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Meet Kayla Davis

March 7, 2017 Trevor Durham

Photo of Kayla Davis Washington State University education major Kayla Davis probably never imagined homeschooling her younger siblings and working at Chuck E. Cheese for five years would help lead her toward a career in education. And yet, Kayla said the leadership, organizational, and communication skills she gained from both experiences carried over easily into her dream.

Despite being born and raised in Longview, Washington, she calls herself a “Kelso kid” having attended school in nearby Kelso. Kayla always knew she would attend college. Her mother earned a bachelor’s … » More …

Heather Rogers: Quality Vet Care Leads to WSU

March 1, 2017 Trevor Durham

In November 2012, Heather Rogers and her parents noticed an abandoned cat hanging around outside their house in Spokane, Washington. Every day, they put food out for the cat, and then on New Year’s Eve, when she followed Heather’s parents to the front door, the family took “Scarlet” in for good. Right away, the family noticed the cat sneezed all the time, so they took her to the vet. Upon further examination, they learned Scarlet had a hole in the top of her soft palate from being shot, and the bullet was still lodged in her head.

The injury Scarlet endured had also caused her … » More …

Sheltering the homeless

November 18, 2016 Trevor Durham

Students in the Spring 2016 Advanced Tectonics (ARCH 531) course taught by Omar Al-Hassawi were challenged to address an issue with complex roots. Their assignment: develop innovative architectural solutions for temporarily sheltering the homeless.

According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, as of the last official count, about 564,708 people experience homelessness on any given night in the United States. The Alliance also estimates that in a year, there are approximately 550,000 unaccompanied, single youth and young adults up to age 24 who experience a homelessness episode of longer than one week. Approximately 380,000 of those youth are under age 18. These statistics are … » More …

Celebrating a philanthropic milestone

November 18, 2016 Trevor Durham

We love our donors, and we especially appreciate the alumni, friends, and community partners whose steadfast support is helping to propel WSU to greater heights. And our Diamond Donors set a shining example as enthusiastic advocates of WSU’s students, faculty, and staff. To mark this milestone 50 years of giving in appropriate fashion, we celebrate and thank our 2016 Diamond Donors:

Betty Kathleen Adams, M.D. earned a degree in zoology/pre-medicine in 1952. She is a Benefactor of WSU and supports students and faculty in the sciences and in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.

Don and Lorraine Almy: Don earned a degree in business … » More …

Meet Alexis Skjelbred

November 18, 2016 Trevor Durham

alexis-skjelbred Alexis Skjelbred’s educational journey is a story of perseverance, strength, and gratitude. In her own words, Alexis describes how she overcame obstacles and challenges along the way.

“As a firm believer that you only get one chance to raise your children correctly, my path to college has been a longer journey than for most of my peers. I worked two jobs, seven days a week, for six years as a single parent to pay off debt and send my children to college. As a result, I have an enormous … » More …

Diverse skills on display in Solar Decathlon

November 18, 2016 Trevor Durham

solar-decathlon-team A multitude of lessons in teamwork and creative problem-solving is coming to light for WSU’s Solar Decathlon team, a group of 50 students representing 22 different majors from across the University.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon is bringing hands-on learning to the next level, and a team of 50 students from 22 different majors across WSU is enjoying every minute of the experience.

A multitude of lessons in teamwork and creative problem-solving is coming to light for the students, who will travel … » More …

WSU Foundation Outstanding Service Awards presented, Sept. 30

October 5, 2016 Trevor Durham

The Washington State University Foundation Trustees honored seven individuals in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to advancing the work of Washington State University and the WSU Foundation during the Foundation’s annual awards luncheon in Pullman, September 30.

Receiving the WSU Foundation’s Outstanding Service Awards were Mike and Kathy Hambelton of Wenatchee, Washington; David McGoldrick of Anderson Island, Washington; and Jim and Lee Ruck of Everett, Washington. Faculty & Staff Outstanding Service Awards were presented to Dr. James N. (Jim) Petersen of Moscow, Idaho; and Gay Selby of Kelso, Washington.

“The engagement and dedicated service demonstrated by each of this year’s Outstanding Service … » More …

WSU Foundation honors President Emeritus Sam Smith

October 5, 2016 Trevor Durham

The Washington State University Foundation honored emeritus professor of plant pathology and eighth president of Washington State University Samuel H. Smith (1985-2000) as recipient of the 2016 Weldon B. Gibson Distinguished Volunteer Award. The award was presented during the Foundation’s annual Recognition Gala, September 30.

“From leading WSU’s first comprehensive fundraising campaign to creating campuses in Spokane, Tri-Cities, and Vancouver, Dr. Smith transformed the statewide presence and stature of Washington State University during his presidency,” said current WSU president Kirk H. Schulz. “He continues to champion access to higher education for our state’s citizens—helping tens of thousands earn their degrees through his ongoing advocacy and … » More …

Recruit suite named for Steve Gleason – “an inspiration”

August 4, 2016 Trevor Durham

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

May 27, 2016 Trevor Durham

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 …