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Meet Our Donors

Gift of Life Insurance Supports Athletic Facilities

By AnneMarie Hunter

As an expression of gratitude for his education at WSU, Kevin Penrod (’81) recently notified the university that he will be leaving a generous donation through his estate with a gift of life insurance. This $150,000 insurance policy will benefit the Cougar Athletic Fund, in particular the athletic facilities.

“It’s my way of saying thank you to WSU for sending me out in the world prepared with the fundamental skills for success,” says Kevin, who graduated from the Murrow College of Communication. “WSU also gave me the four happiest years of my life. I want to give back as much as possible.”

» More …

Berry Family Professor Opens Doors for Youth

By AnneMarie Hunter

Berry Family Distinguished Professor Dr. Brian French is committed to helping young people overcome challenges, achieve their potential, and live happier lives. Psychometrics, statistics, and measurements are the instruments through which French accomplishes these goals.

As director of Washington State University’s Learning and Performance Research Center (LPRC) and Psychometric Laboratory, French collaborates with his team to develop educational and psychological assessments through psychometrics. In this field, response-based methodologies, such as questionnaires and tests, are utilized to assess psychological constructs, as well as cognitive and physical capabilities.

The resulting educational and psychological measurements can then be used to create … » More …

Donor Spotlight: Doyle and Matilda Montgomery

By AnneMarie Hunter

Washington State University alumnus Dr. E. Doyle Montgomery (’55 DVM) and his wife, Matilda, traveled the world together for many years on mission trips. Across continents, they witnessed the contribution veterinary professionals made to animals and people in the communities they served.

“We traveled to India and South America and saw the veterinary caduceus at clinics in little villages and towns,” Matilda said. “We watched veterinarians around the world take care of animals and educate their owners.”

Matilda also observed this invaluable gift when she worked with Doyle and Dr. Frank Lindeke in their own practice.

“I saw so many miracles – … » More …

Scott Carson awarded WSU Foundation’s top honor

The Washington State University Foundation presented its highest honor—the Weldon B. “Hoot” Gibson Distinguished Volunteer Award—to retired Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson during the 38th Annual Recognition Gala in Pullman, Sept. 28.

The WSU Foundation presents the Gibson Award each year to recognize individuals whose service on behalf of WSU and the WSU Foundation is measured by the highest levels of achievement.

“For Scott, it’s about students,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “He has a real passion for creating meaningful opportunities for WSU students to hone their skills, expand their horizons, and prepare to be leaders in their chosen field and in … » More …

Honoring the journey through a gift to WSU

Washington State University alumna Jenny (Chapman) Rose embodies the tenacious Cougar spirit that ignites her passion as a teacher, role model to her three sons, and an activist for K-12 education. Although Jenny recently concluded eight years of service as president of the Spokane Education Association (SEA), her engagement in matters that impact public schools is stronger than ever.

Spirit and passion are the driving forces in Jenny’s life. Her personal and professional achievements have arisen from the experiences she enjoyed during her four years at WSU. She joined Chi Omega sorority her freshman year, participated in campus activities, never missed a home football or … » More …

Scholarship preserves legacy of service, commitment

Kathleen Irwin thumbnail photo

Kathleen Irwin celebrated her 102nd birthday in January, at a party at Rockwood Retirement Center in Spokane, where she resides. She wore a Cougar Football-themed cardigan and crimson and gray earrings to mark the occasion, and to convey her unwavering loyalty to Washington State University.

Inside Kathleen’s apartment, a treasured keepsake hangs in a frame on a wall. The memento notes the year 1994, when Kathleen and her husband, Claude, were recognized and honored as Benefactors of WSU for their generous commitment to students through the Claude and Kathleen Irwin Regents Scholarship.

For the past 20 years, the scholarship has assisted full-time students who excel … » More …

Recruit suite named for Steve Gleason – “an inspiration”

Steve Gleason, left, WSU football coach Mike Leach and alumnus Glenn Osterhout at WSU Wednesday.

The recruiting room inside the Cougar Football Complex at Washington State University has been named the Steve Gleason Recruit Suite in honor of the WSU Athletic Hall of Famer who played football and baseball 1995-99 and in the NFL 2000-07 for the New Orleans Saints.

“Pullman has been a big part of my development,” said Gleason, who was at WSU for the naming Wednesday. “I have amazing memories from my time here and I am excited I could be here in person today. Thanks again for including me. Go Cougs!”

The naming opportunity arrived courtesy of Cougar alumnus Glenn Osterhout’s donation of $250,000. With his … » More …

Mary Alice’s Guiding Influence

When Charles Vaughn and his sons, Joe and CJ, established a scholarship in the College of Education at WSU, they created an enduring source of inspiration and encouragement for aspiring elementary teachers.

Mary Alice’s Scholarship Fund: Ensuring Teaching Excellence for the Future is a loving tribute to a wife and mother who was an exceptional teacher in all respects. Honoring the late Mary Alice Hall-Vaughn, the scholarship is awarded to certified elementary education majors who embody the personal qualities and professional commitment that Mary Alice possessed.

“I want to help dedicated students who have a passion for teaching as my wife did,” Charles says, with … » More …

Young alum embodies “Cougs helping Cougs”

The well-known saying, “Cougs helping Cougs,” is thoroughly embedded in the philanthropic spirit of Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture alumnus Andrew Pilloud (’11).

Each year since earning his degree in computer engineering, Andrew follows the lead of EECS alumni who generously invest in the student experience at WSU. He knows firsthand the impact made by fellow Cougars in supporting equipment purchases and laboratory upgrades. While participating in student organizations such as WSU Amateur Radio Club and Linux Users Group, Andrew worked on projects using equipment made possible by private support. He enjoyed the opportunity to test his problem-solving skills in the laboratory and spent … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Gladys Jennings (’48)

Gladys Jennings (’48)

She is gracious and kind, respected and admired, and above all, determined to make a difference. Gladys Jennings (’48) warmly acknowledges family, friends, and colleagues who helped celebrate her 90th birthday. Grateful for the experiences she enjoyed at WSU, Gladys asks that celebratory gestures be directed as gifts to the Agriculture and Home Economics Scholarship Fund or the Alberta Hill Academic Excellence Award at WSU.

Gladys resides in Mill Creek, Washington with her husband, Clifford. She retired from WSU in 2008, capping a career in higher education that spanned six decades. Her request to birthday well-wishers is a nod to uncompromised excellence in teaching and … » More …

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