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Gift lights up Beasley Coliseum

October 18, 2013 Clint Young

During their lifetimes, Bill (’33 Econ.) and Faye Rounds supported student-athlete scholarships, Cougar Athletics, and Alumni Centre programs at WSU for nearly 40 years. The Pullman-born son of enthusiastic athletics boosters, Bill considered himself a Cougar since birth. Supporting Cougar Athletics was especially important to the couple because they understood that much of the financing necessary to support a competitive athletics program must come from donated funds.

After Bill’s passing in 2006 and Faye’s recent passing in February 2011, their desire to contribute to an outstanding athletics experience at WSU was realized. Funds from their … » More …

Patron donates $5 million for new WSU Museum of Art

October 2, 2013 Trevor Durham

Washington State University is one giant step closer to having a new Museum of Art on its Pullman campus, thanks to a multimillion dollar contribution by one of the leading arts patrons in the United States.

Jordan D. Schnitzer of Portland, Ore., who owns a vast collection of contemporary fine art prints and who has supported the arts in numerous ways and locations throughout the country, joined WSU President Elson S. Floyd to announce the largest act of private patronage to the arts in WSU history. The announcement was celebrated amid a new exhibit at the Museum of Art, “Made in U.S.A.: Rosenquist/Ruscha,” which features … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Anthony M. Marchionne (’61)

September 12, 2013 Clint Young

Pioneer grad’s legacy supports graduate students in the Department of Psychology

In 1961, Anthony M. Marchionne earned the first doctoral degree in clinical psychology conferred by Washington State University. But that wasn’t the only or last notable achievement Toby, as his friends called him, would accumulate during his lifetime.

Having grown up in Hudson, New York, Toby wanted to see the world. Service in the U.S. Army Air Corps brought him to the Pacific Northwest, a region he liked so much he remained in the area for school. He studied at then-Washington State College where he earned his bachelor of science degree in 1952 and … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Debra Sanders

September 10, 2013 Clint Young

For Debra Sanders, being able to see the impact of her gifts to the University makes giving all the more fulfilling.

“It is nice to actually know the students who are benefitting from my support,” she says.

Debra, affectionately called Debbe by her friends and coworkers, has worked for WSU Vancouver for 28 years. » More …

Meet Our Donors: Kathy Montagne

August 29, 2013 Clint Young

Throughout the Campaign for WSU, University employees have stepped up—not only in their service to the institution, but through their personal gifts to WSU as well. Kathy Montagne is among this growing group of faculty and staff who understand the importance of supporting WSU’s students, research, and outreach. » More …

Meet Our Donors: John (’68) and Claudia Swenson

July 30, 2013 Clint Young

Scholarships and part-time jobs made John (’68 Pharm.) and Claudia Swenson’s WSU experience possible. Until his third year, John was a student-athlete, but then worked as a housekeeper while he completed his studies in pharmacy. And although Claudia held a President’s Scholarship, her teaching assistant position helped with her expenses as a student in the Honors Program.

Having experienced the working student life, they empathize with today’s students who face higher educational costs than ever before and want to help those who may turn away from professional degree programs due to finances. » More …

Meet: Lisa Heard (’13)

July 19, 2013 Clint Young

A young woman with big dreams, May 2013 graduate Lisa Heard knows that facing challenges is all about finding the right inspiration. Thanks to receiving the Edythe Miller Boucher Endowed Scholarship in Business her junior and senior years, she learned about (and has taken inspiration from) another WSU alumna—a 1934 business graduate known for her verve. Following graduation, Lisa moved to New York City where she is working in the ad sales division for TIME Magazine.

Inspiration crosses generations…

I was so excited when I got Edythe’s scholarship. I kept a photo of her on the wall in my bedroom for inspiration. I admire … » More …

Avista Power Lab aims to prepare students for a smarter grid

June 5, 2013 charles.dillon2

A five-year pledge commitment totaling $325,000 from Avista Corp. will support research innovation and better prepare Washington State University students for new Smart Grid technologies.

Avista’s pledge will support WSU’s newly formed Energy Systems Innovation Center as well as WSU’s undergraduate power engineering curriculum, including the purchase of state-of-the-art technology for the power engineering lab.

“WSU has committed to partnering with industry to advance clean technology and to expand our power engineering program, and we are pleased and grateful to see Avista step up to make this investment,’’ said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “Industry involvement from a company like Avista is a key component … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Craig Jackson (’63)

May 23, 2013 Clint Young

Be approachable and accessible, share your passion for teaching and learning, and enjoy the opportunity to give back. These are the lessons that Craig Jackson learned from the mentors throughout his life and the blueprint that he follows in his interactions with the young medical students that he now teaches and mentors.

An accomplished scientist, administrator, and most recently a consulting retiree, Craig (’63 Zool.) is especially grateful to WSU professors who were instrumental in recognizing his abilities and providing valuable advice to help him forge his path in life. Their stimulating and challenging lectures, guidance that helped him succeed in the graduate-level courses he took … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Dominique Mesick (’11)

April 19, 2013 Clint Young

A WSU education was Dominique Mesick’s destiny.

“I bleed Crimson,” she declares, adding that she always intended to follow in the footsteps of her mother, father, and sister—all Cougars. It was receiving a Crimson Opportunity Scholarship that helped to ease the financial burden of pursuing her studies at WSU and gave her an extra boost of confidence. “This scholarship showed me that not only do I want to be at WSU, but WSU wanted me to be there as well. It was nice knowing they wanted me to succeed.”

Strengthened by the skills she developed during her time as a student, Dominique (’11 Lib. … » More …