Recognizing Our Volunteers
Our WSU Volunteers
WSU would not be the same without the enthusiasm and leadership of visionary volunteers. Thousands among the University community benefit either directly or indirectly from their dedication to and love of WSU.
Award Criteria and Nomination Forms
The WSU Foundation honors dedicated volunteers and their generous contributions of time and talent that impact the University in profound and countless ways through three awards. Nominations for the WSU Foundation’s volunteer awards are accepted every spring. Selections are made after the Annual Fall Meeting and presented at the following Spring Meeting.
The WSU Foundation’s highest honor is named for the Foundation’s founding chair, the late Dr. Weldon B. “Hoot” Gibson (’38 Bus. Admin.), who through his unselfish efforts and energy gave shape and direction to the University’s fundraising activities. Receiving this award is an esteemed honor bestowed upon those individuals whose service is measured by the highest levels of impact and achievement.
Award Criteria
- One award presented annually.
- Open to any individual(s) except WSU faculty and staff members.
- Individual(s) must have demonstrated long-term volunteer involvement with the WSU Foundation either in the form of work on the Foundation Board, Advocates or other volunteer activities with the Foundation as deemed significant by the Foundation CEO.
- While current members of the Board of Directors are eligible, it is recommended that the award-winner is not currently serving on the Board.
- Individual(s) cannot currently be serving on the Executive Committee of the Foundation Board of Directors. If a member of the Executive Committee is nominated, his/her nomination will be noted by the Foundation staff and placed in abeyance until that individual has cycled off the Executive Committee at which time their nomination will be considered.
This award honors special individuals who demonstrate generous philanthropic support of and enthusiastic volunteerism on behalf of Cougar Athletics and WSU. Established in 2011 after its namesake’s passing, the award is in honor of William F. “Biff” Brotherton (’65 Lib. Arts), whose own legacy is one of spirited leadership and generosity. The Brotherton Family also created a scholarship endowment in Biff’s memory, which will provide a scholarship award to a deserving WSU student-athlete each year in perpetuity.
Award Criteria
- One award presented annually.
- Open to any individual(s) except WSU faculty and staff members.
- Individual(s) must have demonstrated long-term volunteer involvement with the WSU Foundation either in the form of work on the Foundation Board, Advocates or other volunteer activities with the Foundation as deemed significant by the Foundation CEO.
- Individual(s) must have demonstrated long-term volunteer support of Cougar Athletics as determined by the Athletic Director and his/her staff.
- It is preferred that individuals have achieved benefactor status of philanthropic support of the University.
- Individual(s) cannot currently be serving on the Executive Committee of the Foundation Board of Directors. If a member of the Executive Committee is nominated, his/her nomination will be noted by the Foundation staff and placed in abeyance until that individual has cycled off the Executive Committee at which time their nomination will be considered.
Granted as a public testimonial to individuals who have made outstanding singular or collective contributions in service to advance the WSU Foundation and the University’s development efforts, these individuals are advocates for philanthropy who inspire the broader WSU community through their dedication and commitment to help the University realize its full potential through private support. WSU faculty and staff, including retirees, as well as volunteers are recognized through this award.
Award Criteria
- Number of awards presented annually at the discretion of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
- Open to any individual(s) including WSU faculty and staff members and WSU retirees. Current WSU Foundation staff are not eligible.
- Individuals(s) must have demonstrated making a significant contribution to WSU philanthropic efforts through their individual advocacy and assistance of the development staff in fund-raising efforts.
- Individual(s) cannot currently be serving on the Executive Committee of the Foundation Board of Directors. If a member of the Executive Committee is nominated, his/her nomination will be noted by the Foundation staff and placed in abeyance until that individual has cycled off the Executive Committee at which time their nomination will be considered.
Please note that 2024 Volunteer Awards have been selected and recipients notified. Any nominations submitted between now and September 1, 2024 will be considered for 2025 Volunteer Awards.