CWU UA FY22 Impact Report

CWU FOUNDATION & ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Support for Students Programmatic Support Campus Impact

Student Impact Alumni Engagement FY22 Standout Numbers

CWU.EDU/ENGAGE

Land Acknowledgment

Central Washington University acknowledges the people who have been on this land since time immemorial. The Ellensburg campus is on lands ceded by the Pshwanapum and other bands and tribes of the Yakama Nation in the Treaty of 1855. The Yakama people remain committed stewards of this land, cherishing it and protecting it, as instructed by elders through generations. We are honored and grateful to be here today on their traditional lands, and give thanks to the legacy of the original people, their lives, and their descendants.

509-963-2160 | foundation@cwu.edu CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. For accommodation e-mail: DS@cwu.edu.

CWUFAA-FY22IR-V2-KH-1122

To the Wildcat Family—

As we celebrated life back together this year on our Ellensburg campus and at our centers across the state, we are so grateful that over 2,800 donors supported CWU students and community with gifts totaling over $8.5M. To our donors, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. It means so much to students, their families, and the entire community. Beyond this, thousands of alumni have participated in the life of our university by attending events, advising students on career paths, speaking to classes, and hiring students. Our alumni network and donors are at the heart of the CWU community and each one of you makes our community stronger. Thank you. - Paul Elstone Vice President, University Advancement and Executive Director, CWU Foundation

During fiscal year 2022, Central Washington University donors created tremendous value and impact to students’ lives and futures with their donations. The foundation board would like to sincerely thank you for your support which resulted in state-of-the-art facility upgrades, programmatic support, and scholarship funding that affected students, communities, and families. We keep student impact at the forefront of all decisions, and with the continued generosity of our supporters,

In the last year, we were fortunate to return to in-person gatherings which led to impactful and meaningful connections among alumni and the Wildcat family. Every re-connected alumnus grows our ability to change students’ lives through mentorship and career support programs and makes our Wildcat family grow stronger. As we work to build and invest in the Wildcat Nation, we look forward to your continued engagement and willingness to invite fellow Wildcats to share their time and talent as it is critical to our future success. - Andrew Mork CWU Alumni Association Board President

we are on a mission to help Wildcats achieve the future they desire at CWU.

- Ralph Conner CWU Foundation Board Chair

cwu.edu/engage

Student Impact

Scholarship support for me means that I get to continue my journey within higher education. I’ve always loved school and treat school as an opportunity and privilege. Without my scholarships, I would not be able to afford my tuition, my cost of living, or continue reaching for my dreams. These scholarships have been life- changing and allow me to reduce my stress to be able to focus on my schoolwork, my extracurricular activities, and my presidency. The professors, professionals, and friends I have met at Central have had such a profound impact on my life and encourage me to be better and create positive impact for others. Central has taught me to be engaged, advocate for others, and to constantly be learning.

I became interested in aviation during my senior year of high school when I took a discovery flight on my birthday. After the flight, I knew I wanted to pursue aviation as a career. Following my passion for flying I joined Central’s aviation program, and after graduating I joined the SkyWest Airlines Pilot Pathway Program where I am currently training to be a pilot with them. I am very appreciative of the Boeing Aviation Scholarship and am thankful for the support as it will help me achieve my goals and pursue my passion.

- Josiah Locke 2022 Aviation Graduate Boeing Aviation Scholarship Recipient

- Madeline Koval 2022 Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Lilian Bloomer Scholarship Recipient Former ASCWU President

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Bill and Lisa Conquergood Commit $100,000 to CWU

Both alumni of CWU, Bill and Lisa Conquergood share a passion for the experience that Central provides for students to explore and learn about potential career pathways. Earlier this year they made a $100,000 gift to establish the Bill and Lisa Conquergood Endowed Scholarship to support both undergraduate and graduate students at Central. “We felt it was important to give back because, like a lot of Central students, we are standing

on the shoulders of others,” said the Conquergoods. “We were fortunate to have support to be able to go to Central, and we want to make sure other students have that same opportunity. We believe it is important to support an institution that gave us so much and continues to provide students with opportunities to improve their future.” The gift will fund two scholarships each year to students who demonstrate financial need and are enrolled as full-time students.

Former CWU Quarterback Supports Current Student-Athletes

At the end of 2021, Casey and Carrie Jacox committed $25,000 to establish the Casey and Carrie Jacox Pay It Forward Scholarship to support student-athletes at CWU with the focus of enhancing opportunities for those who come from underprivileged and minority backgrounds.

“My wife and I wanted to do something uncommon that would have an impact on others.” said Casey. “I wanted my philanthropy to be different and help strengthen relationships of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. If you focus less on yourself and find ways to help others, the boomerang of positivity or success will come back to you.”

” “ I was extremely thankful when Coach Fisk told me about the opportunity to apply for this scholarship. I found it pretty cool that Casey was taking the time to give back because that is something I want to do in the future, give back to others. This scholarship takes a lot off my plate and gives me less to worry about while I go to school and play football. - Quincy Glasper Casey and Carrie Jacox Pay It Forward Scholarship Recipient and Starting CWU Football Quarterback

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CWU Trombone Music Students

Donors Send Music Students to International Trombone Festival

The trip to ITF was such an amazing experience, but ensuring we could go was extremely difficult. Our studio had to come together and cover funding for less financially well-off students, ending up with us initially paying $1,000 out of pocket and Dr. Neurohr paying $2,000 himself. The donation we received was such an amazing relief to us all and really allowed us to enjoy our trip and afford school this fall.

During the last academic year, CWU music students were invited to showcase their talents at the International Trombone Festival in Arkansas, but they needed funding to make this trip a reality. Faculty member Dr. John Neurohr and several music students began fundraising for the trip, and when Bill and Nancy Smith were made aware of the students’ financial need, they made a contribution that made the trip possible. “When we heard about the need for assisting CWU music students to attend an international music conference, we were more than glad to invest,” said the Smiths. “The more we learned about

the opportunity for the students to attend the International Trombone Festival in Arkansas the more it sounded like a chance for us to help deserving students. It was our pleasure to be involved with a donation which helped the students and faculty be involved in a program that provided a life experience that they otherwise would not have been able to experience.” The Smiths’ generosity covered various expenses of the trip, including all meals, for the trombone students. They chose to donate the leftover funds to the music department to support students in the area of greatest need.

- Fin Garcia CWU Music Student and Former Trombone Studio President

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Center for Excellence in Science and Math Education and Teach STEM

In FY22, Robert and Barbara Wright made a significant donation to support the Center for Excellence in Science and Math Education (CESME) and Teach STEM at Central Washington University. The endowment was created to provide financial support to programs and participants engaged in improving and enhancing Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) education. In hearing about the Center for Excellence in Science and Math

Education at CWU, they felt they had found an important program for their support. The Wright’s hope the program will be of benefit to students as they enter into STEM careers. “We are attracted to CWU’s CESME/Teach STEM program because of its emphasis on the recruitment and assistance to students who will teach STEM courses which are so needed to excel in the professions of today’s world,” said the Wrights. “We are very interested in

providing a source of support that alleviates the worry students may have about expenses such as transportation and childcare.” When the endowment was created, it was desired that part of the money would be immediately available for support of students in the 2021-2022 academic year. Yaheely Ruiz was a recipient of this funding and says it helped her navigate her college career, leading to her becoming a 6th grade science teacher.

” “ I chose to be in both the biology and STEM Teaching programs because of my love for science and teaching young minds. As a first-generation Latina in the STEM field, it has become one of my goals to show young students of color that they are worthy of a spot in STEM or in any career field. It is also important for me to encourage young girls to not be afraid of entering male-dominated careers. - Yaheely Ruiz 2022 Biology and STEM Teaching Program Graduate

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M. Meghan Miller Endowment Offers New Support to Geology Program

A generous contribution of $100,000 was made to the Department of Geology by former professor, department chair, and dean M. Meghan Miller. The M. Meghan Miller Endowment advances department-established priorities that broaden participation and advance student research

Hall and advanced the project through university and state prioritization processes with tenacity and diligence. A room in Discovery Hall will be named The M. Meghan Miller Conference Room in recognition of her contributions dating back to 1992. This room will be used as a meeting space for students, faculty, and staff and will include the latest technology to enhance learning and communication.

in geology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. This includes support for:

• Student Research Projects • Student Presentations at Professional Meetings • Recruitment and Retention of a Diverse Faculty • New Field Trips Proposed by Students • Small Grants for Childcare “We all like to have an impact on the things that we value,” said Miller. “I am very fortunate that I became a geologist in a time that many opportunities were open to women that had not been open to our older sisters, mothers, and grandmothers. That has always been an influence in my life, hoping to ensure that access can be expanded for any talent that comes forward prepared to take on the challenges and questions that can be addressed by science.” Miller was instrumental in guiding the pre-planning for colocation of the natural sciences in Discovery

Freda’s Piano

Long-time CWU supporter, former foundation board member, and alumna Freda Zimmerman passed away in early 2022 and left her baby grand piano and bench to the CWU College of Arts and Humanities with a gift-in-kind. She will be deeply missed and her legacy at Central will live on with current and future generations of students having the opportunity to further their education on her piano.

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Money Savvy Wildcats Program Comes to CWU

A new program called Money Savvy Wildcats began fall of 2022 at CWU thanks to a $25,000 pledge from the Charles Schwab Foundation. This new program will launch the Center for Financial Literacy and Well-Being and will address a key factor related to university student retention and educational success—financial stress.

Providing access to personal finance coaching, special training in counseling skills, and fundamental financial literacy competencies, the program will produce student-coaches that will provide individual peer-to- peer financial coaching sessions, workshops, and educational presentations during standard university class sessions.

Shaw-Smyser Hall

Combating Food Insecurity at Central

President’s United to Solve Hunger (PUSH) is an organization made up of universities from around the world that have the collective mission to end hunger and poverty, both locally and globally. During FY22, PUSH at CWU received almost $40,000 in donations which were used to help combat food insecurity

and create new a new Wildcat Pantry in Brooks Library. The Wildcat Pantry is a free resource to access food, hygiene products, and the CWU Career Services professional clothing closet. Outside of the pantry, PUSH’s work helps students finish their degrees, reach self- actualization, and get the most out of their CWU experience.

“The generous contributions of our donors continue to build and grow this program in new ways,” said Wildcat Pantry Coordinator Jaeda Nelson. “It gives our team of student leaders and volunteers the flexibility to empower the CWU community every day and allows students to finish their degrees, get the most out of their CWU experiences, and achieve their dreams!”

“ The Wildcat Pantry at Central has provided me with food and company. Being fed and feeling seen has helped me live instead of worrying about if I will eat that day. I know food is always there and I can shift my focus to school. I grew up not having reliable access to food and there were no resources like this where I lived.

It’s nice that as an adult I can get help, and when I have extra, I drop it off at the pantry. Food insecurity can be a hidden and awful thing to struggle with and having a resource like the pantry means that I don’t have to worry about getting food as much. - Anonymous CWU Student

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CWU Health Education Project To meet the growing demand for health education professionals, Central Washington University is expanding, updating, and renovating Nicholson

CWU received $60,505,000 from the state legislature in 2021 to design and build this project, and with the assistance of generous donors, the project is expected to be completed by fall quarter 2023.

Pavilion to better serve the needs of students entering the sport and movement studies field. Known as the Health Education Project, it will transform the pavilion, which was constructed in 1959, into a modern, state-of-the-art facility for Central’s health education programs, including physical education teaching, physical activities, sport management, and dance.

We thank our donors who have supported the Health Education Project, which will advance the university’s mission of providing an exceptional education for its students.

The project includes:

• Renovating and updating the existing performance gymnasium/convocation

• Addition of new

• Renovations to adjacent Purser Hall to create new classroom and meeting space • Expansion of the fieldhouse

weight areas with new equipment • Construction of a new lobby/vestibule area

center, locker-rooms, and Nicholson Pavilion classroom, office, and meeting spaces

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Jean and Joe Adams

Donor Support Helps Move Project Forward

Dr. Susan Madley Women’s Basketball Suite

Jean and Joe Adams have been giving back to Central Washington University for over 15 years with their most recent support directed towards the Nicholson Pavilion Renovation Project, part of the Health Education Project at CWU. “These upgrades were long overdue, and we hope that current students, future students, alumni, faculty and fans are as excited as we are to see and use the new facility,” said the Adams. Their significant contributions to the renovation project will include two naming opportunities; the Jean and Joe Adams Atrium in the main lobby and the Sheila Hyatt

Athletics Administrative Office Suite, named in memory of Jean’s late mother. “We have both been fortunate to have great mentors during our careers,” said the Adams. “These individuals always stressed the importance of paying it forward once we were able to help others, and this is exactly what we are trying to do.” The Nicholson Pavilion Renovation, an integral part of the Health Education Project, will impact countless students and student-athletes for years to come once complete in 2023, and this is in large part thanks to our generous donors, like the Adams.

I wanted to give to Central and I wanted it to benefit women and the athletics program,” said Dr. Madley. “I’m happy that I can contribute to the project

and renovation of Nicholson Pavilion.

Long-time Ellensburg resident and former CWU professor Dr. Susan Madley recently made a gift to the Health Education Project which will support a new women’s basketball office suite named after her.

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CWU Commencement Ceremony

“ As a non-traditional student, I have seen the disadvantages of not having an education. Since beginning my education at Central, I achieved my goal of being placed on honor roll and have learned firsthand how I can achieve goals that I previously thought were out of reach. As a single mother, the support I received has been invaluable to me. My focus at Central was my education and children, and thanks to the support I received I did not need to worry about our temporal needs. By continuing my education, I hope to be able to bring a level of stability to my family that will allow us to pay it forward by volunteering and supporting others in need.

CWU Alumni Association Scholarships

Thank you to everybody who supported CWU Alumni Association scholarships during fiscal year 2022. Because of your support, the alumni association was able to award 51 scholarships to students totaling $37,283. This contributed to the over 700 scholarships that were awarded by CWU during the fiscal year. To learn more about how to donate to or apply for alumni scholarships at CWU, please visit cwu.edu/alumni/scholarships.

CWU Alumni Association Board

We thank our dedicated alumni who served as members of the board of directors of the CWU Alumni Association in FY22.

President – Andrew Mork (‘11) Past President – Karina Busch (‘04) Incoming President – Jada Rupley (‘73) Treasurer – Craig Sanderson (‘13) Secretary – Dan Ford (‘16)

Kiana Dixon (‘17) Aaron Erickson (‘13) Ginna Fontaine (‘12) Misha Linn (‘13) Dan Nicklaus (‘97) Edith Halstead (‘19) Vincent Ruiz (‘11) Kiana Shaw (‘09) Jake Stillwell (‘09) Tony Swartz (‘09) Rubal Virdi (‘14)

Tony Aronica (‘09) Jasun Aubert (‘21) Renee Bernazzani (‘89)

-Katlyn Birdwell 2022 Elementary

Education Graduate and CWU Alumni Association Departmental Scholarship Recipient

Tim Booth (‘00) Jana Decker (‘11)

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Alumni Engagement 107,234 83,105 1,742 Total Number of Alumni Worldwide

Total Number of Alumni in Washington State

Total Number of New Alumni (Class of 2022)

Distinguished Alumni Awardees Honored, for the list of awardees visit: cwu.edu/alumni/awards 11 Wildcats Brought Together at CWU Night with the Mariners 1,000 OVER

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CWU Foundation Facts and Figures

$ 4,996,235 $ 3,556,865 $ 8,553,100

Total Fundraising (Includes new gifts, pledges, and bequest expectancies.)

Support for Scholarships

Support for Programs, Faculty, and Facilities

$ 46,352,242 Total Net Assets*

$ 31,889,992 Total Endowed Funds*

2,858 Total donors

$ 2,925,000 Planned Gifts Designated for Endowment $ 111,217 Students First Giving

$ 1,617,335 New Endowed Funds

712 Scholarships awarded

*As of June 30, 2022

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CWU Foundation Board

We thank our dedicated alumni and friends who served as members of the board of directors of the CWU Foundation in FY22.

Chair – Ralph Conner (‘88) Vice Chair – Wendy Iwaszuk (‘97) Treasurer – Joe Adams Secretary – Amy Hanson (‘90) Past Chair – Angy Smith (‘95) Jim Wohlpart, CWU President Aaron Christophersen (‘92)

Janet Backus (‘72) Pete Barlow (‘71) Kelly Bengston (‘96) Jason Davis (‘97) John Delaney (‘74) Leonard Hill (‘12) Ozo Jaculewicz (‘95) Fred Kohout (‘81) Greg LeClair (‘77) Scott McCammant (‘82) Jim Ockerman (‘86) Jeff O’Donnell Ben Remak (‘79) Freda Zimmerman (‘90)

We thank the 392 first-time donors who offered their support in FY22.

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CWU Foundation 400 E. University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926-7507

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