THE CRIMSON CHALLENGE
A special opportunity to support student scholarships
Alumni and friends of Washington State University are encouraged to provide their financial support to a new initiative—the Crimson Challenge—that is designed to raise $2 million for student scholarships.
The special fund-raising campaign will provide scholarships to WSU students who demonstrate exceptional financial need in the wake of a struggling economy and rapidly rising tuition costs.
President Floyd calls on Cougars everywhere for support
"Student scholarships have always been critical to the mission of Washington State University,” notes WSU President Elson S. Floyd. “Young scholars and their families have already shouldered more of the financial burden for a college education than have previous generations. Today, this situation is exacerbated by one of the steepest recessions in modern history and necessary tuition increases. The need for private scholarship support is greater than ever before.”
Each gift to the Crimson Challenge will be matched, dollar for dollar, by $2 million from WSU’s budget at the direction of President Floyd.
Challenge kicks off with gifts
The Crimson Challenge was kicked off June 25 at the Crimson Legacy of Leadership dinner in Seattle, where nearly 200 alumni and friends honored three past WSU presidents—Glenn Terrell, Sam Smith, and Lane Rawlins.
WSU’s Board of Regents approved a 14 percent tuition increase in May to preserve vital academic programs in the wake of a 10.38 percent cut to the University’s state funding, which resulted in the elimination of 360 positions and three academic programs. Tuition will increase $870 this fall and an additional $992 the following year.
Dinner kicks off challenge
"A Crimson Legacy of Leadership – An Evening with the Presidents" paid special tribute to WSU presidents emeriti Glenn Terrell, Samuel H. Smith, and V. Lane Rawlins, and kicked off The Crimson Challenge.