WSM Winter 2001

Winter 2001

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

Winter 2001

Gorham earns award for animal disease research

John Gorham, longtime professor of veterinary microbiology and pathology in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Washington State University, received the Gold Head Cane Award in July. The award from the Hartz Mountain Corp. recognizes his landmark contributions to the epidemiology of certain animal diseases, some of which also affect humans.

Gorham is an international authority on slow-virus disease research in animals. He is perhaps best known for his 1953 co-discovery of the microorganism responsible for salmon poisoning in dogs and foxes.

In recent years, Gorham’s research group has worked on three fronts—developing a diagnostic test for scrapie in sheep; investigating the molecular biology, immunology, … » More …

Winter 2001

A better system of braces

“Imagine if you are a patient, the significant difference that decreased pressure is going to make to your comfort level.”

As a child, Dr. Dwight Damon (’62 Zoology) had more than his share of curiosity.

Damon’s father, who taught math and science at Spokane’s West Valley High School, always encouraged him to question and explore everything. “He instilled in me that desire to always find the better solution.”

At Washington State University, encouragement came from zoology professor Herbert Eastlick.

“Herb was my advisor, my mentor, and my friend,” says Damon. “He was constantly challenging us, encouraging everyone to reach their full potential.”

That desire … » More …

Winter 2001

Hastad heads University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

In March Douglas N. Hastad was appointed ninth chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a school of more than 9,000 students. The Moorhead, Minnesota, native earned a master’s degree in health and physical education at Washington State University in 1971. He holds an Ed.D. from Arizona State University.

Hastad joined UW-La Crosse in 1989 as dean of the College of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and as professor of exercise and sport science. In 1998 he was named interim provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. He previously was associate professor and chairman of the Department of Physical Education at Texas Christian University (1984-89).

… » More …

Winter 2001

Life’s twists and turns lead WSU alumna to success

“At Washington State, I found … professors who encouraged us to formulate our own thoughts and opinions.” —Jodi Vevoda

At one time or another, we’ve all formulated plans for where we want to be five, 10, 20 years down the road. But life has a way of making its own plans for us. No one knows that better than Jodi Vevoda, vice president of advertising for USA TODAY.

After graduating in 1979 from Washington State University, where she focused on interior design, she interviewed at several design firms. She was surprised to receive the same advice from each of them: Gain experience in sales … » More …

Winter 2001

Rucks consistently responsive to WSU needs

“We knew it would help students who were struggling.” —Jim Ruck

Last spring alumnus Jim Ruck of Everett made Washington State University an offer it couldn’t refuse. The chemistry graduate visited his old department and asked for a “wish list” of things the department could use. He made similar requests of Food Science and Human Nutrition (FSHN), Intercollegiate Athletics, and the WSU Libraries.

“In each case they found something they needed,” he says. “Given some choices, you look at what appeals to you and what would have the best value in your mind.”

Jim and his wife, Lee (née Neff), have made donations to … » More …

Winter 2001

Boosters of the Desert plan March luncheon

History professor and former department chair David Stratton will be the featured speaker at the 15th annual WSU Cougar Boosters of the Desert luncheon March 2 at the Desert Island Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California. His title will be “Coming in on a Wing and a Prayer.” Festivities will begin at 11 a.m. The golf classic will be played at the Rancho Mirage Country Club March 3.

Last March, more than 140 attended the luncheon in Rancho Mirage. Astronaut John Fabian (’62 Mech. Engr.) and President V. Lane Rawlins were speakers. Seventy participated in the golf tournament.

The boosters planning committee for the 2002 … » More …

Winter 2001

Mountain men

The father-and-son team of Ken and Jeff Christianson of Burlington climbed 19,340-foot Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania last May. By coincidence rather than plan, Jeff says, “we summited on my dad’s 49th birthday— May 14.”

The pair spent six nights on the mountain getting acclimated, then completed the climb in six days.

“It was more like a high-altitude trek, nothing technical,” Jeff says. They also climbed the third-highest peak on Mount Kenya, 16,355-foot Point Lenana.

During two years of climbing, Jeff has topped Mount Rainier (14,411 feet) twice—in 2000, when he also scaled Mount Baker and Mount Adams, and again last summer.

“We live in the … » More …

Winter 2001

Regents authorize new indoor practice facility

At its August 31 meeting, the Washington State University Board of Regents approved plans to move ahead on construction of a new indoor practice facility for varsity sports on the Pullman campus. Phase I construction on the $9.7 million project began in early October, and completion is expected by summer 2002. Site preparation and infrastructure were completed last spring between Bailey-Brayton Field and Ferdinand’s Creamery.

The facility will consist of an air-inflated fabric structure over playing surfaces to support practice for 14 of the 17 Cougar varsity sports. The primary surface will be a Mondo Track for track and field practice. A roll-out Magic … » More …