Donors eager to support diversity scholarships

Washington State University’s scholarship funds will soon be getting a big boost thanks to a successful fundraising event held at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery. More than $274,000 was pledged Aug. 25 to support diversity scholarships-the most ever in the event’s five-year history.

The Chateau Ste. Michelle Diversity Fundraising Dinner and Concert, hosted at the Winery in Woodinville, Wash., began in 2001 when Chateau CEO and WSU Regent Ted Baseler agreed to help the state’s two research institutions attract more multicultural students to their campuses. The focus was to raise money to help the universities offer more scholarships. With this year’s pledges in hand, the total amount raised during the past five years has exceeded $1 million.

“I think it is a great feat,” said Milton Lang, WSU associate vice president for equity and diversity. “It is a good example of what we can do when we come together to support diversity.” The money raised each year is split between WSU and the University of Washington.

The contributions come from a variety of individuals and corporations who purchase seating space at the fundraising dinner, many of whom make additional donations during or after the event. WSU President V. Lane Rawlins spoke at the dinner along with Mark Emmert, president of the University of Washington. Cheri Brogden, a 2006 graduate of WSU and first-generation college student, shared with the audience how scholarship support made her education possible. Following the dinner, guests were invited to see the group Chicago perform as part of the Winery’s summer music series.

Lang said the success of the fundraising dinner each year is directly attributed to many faculty, staff and students who contribute their time and talents. “While we are extremely pleased with the amount of money raised, it is important for people to know that we still have a long way to go before WSU is able to provide the level of scholarship support needed by our students,” he said.

In partnership with Macy’s, WSU will be hosting another diversity fundraiser in Seattle Sept. 15. The Fourth Annual Macy’s Future Cougars of Color Scholarship Luncheon will feature WSU alumna and Seattle Foundation CEO Phyllis Campbell as the keynote speaker. Similar to the Chateau Ste.

Michelle fundraiser, WSU students, faculty and staff will have important roles in networking with potential donors. All proceeds from this event support WSU’s Future Cougars of Color Program.

More information about the Macy’s event can be found at www.macysfcoc.wsu.edu.

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