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Four Friends, Five Years, One Endowment

Pooling resources to fund a scholarship for Dreamers and first-generation students

 

When you picture someone who might fund a scholarship, what kind of person comes to mind?

Maybe a wealthy philanthropist? Or a retired couple intent on leaving a legacy through their estate?

In fact, there are many ways to endow a scholarship—for instance, joining with friends and family to create a group gift.

Four longtime friends, all in their late 30s, have done just that, pooling their resources to endow a scholarship for WSU Vancouver students.

These former housemates—Melissa and Jeff … » More …

Mark Schuster Masters the Art of Giving Back

WSUAA board president demonstrates generosity through “time, talent, treasure”

One of Mark Schuster’s (’95) formative memories was sitting in the packed stands at Martin Stadium with his family, watching his older brother, Mike, an offensive tackle for WSU, play in the 1982 Apple Cup. When WSU beat the arch-rival Huskies 24-20, young Mark thrilled to the sight of the mass of Cougars running onto the field, taking down and carrying off … » More …

2022 Spring Meeting and Gala Recap

In late April, the WSU Foundation hosted its 2022 Spring Meeting and 42nd Annual Recognition Gala at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Seattle, where both volunteers and WSU Advancement staff engaged in two-and-a-half days of business meetings and festivities. The excitement and enthusiasm were evident from start to finish! 

Sunday, April 24
The agenda kicked off with four simultaneous Advocates and Advocates Emeriti Task Force meetings on Sunday afternoon, which gave members the chance to convene in-person (plus some over Zoom) to move their Task Force charges forward. (Their takeaways and next steps were reported out during the full Advocates and Advocates Emeriti meeting on Tuesday morning.)

» More …

A Night That Sparkled with Crimson Gratitude and Pride

Before a stage backdrop of glittering indigo curtains and panels of shimmering crimson, the Jazz Wires (right), an ensemble of WSU alumni, played one of their upbeat instrumental arrangements, setting the festive ambience for the celebration of the WSU Foundation’s 42nd Annual Recognition Gala held Tuesday evening, April 26, at the Sheraton Grand Seattle.

Honorees and other members of the WSU community enjoyed dinner at candlelit tables glowing in the dimmed ballroom—everyone dressed in their finest and full of … » More …

Unplanned Opportunities Forge New Directions for Murrow Student

By AnneMarie Hunter

Unexpected turns and opportunities defined Cheryl Aarnio’s journey at Washington State University. As doors opened to career possibilities she had not previously considered, Cheryl also discovered new strengths and interests along the way.

In December 2021, this exceptional Coug graduated from the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication with a bachelor of arts in multimedia journalism and a supplemental degree in French for the Professions. During her exceptional WSU journey, she was awarded numerous scholarships, including the University Achievement Award, the Avery Quinn Plaster Memorial Scholarship, and the Kathi Goertzen Leadership Award. She was also a Boeing Scholar» More …

THE WSU COUGAR MASCOT: STORIES AND LEGENDS

By AnneMarie Hunter

For more than a century, the spirit of the Cougar has distinguished Washington State University and exemplified the heart of its community. However, we have not always been Cougars.

In 1890, Washington State College was established as a land-grant school under the federal Morrill Act with a mission to teach practical disciplines “related to agriculture and the mechanic arts.” During those early years, the school chose names to reflect its agricultural roots, such as Farmers and Aggies.

Beginning in 1903, these namesakes were replaced by four-pawed mascots. These goodwill ambassadors, however, were not cougars but dogs. The first canine to fill the … » More …

Lorena Zurita, Future Winemaker, Persists Through Every Obstacle

By AnneMarie Hunter

“Just like life, winemaking has lots of unknowns.”

— Lorena Zurita

Lorena Zurita never gives up.

Though her path has been paved with challenges, this Washington State University senior has persisted in the pursuit of her goals.

Zurita, 24, will graduate in spring 2022 with a bachelor of science in viticulture and enology and minors in horticulture and business administration. Resilience, positivity, and a deep connection to the earth have forged the direction of her education and life.

Lorena’s parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico before she was born. They settled … » More …

Io Palmer Shapes Clay into Dreams of Imagination and Exploration

By AnneMarie Hunter

“In the classroom, incredible things and conversations can happen around the making of art. The process opens your soul,” said Io Palmer, Washington State University associate professor of fine arts.

She invites everyone to share in that process.

“Art is a wonderful world to be part of. It’s constantly challenging and interesting,” said Palmer, who is also the WSU Ceramics/3D Foundations area coordinator and the Berry Family Distinguished Professor in Liberal Arts since 2018.

Through art, Palmer builds bridges. She brings art to those who have explored it—and those who have not. She believes art not only builds … » More …

Christi Webster: Bioengineering a Brighter Future

By AnneMarie Hunter

Perhaps it was swimming with her brothers in the frosty waters of St. Mary Lake at Glacier National Park. Or, picking huckleberries along the park’s trails.

Maybe it was hiking in Shenandoah National Park while her father, Pete, taught her about ecosystems along the way.

It could have been playing hide and seek in the world’s tallest trees at Sequoia National Park. Or, catching sight of mountain goats and big horn sheep in Logan Pass.

“All of those experiences came together so I ended up where I needed to be,” said Christi Webster, bioengineering major in the » More …

Honey Bees + People + Agriculture: A Circle of Life

By AnneMarie Hunter

“The WSU Honey Bee Research, Extension and Education Facility in Othello is an amazing research and development opportunity for pollinators that is relevant and responsive in the heart of Washington agriculture–and unprecedented in WSU’s history.”

— Laura Lavine, Professor and Chair
Washington State University Department of Entomology

“The first time I looked into a honey bee colony, I was blown away,” said Kelly Kulhanek, postdoctoral researcher with Washington State University’s Honey Bee and Pollinator Research and Education program. “I watched thousands of bees … » More …

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