Philanthropy At WSU | WSU Foundation | Washington State University

_{Philanthropy At WSU}

Community icon supports the work of WSU Tribal Extension

March 9, 2012 charles.dillon2

When Donna Mae Rickard saw the lasting impression Washington State University Extension agents were making on youth at the Colville Confederated Tribes Reservation, she knew she wanted to invest in the work.

“I could see how the agents were instilling these wonderful values—planning ahead, working hard, thinking about the next step—into the young people in 4-H,” Rickard says. “They were always urging the kids to do more, be more, try for more.”

To date, the 99-year-old has invested enough to establish and support the WSU-Colville Tribal Family Project Fund. Proceeds paired with tribal matching funds underwrite an Extension position focused on topics like family … » More …

Beating the Odds

March 7, 2012 charles.dillon2

Growing up in a safe home with warm food, attending a good school, and never having to worry about what tomorrow might hold is something many kids can take for granted. But for some children, figuring out how to beat the odds is a way of life.

Underserved youth in the Vancouver, Washington area who face roadblocks to education are getting a little more help, thanks to a $26,000 gift from a local group called Cathy Anna Mayer Encouraging Others (CAMEO). The gift is funding educational activities administered through At Home At … » More …

Perfect Pairing: Washington Wine and WSU

February 22, 2012 charles.dillon2

Washington State University President Elson S. Floyd delivered an in-person thank you to Washington wine grape growers on Feb. 8 for their part of a $7.4 million commitment to support a new WSU Wine Science Center facility; he also reaffirmed the university’s long-term commitment to viticulture and enology education and research.

The state’s wine industry agreed late last year to generate the funds for the Wine Science Center through assessments levied on grape and wine production beginning with the 2011 harvest. The Washington State Wine Commission estimates it will collect the … » More …

WSU Tree Fruit Programs Receive $250,000 from Tree Top Inc.

February 20, 2012 charles.dillon2

With the express goal of supporting Washington’s tree fruit industry, Tree Top Inc. is investing $250,000 in tree fruit research, teaching and extension programs at Washington State University.

“Tree Top’s participation in the Campaign for Washington State University is first and foremost about reinforcing the industry’s investment in WSU,” says Tree Top CEO Tom Stokes, referring to the tree fruit industry’s recent approval of a $27 million self-assessment to support WSU tree fruit programs. “It is our way of affirming our ongoing support of the industry and its long-term prosperity.”

Dan Bernardo, dean of … » More …

Bethards Estate Gifts $2.5 Million for Scholarships at WSU

February 10, 2012 charles.dillon2

Washington State University has received a gift of more than $2.5 million from the estate of Barbara Bethards to provide scholarships for students pursuing bachelor of science degrees at WSU.

Barbara Gaye Bethards (’74 Econ.) passed away July 21, 2010, at age 58 and left the bulk of her estate to fund undergraduate scholarships at WSU. Her commitment stemmed from her fathers desire to leave scholarship support to WSU as reflected in his will.

“Scholarships are increasingly important to more and more students each year,” said Elson S. Floyd, WSU president. Barbara Bethards’s generous gift for scholarships will make a meaningful difference for students seeking … » More …

Washington’s Tree Fruit Industry Takes Science to New Level, Largest Gift in WSU History

September 20, 2011 Trevor Durham

Apple and pear growers throughout the state have agreed to make a historic investment of $27 million over the next eight years to support tree fruit research and extension at Washington State University. It is the largest single gift in the university’s history.

“A gift of this magnitude is truly transformational,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “We sincerely thank the industry for making such a dramatic investment, and for finding a way to make it happen that fits the industry’s culture and values. In partnership, WSU and growers will work to ensure the industry continues to be a leader in the global market.”

Washington … » More …

Philanthropist Paul Allen supports global animal health research

December 2, 2010 charles.dillon2

Paul G. Allen, investor, philanthropist, WSU alumnus, and co-founder of Microsoft Inc., has made the largest gift to Washington State University in the school’s history: $26 million to support programs and fund construction of WSU’s School for Global Animal Health.

The gift was announced Dec. 2, 2010 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center during statewide events to launch the public phase of The Campaign for Washington State University: Because the World Needs Big Ideas.

Begun in July … » More …

University launches largest fundraising effort in its history

December 2, 2010 charles.dillon2

Philanthropist Paul Allen gives $26 million to support global animal health research

Washington State University launched the public phase of the largest fundraising campaign in its history on Dec. 2, 2010: a $1 billion effort designed to position WSU as one of the leading land-grant institutions in the world.

The Campaign for Washington State University: Because the World Needs Big Ideas seeks to reach its goal by 2015, the 125th anniversary of the University’s founding. More than 130,000 donors have committed $532.2 million to the campaign since its quiet phase began on July 1, 2006.

Alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered today at the Washington … » More …