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Spring 2024

WSM Spring 2003

Spring 2003

Drake enlivened the college experience

For 36 years Charles H. Drake was a popular, well-respected professor at Washington State University. His introductory class in bacteriology attracted many non-science majors, as well as students preparing for careers in health care.

“He was an extraordinary articulate lecturer, … the quintessential eccentric professor who enlivens the college experience for students and opens their minds through dedicated teaching and irreverent questioning of their comfortable ideas and beliefs,” recalls Martin Favero (’61 M.S. Bact., ’64 Ph.D. Bact.), San Clemente, California.

Drake retired in 1981. He was 86 when he died May 20, 2002 in Pullman.

He is credited with inaugurating Introductory Bacteriology (Bact. 101), which … » More …

Spring 2003

Keeping busy in the bus business

After nearly three decades as a successful high school teacher and coach, Peg Motley launched Wheatland Express Charters & Tours in 1988. The venture proved to be a whole new ballgame.

The Pullman entrepreneur, mother of four, and grandmother of six had dabbled in other enterprises. While teaching in Spokane, she and her husband made and sold Country Style Horseradish. When they moved to Pullman, she opened Drop Your Duds, a self-serve laundromat. But the 1955 Washington State University alumna and Cottonwood, Idaho native, knew “zero” about buses.

“Initially, I was intimidated by their size,” she admits as she walks between two white-and-blue buses parked … » More …

Spring 2003

World health care: “Many countries have their priorities wrong”

“Evidence shows that the family medicine model is the most cost effective and provides the best care for most people.”—Dr. Robert Higgins

If you are sick enough and have enough money, you can get very good medical care in most countries. Sadly, however, many nations fail to meet even the basic health needs of their people.

These are the observations of Washington State University pharmacy graduate and retired U.S. Navy physician, Robert Higgins. The former president of the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) has visited 53 countries and witnessed health care practices firsthand in many of them.

“Many countries have their priorities wrong. They … » More …

Spring 2003

Eldridge sees WSU as a tight-knit family

Ray Eldridge doesn’t usually recommend hitchhiking. However, he didn’t have many options a few years ago, when his car gave out near North Bend enroute to Pullman from Seattle. Not to worry. From the back seat, he retrieved a Washington State University sweatshirt and cap, slipped them on, and thumbed a ride.

The “good Samaritan” who picked him up proved to be a Seattle-area veterinarian traveling to WSU to join his daughter for Dad’s Weekend.

“That’s the kind of tight-knit family we are in. Some people don’t understand that about Washington State University,” the 2002-03 WSU Alumni Association president says.

Eldridge’s own WSU ties are … » More …

Spring 2003

Sherman Alexie: “It’s all good”

It may look the same today, but as Sherman Alexie walked down the aisle of the Kenworthy Theater in Moscow, Idaho, he realized his last memory of the place was, well, a little bit hazy.

“I was just recalling with a friend of mine who I went to school at Wazzu with that this is the first time I’ve been in this theater sober,” Alexie said, glancing around the old theater at the Palouse premier of his second movie, The Business of Fancydancing, last September. “And I’ve been sober a long time.”

Eleven years, actually, he says with pride, urging other young tribal members in … » More …

Spring 2003

Pailca oversees accountability within Seattle Police Department

A case involving Asian-American teenagers detained by a Seattle police officer for jaywalking sounds routine enough, but the July 2001 incident soon unfolded into highly publicized accusations of racial profiling. The issue landed in the lap of attorney Sandra “Sam” Pailca, the first director of the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) within the Seattle Police Department.

Pailca found that while the officer was rude to the group, his actions did not amount to inappropriate treatment because of race. The police chief agreed with Pailca’s call for minor discipline for the officer, a decision unpopular both in the Asian community and with many in uniform, leading … » More …

Spring 2003

Alumni Association recognizes Woods, Prince, past presidents

A professional forester and a former state senator have received the Washington State University Alumni Achievement Award.

Richard I. Woods (’58 Forestry Mgmt.), a 44-year veteran of timber harvesting, marketing, and appraising, was recognized at a surprise 70th-birthday party at the Kelso-Longview Elks Club October 6, 2002. Since 1981, Woods has owned and operated 4S Tree/Northwest, Inc. in Kelso.

Eugene Prince received the award November 2 at the WSU Dad’s Weekend breakfast. He has committed more than 40 years to public service to the state, much of it as a legislator.

“His [Woods’s] goal has been to maximize income from forest land, but still leave … » More …

Spring 2003

Working toward a common goal

Maybe I can’t save the world. But I can try to make a difference somewhere. But how?

I researched several volunteer organizations, but most of them required a three-month to two-year commitment, which was not possible for me. After weeks of extensive research, I found Cross Cultural Solutions, a non-profit organization that places volunteers in different countries to gain new understanding through sharing ideas and working together toward a common goal. They offer programs from three weeks to six months in duration for those who want to help but can’t afford to take a lot of time away from their jobs.

My assignment was to … » More …

Spring 2003

Long wins Outland Trophy, four named All-America

Washington State’s Rien Long proved to be more than a “West Coast wonder.” The 6-6, 286-pound defensive tackle earned the Outland Trophy as college football’s top interior lineman for 2002.

“He put us on the map tonight,” coach Mike Price said of the junior from Anacortes. They attended the College Football Awards Show together December 12 in Orlando, Florida.

Long’s defensive prowess was recognized earlier in the season. He was picked to a number of All-America first teams, including those of the Associated Press and the Football Writers Association. His regular season statistics included 20.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, and three pass deflections.

Three … » More …