ANNUAL REPORT AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES FISCAL YEAR 2024
TABLE of CON TENTS 01 From the Executive Director 02 Misson, Vision, and Strategies 03 Auxiliary Business Services
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Central Access
Wildcat Farm
Dining Services and 1891 Catering
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Wildcat Printing
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Early Childhood Learning Center
Wildcat Shop
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Auxiliary Marketing and Enterprise Accounting
Testing Services
ANNUAL REPORT 2024
Auxiliary Team
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
It is with great pleasure and pride that I congratulate every member of the Auxiliary Enterprises team on another remarkable year of accomplishments. As we present this annual report, I am filled with gratitude for the outstanding work done by each team member and I express my heartfelt appreciation for daily efforts at enhancing the experience for our students, and other groups we serve. We have not only achieved exceptional results but have begun to lean into and embrace our university vision to become a model learning community of equity and belonging. I want to commend each of you for your dedication to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. With the support of our many partners, we have consistently demonstrated our commitment to our vision of being recognized for excellence! This report is an attempt to tell some of those stories. Thank you once again for your exceptional work and dedication. The accomplishments we celebrate today, combined with our commitment to excellence, position Auxiliary Enterprises as a leader of progress within our university and the wider community.
MISSION VISION and
INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
STRATEGIES
Auxiliary Enterprises developed a mission and vision, along with ten strategies to help each department achieve the vision. The projects and accomplishments featured in this year’s annual report demonstrate how Auxiliary Enterprises is fulfilling its mission, which is to support CWU’s mission by providing excellence in services and experiences for the campus community . Auxiliary Enterprises’ vision is to be recognized for excellence in providing services and experiences for students and the campus community.
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Enhance student recruitment, engagement, and retention
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NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AUXILIARY SERVICES Vice President, West Region CWU SUSTAINABILITY COUNCIL Member
Provide student employee and staff development, training, celebration, and recognition
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Tell our story in creative and innovative ways
Seek out and implement innovative technologies that assist in achieving our vision
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF COLLEGE AUXILIARY SERVICES FOUNDATION Board of Directors
Create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere
Collaborate with campus partners
Ensure sustainability is a priority in all operations
Design excellent customer experiences through intentional care for the details Engage in our respective associations to discover and implement best practices Exercise fiscal responsibility and provide the greatest value to the campus community
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AUXILIARY BUSINESS SERVICES
3,675 Connection Cards printed 640 Desposits into Wildcat Bucks accounts $33,876 Deposited into Wildcat Buck accounts 6,130 Dining guest cards printed 36,739 Tickets sold by Wildcat Tickets
The Connection Card is a vital tool for CWU students, offering access to residence halls, a payment method for dining and campus purchases, entry to the recreation center, and tickets to campus events and athletic games. In 2023, Auxiliary Business Services expanded its offerings by adding more off-campus dining options, including McDonald’s, to the Wildcat Bucks Off Campus Program.
CWU AWARDS Josh Watkins Auxiliary Innovator Award
This year, Auxiliary Enterprises launched Auxiliary Business Services, combining the former Connection Card Office and Wildcat Tickets Office into a single, streamlined department. This integration creates a convenient one-stop shop for all connection card and ticketing needs. AUXILIARY ENTERPISES INTRODUCES AUXILIARY BUSINESS SERVICES
To enhance efficiency and accessibility, the department is transitioning to cashless ticketing for campus events. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce a mobile credential system, allowing students to
access services directly from their smartphones, potentially replacing the need for physical cards.
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AUXILIARY MARKETING ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING and
UPDATING PROJECT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Following the merger of Auxiliary Marketing with University Relations, Auxiliary Marketing transitioned from using Teamwork to Jira as its primary project management system. This change aligns the two teams under a single platform, improving visibility and tracking of projects. With the switch to Jira, clients will now submit projects through a new submission form on the CWU University Relations webpage. Additionally, updates on project progress will be more accessible, as Jira’s real-time tracking allows clients to monitor status changes and see proofs within the system rather than email. The adoption of Jira was designed to simplify project tracking, enhance transparency, and create a more efficient process for both teams and clients.
AUXILIARY MARKETING AND UNIVERSITY RELATIONS MERGER
As the two teams continue to collaborate, there will be more opportunities for integration in photography, video, social media, and campus events, furthering
“Meet Your RA” Award Winning Social Media Campaign
relationships between University Relations and the efforts of the Auxiliary Enterprise departments.
In Fall 2023, the Auxiliary Marketing team officially merged with the University Relations Division, creating a unified marketing and communications hub on campus. This merger led to the Auxiliary Marketing Team relocating to Barge Hall to share space with University Relations. The fusion of teams has made way for a collaborative environment, improved resource management, and space for cohesive marketing strategies. A significant impact of the merge was the alignment of branding and consistent messaging. University Relations has been in the process of updating the CWU brand, involving updated messaging along with a new visual identity. With Auxiliary Marketing being involved in the new CWU branding efforts, this has led to a stronger brand recognition of CWU externally and on campus.
CWU AWARDS Ethan Cook Auxiliary Student Innovator Award
Association of College and University Housing Officers International (ACUHO-I) Marketing Awards 1st Place, Social Media
300+ Projects Completed
48+ Video Projects
72+ Photo Shoots
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CENTRAL ACCESS
For the first batch, Vernée Hemphill, Central Access Manager, visited the facility to explain the functionality of braille stickers and demonstrated their proper application to KVH’s Director of Marketing. For the second batch, Hemphill created a template and instructions that allowed the Director to independently install the remaining braille labels. “We labeled all the rooms, from storage closets to different types of therapy rooms,” Hemphill noted. While producing the braille labels only took about an hour, the installation process required extra care to ensure proper orientation. After cutting the stickers, Hemphill observed they could easily be flipped incorrectly, leading to a more meticulous installation process. To simplify the task, Hemphill developed a “cheat sheet,” pairing printed text with corresponding braille stickers to ensure accuracy during application. This partnership between Central Access and KVH not only improved wayfinding within the facility but also made a meaningful contribution to accessibility in the Ellensburg community.
This year, Central Access created tactile graphics with braille labels for a University of Chicago student preparing for a study abroad trip to Athens, Greece. As an archaeology major, the student sought hands-on experience in the field and required accessible materials to navigate her surroundings during the trip. Facing a tight deadline and the challenges of international shipping, Central Access successfully designed, produced, and mailed the tactile graphics on time. These materials enabled the student to familiarize herself with the maps while in Athens, enhancing her ability to navigate independently. The project exemplifies Central Access’s commitment to making educational opportunities accessible, even across borders. SUPPORTING ACCESSIBILITY ABROAD Tactile Graphics for Study in Athens
121 Unique books
CWU AWARDS Kye Jones Student Inspirational Leader Award Adrienne Zimny Auxiliary Service to Students Award Vernée Hemphill Auxiliary Supervisor of the Year Award
made for students $88,145.76 Worth of projects for CWU students $419,685.31 Worth of projects for external clients 208 Total projects completed 87 External projects
INCREASING ACCESSIBILITY AT KVH WITH BRAILLE LABELING Kittitas Valley Healthcare’s (KVH) new facility partnered with Central Access to enhance accessibility by adding 60 braille labels throughout the building. During the move, KVH identified a lack of braille signage, which posed potential challenges for staff and visitors with visual impairments. To address this, Central Access produced and helped install two batches of custom braille labels.
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BOWLS OF ABUNDANCE Addressing Food Insecurity with Community Support
DINING SERVICES 1891 CATERING and
In September 2023, Central Washington University launched its first annual Bowls of Abundance event as part of the Week of Welcome. Hosted at The Bistro, the free event attracted approximately 500 students and aimed to raise awareness about food insecurity. Attendees received custom reusable bowls, which they filled with an assortment of fresh, healthy ingredients, including produce from the Wildcat Farm. While enjoying their meals in a buffet-style setting, students learned about campus resources designed to support food security, such as the Wildcat Pantry and PUSH. The event’s success exceeded expectations, with the venue reaching capacity at times, leading to its planned relocation to Holmes Dining for the 2024 iteration. In addition to providing a welcoming experience for new students, the event significantly increased awareness of campus meal support systems, contributing to their consistent use throughout the academic year. This impactful event was made possible by the collaborative efforts of Auxiliary Enterprises, the Wildcat Pantry, the Library, the Provost’s Office, CWU LeadTogether, Michelle DenBeste, and the Office of Undergraduate Studies. Their support underscores the university’s commitment to fostering student well-being and addressing critical issues like food insecurity.
NEW STAFF
Savannah McCanse Café Lead, Cafés and Markets Taylor Sivak General Manager,
VISION CWU Dining Services will be a key campus partner in promoting the growth of our diverse community through culinary and educational experiences. MISSION CWU Dining Services nourishes the body and mind of our campus community.
CWU AWARDS Dayna Oyarzo
Eamon Mullins Warehouse Supervisor, Dining Services Warehouse Mia Kaczmarczyk Café Lead, Cafés and Markets Alexandra Owens Cook 1, Student Union Dining Jay Juhl Wok Cook, Panda Express Izael Valadez Sosa Lead Line Cook, The Village
1891 Catering Tyler Parfitt Lead Line Cook,
Exempt Employee of the Month Joe Regelbrugge Auxiliary Inspirational Leader Award (Staff) Alexandra Owens Auxiliary Service Excellence Award (Staff) Lana Schevchenko Auxiliary Service Excellence Award (Student Coordinator)
Student Union Dining Marlo Frownfelder Assistant Manager, Student Union Dining Cameron (Cam)
Krumbah Cook Lead,
Student Union Dining Chanessa Knight Administrative Assistant, Dining Administration Office
787 Catered Events 1.1 M+ Dining Customer Transactions
PROMOTIONS Monique Gonzalez
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Dustin Atkinson Assitant Director, Student Union Dining Operations and 1891 Catering
Promoted to Assistant Director of Dining Administration and North Campus Dining
NACUFS Learning Committee Member and judge for the NACUFS Loyal E. Horton Awards
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CULINARY COLLABORATION CWU Dining Services and the Jump Start Program
In 2023, CWU Dining Services partnered with the Jump Start Program to offer hands-on cooking classes designed to engage students and foster community. This collaboration brought together Assistant Director of Culinary Operations and Campus Executive Chef Joe Ritchie, Wildcat Pantry’s Brady Smith, and Jump Start Program Coordinator Luis Reyes, combining their expertise to create a unique culinary experience for students. “Cooking classes had been something I wanted to implement since coming to Central, and Jump Start was the perfect fit because of its small group size,” shared Chef Ritchie. The Jump Start Program supports first-year CWU students who are first-generation college students, come from underserved populations, or demonstrate financial need. Through peer mentorship, workshops, and community- building activities, the program provides essential guidance during students’ first year on campus. Two cooking classes, held in the Health Sciences kitchens, gave participants an opportunity to learn directly from Chef Ritchie. Each session began with a live demonstration of a simple, practical recipe, followed by hands-on cooking guided by Ritchie himself. “The demos were designed to feature dishes that students could easily recreate at home,” explained Ritchie. “The response was overwhelmingly positive, with both classes filled to capacity—roughly 20–25 students per session.” These classes not only equipped students with valuable cooking skills but also deepened the connection between CWU Dining Services and the student body.
1891 CATERING Revitalizing the Food Wagon
Top 3 Food Items Sold
Dining Services’ 1891 Catering introduced a fresh look and exciting new menu offerings for the Food Wagon in 2023. To better align with CWU’s brand standards, the wagon underwent a significant redesign, transitioning from its vibrant yellow and orange exterior to a sleek new look featuring deep gray and black with CWU’s iconic crimson. The redesigned wagon now prominently displays Dining Services’ social media handle, @cwueats, in a custom pattern, encouraging students to check weekly menus online. the needs of the growing student body. This revitalization paved the way for a new program: Wagon Wednesdays, launched in Fall 2023. Each Wednesday, the Food Wagon offers made-to-order meals outside Black Hall, capitalizing on high foot traffic and providing students with fresh, innovative dishes unavailable elsewhere on campus. Alongside the exterior transformation, the Food Wagon’s interior was also updated to better meet The weekly rotating menu has quickly become a favorite, featuring options like Thai chicken
Panda Express Two Entrée Plate 49,768 orders
skewers, horchata, buffalo chicken mac and cheese, and breakfast croissants. Social media posts showcasing the new menu consistently attract students, creating bustling lines during peak hours. Beyond its Wednesday appearances, the Food Wagon continued to be a fixture at major campus and community events, including the Welcome BBQ, Plant-Based Picnic, Student Appreciation Day, and Wellington’s Wildfire. These appearances highlight the wagon’s versatility as Dining Services’ premier mobile food center, offering students unique, high- quality meals throughout the year. With its updated design, enhanced programming, and growing popularity, the Food Wagon has firmly established itself as a key element of CWU Dining Services’ mission to nourish the body and mind of our campus community.
Cheeseburger 35,160 orders
Chicken Strips 31,814 orders
“Programs like these help our students see that there are real people behind CWU Dining—people who genuinely care about their experience on campus.” JOE RITCHIE
Top 3 Drinks Ordered
Mochas 14,681 orders Chargers 47,931 orders
Assistant Director of Culinary Operations and Campus Executive Chef, Dining Services
Looking to the future, Ritchie is eager to expand these efforts. “I have ideas for more impromptu demonstrations featuring other chefs or even some of our cooks,” he shared, hinting at continued opportunities for student engagement and community building through food.
Lattes 12,009 orders
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CWU DINING SERVICES STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS In the fall of 2023, CWU Dining Services staff extended their reach through three significant community outreach efforts, showcasing their dedication to supporting the local community. In early September, the team provided critical support to firefighters battling a wildfire in the Yakima Canyon. Partnering with the Student Union Dining operations team, Dining Services staff prepared breakfast for over 100 firefighters and support personnel, followed by a gourmet chicken dinner later that day. The Southeast Washington Interagency Incident Management Team expressed their gratitude on social media, saying, “They spoiled us and did it all with a smile! We are SO grateful for their support and the food they put in our bellies.” Reflecting on the effort, Assistant Director of Student Union Dining Operations and 1891 Catering Dustin Atkinson emphasized the team’s commitment to the Ellensburg community. “We all live here and care about our neighbors. Helping others is more than just work for us. We love this community and love to serve,” he said. Ten days later, CWU Dining Services participated in the annual Bite of the ’Burg event in downtown Ellensburg, hosted by the Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce. The event, which serves as a welcome to students and a connection point between the university and the local community, saw CWU staff engaging with attendees and serving delicious food. “Bite of the ’Burg is a great reminder that CWU is a strong community partner,” said Director of Dining Services Dean Masuccio. “We hope events like this open the door to more opportunities to support our community.” The season concluded with CWU Dining Services playing a key role in the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Kittitas Valley Event Center. Co-sponsored by the City of Ellensburg, the event provided a free Thanksgiving meal to residents and fostered a spirit of togetherness. Alongside local leaders and volunteers, CWU staff, including General Managers Monique Gonzalez and Joe Regelbrugge, delivered a memorable experience for attendees.
SPECIALTY DINNER AND CAMPUS EVENT PARTNERSHIPS
“This event allows everyone to come together and enjoy a delicious meal in good company. CWU Dining Services was a fantastic partner, and we look forward to working with them again in the future.” KATELYN CLAVETTE, Adult Activity Center Coordinator
Lunar New Year Department of World Languages and Cultures, The History Club, Office of International Studies and Programs, Korean Culture Club, and Asian Studies Program 359 ATTENDEES Plant Based Picnic Wildcat Farm 300 ATTENDEES Late Night Brunch and Drag Show ASCWU 377 ATTENDEES Food Festival Wildcat Farm, Tea Tulia, Wildcat Shop, Hormel Foods, Caffe Vita, Winegar’s, Monster Energy, Coca-Cola 2000 ATTENDEES
Mabuhay (1st Time) FASA 142 ATTENDEES Día de los Muertos DEC, MEChA, and SLICE 164 ATTENDEES Welcome BBQ Caffe Vita, Wildcat Farm, Monster Energy, Coca-Cola, Hormel Foods, MegaMex, Winegar’s 2000 ATTENDEES
Masuccio emphasized that these efforts are just the beginning of a broader commitment to community engagement. “These events
represent the start of long-term partnerships. We’re excited to continue finding new ways to give back to the community.”
Taste of Soul DEC
270 ATTENDEES
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EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER
Central Washington University’s Early Childhood Learning Center (ECLC) is more than just a childcare facility; it’s a hub for education, development, and growth. Serving the families of CWU students, staff, and faculty, the ECLC provides a nurturing environment for children while offering invaluable hands-on experience for student staff members like Samantha and Caleb. For Samantha, a graduate student in family science, ECLC has been a bridge between academic theory and practical application. FROM CLASSROOM TO CAREER ECLC Student Staff Share Their Stories
Caleb, a psychology major, sees his role as a chance to refine his teaching skills and deepen his understanding of child development. “I’ve learned to adapt my approach to meet the developmental needs of children, building a connection that fosters growth,” he says. Beyond benefiting children and families, the ECLC serves as a professional training ground for student staff. Samantha credits the professional staff for helping her develop constructive feedback skills and navigate challenging conversations. Caleb appreciates the collaborative environment, adapting
become a licensed marriage and family therapist, highlights the center’s role in preparing her for a career supporting families in need. At its core, the ECLC is a place where children thrive, families feel supported, and student staff gain real-world skills that will propel them into successful, impactful careers.
190 Families served at the ECLC 690 Hours of STARS training with MERIT 19 Children awarded WSAC grant monies 12+ Field trips 30+ Student staff per quarter
strategies from seasoned staff to enhance his classroom techniques.
“My program emphasizes family care, and ECLC has given me the opportunity to apply concepts—like communication and child development theories—to real-
The ECLC experience has also shaped their futures. Caleb, preparing for a career as an Air Force officer, values the lessons in leadership and interpersonal connection. Samantha, aspiring to
world interactions with children and families.” SAMANTHA ECLC Student Staff
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TESTING SERVICES
PROFESSIONAL ADVANCEMENT
A GROWING RESOURCE
SERVING OUR CAMPUS COMMUNITY AND REGION
CWU TESTING SERVICES A Regional Hub for Certification Exams For professionals and students across Central Washington, CWU Testing Services provides a vital resource: a convenient, centrally located testing center that offers a wide range of certification exams. With limited testing centers on this side of the Cascades—typically only three or four depending on the test vendor—CWU Testing Services saves test-takers from long drives, including treacherous winter trips over the pass. What sets CWU apart is its ability to administer exams from multiple test vendors, a rarity in the region where many centers specialize in just one. This flexibility ensures that individuals pursuing various career certifications can find the tests they need closer to home. Combined with a welcoming and professional staff dedicated to reducing test-day stress, CWU Testing Services stands out as a trusted, accessible option for the community.
12% Increase in Pearson Vue Teacher Certification exams 18% Increase in NREMT exams (National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians ) 292% Increase in exams from Meazure test vendor 29% Increase in revenue from previous fiscal year
William Thelen’s Leadership in Testing and Campus Initiatives
643 Exams given to current students (not including accommodated exams) 175 Exams given to CWU Alumni 85
Over the past year, William Thelen, the Director of Testing Services, has expanded his leadership within both national and campus organizations. In August, he attended the National College Testing Association (NCTA) conference, where he presented on the Ideal Testing Center. His involvement with NCTA has grown as he now serves as the co-chair of the Grant Committee while continuing his role as chair of the Ideal Test Center Committee. On campus, William remains an active contributor to key initiatives, serving on the Academic Technology Advisory Council (ATAC) and the Emergency Coordinator Center (ECC). Additionally, he participated in a Virtual Tabletop Exercise for the Incident Management Team (IMT), further strengthening CWU’s preparedness efforts. Through these roles, William continues to advance testing standards and campus-wide operational excellence.
Exams given to CWU employees 1006 Exams given to the community
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WILDCAT FARM
NEW STAFF Nora Jacobs Production Lead
Q. How did you get involved with the farm? I’ve worked in agriculture in various ways. I grew up in Ellensburg, working on organic vegetable and goat farms, and spent summers in college farming. After teaching for a while, I returned to agriculture because it’s such an important part of my life. Before joing Wildcat Farm, I worked on a large ranch but wanted more interaction with people, which led me here.
INTERVIEW with the New Production Lead The Wildcat Farm is more than just a
Through a combination of expertise, creativity, and collaboration, Wildcat Farm continues to thrive as a vibrant center for learning and sustainability. With goals to expand facilities, increase student engagement, and grow its impact, the farm exemplifies the potential of hands-on education and sustainble agriculture. The dedication of its team and the enthusiasm of CWU students ensure that the Wildcat Farm remains a cornerstone of the university’s commitment to community and the environment.
outside the box, and make the work fun. We have student farm assistants and a community garden coordinator, and their contributions are invaluable. Q. What are some of the challenges? Wind is our biggest challenge—it can wipe out crops overnight. One of our high tunnel tops even blew off this spring. Another challenge is weeding since we’re organic and don’t use pesticides or herbicides. Q. How do you use sustainable practices? Sustainability is at our core. We avoid pesticides and herbicides to protect the envionrment, use drip tape irrigation to conserve water, and compost as much as possible to return nutrients to the soil. Q. What are your goals for the farm? I see so much potential. I’d like to add an outdoor classroom for student projects, get chickens, build a produce washing station to speed up production, grow at least 10,000 pounds of produce, and acquire an industrial composter. Increasing student engagement through work parties, volunteering, or visits is also a priority.
place for growing produce—it’s a hub for education, community engagement, and sustainable agriculture practices. This year, the farm has made remarkable strides in its operations, thanks in part to its dedicated team. In this interview, we hear from one of the farm’s key contributors, Nora Jacobs, whose background in agriculture and passion for sustainability have been instrumental in shaping its success. Her insights highlight the farm’s impact on students, the challenges of
Q. Can you share a change you helped implement?
Kailtyn and I introduced more structure and systems. Students are now assigned specific areas of the farm to monitor, making observations and addressing issues themselves or reporting them to us. This approach has improved efficiency and coverage across the farm. Q. How do you collaborate with the students? I work closely with the students, meeting often and exchanging ideas. They’re innovative, think
organic farming, and the innovative techniques that set Wildcat Farm apart.
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WILDCAT FARM LAUNCHES SUCCESSFUL CSA PILOT PROGRAM
42 Different fruit and vegetable crops growing on the farm 117 Unique varieties of fruits and vegetables growing on the farm 5,686 Pounds of produce grown at the farm
47 Bouquets harvested at U-Pick Flower Nights 75+ Volunteers 4,014 Pounds of produce harvested for Dining Services
In Fall 2023, the Wildcat Farm launched a pilot Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program to strengthen community partnerships and provide fresh, locally grown produce. CSAs offer community members the opportunity to support local farms by purchasing bundles of seasonal produce through a subscription model. To promote the program, the Wildcat Farm collaborated with Auxiliary Marketing to create a comprehensive outreach campaign that included social media content, posters, emails, Central Today announcements, and a raffle system. Five participants were selected at random from the raffle, one of whom won a free share. The remaining participants purchased a six-week CSA subscription for $100 each. Participants received weekly boxes featuring fan-favorite produce like tomatillos, kale, leeks, fresh greens, carrots, daikon radishes, tomatoes, and beets. Feedback from the inaugural group was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing interest in longer subscription options throughout the year.
24 Class visits
12,000 Honeybees in residence
ENHANCING COMMUNITY AND ACCESSIBILITY AT WILDCAT FARM
“Starting a CSA program at Wildcat Farm has helped us further our mission of supporting the health of our campus and community by making local, organic produce affordable and accessible. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices in our community and making quality local produce attainable will help us build a more resilient community. We’ve been so humbled by the outpouring of support the launch of this program has brought us and we look forward to expanding our CSA programs in the seasons to come!”
With the growth of Wildcat Farm’s popularity and workforce during the 2023-24 year, the need for protection from the elements became apparent. To address this, a new shelter was constructed at the center of the community garden, providing a vital space for volunteers and staff. This covered area now serves as a meeting point, a lunch spot equipped with tables and stools, and a hub for weekly farm gatherings. It also houses the community produce bin, offering fresh, farm-grown food to visitors. The farm introduced a new community box initiative to share surplus produce with visitors while protecting community garden plots. In response to concerns about unintentional harvesting from assigned plots, the designated box was created as a solution. Gardeners now place their extra produce in the box for others to take home, reducing incidents of misdirected harvesting. The initiative has been a resounding success, fostering goodwill and ensuring both visitors and gardeners benefit from the farm’s abundance.
KAITLYN FLESHER Wildcat Farm Manager
Encouraged by this success, the Wildcat Farm has expanded the CSA program to include additional seasons and longer subscription periods, further enriching its connection with the community while promoting sustainable, local agriculture.
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WILDCAT PRINTING
BEHIND THE SCENES AT WILDCAT PRINTING A Student Athlete’s Perspective Wildcat Printing is an essential resource at Central Washington University, providing vibrant posters, professional name tags, academic materials, and more. For student staff like Philo, a Women’s Rugby team member, it’s also a job that balances her busy schedule as a student athlete while offering valuable hands-on experience. Philo has been part of the Wildcat Printing team since 2022, transitioning from her role at Madlab in the Wildcat Shop. “I started at Madlab first, doing custom engravings and name plates,” she shares. “Then Kirsten asked if I wanted to work with Wildcat Printing, and I’ve been here ever since.” Her role includes processing orders, making deliveries, and maintaining the shop’s supplies. “I like to maximize my time here,” Philo says, explaining her routine of starting new orders,
completing existing ones, and handling deliveries. One of her favorite aspects of the job is using specialized machines, like the paper counter. “It’s great because it can count exact stacks of paper, making large jobs so much easier.” As a student athlete, Philo appreciates the physical aspect of the job, even when it’s challenging.
Through her work, Philo has gained practical skills while supporting essential campus operations. From printing materials for academics to handling athletics schedules, she sees firsthand how Wildcat Printing impacts the CWU community. “We do a lot of the behind- the-scenes work that helps the campus run smoothly,” she explains, highlighting the important role of Wildcat Printing plays in university life.
PRINTING BY THE NUMBERS
1,502 Printing orders 289 Business card requests 9,425 Tax Statements 4,501 Large Format Posters
“Delivering cases of paper can be difficult—they’re heavy, and sometimes we’ll have orders for 10 or 20 cases at a time. It’s definitely a
workout, but I get through it.”
PHILO NAMOSIMALUA Wildcat Printing Student Staff
Large projects include Commencement, Campus Events, and Dining Events signage. They also printed several sets of Dugmore and North construction blueprints for the Capital Planning department.
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WILDCAT SHOP
MADLAB TIMELINE
MADLAB’S LEGACY 27 Years of Creativity and Innovation In 2024, Central Washington University bid farewell to MadLab, its internal customization shop, marking the end of an era for a department known for its creativity and ingenuity. Founded in 1995 as a custom publishing department, MadLab evolved far beyond its original mission under the visionary leadership of Director Michelle Adams. When Adams began, the shop was expected to produce 15–30 coursepacks per term. Within two years, that number soared to 80–125 titles. However, with the rise of digital coursework,
As MadLab expanded, so did its technology. The shop acquired a rotary engraver, a sublimation printer, and a wide-format vinyl printer, unlocking the ability to produce vehicle decals, window treatments, full murals, and more. These tools allowed MadLab to offer an impressive array of custom products, including CWU-branded bindings, stickers, water bottles, signage, floor and window graphics, and other unique items sold at the Wildcat Shop. Over its 27-year history, MadLab became synonymous with problem-solving and innovation. It was the place on campus where staff and faculty would pose the question, “Is there a way we can do…?” More often than not, the answer was a resounding yes. As CWU moves forward, the impact of MadLab will endure in the countless creative solutions and personalized products it provided, a testament to the power of embracing bold ideas and evolving to meet the needs of the university community.
“We’ve done many thousands of engravings since 2015—everything from name tags to 8-foot signs,” Adams reflected. “The laser engraver was integral during COVID-19, enabling us to produce 278 protective barriers for campus. It was during this shift— from course materials to personalized and award products—that we rebranded
1995 Opening
2015 First Engraver Purchase 2020 Barriers Built for COVID-19
as MadLab. For 27 years, I’ve lived by the motto: ‘Trust your crazy ideas.’”
MICHELLE ADAMS Madlab Director
Adams recognized the need for the department to adapt. In 2015, she spearheaded the purchase of a laser engraver, a transformative step that diversified MadLab’s offerings and set it on a new trajectory.
2024 Closure
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HONORING STEVE WENGER A Legacy of Leadership Steve Wenger, former Director of the Wildcat Shop, retired in 2024 after more than 20 years of service at CWU. Joining the Wildcat Shop in 2001, Steve brought extensive experience from roles at Skagit Valley College and Seattle Pacific University, quickly becoming a transformative leader on campus.
Steve was a trailblazer in higher education retail, implementing initiatives that saved students millions of dollars. He introduced textbook rentals, digital materials, and laid the groundwork for the Course Material Access Program (CAP), ensuring students had affordable access to course resources. The Wildcat Shop also became one of the first university stores to feature a full-service textbook counter, delivering personalized service and support to the campus community.
CREW OF THE MONTH A Campus Favorite
Debuting in September 2023, the Crew of the Month program became a must-have for students and alumni, offering a limited-edition CWU crewneck in a fresh color each month. From denim blue to lilac, the collection sparked excitement and strong sales, with standout hits like pink selling out in six hours and lilac reaching 100% sell-through on 96 units. The program’s success highlighted the demand for exclusive, time-sensitive campus apparel.
Beyond CWU, Steve’s influence extended nationally. He served on the boards of the Independent College Bookstore Association (ICBA) and the National Association of College Stores (NACS), fostering collaboration and encouraging his staff to attend conferences for education and innovation. His leadership promoted the exchange of best practices across university stores, elevating the standard of service in the industry. Steve’s dedication to affordability, innovation, and collaboration left a lasting impact on the Wildcat Shop and the university. His legacy of service and vision continues to benefit students, faculty, and staff, embodying the best of CWU’s mission to support academic success.
476 Total units sold
86% Average sell- through rate
$19,000+ In revenue generated
AUXILIARY TEAM
EXECUTIVE Joseph Pearson Executive Director Auxiliary Enterprises
AUXILIARY BUSINESS SERVICES Andrew Caveness Manager
AUXILIARY MARKETING Megan Austin Marketing Coordinator
CENTRAL ACCESS Vernée Hemphill Manager DINING SERVICES Dean Masuccio Director EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER Michelle Hill Director
ENTERPRISE ACCOUNTING Trent Bucy Financial Manager
TESTING SERVICES William Thelen Director WILDCAT FARM Kaitlyn Flesher Manager WILDCAT PRINTING Kirsten Garland Manager
WILDCAT SHOP Steve Wenger Director
CWU is an EEO/AA/Title IX Institution. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, email Disability Services at DS@cwu.edu. 25CS2270SF
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