WSU leaders had the opportunity to thank U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers for her continued support for the university during her nearly two decades representing eastern Washington in the House of Representatives as she heads into retirement.
The Congresswoman has been a long supporter of WSU, and a trusted partner in advancing priorities for the WSU System and its students, faculty, staff, and research enterprise.
WSU was represented by faculty, staff, and leaders from the Pullman and Spokane campuses who shared examples of the many contributions the Congresswoman made in their college, program, or research portfolio. The group highlighted the impact she has had over her tenure.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to thank Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her support of Washington State University during her long tenure representing eastern Washington,” said President Kirk Schulz. “Her support has enabled us to improve educational delivery and research activities across the university while ensuring that our students are ready to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our state and region.”
“I am grateful to Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers for her ongoing support of our students and our institution,” said Daryll DeWald, executive vice president for WSU Health Sciences and WSU Spokane chancellor. “Her leadership and advocacy on behalf of WSU’s research endeavors, in addition to her support of our growing health sciences programs across the state, will ensure that Washington is poised for success for years to come.”
The Congresswoman has always made time to meet with WSU students, faculty, researchers, and staff visiting Washington, D.C., and was a frequent visitor on campus. She was instrumental in supporting WSU research in areas like Pacific Northwest Herbicide Resistance Initiative and the ASCENT program which WSU co-leads to advance sustainable aviation fuel research here in Washington.
Congresswoman McMorris Rodgers played a crucial role in securing funding for the WSU Pullman Safety Enhancement Project. The funding is being used to make improvements to campus safety in Pullman, including installing security cameras in high-risk areas and adding exterior door access control management to primary academic buildings.
WSU deeply appreciates and respects Congressman McMorris Rodgers’ commitment to public service and to eastern Washington. As she transitions to her next phase of life, we will always consider her a member of the WSU family.