Impact Report
Letter from the CEO
Fiscal Year 2026 was a powerful reminder that one of Washington State University’s greatest strengths has always been our community. The progress we make as an institution is possible because alumni, friends, organizations, and partners continue to invest in our mission and in the future of those we serve. In FY26, more than 26,000 Cougs supported WSU through their generosity and engagement, helping generate more than $163.2 million in total philanthropic activity.
Total Private Support in FY26
Total Donors in FY26
Gifts, Grants, Pledges </= $1,000
Total Designations Supported
Gifts, Grants, Pledges > $1M
FY26 Philanthropic Activity by Campus, College, Unit
| College of Agricultural, Human, & Natural Resource Sciences | $30,076,823 |
| College of Arts & Sciences | $9,166,101 |
| Cougar Athletics | $21,488,987 |
| Carson College of Business | $5,094,597 |
| College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences | $5,100,625 |
| Edward R. Murrow College of Communication | $6,885,304 |
| Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine | $12,340,117 |
| General University Support | $8,062,201 |
| Graduate School | $518,890 |
| Health Sciences Spokane | $192,408 |
| Honors College | $863,626 |
| Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art | $874,822 |
| Libraries | $1,223,657 |
| College of Nursing | $3,711,474 |
| College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences | $4,719,286 |
| Student Affairs | $1,211,439 |
| College of Veterinary Medicine | $26,988,735 |
| Voiland College of Engineering & Architecture | $15,475,580 |
| WSU Everett | $359,973 |
| WSU Global | $14,824 |
| WSU Tri-Cities | $5,545,338 |
| WSU Vancouver | $3,317,306 |
| Total | $163,232,112 |
A legacy of compassion: Honoring friends and the lifelong bonds between people, animals, and WSU
A commitment of $10 million from Heidi Charleson and her late husband was part of an estate plan to support scholarships, community care, and enhancements at WSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Fan experience at Gesa Field getting turbocharged
Gesa Field upgrades are part of a multi-phase improvement plan, which is expected to cost up to $12 million. All of the cost of the project is being funded by donors.
FY26 Philanthropic Activity by Source
Donor-funded $2 million scholarship match supports future doctors at WSU College of Medicine
A pair of gifts totaling $2 million is helping WSU’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine expand scholarship support for students, with the goal of training more physicians to serve across Washington.
WSU, Fluke partnership expands hands‑on training for engineering students
WSU and Fluke Corporation have a partnership that equips more than 4,000 engineering students with diagnostic and measurement tools. The agreement also includes the creation of a Fluke Engineering Lab at WSU Everett.
FY26 Endowment Performance
Endowment 10-Year Value
91 new endowments were established through the WSU Foundation in FY26!
The Impact of Scholarships
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Ashton Tripp
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Malia Jae Ruud
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Camille Orego
Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Gusta Rose Beard
Two former deans at WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences create scholarships in 2025
At WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, two former deans are continuing their lifelong commitment to students in a deeply personal way—by establishing new scholarships.
Volunteers honored at annual awards celebration in Seattle
The WSU Foundation celebrated the service of a select group of volunteers during its annual Volunteer Awards Celebration. The event spotlighted individuals whose leadership, advocacy, and generosity have advanced WSU.
WSU donors deliver another record-setting year of philanthropy at $163.2M
The Coug community again demonstrated its enduring commitment during FY 2026, contributing $163.2 million in philanthropic support. The total marks the university’s fifth straight year surpassing $140 million in fundraising.
Advancement Leadership Team
| Mike Connell Vice President, Advancement, and CEO WSU Foundation | Mariah Maki Executive Director, WSUAA, and Associate Vice President, Advancement |
| Ana Burton Associate Vice President, Advancement Administration | Victoria Miles Associate Vice President, Principal Giving |
| Hao-Yu Chiu Associate Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer | Jennifer Miltenberger Associate Vice President, Development |
| Trevor Durham Associate Vice President, Communications & Marketing | Ron Moser Advancement Executive Leadership Coach |
| Adam Ganders Assistant Vice President, Development | Alex Pietsch Executive Director, Corporate Engagement, and Associate Vice President, Advancement |
| Terry Kelly General Counsel and Assistant Secretary to the Board | Don Shearer Senior Associate Vice President and Chief Operating Officer |
| Brooke Ledeboer Associate Vice President, Development | Brent Waugh Associate Vice President, Campaign and Development |
| Juan Zavala Associate Vice President, Advancement Innovation & Business Intelligence |