SEATTLE, Wash. — In recognition of Washington State University’s contributions to the state of Washington through its teaching, research and thousands of alumni, Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels and Gov. Gary Locke have designated Aug. 25-30 “Washington State University Week” in Seattle and throughout the state.

Ranked among the top research universities in the country by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, WSU’s research award dollars totaled nearly $125 million in 2002, an increase of nearly 11 percent from the previous year. Other milestones this year include a record number of high-achieving freshmen, a new record in private giving to the university and the opening of a new Shock Physics Institute building.

Fall Sports Celebration

WSU Week commences on Monday, Aug. 25, with the Fall Sports Celebration at Seahawks Stadium from 5:30-8 p.m. The event, sponsored by the WSU Athletic Foundation and King County Cougar Club, will feature a number of speakers, including WSU President V. Lane Rawlins, Athletic Director Jim Sterk and head coaches Bill Doba from football, Cindy Fredrick, volleyball, and Jason Drake, cross country. Ticket prices include a buffet dinner, program, no-host bar and live and silent auctions. For ticket information or to make reservations, contact Leslie Kooy, assistant director for Special Events and Marketing, at 206.448.1335.

Cougar Jazz Night

Cougar Jazz Night debuts at Experience Music Project, 8 p.m. Aug. 28. The WSU College of Liberal Arts will present a concert featuring Jazz Northwest, an acclaimed faculty jazz ensemble. Individually, the band members have performed, toured and recorded worldwide with top jazz figures, including Ray Charles, Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald, Lionel Hampton, Abdullah Ibrahim, McCoy Tyner and others. Jazz Northwest regularly appears at festivals, conferences and schools throughout the Pacific Northwest. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 per couple. A limited number of free seats will be available to WSU students. For additional information, call 509.335.4581.

Future Cougars of Color Diversity Kick-Off Luncheon 

On Friday, Aug. 29, the first Future Cougars of Color Diversity Kick-off Luncheon will debut from noon-1:30 p.m. at the downtown Bon–Macy’s store (3rd Floor, Stewart Street Room). Seattle Times Publisher Frank Blethen is the keynote speaker, and James Donaldson, president of Donaldson Clinics, the master of ceremonies.  The luncheon will benefit scholarships for underrepresented minority students in WSU’s College of Liberal Arts and the Future Cougars of Color program, a university-wide program designed to help recruit a diverse student body.

This fall, FCOC will bring 100 high school seniors of color from throughout the state to the university’s Pullman campus for a two-day program showcasing the academic options and support programs offered at WSU.  University alumni, friends and corporate partners are invited to participate in this fundraising event designed to benefit the university’s diversity programs. For more information, call 800.448.2978.

Washington State Cougars vs. University of Idaho Vandals

The defending Pac-10 champion WSU Cougar football team will take on the University of Idaho Vandals at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, in Seahawks Stadium. Bring your family, reconnect with old friends and enjoy the free pregame events at the Seattle Exhibition Center, adjacent to the stadium. For ticket information, call Ticketmaster at 206.628.0888.