The thirst for energy keeps growing across Washington state and worldwide. Data centers, new businesses, electrification, and population growth are increasing the strain on the power grid, but Washington State University is no stranger to solving energy challenges and is stepping up again.
The Summer 2026 issue of Washington State Magazine is now online and presents stories of recent efforts of the university and WSU alumni to harness new forms of energy and build the energy workforce. The print issue will arrive in mailboxes starting on May 2.
Features include WSU alumni working on the cutting edge of fusion energy, training the next generation of nuclear reactor operators, and young alumni entrepreneurs building a business for farms to produce their own hydrogen fuel for equipment and operations.
The summer issue also features Extension work with local investment networks, a look back at 50 years of The Murrow Symposium and 40 years of Cable 8, and Robert Redford’s legacy of environmental education.
Other articles include:
- A Q&A with WSU historian Matthew Avery Sutton about his new book on Christianity in America
- Mountaineering book collection from two prominent alumni mountain climbers
- Alumni profiles of the Cougar Yacht Club commodore, architect of transit systems around the world, Seattle Storm leader, Seattle Times publisher, Alaska bear expert, and others
- Coug running legends throughout the history of Washington State
- Rhubarb, the tart partner in sweet desserts
- WSU at the 1976 bicentennial, a look back at the American Revolution by a WSU historian
- A column from President Betsy Cantwell, class notes, In Memoriam, book reviews, and letters
