After working nearly 20 years in a poultry processing plant, Tonia Gibson was up to the challenge of returning to college to pursue an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, even though it meant a move to Pullman with two teenage sons to support.
But Gibson, who earned that degree in 2004, is now facing a more daunting challenge. This week, as part of an ongoing battle against advanced melanoma, Gibson is undergoing surgery in Spokane, and her medical bills are continuing to mount.
Her friends and associates in the College of Engineering and Architecture are not only rallying to her support, but inviting others to help.
“Tonia has been an inspiration to all who know her,” wrote Dean Clandis Claiborn in a letter sent last week to faculty and staff. In the letter Claiborn invites contributions to the Bank of Whitman in Gibson’s name to help defray the cost of medical treatment, which comes on top of the cost of college tuition. According to Claiborn’s letter, one of Gibson’s sons is now also a student at WSU, and the other is a student at Eastern Oregon University.
During Gibson’s undergraduate career, she distinguished herself by being named to the President’s Honor Roll and by earning an invitation to an engineering honor society. In December 2003, one semester from graduation, she was diagnosed with Stage 3 melanoma and underwent various surgeries and treatments, even while continuing to attend classes. She completed her coursework so that she could graduate in Spring 2004, one of only four women to earn a degree in electrical engineering that term.
Holding fast to her dream of one day teaching engineering at the college level, Gibson decided to continue her education at WSU to earn a master’s degree. Charlena Grimes, academic coordinator for CEA and the person who recruited Gibson to WSU from Pierce Community College in Tacoma, said she knew immediately that Gibson would not only succeed at WSU, but would be an exemplary role model for not only nontraditional students and under-represented students, but all students.
“She’s just amazing,” Grimes said. Grimes, who was in Spokane at the hospital with Gibson’s family part of last week, said that “Toni wrote me a note saying ‘I still want to teach,’ and it had a little happy face at the end.”
Contributions may be sent to the Benefit Fund for Tonia Gibson, Bank of Whitman, c/o Julie Hawley, 795 SE Bishop Blvd., Pullman, WA, 99163.
Next Story
Spanish, bilingual course from WSU Extension creates climate ambassadors
To reach thousands of northwestern Washington residents who do not speak English fluently, WSU Extension is offering new environmental educational programs in Spanish.
Recent News
Todd Butler resigns as College of Arts and Sciences dean
Associate Dean Courtney Meehan will serve as interim dean for a two‑year term to allow for a national search set to launch in 2025.
Tri-state team releases calendar guide for more productive, sustainable pastures
Experts drew on knowledge of the complex landscapes and seasonal rhythms of the Inland Pacific Northwest for a new year-round guide to boost the productivity of the region’s pastureland.
WSU to study effect of controversial drug on racehorses
Overall, the WSU team plans to analyze information gathered from about 30,000 racehorses to determine the future use of the drug furosemide in horse racing.
Voiland College names 2024 outstanding students
The students were recognized at the college's annual convocation ceremony, sponsored by the Boeing Company, on April 11.
Regents start search process for next WSU president
The Board of Regents will begin the search process for WSU’s 12th president this week. Applications for the Presidential Search Advisory Committee are now available.
Second chances: Graduate student receives NSF research fellowship
Sonja Sargent Sparks started life over again in her thirties as an engineering PhD student. Her success has earned her a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.