‘Cougar Awareness’ Picnics Set for September

PULLMAN, Wash. — Encouraging students of color to consider Washington State
University for higher education is the focus of “Cougar Awareness” picnics set for September in
Tri-Cities, Yakima and Seattle.
In conjunction with community agencies and alumni, WSU’s Office of Multicultural Student
Services will host the picnics. The gatherings will be held in:
–Tri-Cities, 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10, Keewaydin Park, Kennewick. In case of poor weather, the
event will take place at the Kennewick Senior Center.
–Yakima, noon, Saturday, Sept. 11, Larson Park. Poor weather location is Yakima Valley
Community College.
–Seattle, 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 17, Gas Works Park, 2101 North Northlake Way. A poor
weather location will be announced later.
“Our goal is to encourage students of color to consider WSU as a viable option to gain a
higher education after high school,” said Herb Delaney, WSU African American student
counselor. “Visiting with WSU representatives at the picnics will help students and their families
answer questions concerning admissions and different programs WSU has to offer our targeted
student populations. This will mark the first year for these picnics. One goal is to increase
visibility within the various communities with the highest populations of students we serve.”
Veronica Mendez, Multicultural Student Services intern, who coordinated much of the picnic
efforts, said the events “will help students of color to not only consider WSU, but to think about
the benefits of higher education.”
For more information, or to volunteer to assist with the picnics, contact John
Alaniz-Mendoza, 509/335-7852, .
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