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Meet: Jacob Brandvold

November 21, 2012 Clint Young

The impact of scholarships should never be underestimated. For Jacob Brandvold, scholarships enabled a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that helped him discover how his passion for animals could give a bigger purpose to his life.

Jacob knew he wanted to be a veterinarian since he was a young child. In his youth, he worked toward that dream by reading books and articles about animals and seeking opportunities to work with veterinarians.

“My passion for animals continues to grow, and what I learned about the demands and stress of the profession—things that might seem daunting … » More …

Meet: Ashley Nilson

November 21, 2012 Clint Young

Donor funded scholarships are essential. There are many stories of students who would have had to forego their college educations had it not been for the generosity of donors and the scholarships they received. Ashley Nilson lived one of those stories.

A senior from Spokane Valley studying neuroscience with minors in chemistry and Spanish, Ashley is a recipient of the Senior Scholarship Fund. This generosity is what is allowing her to continue her education at WSU.

Created in 1999, the Senior Scholarship Fund is an endowed fund comprised of senior class gifts to … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Necia Bennett Huntley (’35)

November 8, 2012 Clint Young

For more than 50 years, Necia Bennett Huntley’s commitment to WSU has been steadfast. When asked what drives her philanthropic motivations, she says simply and emphatically, “It’s something that I want to do.”

To honor her late husband, Elmer “Bud” Huntley, Necia (’35 Hist.) established two undergraduate scholarships at WSU: The Elmer C. and Necia B. Huntley Endowed Scholarship and The Elmer C. and Necia B. Huntley Endowed Athletic Scholarship. Each honors Bud’s distinguished legacy in public service, their shared interest in the well-being of students, and their intense loyalty to Cougar Athletics. » More …

Clif Bar Family Foundation grant supports food production research at WSU

October 16, 2012 charles.dillon2

A new WSU program charged with measuring the sustainability of food production systems has received a three-year, $240,000 grant from the Clif Bar Family Foundation.

“Our partnership with Washington State University couldn’t be more timely,” says Kit Crawford, president of Clif Bar Family Foundation. “Agriculture has a huge impact on the health of people and the planet. Now more than ever, we need to back the rigorous, scientific study of organic, sustainable agriculture and its many benefits.”

The program, called “Measure to Manage: Food and Farm Diagnostics for Sustainability and Health,” … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Joey (’05) and Erika (’03, ’09) Addington

October 5, 2012 Clint Young

Simple acts of kindness and a generous dose of Cougar Spirit are what inspired Recent Graduate President’s Associates, Joey and Erika (Bower) Addington, to complete their circle of gratitude. As academic and need-based scholarship recipients themselves, Joey (’05 Land. Arch.) and Erika (’03, ’09 Elem. & Sec. Ed.) were grateful for the generosity of WSU donors.

“Knowing people had so much confidence in us that they decided to support our schooling really raised the bar as far as personal expectations go,” they say. Scholarships made it possible for them to enjoy the “complete experience” at WSU. Although academics were always their chief priority, Joey and … » More …

WSU officials, donors dedicate home for global animal health

September 8, 2012 Trevor Durham

Paul G. Allen and representatives of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation were joined today by Washington State University officials and other donors and special guests to formally dedicate the Paul G. Allen Center for Global Animal Health in Pullman. The recently completed 62,000-square-foot, three-story flagship research building is a first-of-its-kind research facility that will house a state-of-the-art infectious disease research center for investigating emerging diseases throughout the world.

“Today represents an important milestone in our University’s long and distinguished history,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “Opening this facility is a monumental step toward … » More …

Meet Our Donors: Lesa Burton-Cornell (’82)

August 31, 2012 Clint Young

Blind luck brought Lesa Burton-Cornell (’82 Comm.) to Washington State University, the place where students find enriching life experiences along with a quality education.

Something drew her to Pullman sight-unseen, recalls Lesa, who grew up in San Diego. Her brother attended a local college, her dad Cornell, and her mom UC-Berkeley. She now considers it a blessing to have followed her heart to the rolling hills of the Palouse. » More …

A WSU Online First

August 14, 2012 charles.dillon2

Nancy Krook is not one to give up easily. And even though she left Pullman years ago when she and her husband, Frank, moved to Western Washington, she wasn’t going to let a minor detail—like the distance to Pullman—keep her from earning her WSU degree.

Actually, nothing was going to keep Nancy from graduating. Between family, careers, and life, the process took several decades.

“Unbeknownst to me, my husband had signed me up for information about the distance program in social sciences,” says Nancy. She jumped at the chance to enroll. Back then, the program involved watching videotapes, a far cry from the interactive experience … » More …

Largest-ever commitment to The Libraries at WSU

June 21, 2012 charles.dillon2

Longtime Washington State University supporters and alumni Mike and Liz Johnson are making the largest-ever commitment to The Libraries at WSU, a bequest valued at $3.2 million. By naming the libraries as beneficiary of their estate, the Kirkland, Wash., couple looks to ensure the libraries keep pace in the future with the ever-changing ways information is stored and shared.

“This isn’t your grandfather’s library and it’s still changing very fast,” said Mike. “Libraries prepared to keep up with technology and communication trends are vibrant places that facilitate … » More …

WSU Announces Investment to Support Organic Agriculture, Model Farm

April 20, 2012 charles.dillon2

Washington State University is one giant step closer to becoming a world model for research, teaching and extension in organic and sustainable agriculture thanks to a $5 million donor investment announced here this afternoon.

“Washington State University has played an important role in the region’s organic and sustainable agriculture for quite some time, establishing the nation’s first four-year organic agriculture systems major in 2006,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “WSU’s ability to serve this economically important and growing industry regionally, nationally and around the globe will be … » More …