Eagles Give Newsletter: Winter 2023

Dear Eagles,

Gratitude and love are words we might not think about that often. How do we write about and express them? On this last day of February, the month where we celebrate Valentine’s Day, I write to you to share my thoughts about Eastern Washington University from a grateful and loving place. I am a product of EWU, having graduated in 1992 with my degree in Applied Psychology. Back then, I wanted to be a teacher like my mom (also an EWU grad). Instead, my journey led me down another path. I found myself in a childhood development class, which led to my first internship and job at an addiction center. From there, I went on to become an adolescent counselor, did some stints in fundraising and marketing and am now back at my alma mater. I am grateful for my journey, with its winding roads, nonprofit board service, the connections I’ve made – and continue to make – and the love of EWU. Sure, it is still a job, but I chose to apply, and they selected me. I am grateful each day to work with fascinating people and collaborate to solve the challenges ahead. As we move toward Giving Joy Day, on April 3, I want to thank you for contributing to Eastern and recognize the winners of the Philanthropist of the Year award. Congratulations to Bill Youngs, PhD, a longtime EWU professor of history whose generosity is inspiring a generation of student researchers, and to Barbara Shields, an amazing alumna who is making a difference for student-athletes and communications majors. (They will be recognized at the upcoming 1882 Honoring Outstanding Eagles event.) To our supportive Eagle community, we offer heartfelt gratitude for the love you bring to our university.

Go Eags!

Barb Richey ’92 & ’99 |
Vice President and Executive Director

Eagle Strong

Alumni Sweethearts Provide Gift that Keeps on Giving

Ken and Kathy Privratsky

Ken and Kathy Privratsky are difference-makers. Her work as a trailblazing speech-language pathologist and his work as a logistical expert who rose to the rank of major general in the U.S. Army, could easily translate into a best-selling documentary. Still, throughout their many awards and accomplishments, this couple has made life about service to others. Now, in retirement, the couple is supporting the next generation of difference-makers.

Read about Their $25,000 Matching Gift

Eagle Impact

Numerica Opening Doors for Students

A group of people smiling.

Numerica Credit Union dedicated a scholarship in honor of Sandy Williams, a beloved civil rights activist and community champion who died in a seaplane accident, last September. Learn about the Williams fund and meet Johanne McClenahan and Nikita Foster – students who are closing in on their degrees thanks to Numerica and its members.

Amerigroup Washington Scholarship to Help the Helpers

Exterior of Sutton Hall in the winter.

Amerigroup Washington recently provided Eastern with a $50,000 gift to create the Amerigroup Rural Medicine Scholarship. The fund will support EWU students earning a Master of Social Work degree who plan to serve as mental health professionals serving schoolchildren in rural Washington districts.

Giving Joy Day – Eagles Helping Eagles

On Monday, April 3, EWU will kick off our annual Giving Joy Day.

This year’s celebration seeks to rally Eagle support from all 50 states to help fund scholarships for hardworking students like Janeli Sanchez, creating access to educational opportunities that lead to professional success and upward mobility.

Help EWU raise $400,000 to fill financial gaps and keep our talented students on track to graduate.

Learn How You Can Help