Dear Friends,

You did it! In 1,882 minutes of celebration on Giving Joy Day, April 3, your gifts to support scholarships and university programs totaled $501,770!

Your generosity expanded an emergency fund that keeps students enrolled even as they experience hard times. You also fully endowed scholarship funds honoring professors Steve Blewett and Sally Winkle, as well as Activist in Residence and Eagle Pride funds.

Thank you for helping to provide transformative learning experiences for Eastern students! 

On June 15, the 2024 class of Eagles will don their caps and gowns and celebrate their achievements in career fields ranging from accounting and education to visual arts. Many are the first in their families to earn a life-changing bachelor’s degree – and they stand ready to make a difference. 

You can help EWU students fulfill their dreams of a college education. Your gift today means more opportunity for tomorrow’s Eagles.

Thank you!

Linda Safford | Senior Director of Annual Giving
EWU University Advancement

Eagle Strong

Every Step of the Way

You’ve made the dream of a college degree a reality for our Eagles, opening doors to a transformational education and providing assistance when hard times threaten their ability to stay on course. We thank you profusely – and so do our students!

Read More

Eagle Impact

Future Teachers Help Kids Become Better Readers

EWU is graduating a class of educators who are well-prepared to help elementary students improve their reading skills, thanks to an experiential capstone at Grant Elementary School.

Learn More

Prairie is Set for Restoration!

Prairie restoration is moving ahead full force after several seasons of student-faculty research charted a sustainable – and cost-effective – path forward. Gifts from generous supporters like you got the tractor engine running!

Read More

Eastern’s Hello Walk has a story to tell. Follow the red brick pathway leading to Showalter Hall and you’ll notice stories – plenty of them.

Short and sweet, the personalized red bricks honor the memories and accomplishments of students, alumni, faculty and staff. You can give a brick as a shout-out to a new graduate, pay tribute to a club or friendship, and even share your own story. The sky is the limit when it comes to honoring Eagles.

Bricks in our historic walkway campaign are available for a donation of $100 for graduating seniors and their families; $200 for alumni and individuals, and $500 for corporations.

Learn more by visiting our Brick Campaign webpage.

Something amazing is in the works at EWU!

We are going to announce some exciting news on Friday, Oct. 18. It’s news that we can’t wait to share with our Eagle community – especially generous supporters like you.

EWU’s Homecoming will feature fireworks during the football game, along with other donor-sponsored activities throughout the week.

Jessica Avalos

Jessica Avalos grew up in the agricultural community of Grandview, Washington as one of 11 children in the family. Her parents were strict about education – something they did not have the opportunity to complete themselves. Ultimately, this first-generation college student and her siblings were told, “Your happiness is what matters most.”

Jessica has found that happiness in preparing for a career in healthcare. When she was in middle school, she wanted to become a surgeon, but instead moved to Spokane after high school to live with family and pursue pre-med at EWU. She joined the first cohort in the new School of Nursing in the fall of 2023.

Diversity was also a draw for Jessica. “Eastern made it easy to get to know people,” she says. And while her first semester was hard, she is grateful for her professors and Department Chair Donna Bachand, who have listened and responded to student needs.

Bachand supported Jessica and fellow student Brooklyn Parkey in establishing the Eagle Nursing Student Association, to assist future nursing students as they prepare for careers in the Spokane region.

Jessica received the Proud Eagle Nursing Scholarship, which allowed her to move from part-time employment as a barista to working as a nursing technician while she finishes her degree.

“I really needed it,” she says appreciatively. “The Spokane housing market is so expensive, but this scholarship helped me to remain in stable housing while I changed jobs to work in my field.”

Established by alumni donors Kathy and Ken Privratsky, the Proud Eagle Nursing Scholarship Fund honors the heroic sacrifices of doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, while helping students in their home community to earn nursing degrees and inspire others.

Jessica hopes to someday meet the Privratskys and thank them in person. “They sound like such amazing and generous people,” she says. “I can’t believe they would do this for me, but I am so happy that they did.”

Brooklyn Parkey

“I love being an Eagle!”

When Brooklyn Parkey was seven years old, her mom went back to school to become a nurse – all while raising four children at home.

“I admire her so much,” Brooklyn says. “I never thought about how hard that was!”

Brooklyn graduated from high school in Spokane and enrolled at EWU. When she learned that Eastern would open the School of Nursing in the fall of 2023, she was excited that she did not have to transfer schools, and could remain an Eagle.

Upon learning that she had been awarded the Proud Eagle Nursing scholarship, Brooklyn recalls being excited: “With a scholarship, I can work less and focus more on my studies,” she says.

Established by alumni donors Kathy and Ken Privratsky, the Proud Eagle Nursing Scholarship Fund honors the heroic sacrifices of doctors and nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic, while helping students in their home community to earn nursing degrees and inspire others.

When Brooklyn graduates, she plans to stay in Spokane and follow in her mother’s footsteps, helping to meet the health-care needs of families in our region. And like her older siblings, who are also Eastern alumni, Brooklyn’s sister plans to enroll in the School of Nursing having been inspired by her mom and sister in a family of proud Eagles!

Happy Valentine’s Month, Eagles!

I want to share a fun story of philanthropy and love with you this go around of Eagles Give.

Did you know that quite a few students meet their forever person while on campus or as alumni out in the world? We have thousands of couples who share Eagle-inspired love stories.

Jon and Karen Heimbigner, longtime supporters featured in the story below, are preparing to celebrate their 53rd year of marriage in June. Another alumni couple recently shared that they loved their time at Eastern so much, they also want to give back by creating an endowment – and did so in three payments. At EWU, to begin an endowment fund is $5,000, and it costs $25,000 to build out an endowed named fund. (Visit our Ways to Give webpage to learn more.)

Speaking of ways to give…Please mark your calendar for Giving Joy Day on April 3. Our goal is to raise $500,000 to help students realize a life-changing degree.

Thank you for being a well-loved member of our Eastern community – and go Eags!

Barb

Barb Richey ’92 & ’99 | Vice President and Executive Director
EWU University Advancement and EWU Foundation

P.S. Visit our Giving Joy Day website to learn how you can help.

Eagle Strong

Alumni Sweethearts Share a Love of Eastern

Jon and Karen Heimbigner are familiar faces to many. The longtime businessman and high school teacher have made a difference for others throughout their 53-year marriage. Now, after decades of giving to EWU, the couple have taken their philanthropy to the next level with a large gift that established the Jon and Karen Heimbigner Scholar Athlete Fund.

Read More

Eagle Impact

Risograph Machine Sparks Artistic Wave at EWU

Funders stepped up to help EWU’s Design Department purchase a unique ‘digital screen printer’ out of Japan and to fund four rotating residencies. The resident artists will unlock the creative potential of this unusual machine and share what they learn with students and the larger community.

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Professor’s Legacy Has Touched Generations of Students

When Gwen Cash-James came to work at Eastern last year, little did she know that one of her duties would be to oversee the awarding of the Florence and Earle Stewart Endowment. As a student, in the mid 1990s, Cash-James herself received two classics from the fund – books she cherishes to this day.

Read More

Giving Joy Day – Eagles Like You to the Rescue!

On Wednesday, April 3, EWU will celebrate our annual Giving Joy Day. 

This year, Eagles will once again be out in full force for Giving Joy Day. As always, this red-and-white holiday is about raising funds that open doors for an affordable, transformational education for students of all backgrounds.

We are grateful for your support! We invite you to join us in contributing to scholarship and program funds on April 3. Your gift will provide opportunities and eliminate roadblocks for hardworking students like Jessica Avalos and Brooklyn Parkey, who will go on to make a difference in our community.

Visit our Giving Joy Day website to meet future nurses Jessica and Brooklyn and learn how you can get involved. 

Eagle Endnotes

Alumni G.O.L.D.
Graduates of the Last Decade Paying it Forward 

Big Sky Championships, March 9-13
Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams to Compete

Eastern Magazine Fall/Winter Issue Online
Eagle News for You

Dear Friends,

Today is GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities.

As fundraisers for EWU, we are honored every day to engage with people like you who understand the value of doing acts of service for others. You know this university provides amazing value to students of all backgrounds and that, even so, earning a college degree is expensive and our students face a myriad of challenges.

Your scholarship support gives students the extra wind they need under their wings to graduate! So, THANK YOU for giving to EWU!

In this issue of Eagles Give, you will learn about different – and sometimes unique – ways that EWU supporters are unleashing the transformative power of an Eastern education.

For instance, anonymous donors lit up Roos Field with a fireworks’ display at the 100th Homecoming Football game. They believe shared celebration buoys the college experience for students and knits our alumni together as an intergenerational Eagle Nation that keeps our university – and regional community – strong.

If you have a special giving idea of your own, please reach out and let us know. Your EWU philanthropy team is here to help you make your own transformational gift.

Happy Holidays – and Go Eags!

Laura Thayer | AVP for Philanthropy
Lthayer3@ewu.edu | 509.359.6901

Visit ewu.edu/give to learn some of the many ways you can give – and help us reach our GivingTuesday goal of raising $100,000!

Eagle Strong: Community Makes the Difference

We may be biased, but we think that helping students at Eastern Washington University earn a brighter future is one of the best GivingTuesday causes around.

In honor of GivingTuesday, we are asking you to make a gift to support hardworking students like Hailey Arland and Alex Moomaw – students who will go on to make an impact as professionals and community members. Our students are your neighbors, coworkers and friends.

Read the Full Article

Eagle Impact: Gift Lights up the Tower

You heard it right! Our friendly yet somewhat predatory Eagle on Eastern’s iconic water tower recently got lit. Visible from the ground, and from passing aircraft overhead, this illuminating gift enhances Eagle spirit for students, alumni and the larger community.

Read the Full Article

EWU Near-Peer Mentorship Gets a Boost

Eastern Washington University recently received a $100,000 grant to send Aspire student mentors into Spokane-area high schools to help improve postsecondary enrollment rates. Bring on the Eagles!

Read the Full Article

Longtime Eagle Gives Back

Lance Kissler, who earned two degrees from Eastern and rose to the rank of associate vice president of University Relations as an employee, recently made a major gift to ensure that the Eagle Pride Center continues to provide a safe space for students to thrive.

Read the Full Article

Eagle Endnotes

Eagle Store | Holiday Sale
Help Students | Make a Year-End Gift to Eastern
STCU Sponsorship | Makes Future Teacher Send-Off Possible
Nursing Program is Home | SIERR Opening Celebrates Support

Hello Eagles,

I am ecstatic to shout from the top of Dressler Hall (just kidding – I’m scared of heights) that we are nearing our 100th homecoming week celebration, Oct. 16-22!

Our 100th homecoming week is a remarkable milestone that calls for a momentous gathering of generations of Eagles – Eagles who roamed the same halls of our beloved institution and kept the traditions we celebrate today alive.

The centennial homecoming is an opportunity to reflect on the growth and progress EWU has achieved, from its humble beginnings to the amazing institution it stands as today.

As we reach out to share the news of this historic celebration, we continue to support our friends, family members and fellow Eagles impacted by wildfires. In doing so, we honor our own legacy of community – and grit.

Back in 1891, and then again in 1912, fires devastated the Cheney campus, gutting buildings and destroying classrooms and precious student records. Both times, devastation gave way to hope as dedicated groups of people came together to rebuild the university.

When I find myself reminiscing about the countless memories, friendships, and transformative experiences that EWU provided for me – I feel gratitude for the people who stood fast amid tragedy to rebuild Eastern and create a legacy for generations to come.

As we celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime 100^th Homecoming Anniversary, I encourage everyone to participate. Here are a few ways to get involved:

• Attend the 100th Anniversary Week Festivities 
• Spread the Word
• Share Your Alumni Stories
• Engage with Students
• Contribute to the Legacy

I look forward to reuniting with all the Eagles who join us on campus in October and contributing to the continued success of EWU during this historic homecoming celebration. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of our alma mater shines brightly for future generations. 

Go Eags! 

Kelsey Hatch-Brecek | Director of Alumni Relations

Eagle Strong Camp Gets Kids Excited About STEM

Barbie dolls went bungee jumping and microbes were everywhere! Thanks to a grant from the EWU Board of Trustees and seven professors who volunteered their time and talents, the university’s first-ever Girls+ STEM camp was a smashing success.

Read the Full Story

Eagle Impact – MultiCare Touts EWU Dental Hygiene

After providing a generous grant in support of equipment and other needs for EWU’s nonprofit Dental Hygiene Clinic, MultiCare created a video and newsletter story about the clinic’s impact in the greater Spokane community.

Read the Full Story

Scholarship Helps Hardworking Single Dad

Kevin Uyekawa, entering his senior year in mechanical engineering, does a lot of juggling between school, work and raising a 5-year-old son. Thanks to a scholarship from the EWU Retirees Association, Uyekawa can stress less about covering tuition and expenses and focus more on being a dad and finishing his degree.

Read the Full Article

Baseball Club’s Gift a Hit With EWU Mariachi

Members of Mariachi Las Águilas (The Eagles) performed at Avista Stadium for Hispanic Heritage Night and were then invited onto the field to accept a scholarship donation from the Spokane Indians baseball club.

Read the Full Story

Eagle Endnotes
EWU Eagle Grants Provides $37,000 | Supporting Student Success
EWU 100th Homecoming Anniversary | Calendar of Events
Go Eags! | Football Schedule is Available

Dear Friends,

Today is GivingTuesday, a global generosity movement that unleashes the power of people and organizations to transform their communities.

As fundraisers for EWU, we are honored every day to engage with people like you who understand the value of doing acts of service for others. You know this university provides amazing value to students of all backgrounds and that, even so, earning a college degree is expensive and our students face a myriad of challenges.

Your scholarship support gives students the extra wind they need under their wings to graduate! So, THANK YOU for giving to EWU!

In this issue of Eagles Give, you will learn about different – and sometimes unique – ways that EWU supporters are unleashing the transformative power of an Eastern education.

For instance, anonymous donors lit up Roos Field with a fireworks display at the 100th Homecoming Football game. They believe shared celebration buoys the college experience for students and knits our alumni together as an intergenerational Eagle Nation that keeps our university – and regional community – strong.

If you have a special giving idea of your own, please reach out and let us know. Your EWU philanthropy team is here to help you make your own transformational gift.

Happy Holidays – and Go Eags!

Laura Thayer | AVP for Philanthropy
Lthayer3@ewu.edu | 509.359.6901

Visit EWU/Give to learn some of the many ways you can give – and help us reach our GivingTuesday goal of raising $100,000!

We may be biased, but we think that helping students at Eastern Washington University earn a brighter future is one of the best GivingTuesday causes around.

In honor of GivingTuesday, we are asking you to make a gift to support hardworking students like Hailey Arland and Alex Moomaw – students who will go on to make an impact as professionals and community members. Our students are your neighbors, coworkers and friends.

Read More

Eagle Impact

Gift Lights up the Tower

You heard it right! Our friendly yet somewhat predatory Eagle on Eastern’s iconic water tower recently got lit. Visible from the ground, and from passing aircraft overhead, this illuminating gift enhances Eagle spirit for students, alumni and the larger community.

Read More

EWU Near-Peer Mentorship Gets a Boost

Eastern Washington University recently received a $100,000 grant to send Aspire student mentors into Spokane-area high schools to help improve postsecondary enrollment rates. Bring on the Eagles!

Read More

Longtime Eagle Gives Back

Lance Kissler, who earned two degrees from Eastern and rose to the rank of associate vice president of University Relations as an employee, recently made a major gift to ensure that the Eagle Pride Center continues to provide a safe space for students to thrive.

Read More

Eagle Endnotes

Eagle Store | Holiday Sale
Help Students | Make a Year-End Gift to Eastern
STCU Sponsorship | Makes Future Teacher Send-Off Possible
Nursing Program is Home | SIERR Opening Celebrates Support

As an only child of parents raised during the depression, Claire Schneck, ‘69 learned to work hard and spend wisely. Her father was a meticulous machinist with a keen eye for detail. Her mother managed the family home and volunteered for the war efforts. Education was important to them, so Lester and Luella made sure that Claire had the resources to go to college through the family’s savings and Claire’s summer job earnings.

“Growing up, my parents taught me the value of hard work and a good education. I am proud to honor them with endowed scholarships at Eastern by giving through my IRA and my estate plans.” Claire Schneck, ‘69

Claire excelled at Eastern—both in the classroom and through community service. She graduated from Eastern Washington State College in 1969 with a bachelor’s in Education, then taught elementary school until an early retirement.

When preparing her will, Claire was inspired to direct her hard-earned savings to make an impact. Her estate gift honors her parents for perpetuity with endowed scholarships at EWU: Lester Schneck Manufacturing Technology Scholarship, Luella Schneck Honors Scholarship and the Claire Schneck Education Scholarship. As a special tribute to her father, Claire’s estate plans also include a provision to establish the Lester Schneck Excellence Fund to support the machining lab and manufacturing technology student projects for perpetuity.

A few years later, with estate plans in place, Claire was inspired to start her scholarships early. By directing her IRA required minimum distribution to Eastern, Claire reduces her taxable income and gets to see the impact of her scholarships through her lifetime.

Jon (’70) and Karen Heimbigner (’69) believe in the transformative nature of an EWU education and the power of athletic competition to build community region-wide.

“We are proud to support EWU Athletics by giving directly through our IRA. We lower our taxable income, while supporting our favorite teams. It’s a win for everyone!”

The Heimbigners are a multi-generation EWU family, beginning with Jon’s father, who earned his teaching degree while farming and raising his family in Odessa. Two of their three children, a daughter-in-law and Jon’s youngest brother all earned degrees from EWU. The Eastern tradition continues today with their grandchildren.

Though they attended Eastern at the same time in the late 1960s, Jon and Karen didn’t meet until after college. Karen earned a bachelor’s in home economics at Eastern, and then later pursued a teaching certificate and other advanced teaching credentials to support an outstanding career as a highly regarded teacher and leader in her profession. Jon earned a bachelor’s degree in finance, minor in economics at Eastern, then immediately pursued his next goal—earning all five certifications from the American Institute of Banking. Combined with his competitive nature, Jon’s education opened the door to a long and successful career in the banking industry and beyond.

Jon credits his higher education, and especially his EWU experience, with growing a shy farm kid into an engaged professional and community leader.

Throughout his life and into his senior years, Jon has excelled as an athlete, competing in track and field, basketball, tennis and softball. His passion for excellence and competition also spurred his involvement in the community. Since the early 1970s, Jon and Karen have made community service an integral part of their lives, serving as volunteer leaders, coaches and mentors with several regional sports organizations.

As alumni and fans, the Heimbigners remain deeply involved with EWU as long-time football tailgaters and season ticket holders for football, basketball and volleyball. In 2012, they received the EWU Alumni Association’s highest recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award, for their professional achievements and lifelong community service.

Their generous contributions support scholarships for student athletes, who exhibit outstanding character and rank as academic leaders in the Big Sky Conference.