Leaders in Philanthropy
A Message from President Betsy Cantwell
For those of you who care deeply about Washington State University and its future, this is a defining period for our institution. Higher education is being reshaped by changes in public funding, rapid advances in technology and AI, and rising expectations from post-secondary education. For WSU, this moment requires clear choices about where we focus, where we lead, and how we align our system to strengthen our impact across Washington and beyond.
We are approaching this moment with urgency, clarity, and ambition. WSU is building stronger pathways from admission to degree to career because students should leave this university prepared to contribute immediately in a rapidly changing workforce. Employers across the state should be able to count on WSU graduates as adaptable, capable leaders who know how to solve real problems.
It is also why we are advancing the WSU System-wide Redesign. Our land-grant mission calls us to serve the entire state of Washington, and that means organizing ourselves in ways that better connect education, research, innovation, and opportunity to the communities and industries we serve.
The same focus is shaping how we approach research and innovation. WSU must concentrate our efforts in areas where we can lead nationally, where public value is unmistakable, and where discoveries translate into visible impact in people’s lives and in Washington’s economy. That includes AI, health, agriculture, energy, advanced materials, and other fields that will define the next generation of economic and societal progress.
Athletics is part of this broader momentum as well. WSU intends to compete and win in the new Pac-12. Success on that stage elevates visibility for the entire university, strengthens the Cougar identity nationwide, and reinforces WSU as an institution with confidence, resilience, and upward trajectory.
Philanthropy is a catalyst for all of this work. It gives WSU the ability to move decisively in a time when leadership matters. Scholarships open doors for students with talent and determination. Endowments create enduring support for research, faculty excellence, innovation, and academic distinction. Investments made now will help shape the future identity, capability, and national standing of Washington State University for decades to come.
Importantly, this is also a moment when leadership and generosity become part of the institution’s trajectory itself. The individuals and families who choose to invest in WSU during periods of transformation help define what the university becomes — and are recognized as part of building a stronger, more innovative, more admired public university for the future.
Thank you for your commitment to Washington State University, our students, and the communities we serve.
Betsy Cantwell
President, Washington State University
Upcoming Giving Society Events
There is still time to join the Washington State University Foundation for a virtual conversation with WSU President Betsy Cantwell, moderated by Vice President of Advancement and WSU Foundation CEO Mike Connell.
This is an exclusive opportunity for our giving society members to hear directly from university leadership about key initiatives and priorities shaping our university’s future.
May 11 | 12:00–1:00 p.m. (PST)
A Zoom link will be sent via email prior to the event.
Crimson 50
Crimson 50: Marge Rowland ’57 and Stan Coe ’55
Crimson 50: Lonny ’65 and Marcia ’66 Suko
Student Scholarship Spotlight
Ashton Tripp
A Coug fan since boyhood, Ashton Tripp grew up in Kennewick, WA, where he played football at Kennewick High School. When WSU recruited him and offered a scholarship, he couldn’t have been more excited to play for the university he’d always loved. Though he’d been playing football since age nine, one of his most thrilling moments came during his freshman year at WSU: running onto the field in his Cougar uniform and helmet for his first home game—the announcer’s voice echoing, the crowd roaring—he was finally playing for the team he’d cheered for since he was a kid.
Malia Jae Ruud
A proud Washingtonian from Pasco, Malia Ruud arrived at Washington State University eager to pursue both her academic goals and her love of athletics. Now a communications major on the Pullman campus, Malia is grateful for the athletic scholarship that allows her to compete at a high level while earning her degree—an opportunity she says means more than words can fully express.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art Upcoming Exhibits
March 31, 2026 – June 27, 2026
Mimi Jung: An Unfinished Origin
Master of Fine Arts Thesis Exhibition
Longer Light: Selections From the Collection
WSU Alumni Association Events
Join the WSU Alumni Association for our annual Commencement celebration honoring Spring 2026 graduates. Stop by the Lewis Alumni Centre before or after your ceremony to celebrate, relax, and make memories with family and friends!
Keep the “Go Cougs” energy flowing all spring long! Coug Meet-Up at Grapes ‘N Hops in Camas on Saturday, May 16th from 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Let’s rally and meet up to support one of our local Coug-owned businesses and football Watch Party venues in the off season.
Join fellow Sacramento & Reno Cougs for a night at the drive-in! All WSU alumni, families, friends, and fans are welcome to attend this screening of “Masters of the Universe” at West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-In. Box office opens at 6:00 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Arrive at least an hour prior to showtime to secure a spot, as lines can get long!
¡Hola Cougs! You are invited to the 3rd Biennial Alianza de WSU Alumni Reunion and Gala. La Alianza de WSU is the Chicana/o/x Latina/o/x Chapter of the Washington State University Alumni Association. We are planning three fun-filled days of activities and events at WSU Tri-Cities that will give you the perfect opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, interact with current students, and reminisce on your time spent at WSU. There is no better time than time spent with fellow Cougs, so don’t miss out on this exciting weekend.
Cougs in Action
From the orchard to the Rijksmuseum: Chris Schlect and the future of the Schnitzer Museum
Christian “Chris” Schlect ’73 has always loved his alma mater, but he did not fully develop a love for art until after he received his bachelor’s degree in political science. He left Washington State University for Gonzaga University to earn his law degree, and now, as a retired lawyer who believes the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art (JSMA) is “one of the most remarkable university museums in the country,” he has volunteered to chair its campaign committee.
For Mark (’93) and Sheryl Ossello (’93), giving back to WSU is about community—and coming home
On a freezing November weekend in 1992, Washington State University upset the University of Washington in what Cougs everywhere still remember as the Snow Bowl. For Mark (’93) and Sheryl Ossello (’93), then seniors, the victory felt like more than a rivalry win. It marked the close of four transformative years in Pullman—years shaped by friendships, new traditions, and a shared sense of belonging that has never quite faded.
‘What Would Visa Do’? Why Dr. Serign Marong created the Visa Marong Memorial Scholarship
For Dr. Serign Marong ’02, Washington State University has never been just the place where he earned his degree. It is where his family’s story began generations ago, where he grew up running through campus as a child, and where he later lined up as a Cougar linebacker and biology student. Embedded in every chapter of his life, WSU has remained a constant—one he returned to when seeking the most meaningful way to honor his late wife, Visa.
Planned Giving Corner
How Well Do You Know Charitable Gift Planning at WSU?
Many Cougs plan carefully for family and loved ones, but charitable intentions can be misunderstood or overlooked. This quick true or false quiz explores how Wills can support both your personal priorities and the future of Washington State University.
Why Charitable Planning Through Your Will Matters.
Without a charitable provision in your will, even deeply held philanthropic intentions may not be carried out. Including WSU ensures that your values—education, innovation, and opportunity—live on.
Your Will. Your Values. Your WSU Legacy.
A charitable bequest is one of the simplest ways to make a lasting impact at Washington State University while retaining full use of your assets during your lifetime.
Are We Already In Your Plans? If So, Please Let Us Know!
By sharing your intentions, you allow us to welcome you into the 1890 Legacy Society, thank you during your lifetime, and steward your future gift in a way that reflects your values. Recognition is always handled thoughtfully and with respect for your wishes.
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.
Contact Us
Need to get in contact with a specific unit? View a full list of our unit contact partners below.
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
