WSU Foundation

Through work with global corporations, nonprofit organizations, and public leaders, Nyhus has demonstrated how strategic communication — rooted in truth, precision, and public responsibility — can drive meaningful change. #GoCougs

Little Birds takes flight: Inspiring the next generation of Native health leaders WSU’s Little Birds program introduces Native youth to health sciences through culturally grounded, hands-on experiences, helping students see themselves as future healthcare professionals.

Developed by WSU's Native American Health Sciences, the Little Birds pathway program helps youth build self-confidence around cultural identity, instilling confidence, representation, and belief that Native youth belong in health science careers. ⬇️ 🩺

foundation.wsu.edu/2026/02/03/l...

Be on the lookout for the upcoming Washington State Magazine issue, featuring #WSU basketball sensation and the Foundation's General Counsel and Assistant Secretary to the Board: Terry Kelly! 🏀 #GoCougs

Built by industry, designed for the future: Prime Electric and MacDonald-Miller invest in construction education at WSU The newly renovated classroom replaces outdated technology and AV equipment with a modern hub for hands-on learning.

Last week, WSU Voiland celebrated the opening of the Prime Electric and MacDonald-Miller Construction Management Classroom in Carpenter Hall. Learn about the transformational investments that turned this space into a collaborative, technology-driven hub:

foundation.wsu.edu/2026/01/26/b...

woman in a black blouse with a pearl necklace smiles for a photo

Join WSU's MLK Keynote Celebration today at 5:30 pm, featuring Dr. Paula Groves Price at the CUB Senior Ballroom with livestreaming as well. There will also be musical performances by God’s Harmony, a poetry reading, and presenting of Distinguished Service Awards.

mlk.wsu.edu/keynote-cele...

Dr. Joel DeLisa PM&R Lectureship Empowers WSU’s Next Generation of Health Care Leaders For Joel DeLisa, MD, a proud Washington State University alum and international leader in physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R), medicine was a career “that never should have happened.”

When WSU launched @wsumedicine.bsky.social, Dr. Joel and Janet DeLisa saw a chance to give back in a transformative way—by establishing the DeLisa Lectureship and Continuing Education Fund in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the college’s first lectureship. ⬇️

medicine.wsu.edu/news/2026/01...

Promotional graphic for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, featuring a portrait of Dr. King with an overlay of his name and a background of him addressing a crowd.

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, check out the opportunities available on this National Day of Service through the Center for Civic Engagement, with WSU MLK events taking place this week as well:

mlk.wsu.edu/2026-schedule-of-events/

two students sit smiling at a table in a classroom as one looks at her laptop

Students: Join the Scholarship Application Workshop on Jan 21 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. at WSU Pullman, where the Director of Distinguished Scholarships will help you complete and gain a competitive edge on scholarship applications before the Jan 31 due date. ⬇️

events.cahnrs.wsu.edu/event/schola...

MLK Week events happening <span class="inline">Jan. 19–23</span> With Jan. 19 celebrated as a university holiday, WSU faculty, staff and students also will have numerous opportunities to participate in the National Day of Service.

WSU is offering a variety of events during MLK week, taking place January 19-23. From service opportunities to a keynote celebration, take a look what you can attend:

https://news.wsu.edu/news/2026/01/14/mlk-week-events-happening-jan-19-23/

WSU helps launch Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator The regional effort brings together public and private partners to rapidly scale the production and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel.

The effort brings together public and private partners to rapidly scale sustainable aviation fuel. Supported by state funds and $10 million in philanthropic support, CSAA is the most comprehensive initiative of its kind in the Pacific Northwest.

news.wsu.edu/news/2026/01...

Promotional poster for General Scholarship at Washington State University for the 2026-2027 academic year. The priority application deadline is January 31, 2026. Link to apply is futurecoug.wsu.edu/portal/scholarships.

The priority deadline for WSU's General Scholarship Application is January 31! Students: fill out one application to be considered for hundreds of scholarships for the 2026-27 academic year. 👇 #Scholarships #GoCougs

futurecoug.wsu.edu/portal/scholarships

Remembering Mel Hamre: A Beloved Cougar Mel Hamre ’54 lived life embracing a strong work ethic, a curiosity about the world, and a belief that education not only better prepares us for the world but also helps us make a better world.

Knowing that a #scholarship and student job allowed him to get a college education, Mel Hamre '54 supported WSU for over 40 years. Despite his passing in 2025, his planned gifts to multiple areas of WSU will have a lasting impact. ❤️ ⬇️

foundation.wsu.edu/2026/01/08/r...

#GoCougs #PlannedGiving

two women in lab coats smile and look at equipment in a lab setting

Donor-supported discretionary funds are helping WSU Vet Med support programs and research across the college amidst fluctuating federal funding. These funds help address unforeseen and emerging needs. ⬇️ 🐾

https://vetmed.wsu.edu/discretionary-donations-support-research-students-and-clinical-care/

Rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and service: Honoring Gerry and Sandy Edwards Gerald “Gerry” and Sandra "Sandy" Edwards When Gerald "Gerry" Edwards left his family’s tobacco farm in rural Virginia, he didn’t know his journey would reshape the world’s understanding of photosynth...

Chairing WSU's Department of Botany for 32 years, Gerry Edwards reshaped the world's understanding of photosynthesis. Deeply supported by his wife Sandy, Gerry built a globally renowned research program at WSU. Read about their impact and endowment:

foundation.wsu.edu/2026/01/06/r...

WSU student writes on a piece of paper while sitting in front of a laptop in a classroom setting

In the WSU Pharmacy top stories of 2025, #2 features the Rural Health Travel Fund and how it enables students to gain crucial experience in communities that need them most. Read about two scholarship recipients:

https://pharmacy.wsu.edu/2025/03/14/how-the-rural-health-travel-fund-transforms-lives/

Closeup of a bronze cougar statue with light snow on top

Hey Cougs! Hope you've been enjoying the new year. ✨ What are your goals and plans for 2026? ⬇️ #GoCougs

Ramping up to the new year like…

Happy New Year’s Eve, Cougs! 🎉 See you in 2026. 😎

people standing around round tables cheer with their fists in the air

people stand and clap at a venue with a stage as WSU mascot Butch T. Cougar pumps his fist in the air with a marching band in the background

WSU cheerleaders raise one arm holding a pompom as a marching band plays behind them on stage

a group of people stand and pose for the picture in front of colorful art, smiling with their arms around each other

As we come to the end of the year, we look back on 2025 with gratitude for all of you who came together to give to WSU, to join us in celebrating Coug wins, and to help build the landscape for the future of Washington State University. From all of us: THANK YOU. Here's to looking ahead! #GoCougs

Happy Holidays, Cougs! ❄️ For you: a message from WSU Foundation CEO Mike Connell. 💌 #GoCougs

⚡️ CHAMPIONS ⚡️

Some more moments from last night’s gathering. Can we get a Go Cougs for a fabulous Famous Idaho Potato Bowl Cougar win?! 🙌 #GoCougs

📸 Robert Hubner, #WSU Photo Services

Venue with lights and balloons as a crowd dressed in crimson cheers

Four people pose for a photo with their arms around each other wearing WSU Coug gear

WSU mascot Butch T. Cougar claps along with the cheer squad and crowd

crowd puts their fists in the air, clapping and cheering

Had a fantastic time last night with all the Cougs who joined us for our Welcome Reception and Cougar Football Hour! 🎉🏈 We had a blast ramping up to today’s big game. Thank you to everyone who brought the Cougar Spirit and made this night so fun. GO COUGS! 🐾

📸 Robert Hubner

Promotional image for the Welcome Reception and Cougar Football Hour at Treefort Music Hall on the evening before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in downtown Boise. The image shows people gathered in a lively venue with ambient lighting.

See you all TONIGHT at our Welcome Reception & Cougar Football Hour! Attending the Mash Bash? You can walk down to the Treefort Music Hall afterward for our gathering and live radio show from 7-9 pm. Walk-ins accepted as space is available.

Details 👇

bit.ly/potatobowl2025

Famous Idaho Potato Bowl graphic promoting WSU and USU bowl game on Monday December 22 in Boise ID

Don't forget to register by the end of today for our Welcome Reception and Cougar Football Hour! Join us the evening before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl to eat hearty appetizers, hear from #WSU leadership, and see the live radio show. 👇 #GoCougs

gocougs.wsufoundation.wsu.edu/s/1613/index...

Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Camille Orego A software engineering major from Silver Creek, NY, Camille Orego has made a lasting impact on WSU Everett through leadership, advocacy, and community building.

A @wsueverett.bsky.social software engineering major, Camille Orego has made a lasting impact on campus through leadership and community building. #Scholarships have given her the gift of time, allowing her to reduce work hours and expand her outreach. 👇 #GoCougs

foundation.wsu.edu/2025/11/15/s...

WSU selected for state medical association’s first full‑ride student scholarship The Washington State Medical Association’s philanthropic arm has selected WSU's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine for its first four-year scholarship to a student to attend the medical school in Wash...

Aiming to reduce financial barriers to medical education, improve health equity, and strengthen the physician workforce, the Washington State Medical Association selected @wsumedicine.bsky.social for its first four-year scholarship! 🩺 Learn about the impact:

news.wsu.edu/news/2025/12...

Grateful for the community behind Coug Nurses.

Interim Dean Anne Mason shares a message of thanks and invites you to explore the Impact Report, featuring alumni stories, donor support, and the future of nursing at WSU.
https://f.mtr.cool/xxsxivxntr

#CougNurses #GoCougs

Promotional poster for 'The Crimson 50' featuring a black and white image of a cougar, with the names Dick '64 and Pam '68 Bagnall highlighted, celebrating 60 years of affiliation with Washington State University.

Graphic featuring the Washington State University logo with an abstract design of black, white, and red patterns. A quote about school spirit by Pam is included at the bottom.

Image displaying a text excerpt discussing Dick and Pam Bagall, who are both WSU alumni and have contributed significantly in their community, including political science and music education at WSU's Pullman campus.

This week's Crimson 50 highlight features Dick '64 and Pam '68 Bagnall. Both a part of WSU Honors as students and united in the idea of giving back, the Bagnalls carried the impact of their #WSU education far and wide.

Read about their journey and legacy: foundation.wsu.edu/2025/11/15/c...

Event advertisement for the Welcome Reception and Radio Show at Treefort Music Hall on the evening before the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in downtown Boise, featuring attendees mingling in a lively setting.

Headed to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl? 🏈 Join us the evening before the big game at our Welcome Reception & Radio Show! On Sun, Dec 21 from 7-9 pm MST, we'll be serving hearty appetizers while hearing from #WSU leadership and special guests! Register at: bit.ly/goingbowling2025

Gusta Beard stands in front of an entomology incubation chamber while holding a specimen.

A scholarship recipient, @wsueverett.bsky.social student Gusta Beard credits this support in enabling her to engage in campus life as a non-traditional student and mother. Read about her leadership and involvement as an organic & sustainable agriculture major. 🌱 👇

foundation.wsu.edu/2025/11/15/s...

Promotional image for the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl featuring the ESPN logo and event details stating "Mon Dec. 22, Boise, ID, Noon MT". The image includes logos of Washington State Cougars and Utah State Aggies, with football helmets representing both teams facing each other beneath a trophy adorned with potatoes. The background is maroon with potato graphics.

Heading to Boise to cheer on the Cougs at the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl? 🏈 Meet us in Downtown Boise for our Welcome Reception & Radio Show! 🎉

➡️ Sunday, December 21
➡️ 7-9 p.m.
➡️ Treefort Music Hall
➡️ Register today at: bit.ly/goingbowling2025

See you there! #GoCougs