PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University announced today that total philanthropic activity University wide surpassed $145.8 million during fiscal year 2019, which ended June 30. This marks the third best fundraising year in WSU history, and is the highest total the University has achieved when not conducting a fundraising campaign.
“Through generous philanthropic investment, WSU’s alumni, friends and partner organizations are elevating the quality and impact of WSU’s academic, research, and service endeavors,” said WSU President Kirk Schulz. “This investment creates tangible opportunities for our students, in our communities, and across society as WSU continues its ambitious drive to be among the top 25 public research universities in the nation by 2030.”
In all, 48,742 donors directed more than $123.2 million in gifts, grants, and pledges in support of a range of academic, research, and outreach priorities. This included more than $21.9 million to directly support scholarships and graduate fellowships University wide. Donors also made future commitments—such as estate and planned gift intentions—totaling an additional $22.6 million.
“Philanthropic support for WSU has the unique power to create transformational experiences for students and inspire the discoveries that improve the quality of life for everyone,” said Lisa Calvert, CEO of the WSU Foundation and Vice President of Advancement. “On behalf of the entire WSU community, I thank all of the generous individuals and industry partners who chose to make a difference through their investment in Washington State University.”
Below are a few of the many highlights from across WSU where philanthropic support made a tangible difference during fiscal year 2019:
- Washington’s red raspberry growers and processors—represented by the Washington Red Raspberry Commission – created the Endowed Chair in Raspberry Industry Development, to advance cutting-edge technology and research to benefit Washington’s nation-leading raspberry industry.
- WSU Honors College received a gift from the Elma Ryan-Bornander Anderson Estate to establish the Honors Chair Fund, which provides critical resources to attract and retain top faculty to the Honors College and advance their teaching and research.
- WSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s state-of-the-art Simulation-Based Education program—the first-ever accredited program developed for and devoted to veterinary care—opened a new simulation surgery suite to allow all second-year students access to vital training, thanks to the support of Lisa (’08) and Jim (’80) King. The unit has also secured critical, state-of-the-art technology and innovative animal models to provide veterinary students even greater opportunities to enhance their skills, thanks to the generous support of Gary and Diane Price, the DVM Class of 1979, and Kyle (’74, ’80) Frandle, DVM, and wife Kathy (’74, ’75).
- WSU Health Sciences Spokane joined nonprofit Team Gleason, Avista, the Health Sciences & Service Authority of Spokane County, and other partners to establish the Steve Gleason Institute for Neuroscience, which will create opportunities for WSU researchers to work collaboratively with health care providers from St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, Providence Health Care, MultiCare, and patients to bridge the gaps between care and potential treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.
Calvert added, “The collective leadership and dedication demonstrated by our generous supporters this year raises the bar for WSU programs statewide and beyond, and is building a powerful culture of philanthropy that will change WSU’s trajectory in the years to come.”
Celebrating its 40th year, the WSU Foundation promotes, accepts, and maximizes private support for programs, initiatives, and properties of Washington State University. The WSU Foundation also prudently manages, invests, and stewards the assets entrusted to it by the University and its alumni, friends, and donors. Learn more about supporting WSU here.
Media contact:
- Trevor Durham, WSU Foundation, 509-335-2093, tdurham@wsu.edu
