News | WSU Foundation | Washington State University

_News

WSU loses friend and donor, Paul Allen

October 21, 2018 Trevor Durham

Those who knew Paul G. Allen at Washington State University were taken with both shock and sadness when they learned of his death last week.

Allen, 65, was a noted technologist, philanthropist, community builder, conservationist, musician and supporter of the arts who attended WSU from 1971‑74. He died in Seattle from complications of non‑Hodgkin’s lymphoma on October 15th.

“Paul Allen was a man of great compassion and vision,” said Kirk Schulz, president of Washington State University. “He understood the power of philanthropy to improve the human condition in this country and around the world.”

Allen was presented the Regents Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1999. The highest … » More …

She’s Got Game: Destined for School of Design

June 6, 2018 Hailey Rupp

When Sarah Rosenthal was old enough to use a computer, she got hooked on playing the SIMS, a life simulation video game where the player creates characters and builds houses for them. In the game, Sarah built homes with wood, stone, drywall, and landscaped yards. She developed eccentric but functional houses with patios and pools, massive balconies, and secret passageways. She preferred building the homes to creating the characters, and some nights, stayed up so late playing, she fell asleep on her keyboard.

By the time Sarah was enrolled in college, she started to realize her computer science and fine arts classes weren’t keeping … » More …

Finding Forestry: CAHNRS Student Loves Plants, and Pullman

June 5, 2018 Hailey Rupp

In high school, Alec Solemslie was asked to research careers in the natural resources field for an assignment. On a whim, he chose forestry, and didn’t think too much beyond finishing the project. Years later, when he started researching universities, he happened upon a press release that mentioned Washington State University would be reinstating its forestry program. Alec thought back to his high school project.

He dug up information on WSU’s preexisting forestry program as well as programs at other universities and realized there were far more facets to forestry than he could have imagined. In addition, although he’d initially thought of attending a larger … » More …

Hyde family gift ensures WSU entomology’s growing impact

May 22, 2018 Trevor Durham

The James and Marilyn Oliver Hyde estate has gifted $1.4 million to support students in Washington State University’s Department of Entomology, announced WSU President Kirk Schulz on May 17.

The gift marks the largest one-time contribution ever designated for WSU insect education and research. This donation is the legacy of the Hydes — longtime residents of Kennewick, Wash. — who shared their love of learning, nature and the study of insects with many Washingtonians. The entomology program is part of WSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences.

The estate gift creates the new Hyde Fellowship program, doubling the number of high-quality students in entomology. It … » More …

Dog’s Best Friend

April 3, 2018 Trevor Durham

WSU’s Katrina Mealey, Ph.D., DVM saving animal lives every day

Wheelchair-bound Tom Stark falls over unconscious while crossing the street with his service dog Hoover, an English Shepherd. After being rushed to the hospital, the staff believes Stark may have picked up a parasitic worm while traveling abroad and prescribes him an antiparastic drug. Sadly, before Stark can take the meds, Hoover, with his pale brown “eyebrows” and white paws, eats the handful of the pills and dies. Upon reflection, Dr. House notes, “Dogs with the MDR1 gene can die from certain antiparastic drugs.”

While many viewers of this 2007 episode of the medical … » More …

Meet Nam Nguyen

December 6, 2017 Trevor Durham

Nam Nguyen is in his third year of studies at Washington State University, where he is pursuing a double major in chemistry and international business, and maintains a 3.74 GPA. His next study abroad experience as a WSU student will take him to Argentina and Antarctica.

Hometown: Kent, Washington. Graduate of Kentridge High School (2015)

What scholarships have you received at WSU?

I have received several scholarships during my time studying at WSU, including: Crimson Opportunity Scholarship, Multicultural Opportunity Scholarship, Alumni Leadership Scholarship, Education Abroad Endowment, Cougars of The Desert Scholarship, Leff Family Honors Scholarship, Mark and Laura Hansen International Scholarship, Marie Baarslag Brown Wright … » More …

Meet Lisa Calvert

December 6, 2017 Trevor Durham

Lisa Calvert has served in a variety of executive development and fundraising positions during a 30-year career in higher education and the nonprofit sector. She joined the Cougar family on October 25, and will serve as WSU’s chief fundraising officer, leading efforts to build a comprehensive, integrated development and external engagement strategy that will maximize private support and investment. She will oversee the WSU Foundation and all development efforts statewide, as well as the WSU Alumni Association.

“Lisa joins us at an exciting moment in the university’s history,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “A vibrant culture of philanthropy is a critical component of WSU’s goal … » More …

WSU welcomes the Amazon Catalyst program to campus

October 23, 2017 Trevor Durham

Washington State University announces the launch of a collaborative program with Amazon titled Amazon Catalyst — a successful innovation grant program.

Amazon Catalyst logo Amazon will provide up to $300,000 to WSU to launch the initiative, providing funding and mentorship to support bold, globally impactful and disruptive projects proposed by members of the university community. The Amazon Catalyst program will support the expansion of the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the WSU system.

Grants will be available to students, staff and faculty across all of … » More …

Scott Carson awarded WSU Foundation’s top honor

October 4, 2017 Trevor Durham

The Washington State University Foundation presented its highest honor—the Weldon B. “Hoot” Gibson Distinguished Volunteer Award—to retired Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Scott Carson during the 38th Annual Recognition Gala in Pullman, Sept. 28.

The WSU Foundation presents the Gibson Award each year to recognize individuals whose service on behalf of WSU and the WSU Foundation is measured by the highest levels of achievement.

“For Scott, it’s about students,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “He has a real passion for creating meaningful opportunities for WSU students to hone their skills, expand their horizons, and prepare to be leaders in their chosen field and in … » More …

Calvert named new WSU VP for Advancement, CEO Foundation

October 4, 2017 Trevor Durham

Lisa Calvert, a development and fundraising expert with more than 30 years of experience, has been named vice president for advancement at Washington State University and CEO of the WSU Foundation. She will start at WSU on Oct. 25.

She has served in a variety of executive development and fundraising positions during a career in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

Calvert will serve as WSU’s chief fundraising officer, leading efforts to build a comprehensive, integrated development and external engagement strategy that will maximize private support and investment. She will oversee the WSU Foundation and all development efforts statewide, as well as the WSU Alumni … » More …