WSU alumni have a well-earned reputation for stepping up to serve their communities long after graduation. From mentoring teens to funding local programs, these proud Cougs translate school spirit into community action. In fact, WSU alumni support of community initiatives refers to the many ways Washington State University graduates give back—through volunteer service, charitable donations, mentorship, and leveraging their Coug network to uplift others. It’s all about transforming Cougar pride into positive change beyond campus.
Cougar to the Core: Even as students, Cougs learn to “Pay It Forward.” Now as alumni, you can keep that tradition alive. 👉 Want to make a difference today? Donate to Cougs 4 Kids to fuel mentorship programs, or volunteer your time and inspire the next generation. 🚩
Cougar Leadership in Action
Cougs 4 Kids is guided by an incredible group of Cougar alumni who are shaping our strategy and impact. Dr. Craig Parks, a 33-year faculty member at WSU, and Steve Nadig, a 1985 WSU Electrical Engineering graduate, are both deeply involved in leadership roles on our Alumni Advisory Board. Craig currently serves as VP of Policy, Risk, and Compliance, while Steve brings vision and insight to his role as VP of Strategy and Operations.
Just last week, members from our Alumni Advisory Board traveled to Pullman for a strategic planning session led by Jared Webster, Project Manager at Cougs 4 Kids. This collaborative meeting brought together Cougar alumni from multiple generations: Mitchell Johnson, a 2010 WSU graduate, facilitated a deep-dive session on budgeting, while Kiana Mulqueeny, Chair of the Alumni Advisory Board for the WSU Alumni Association Chapter in San Francisco, led impactful discussions around fundraising.
Perhaps the most energizing presence in the room was Marcus Trufant who joined forces with Shawn Davis, VP of Marketing and Fundraising. Marcus serves as the face of Cougs 4 Kids. His role goes beyond brand recognition—he represents and advocates for youth across the region at events throughout the WSU campus. Marcus’s message during the strategy session was heartfelt and powerful: “Every kid should have a Coug in their corner.” His leadership and visibility continue to inspire our team and elevate our mission.
From College Pride to Community Impact
According to The Princeton Review, WSU’s alumni business network ranks #7 in the nation—a testament to the strength and reach of the Cougar family. This isn’t just about networking events and Cougar gear. It’s about alumni leveraging their professional influence and resources to support causes like Cougs 4 Kids. With over 250,000 WSU alumni across the globe, the potential for community transformation is exponential.
Nationally, studies show that alumni who feel connected to their alma mater are more likely to give financially, volunteer, and participate in local outreach. A report by the Annual Giving Network indicates that strong alumni engagement correlates with increased philanthropic giving, especially when graduates are engaged through targeted, mission-driven campaigns.
That’s why programs like Cougs 4 Kids resonate so deeply. It’s not just about giving back—it’s about carrying the WSU legacy forward by investing in the next generation.
CougsFirst! and the Power of the Cougar Network
CougsFirst!, an alumni-driven business directory and professional network, exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit and loyalty of WSU graduates. Events like the upcoming CougsFirst! Spokane showcase Cougar-owned and affiliated businesses, create job opportunities for students and alumni, and foster local economic development across Washington and beyond.
These events do more than celebrate success—they cultivate connections that empower Cougs to do more good. Whether it’s a small business owner hiring WSU interns, a donor funding a mentorship camp, or a volunteer stepping up to coach youth, the Cougar network makes community impact scalable.
CougsFirst! serves as a hub for alumni who want to support one another personally and professionally, and many of these businesses are now becoming key sponsors and partners of Cougs 4 Kids.
Looking Ahead: Our First Summer Camp in 2026
We’re thrilled to announce that in summer 2026, Cougs 4 Kids will host its inaugural summer camp—pairing WSU students with youth who need mentorship and connection. This milestone reflects years of planning, dedication, and Cougar-powered momentum. With guidance from alumni like Craig, Steve, Marcus, and others, and the engagement of our broader WSU community, we are confident this camp will ignite lifelong change for the kids we serve.
With leadership from the Cougar Impact Society and support from WSU student-athletes, this immersive summer camp experience will help kids from marginalized backgrounds build confidence, learn life skills, and form lasting bonds with mentors who believe in them.
Why Now? Why You?
With so much momentum building toward 2026, now is the time to get involved. Whether you’re based in Seattle, Spokane, Pullman, or anywhere nationwide, there are powerful ways for Cougs to step up:
Sponsor a child to attend our 2026 mentorship camp
Join the Cougar Impact Society to pledge monthly support
Support our presence at CougsFirst! events to connect with like-minded alumni
Share your story as a WSU graduate who gives back
Partner your business with Cougs 4 Kids for visibility and impact
Cougar to the Core means taking action. You can Donate today, volunteer your time, or even nominate your Cougar business to support the next generation.
Final Thoughts
Together, Cougs are building a legacy of mentorship, inclusion, and hope. And with every step, we’re proving: once a Coug, always a Coug—and always ready to lift others up.
References:
The Princeton Review ranked WSU’s alumni business network as #7 nationally. (Source: CougsFirst!)
Studies on alumni philanthropy show higher alumni participation rates often inspire greater gifts from major donors. (Source: Annual Giving Network)
Volunteerism and mentorship are shown to improve youth confidence, academic achievement, and leadership skills. (Source: MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership)
Statistics on the importance of alumni engagement to nonprofit growth. (Source: Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE))
One-Time Gift
Make a one-time donation today and help empower youth through impactful mentorship and leadership programs.
Cougs 4 Kids Crew
Join the Cougs 4 Kids Crew and pledge regular support to sustain ongoing youth mentorship and community projects.
Join Impact Society
Contribute a major gift to the Cougar Impact Society and create lasting change with life-changing impact for youth.