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.
Their Story
Kermit Duncan’s Cougar journey began in Camas, WA, and led him to Pullman, where, as a student, he lived in Ferry Hall—a residence hall built in 1899. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering in 1961, he moved to Portland, where mutual friends introduced him to Marguerite Sands, who was a Portland State student. The two married and began a life of adventure—starting in Walla Walla, where Kermit worked for Pacific Power and Light. His career later took them to Seattle, Wyoming, and even into the heart of the Enron collapse. Marguerite, a devoted homemaker, is known for her hospitality and homemade apple pie. Together, they raised three children and built a legacy of generosity. The Duncans are all-around WSU Athletics fans and proud “stadium builders,” having contributed to the construction of Martin Stadium after the original stadium at Rogers Field mysteriously burned down in 1970. With a family full of Cougs—including a brother, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew—their Cougar pride truly runs deep.
First Gift: $5 in 1966
Five Questions
Kermit: Well, we’ve probably given more to athletics, and so the athletics have inspired us throughout the decades. But several years after we got started giving to the athletics, we started giving to the Department of Electrical Engineering. I realize that the job I’ve had and the career I’ve had have all been possible because of the degree that I got at Washington State. Wow. I mean, I wouldn’t have what I have now if it weren’t for Cougarville.
Kermit: Football wins.
Kermit: We’ve given money to the electrical engineering department. Kind of thought that was a good place to give, maybe to further the future, you know, of research and development and things like that. You know, I worked for Pacific Power and Light and Enron, and I still get interested in the power generation mix, you know, and there’s a lot of discussion about that.
Kermit: Well, I would hope a high degree of academic excellence.
Kermit: Electrical engineering, because I think it’s good for furthering advances in our society.