Fall 2002
Blackwell makes his mark
James Blackwell helped establish the clout of black sociologists. This spring he returned to Pullman to receive the University's highest honor. » More ...
Article
Fall 2002
Genetically modified foods—What’s in it for you?
If you think scientists all agree on genetically modified foods, think again. » More ...
Fall 2002
Fall is the time to plant bulbs—but maybe not the ones you’d planned on
Another approach to perennials is to go back to basics--native plants. » More ...
Fall 2002
Bulbs and blooms
"Roozen" may mean "roses" in Dutch. But in Washington, it means tulips--to the tune of 50 million a year. » More ...
Summer 2002
Frances Penrose Owen dies March 9 at 102
Former Washington State University regent Frances Penrose Owen died March 9, 2002 in Seattle. She was 102.
Governor Albert Rosellini appointed WSU’s first woman regent to the board in 1957. She served for 18 years and was twice elected president. In 1979, WSU’s new science and engineering library was named in her honor.
Eleven years later, when Mrs. Owen was presented with the Medal of Merit, the state’s highest award, WSU president emeritus Glenn Terrell said, “Frances is a rare combination of strength, gentleness, intelligence, and forcefulness.”
Mrs. Owen’s life was filled with service. She was elected to the Seattle School Board in 1945 and … » More …
Summer 2002
Lt. Col. Stinemetz wanted to convey his condolences
Word of CIA agent Mike Spann’s death November 29, 2001 in Afghanistan struck a chord with Washington State University graduate Lt. Col. Kurt Stinemetz (’76 Anthro.), U.S. Marine Corps. Spann was the first U.S. casualty in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan. Spann was killed in an uprising of Taliban prisoners being held for interrogation. His hometown was Winfield, Alabama, population 1,200.
Stinemetz oversees the Montgomery Military Entrance Processing Station 200 miles away from Winfield. Some 16,000 men and women in Alabama wanting to enlist in all branches of the military and National Guard annually pass through the facility.
Stinemetz and Spann shared a common … » More …
Summer 2002
Ehlo inducted into Pac-10 Hall of Honor
Former Washington State University basketball coach George Raveling once described Craig Ehlo (’86 Soc. Sci.) as “playing on the ragged edge of being out of control.” In other words, Ehlo made things happen. His full-speed-ahead approach on the court produced some turnovers, but also a host of steals resulting in easy baskets for the Washington State basketball team.
The former Cougar star was one of 10 inaugural basketball inductees into the Pacific-10 Conference Hall of Honor. The ceremony was held during the Pac-10 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the Staples Arena in Los Angeles in March.
Other inductees included coaching greats John Wooden (UCLA) and Pete … » More …
Summer 2002
Alumni Association honors past presidents
Three former presidents of the Washington State University Alumni Association have received WSU’s Alumni Achievement Award. Jim Miller, Vancouver, and Denny Jones, Redmond, were recognized in mid-November at the association’s reception for past presidents in Bellevue. John B. “Jack” Sutherland, Tacoma, was unable to attend. He received the award in December.
Miller (’65 Police Sci.,) was cited “for exemplary leadership as a district director and president (1995-96) of the Alumni Association, and for effective advocacy in supporting University programs in student enrichment, academic outreach, and intercollegiate athletics.”
Miller came to WSU from Tacoma. After earning his degree, he stayed on to complete his teaching credentials … » More …
Summer 2002
Early leader of WSU’s Native American students
Ki Tecumseh learned to work within the system—or stretch it
“Indian people don’t consider themselves to be a minority people.” —Ki Tecumseh
Growing up on the Yakama Indian Reservation, Kiutus “Ki” Tecumseh, Jr. learned to put his finger up to the wind to test the direction it was blowing. In his ideas and actions, he also likes to test conventional thought. A longtime public relations specialist with the Department of Energy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he is soft-spoken and measured in his speech. But people tend to listen to what he has to say, more than how he says it.
For example, in the … » More …
Summer 2002
School superintendent recognized on state, national levels
R. Stephen Rasmussen capped two-plus decades as a school administrator by being named Washington Superintendent of the Year for 2001 and one of four finalists for National Superintendent of the Year.
Rasmussen, 51, has been superintendent of the 7,900-student Franklin Pierce School District since 1992. The district south of Tacoma serves a growing community with increasing ethnic and linguistic diversity.
When he was hired, the district faced a $600,000 deficit. In 1998, the district became the first in the state to pass a four-year school levy. The same year, voters approved a $25.6 million bond for construction.
The superintendent gladly shares his recognition. “It is … » More …