Leaders in Philanthropy
Greetings from the Palouse
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the inaugural edition of Leaders in Philanthropy, a newsletter created exclusively for members of Washington State University’s giving societies.
Your generosity is shaping the future of WSU—transforming student experiences, fueling groundbreaking research, and advancing our founding land-grant mission. Leaders in Philanthropy is our way of sharing the impact of your investment and keeping you connected to the stories, people, and progress you make possible.
Twice a year, we will offer an insider’s glimpse into the difference you are making across our campuses and in communities throughout the state of Washington and beyond. In this issue, you’ll find:
- A preview of our Philanthropy Day Thank You from some very special Cougs.
- An early look at the first of our Crimson 50 profiles, our new series celebrating donors who have supported WSU for 50 or more years
- Inspiring stories from scholarship recipients
- A special planned giving corner and crossword
- Updates on upcoming WSU Alumni Association events and other opportunities to engage
- Stories highlighting how giving society members, alums, and other Cougs are making a difference throughout WSU
Thank you for your leadership and for inspiring others through your example. Together, we are building a stronger WSU for generations to come. I invite you to explore your full newsletter and see the incredible impact you’re making at WSU by clicking the link below.
Go Cougs!
Mike Connell
Vice President, WSU Advancement
CEO, WSU Foundation
National Philanthropy Day
November 15, 2025
Crimson 50
Crimson 50: Priscilla ’59 and Gene ’59 Alberts
Crimson 50: Lonny ’65 and Marcia ’66 Suko
Student Scholarship Spotlight
Gusta Rose Beard
As a non-traditional student and mother, Gusta Rose Beard’s journey from Seattle to Washington State University Everett has been one of resilience, purpose, and community. A recipient of multiple scholarships—including the Gautsch Foreman Scholarship and the Asa V. Clark Memorial Fund—Gusta credits this support with enabling her to fully engage in campus life. She served as director of student events in the student government and founded the WSUE Horticulture Club, where she leads fundraising and interdisciplinary programming that explores the intersection of agriculture and technology.
Camille Orego
A software engineering major from Silver Creek, NY, Camille Orego has made a lasting impact on WSU Everett through leadership, advocacy, and community building. As president of the Society of Women Engineers, she’s organized high-impact events like Evening with Industry and soldering workshops, while also co-leading Girls Explore STEM to inspire future innovators. Her scholarships—the Launching Futures and AAUW SnoKing—have given her the gift of time, allowing her to reduce work hours, improve academically, and expand her outreach. A first-generation college student and woman in STEM, she’s built strong campus connections and fostered inclusive spaces for others to thrive. Whether advocating in Olympia, mentoring peers, or forging industry partnerships, she leads with empathy and purpose. Her journey is a testament to the power of support, and she’s determined to carry the Cougar spirit forward—lifting others as she climbs and making the crimson and gray proud every step of the way.
WSU Alumni Association Events
Join fellow Pierce County Cougs to talk about chapter events for 2026! Meet us at Township 20 to brainstorm ideas for future events, reconnect with fellow Cougs, and learn more about how to become more engaged with WSU and the Alumni Association.
It’s time for our another get together Southeast WA Cougs! Connect with fellow WSU alumni, friends, and fans for a Coug Happy Hour in Walla Walla.
We’ll meet at Big House Brew Pub at 5:30 p.m. Look for others wearing Coug gear! This is a great way to catch up with or meet new Cougs in your area and talk through your ideas or plans for the Winter. You won’t want to miss it!
Looking for a way to bring the taste of WSU to Sacramento and Reno? We have the perfect solution for you! The WSUAA and your local chapter are providing the opportunity to watch the WSU vs New Mexico football game with fellow Cougs and purchase some famous Cougar Cheese from the WSU Creamery.
Cougs are hitting the court in Orlando on Sunday, November 23 and you won’t want to miss it! Join fellow WSU alumni, families, friends, and fans as we watch the WSU Women’s Basketball team face off against the University of Missouri Tigers in the 2025 WBCA Showcase!
Don’t pass up on this amazing chance to cheer on our Cougs in Florida. Whether you’re local or traveling in, let’s show up strong in crimson and gray!
Cougs in Action
Don’t leave it to the state: Make your estate plan reflect your values and support WSU
Few of us like to think about the end of life—but planning ahead can be one of the most meaningful ways to shape our legacies. Should the unthinkable happen that leaves you unable to make medical or financial decisions, your final wishes may go undocumented. And should you pass away suddenly without an estate plan, who would make decisions on your behalf regarding your estate?
A legacy of compassion: Honoring friends and the lifelong bonds between people, animals, and WSU
When Heidi Charleson and her late husband, Lou Woodworth, first visited Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, they had no prior connection to the university. What they did have was a deep love for animals—especially dogs—and a friendship with Dr. Leo Bustad, son of the late Leo K. Bustad, dean emeritus of the college.
Gift to Schnitzer Museum will make WSU’s photography collection most comprehensive in Inland Northwest
Not long after Tim Bradbury ’66 moved into his retirement home following a distinguished fifty-year career as an attorney and Washington State judge, he realized he didn’t have enough wall space to display his extensive collection of photographs. A proud alumnus, he decided it was time to start gifting many of these works to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU.
Planned Giving Corner
In this inaugural issue, we want to extend a special thank you to members of the 1890 Legacy Society, who have made a commitment to support Washington State University through a planned gift. A planned gift is a charitable donation arranged during your lifetime that the university will receive in the future—often through a will, trust, retirement account, or a life-income gift such as a charitable remainder trust or gift annuity. These gifts allow donors to make a lasting impact on WSU while often achieving personal financial or tax benefits. These visionary donors are helping secure WSU’s future for generations to come. If you’ve ever considered including WSU in your estate plans, this is an excellent opportunity to learn more about how planned giving can align with your values and philanthropic goals.
To kick off this first edition with a bit of fun, we’ve created a Planned Giving Crossword Puzzle just for you! It features terms and concepts related to charitable giving and estate planning. Whether you’re a crossword enthusiast or just curious to test your planned giving knowledge, we hope you enjoy this lighthearted challenge. If you’d like to learn how to arrange a gift today that will support WSU in the future, contact the gift planning office at gpoffice@wsu.edu or 509-335-7883.
University’s Greatest Needs
Crimson Opportunity Scholarship
Help improve affordability and access, and create opportunities for students to learn, grow, and flourish at Washington State University.
President’s Excellence Fund
To seize opportunities or meet unforeseen challenges as they arise, Washington State University relies on the unparalleled flexibility of unrestricted support.
WSU Athletics – Football Excellence Fund
Providing an exceptional student-athlete experience that promotes increased opportunities for our student-athletes, greater access to resources, and tremendous individual growth.
Integrated Sciences Building
The future of Washington depends on students who are ready to lead in science, healthcare, engineering, and technology. The new Integrated Sciences Building will be the cornerstone of our Science Corridor.
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