College has taught graduate student Yadira Olivera a notable lesson she will remember throughput her life: “There is room for mistakes and growth, but
never failure,” says the Robert E. McNair Alumni Scholar and recipient of myriad scholarships. » More …
Laurel Mahnke (’14) holds Washington State University close to her heart and is willing to do whatever she can to give back to her alma mater to enhance the experiences of current and future students. » More …
Kiyana Boyd
Junior, Management Information Systems (MIS)
Hometown: Federal Way, Washington
Kiyana Boyd is a first-generation college student and member of the inaugural class of First Scholars at Washington State University. She is a recipient of the Meyers Family First Scholars at WSU scholarship provided through the generosity of Gina Meyers (‘85). By giving back to her alma mater in this way, Gina is encouraging first-in-their-family college students to pursue higher education and to get the most from the opportunities … » More …
Dave Kerslake (‘14) gained much-needed balance in his life after receiving the Stephen and Carolyn Conforti Endowed Scholarship in Accounting at Washington State University.
His financial responsibilities became more manageable and the burden was eased on his family in supporting his college career. “I am now able to attain a master’s degree from WSU with very minimal financial impact in comparison to other universities’ programs,” Dave says.
Foremost, the scholarship reassures his parents that their investment in his education may one day pay off. Dave graduated magna cum laude in May 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and immediately entered WSU’s graduate school. He … » More …
A massive turnout of grateful students signing “Thank You” cards to donors capped Philanthropy Week, February 23-27, on the WSU Pullman campus.
Members of PAWS (Philanthropy At Washington State), a student-run outreach program created by the WSU Foundation, organized and implemented activities for each day. Fun and engaging activities such as a photo booth contest, community service projects, and a two-day “PAWS-4-Thanks” event in the CUB attracted several hundred students.
Philanthropy Week was designed to demonstrate how private support augments and enhances … » More …
With gifts as small as $5 and as large as $25,000, Washington State University alumni, students, employees and friends rallied to participate in the university’s first official day of giving, which was held in conjunction with the celebration of WSU’s 125th anniversary.
The WSU Foundation confirmed today that 1,039 donors contributed $314,814 during #CougsGive125, which began at noon on March 26 and continued for 36 hours. #CougsGive125 challenged supporters to give $125,000 to support WSU students, faculty, research and programs.
“We felt that Cougar Nation would … » More …
The Seattle Times was gracious to publish my op-ed submission below on March 4, 2015.
As a vice president at Washington State University with a background in business and academia, and whose portfolio includes public-private partnerships, I am frequently asked why our state’s higher-education institutions do not simply become private schools? State budgets are stretched — isn’t higher education today more of a private than public good anyway?
No, it is not.
It is true that the rewards of college go to the degree-holder, including successful careers, higher incomes and more stable lives. Not to be overlooked, however, is the greater public good generated … » More …
Rarely in my university career have I seen the alignment of ambitions and direction of an entire institution. Built-in freedom of the faculty and the too frequent revolving door of department chairs, deans, chancellors, and presidents usually prevent the creation of any real strategy such as you might see in the private sector. While alignment isn’t everything, it is a start, and I am encouraged by what I see at WSU.
First, we have a president who is on his eighth year. Having gone through the recession and unprecedented budget cuts early in his administration, he and other administrators were able to shape the university … » More …
Efforts to establish a new college of medicine at Washington State University received a boost of private support from Bellevue, Wash., businessman and WSU alumnus Mikal Thomsen. He has committed $100,000 to directly support founding and operation of the WSU medical college proposed in Spokane.
“The state of Washington should have enough doctors in the right places to take care of its citizens’ health care needs today and in the future. That is not the case today and the trend is headed in the wrong direction,” said Thomsen, co-founder and partner at Trilogy Equity Partners.
“I believe WSU is proposing a practical and sustainable solution … » More …
Winemaking research at Washington State University just got a turbo boost.
Cypress Semiconductor Corp. and Spokane Industries have teamed up to help bring one of the most technologically advanced wine fermentation systems in the world to the Wine Science Center at WSU Tri-Cities, with a generous contribution of $3.2 million toward the $5.3 million fermentation system.
In 2012, the Economic Development Administration provided a $2.06 million grant to bring the fermentation system to WSU. The grant requires a matching contribution, which has now been provided through the generous support of Cypress and Spokane Industries.
“This fermentation system will be a great benefit to the burgeoning … » More …
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