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History of University

Washington State University mascot Butch Cougar greets a young boy in a winter coat
Fall 2022

Happiness is…

 

The lovable, iconic mascot Butch T. Cougar always brings smiles and laughs to Coug fans with his antics on field and court at Washington State University. High-fiving 90-year-olds and hugging kids, crowd-surfing the student section and riding his three-wheeler at football games, dancing to marching band tunes and cheering on the teams⁠—Butch shares joy wherever he goes, ever since the first WSU students put on the suit in 1976. And it’s more than just sports. Butch’s visits to charity events, weddings, schools, and holiday gatherings around the state are guaranteed to light up the place. Dean N. Grevé (’81 Comm.) was the first student dedicated to … » More …

Radio equipment at Washington State College in 1923
Fall 2022

Wonders of wireless

Twenty years before Washington State University established its first radio station, the school—then Washington State College—began experimenting with the new technology of wireless telegraphy.

Here’s a short timeline of events leading up to the establishment and first broadcast of the school’s radio station in 1922.

1901—Hubert V. Carpenter introduces wireless telegraphy to the WSC campus. He builds a wireless installation in the basement of the Administration building, now Thompson Hall. Due to a noisy and distracting spark plug, the device is later moved to a wooden shack where the CUB now stands. A student named Ed Keyes (1909 Elec. Eng,) assists with the set up.

» More …

NCAA-TitleIX logo
Fall 2022

Reflection: On 50 years of Title IX and the state’s equal rights amendment

Four years after Title IX was enacted, I headed off to WSU, hoping to study journalism and run track. At that point, I hadn’t even heard of Title IX, the landmark legislation that codified gender equity in education, though it probably played a role in my high-school sports career. It may be why the cross-country coach had to let a few of us girls turn out with the boys’ team—because we didn’t have one of our own.

I barely remember how I found my way onto the track team. In my memory, I saw a notice on a bulletin board and showed up for the … » More …

Summer 2022

Keeper of The Coug: A Q&A with Bob Cady

Bob Cady doesn’t remember the first time he went to The Coug. But the College Hill institution played an important role in his undergraduate experience.

The Cougar Cottage, commonly called The Coug, served as the backdrop for countless meetups and celebrations with friends. Cady had such fond memories of the place that he bought the business 18 years ago. This year, it celebrates 90 years in operation.

Opened in 1932, The Coug has served generations of Washington State University students and alumni. Here, Cady (x’00 Hosp. Busi. Mgmt.) talks about its history, appeal, and plans for celebrating its ninetieth anniversary.

When was the first … » More …

WSU mascot Butch in fatigues with ROTC woman in weight room
Summer 2022

The tradition of WSU Cougar Battalion

Since 1892, Army ROTC—the Cougar Battalion—has continuously been a key part of what is now Washington State University.

The Department of Military Science was one of the eight original departments at the Washington Agricultural College. Military science courses were required for all male students as part of the Morrill Land Grant Act until 1976, when an all-volunteer military was established. An estimated 10,000 students have participated as cadets and WSU ROTC has produced over 7,000 lieutenants for the US Army.

Timeline of WSU Army ROTC (PDF)

 

Notable Cougar Battalion moments, leaders, and cadets

January 13, 1892: The … » More …

woman in a t-shirt that looks like the wall of The Coug
Summer 2022

90 Years of Memories of The Coug 

It’s been a Coug tradition since 1932.

The Cougar Cottage, widely and simply known as The Coug, celebrates 90 years this year. Festivities begin in August with the annual painting of the interior east wall for a new class of Cougs to make their marks.

Here, fans of The Coug share some of their favorite memories of the Pullman institution.

 

Birthday Facetime

Grace Johnson grew up going to The Coug.

She’s been coming to Pullman—her dad’s old stomping grounds—for as long as she can remember. During those family weekend trips—usually for a football game and the chance for her father, Eric Johnson (’84 … » More …