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THE WILDCAT PROMISE
The Wildcat Promise was designed at CWU to close the gap between aid students receive and the total cost of attendance while also creating opportunities for more students to build their future at Central. The program provides guaranteed funding for students to supplement their existing federal, state, and other financial aid support for four years if they remain in good academic standing. We are thankful for these early donors to this new program.
Seattle Kraken and One Roof Foundation
At every home game last season, the Seattle Kraken and One Roof Foundation, together with Starbucks, honored someone doing fantastic work to inspire, uplift, and unite their community as a Kraken Hero of the Deep. Each Hero of the Deep selects a nonprofit to receive a $32,000 grant from One Roof Foundation’s Kraken Unity Fund, established and funded by Kraken ownership. At the game on February 16, alumnus Robert Nellams (‘81) was recognized as the Kraken Hero of the Deep and selected The Wildcat Promise to be the recipient of the $32,000 grant.
Kelly and Kevin Bengston
In FY23, Kelly (’96) and Kevin (’96) committed $200,000 to establish the first Wildcat Promise Endowment, making them the first of our initial group of founders. “We are very passionate about first- generation students and helping them pursue their education,” said Kelly. “Kevin and I were both first-gen students, so we know what it’s like. We understand that it’s hard to afford college, and we wanted to help find a funding mechanism for students who don’t have the benefit of full financial aid. With The Wildcat Promise, and other programs we support, we see students thrive.”
Wendy Iwaszuk and Steve Damm
As part of #GiveCentral, Wendy (’97) and Steve (’98) committed $20,000 to The Wildcat Promise. In doing so, students will face less of a financial gap between their aid and their cost of attendance which will increase student retention rates and ensure that students graduate in a timely fashion.
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