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Summer 2024

History of University

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 …

pizza
Spring 2022

Fast food faves

Every Coug likely has memories of eating with friends in college days. Many a meaningful, or just amusing, conversation has been a side dish for fast food on campus,

From cafés near residence halls to the food court in the CUB, there have been plenty of options for grabbing a quick bite over the years.

Here are some of the favorite places to eat at Washington State University, from the past to today…

 

From the earliest days of Washington State, many residence halls and Greek houses had shared meals and more formal dining. Students, faculty, and staff still wanted to gather on campus outside … » More …