WSU Alumni Association Scholarship Programs

Together, we can do more!

WSU alumni are proud of the Cougar tradition of working hard, persevering, and excelling.  Many alumni credit the success they've had in life to the leadership opportunities and experiences they had on campus.  The WSUAA's Student Scholarship program is unique at WSU by supporting incoming students who have exhibited strong leadership characteristics as well as solid academic performance.  The WSUAA Scholarship program is designed to help more students -- from a greater variety of diverse backgrounds -- receive a world-class education at WSU.  Leadership may be demonstrated through traditional school and community involvement and volunteerism, or student-organization participation.  The ultimate goal of the program is to help the student leaders of today become the career and civic leaders of tomorrow.

Since 1980, the WSUAA has awarded more than $1,700,000 in scholarship assistance to hundreds and hundreds of deserving students.  Helping outstanding students receive a world-class education at WSU and providing educational opportunities for the next generation of leaders, benefits us all.

The generosity of thousands of WSU alumni and friends has helped to make a genuine difference in the lives of many outstanding students through their support of the WSU Alumni Association Student Scholarship program.  Making a gift to the WSUAA Scholarship program can make a positive impact in a student's life and is a great way to give back to the University you love.  Call 1-800-ALUM-WSU or email wsualum@wsu.edu to request more information.

Alumni Association scholarship awards are coordinated specifically through the Alumni Association.   For any questions with the process, please contact Carrie Neppel at cplucker@wsu.edu or (800) 258-6978.

Scholarship Programs for Incoming WSU Students

Alumni Association Leadership Awards

The WSU Alumni Association Leadership Awards provide financial assistance in the form of scholarships to incoming freshmen students who have distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership qualities and academic excellence. All students who have shown outstanding extracurricular and community involvement, in addition to motivation and scholastic ability, are encouraged to apply to the WSU Alumni Association for a student leadership scholarship at Washington State University. The WSU Alumni Association welcomes those from diverse cultural and academic backgrounds.

The primary focus of this award is leadership. Leadership may be demonstrated through traditional school activities, work responsibilities, community involvement, church-related activities, and family commitments. The WSU Alumni Association seeks to recognize the accomplishments of youth leaders and endeavors to encourage and support potential leaders.

Seniors attending an accredited high school with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better and who have submitted the WSU Application for Academic Scholarships to the Office of Scholarship Services are eligible. You must receive an offer of admission to WSU, or already be a WSU student, to be offered an award from the WSU Alumni Association.

Phillip and June Lighty Leadership Awards

The Phillip and June Lighty Leadership Award provides full out of state tuition for an incoming freshman who has distinguished themselves through outstanding leadership qualities and academic excellence.  The scholarship is renewable. The primary focus of this award is leadership, which may be demonstrated through traditional school activities, work responsibilities, community involvement, church-related activities, and family commitments.  The award recognizes the accomplishments of youth leaders and seeks to encourage and support potential leaders.

Seniors in an accredited high school outside the State of Washington, with a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or higher are eligible for the award.

Scholarship Programs for Current WSU Students

Skagit, Whatcom, San Juan and Island Counties Leadership Award

This goal of this scholarship is to provide an award to one or more deserving students, preferably of Junior, Senior or Graduate student standing currently enrolled at WSU, to offset the expense of attending college. Applicants must be a graduate of a high school in Skagit, Whatcom, Island or San Juan counties (or a graduate of Stanwood HS who resided in Skagit or Island County).  Any one or a combination of collegiate academics, need, leadership, or community service or campus activities will be considered in the selection process.  Please note that ONLY academics, and activities engaged while attending WSU will be considered.  Applicants must carry a full academic course load and hold a minimum GPA of 2.5.    A $1,000 award will be applied to the selected student’s account during the academic year.

Junior, Senior Leadership Awards

The goal of this award is to provide one or more deserving student leaders with a scholarship to offset the cost expense of college. Applicants must be either Junior or Senior standing, and currently enrolled at WSU. Applicants should also have had a member of their immediate family (parent, sibling or grandparent) graduate from WSU.  Any one or a combination of collegiate academics, need, leadership, or community service and campus activities will be considered in the selection process.  Applicants who are currently serving their fellow WSU students through University leadership positions are strongly encouraged to apply. Please note that ONLY academics, and activities engaged while attending WSU will be considered.  Applicants must carry a full academic course load and hold a minimum GPA of 3.3.   A $1,000 award will be applied to the selected student’s account during the academic year.

Wine-by-Cougars Viticulture and Enology Award and Internship

The WSU Alumni Association’s Wine by Cougars scholarship award is designated specifically for students certified in either of two majors—a) Viticulture and Enology or b)Hospitality/Business Management.  This scholarship includes both an internship opportunity and a monetary award. The goal of the scholarship is to provide students with first-hand knowledge and industry skills, by working directly with the winery.  Business Management students will focus on collaboration with the marketing and sales teams; while V&E majors will work with the winemaker and vineyard manager.  A $1,000 award will be applied to internship credits/fees during the academic year.

If you’d like to find out more about our Wine by Cougars program, please visit their web site.
 
PLEASE NOTE:  This award has a different application procedure than other Alumni Association scholarships. Please follow the instructions carefully: 

To apply, please send us a cover sheet with your name, cumulative overall GPA and GPA in your major, your hometown, any experience that you might have in your major already, and your response to the following question: 

"What are your career goals and how might you help enhance the reputation of Washington State University and its impact on the state’s booming wine industry?"