#CougsGive Day, Washington State University’s annual day of giving held April 15, raised more than $1 million to support the WSU community in 2026. Among the many who contributed to that success, one WSU Global Campus student stood out.
Aunjelique Andersen, a fully online student pursuing her degree in Media Innovation, ranked first on the #CougsGive Ambassador Leaderboard, inspiring 54 gifts through her outreach.
“This was not an individual accomplishment,” said Andersen. “It was a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together to support one another.”
During the 24-hour campaign, donors made 1,451 gifts totaling $1,056,226 across the WSU system. Contributions to WSU Global Campus totaled $15,195 through 108 gifts, more than doubling its 2025 total.
A key part of the overall #CougsGive effort is the Cougar ambassador program, made up of students, alumni, employees, and friends who volunteer to actively encourage giving within their networks. Andersen stepped into this role with a specific impact in mind.
“I became an ambassador for #CougsGive with the goal of helping raise funds to address food insecurity and expand scholarship opportunities for Global Campus students,” said Andersen. “Food insecurity can impact anyone, and as a Global Campus student, I’ve seen firsthand the additional barriers we face, particularly the limited access to scholarships. I wanted to be part of an effort that worked to close those gaps.”
This was not an individual accomplishment. It was a reflection of what can happen when a community comes together to support one another.
Aunjelique Andersen, student
Washington State University
At the end of the campaign, Global Campus had raised nearly $4,000 for the Cougar Food Fund and $7,000 for scholarships.
“Serving as a #CougsGive ambassador was a meaningful experience, not only because of the cause, but because of the community behind it,” said Andersen.
Andersen was one of 10 Global Campus ambassadors who worked throughout the day and night to achieve #CougsGive fundraising goals. Connected through a Microsoft Teams chat, she and her fellow ambassadors coordinated outreach efforts, culminating in a final push that helped meet all Global Campus giving challenges and matches by midnight.
“While I am proud of the outcome, what stands out most is the collective effort it took to get there,” Andersen said. “I am incredibly proud of my fellow students and ambassadors for their dedication and commitment to making a difference.”
In addition to her outstanding efforts in fundraising, Andersen has been recognized as both a PCSW Undergraduate Leader of Distinction and a Top Ten WSU senior for 2026. She is also the recipient of the 2026 WSU Global Campus President’s Award for Leadership.
“Being recognized for these awards means a lot to me because it acknowledges the hard work and effort I’ve put into school, leadership, and helping others,” said Andersen. “It reflects my personal journey, including the challenges I’ve faced.”
Along with being a full-time student, Andersen holds a paid position as a Global Campus student ambassador, working to promote Global Campus student involvement programs and initiatives. She is also a small business owner, foster parent/adoptive parent, and leads both the Global Campus Cougs & Cubs and Ink & Pen Creative Writing Club.
According to Andersen, her Coug pride and love of the Global Campus community are a huge part of what drives her involvement.
“For me, being an online Coug at WSU is less about where you are physically and more about how you show up,” she said. “Even without being on a physical campus, there’s still a shared identity and values where you support classmates, stay engaged, and live out that ‘Cougs help Cougs’ mindset.”
