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
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