Cougar Pride Day 2024
Celebrating Cougar Spirit: WSU Everett Unveils New Statue and Celebrates Community
WSU Everett marked a special occasion on August 23rd, 2024, with the dedication of its magnificent Cougar Pride statue and the inaugural “Cougar Pride Day,” officially proclaimed by Snohomish County! The day was a heartwarming celebration of Coug spirit, community pride, and the unifying power of the WSU experience, brought to life by the music of the Cougar Alumni Band.
Butch Finds His Home in Everett: The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the unveiling of the “Cougar Pride” statue, a stunning bronze cougar generously donated by alumnus Gary Schneidmiller (’71) in honor of his parents, Manuel (’41, WSC) and Gladys Schneidmiller (WSU Honorary 2015). Created by celebrated artists Mike and Chester Fields, Butch T. Cougar embodies the heart of WSU, depicting our beloved mascot returning home. As the fifth and final Cougar Pride statue series installation across the physical WSU campuses, it stands as a powerful reminder of our shared legacy and traditions.
Honoring WSU’s Impact: The day also served as a testament to WSU’s impact on the region, with Snohomish County Executive Dave Somers officially proclaiming August 23rd as “Cougar Pride Day.” This proclamation, echoed by the City of Everett, acknowledges the university’s dedication to education, innovation, and meaningful community engagement.
A Day of Connection: The dedication ceremony beautifully captured the spirit of the WSU community, bringing together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members to celebrate this special occasion. The Cougar Alumni Band filled the air with the WSU fight song, creating a joyful atmosphere of shared pride and camaraderie.
A Legacy in Bronze: The Cougar Pride statue symbolizes WSU Everett’s commitment to academic excellence, community engagement, and the enduring spirit of the Cougs. We extend our deepest gratitude to Gary Schneidmiller for his generous gift, which will inspire generations of WSU Everett students to come.
