WSU Vancouver launched its 20th anniversary celebration May 16 at its commencement ceremony in the Amphitheater at Clark County. The year-long celebration will recognize 20 years of delivering quality education, research and service to the citizens of southwest Washington and will look ahead to the next 20 years.
Residents of Clark County had long been concerned with the lack of availability of higher education in the region when, in the 1980s, the high-tech manufacturing industry expanded into the region. Suddenly there was a real need for highly trained computer scientists and engineers and no regional education to support it.
But the real need was much broader. Local students, in any academic field, seeking a four-year degree had to either leave the area to attend one of Washington’s universities or pay out-of-state tuition at one of Oregon’s schools.
In 1989, WSU Vancouver was formally established as one of four campuses that make up the WSU system. WSU Vancouver served upper-division students and students transferring from community colleges to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
WSU Vancouver moved to its Salmon Creek location in 1996.
Today, the university delivers personalized education that enhances the intellectual, creative and practical abilities of its students, inspiring them to achieve their highest goals.
WSU Vancouver expanded its student body and course offerings in fall 2006 when it began serving freshmen and sophomores. WSU Vancouver offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree.
Over the past 20 years, nearly 7,000 students have graduated from WSU Vancouver, a great many of whom make their homes in southwest Washington and contribute their talent and leadership in the community.
Chancellor Hal Dengerink has led WSU Vancouver since 1989, providing overall leadership and guiding campus growth.
“What fascinates me most,” said Dengerink, “is the degree to which the university and other elements of the community are becoming woven into a single fabric. It is true that the university contributes to the community in a variety of ways, but the reverse is also true.
“The university thrives only if the entire community thrives. The health of our financial systems, public schools, transportation systems, employment opportunities, healthcare and social services, all contribute to the university’s ability to succeed. And while we may help educate the community, the community helps educate us, too.
“It only makes sense that WSU Vancouver would be actively involved in helping strengthen these other threads of the fabric.”
For more information about WSU Vancouver’s 20th anniversary celebration, visit https://www.vancouver.wsu.edu/20years
