving back as soon as he landed his first job. After a decade learning the HVAC trade, he launched American Heating in 1974 from his basement with a drafting board and two telephones and grew it into a thriving enterprise with 139 employees.
Two of Gary’s endowments honor the people who shaped him. The Miller-Manchester Endowment supports teacher education in honor of the mentor who pointed him toward Pullman. The Jacobsen-Manchester Endowed Scholarship for Construction Management honors his brother-in-law, Jack Jacobsen, “a self-made man who has always been there for me.” Gary’s generosity extends to WSU Athletics and the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Through a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) life-income gift, he has also created a lasting legacy that will benefit Athletics, engineering, and education for generations of Cougs.
“When you feel like what you have is adequate, charitable giving is the right thing to do,” he says. “Give back to where you came from.”
Five Questions
“When I got my first job after graduation, I was able to give back to WSU, which had helped me get that job. What has kept me connected is the good communication between me and the development teams at WSU. Every year, my mentor, Jim Miller, and I receive thank-you notes from the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences scholarship recipients. Good communication means a lot.”
“Two things come to mind. Singing the fight song with other alums at football games. And seeing WSU graduates buy more college license plates than the Huskies.”
“Loyalty to WSU, and doing what I can to help students with their financial needs through scholarships. I had to work my way through college, so I know how difficult it is.”
“Continued academic success in teaching students to be good problem solvers and good citizens.”
“Scholarships. Help underprivileged students pay for college and get their degrees. It can change lives for the better.”