Skip to main content Skip to navigation
Spring 2023

Memoir

Spring 2023

Helen Szablya in her own words

Helen Szablya’s recent memoir details her escape from Communism in her native Hungary, her time at Washington State University, and then her roles as an honorary consul to Hungary.

Szablya and her family fled their home country of Hungary and its Communist regime in a harrowing journey under the cover of night in 1956.

They traveled to Austria, Canada, and then to Pullman, Washington, where Helen received a degree, her husband John was an engineering professor, and they raised their family.

She tells the full story in the second volume of her memoir, From Refugee to Consul. Adriana Janovich, associate editor of Washington State Magazine, … » More …

Summer 2022

Larkin Campbell: A view from the middle

animated podcast logoVIEWSCAPES: EPISODE 14

October 19, 2022

Larkin Campbell calls himself an unknown actor. Now the Washington State University alum takes us behind the scenes of a life in Hollywood, not as a celebrity but as someone who loves the industry even if only a few recognize him.

Larkin Campbell

In this episode, Larkin talks about his WSU memories, getting into the acting business, and playing Coach Shane in the 125th episode of The Office, as husband of … » More …

Blanca Blanco WSU interview session
Summer 2022

Q&A with Blanca Blanco

Actress and model Blanca Blanco (’03 Psych.) recently released Breaking the Mold, a memoir she wrote during the pandemic lockdown.

And, at the end of April, Blanco was the keynote speaker at La Alianza de WSU Alumni Weekend and Gala in Pullman.

Here, she talks about growing up in Chelan, breaking into the TV and movie industry, escaping the 2018 Woolsey Fire, and more…

 

You were born in California, moved to Mexico at a young age, then returned to the US, arriving in Washington state at age 9. What are some of your earliest memories of growing up in Chelan? It was … » More …

Summer 2022

Q&A with Larkin Campbell aka “Coach Shane” on The Office

Larkin Campbell (’91 Comm.) details his struggles and successes as an undiscovered actor in Los Angeles in his new memoir A View from the Middle. Here he talks about his time at WSU, writing his book, trying to land parts, and more.

What led you to write your book? Most of my friends down here are actors and directors and people that have worked in the business. And we were sitting around telling stories one night, and I told, I guess, one really good one. Or maybe I was funny that night. I don’t know what happened. But my friend who is a published … » More …