Eugene G. “Pat” Patterson always thought there was something special about the loyalty of Washington State University alumni. Analyzing that phenomenon, he concluded the University’s location, traditions, and residential campus, which provided the opportunity for a 24-hour student experience, were key factors in developing those fierce loyalties.
A Pullman native and WSU graduate himself (’46 Political Science), Patterson served as alumni director at his alma mater for 26 years. When he stepped down in 1978, he said, “Working in a college environment has to be one of the most gratifying experiences one could ever have. Young people with new and differing ideas presented different challenges.”
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Whether plinking on the piano or pounding out scripts for public radio on his manual typewriter, Burton D. “Burt” Harrison enjoyed life to the fullest. During 27 years on the Washington State University communications faculty, including 17 as manager of KWSU Radio, he figured significantly in the formation and development of public broadcasting. Moreover, he exerted a positive influence on scores of students pursuing careers in broadcast journalism.
Harrison, 87, died January 22, 2004, in Centralia. Dee, his wife of 63 years, preceded him September 4, 2003.
To help finance his education at Kansas State Teachers College, the Atchison native played honky-tonk piano in nightclubs … » More …
Rarely do people have their work viewed by U.S. presidents, congressmen, and millions of tourists. But that’s the kind of scrutiny Kent Carson encounters. He is construction engineer at Arlington National Cemetery outside Washington, D.C.
The cemetery accommodates four million visitors annually. “It’s exciting to know that decisions you make will impact hundreds of people every day,” he says.
His work at ANC has included historic preservation of the white marble structures and monuments, as well as renovation of the granite plazas at the John F. Kennedy gravesite. Current projects include developing 45 acres for burial sites that will last into 2050, and a $6 … » More …
Two niche markets-toys/games and a Web site for gifts-have taken husband-and-wife entrepreneurs into new territories.
Steve Edmiston is president of Seattle’s Front Porch Classics. The company creates retro-feel toys and games. Melody Wickline Edmiston has created a Web-based consumer retail site specializing in high-quality and hard-to-find gift ideas. The couple lives in Des Moines. Both are Washington State University alumni.
Before joining the game company, Steve had created a Dread Pirate game as a Christmas gift for their daughters, 12 and 8. The game eventually developed into one of Front Porch Classics’ leading products.
Melody (’84 Bus. Adm.) watched the marketing of that game, later … » More …
I enjoy meeting people, doing things to feel the pulse of what’s going on in the world.”—Anita Busek ’49
The rumble of a passing train tells you that All Aboard Antique Co. in Puyallup is no ordinary antique shop. The store is located 12 feet from train tracks, looks like a red caboose on the outside, and has railroad items displayed throughout.
The trains shake the whole building. “No picture hangs straight for long, “says Anita Busek, 76, with a laugh. She’s one of three owners.
Perhaps it’s fitting that Busek went to college in a town named after George Pullman, inventor of the … » More …
WSU has long-standing ties to Pakistan
M. “Ghazi” Ghazanfar (front row center, red tie) is among friends, many of them Washington State University or University of Idaho alumni. (See caption below.) In December 2003 he was invited to Pakistan to lecture at a seminar hosted by the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) in Lahore. He formerly lived in Karachi for nearly 11 years. In 1958 he enrolled at WSU as a freshman, and earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as a doctorate in economics. He taught for 35 years at Idaho, where he chaired the economics department from 1993 … » More …
Washington State University alumnus Brad Rawlins has earned one of the nation’s top scholarly awards in public relations.
The assistant professor of communications at Brigham Young University received the Pathfinder Award November 20 in New York City. He was recognized by the Institute of Public Relations for “a whole body of work through a number of years.”
Rawlins’s research examines ethical practice in public relations, especially moral decision making. He hopes to use concepts such as authenticity, accountability, and responsibility to show the need for transparency in communications.
“If you can help an organization become more transparent, then that organization has to account for what … » More …