November 23, 2021

    As our Washington State University Everett community prepares for Thanksgiving break, I am reminded again of the maxim, “To whom much is given, much is required.” I know I am not the only one entering this holiday season with a sense of abundance and gratitude for all that we have accomplished this year.

    I am especially grateful for our caring and supportive WSU Everett community. Through your generosity, we have built strong academic programs and transformed the lives of the students who have come through our doors. Students like Elisha Aguilera and Antonio Barber.

    Elisha is a software engineering major living in Sultan. Elisha received the Launching Futures scholarship funded by the WSU Everett Advisory Council. Between the scholarship and the money, he saves by living at home, Elisha’s education is covered. “To those who have donated to this campus, beyond being a charitable contribution to the next generation of professionals, it is an investment in the future of this community,” Elisha said.

    Elisha appreciates being able to earn a baccalaureate degree in his community. “Having grown up in this area, I appreciate having the financial resources to continue my education in Snohomish County and the Pacific Northwest.”

    Elisha’s classmate, Antonio, is a First Gen college student, husband, father of three boys and Iraqi war veteran who served in the Navy. A youth sports coach in basketball, football, soccer and baseball, Antonio studies software engineering at WSU Everett. The Carson Veterans Scholarship Antonio receives has made all the difference for his family. “Many students like me have to work multiple jobs, juggle family life, and stay on top of our schoolwork, that’s a tall task to ask of anyone,” Antonio shared. When the pandemic hit my wife was out of work as a dental assistant for three months. Receiving a scholarship from WSU Everett helped us to stay afloat until my wife was allowed to return to work.”

    I’m grateful for smart, hardworking students like Elisha and Antonio. I’m also grateful for the donors who make their success possible. Donors like Geri Carlson who chairs our WSU Everett Advisory Council’s Development Committee. Geri and her husband, Chris, are proud Cougs who give generously in time and treasure to their alma mater. Donors like Gary Baker, who works alongside Geri on our Advisory Council and who, along with his wife Darcy, recently endowed the Baker Family Scholarship at WSU Everett.

    When the scholarship was announced at our September Advisory Council meeting, Gary noted that “It is a very important thing for our family to support education, and this is just one way we can make a lasting impact at WSU.” 

    Elisha, Antonio, the Carlsons, and the Bakers. Just a few of the many reasons that I am thankful to be a Coug and to be on this important journey with all of you. I wish you a wonderful holiday! To learn more about our campus and ways to support us, go to give.wsu.edu.

Go Cougs!

Dr. Paul Pitre, Chancellor
WSU Everett & Everett University Center