Spring/Summer 2025 – Eastern Magazine

Back Story

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:14:50 +0000

Nurturing Talent: Created to honor Ronald E. McNair, the heroic astronaut and physicist who perished in the 1986 Challenger disaster, for the past 30 years 51��’s federally funded TRIO/McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program has helped dozens of talented first-generation, low-income and otherwise underrepresented undergraduates prepare for graduate programs that lead to careers as professors and professional researchers. This image, made in the early 2000s, shows McNair Scholar Yolanda Valencia ’02 during a student research presentation. Valencia, now a professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, completed her doctorate at the University of Washington.

Rising to Challenges

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:42:36 +0000

51�� is the region’s polytechnic. We are the region’s oldest university. And we remain, proudly, a place of possibilities. We’ve become all of these things because every day we ask one essential question: What will help our students succeed?

This past year has tested us: from Executive Orders that threaten our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, to uncertainty in financial aid, grant support and the state funding that helps us keep tuition the lowest in Washington.

Through it all, we have remained clear and united in our focus: the students who choose Eastern as their place to learn, grow and build a future.

Each spring, I’m honored to deliver my favorite speech of the year: my commencement address (at Reese Court!). I always send our graduates off with one final assignment — stay rooted in who you are. Don’t chase someone else’s version of success. Define it for yourself, and build a life that reflects your values, your purpose, your dreams.

That’s an assignment I take to heart in my own work. I define success by how I lift up those around me. My purpose is ensuring higher education is accessible to all — not just legacy students or those with perfect GPAs or deep-pocketed families. I want Eastern to serve the dreamers and doers, the first-generation and the underserved, the artists and the scientists, and yes, the proud third and fourth-generation Eagles. That’s why I hold our faculty and staff — and myself — accountable for closing equity gaps, maintaining a student-ready campus, and preserving both affordability and academic excellence.

And our people rise to that challenge every day. Faculty are mentoring students through applied research that is already making a difference in our region. We’re graduating desperately needed new nurses. We’re boosting student success in critical computer science and math courses through proactive, tailored support. And we’re actively taking inventory of our applied learning efforts so that students have meaningful, hands-on experiences that prepare them for what’s next.

Our impact isn’t just reflected in today’s students — it lives on in our alumni. Every day, Eagles are out there improving communities, shaping policy, standing for what’s right and living out the dreams they began building here at Eastern. Alumni like Greg Deckard, Darby McLean, state Sen. Matt Boehnke and so many others that you’ll meet in this magazine who each remind us of what is possible when we stay focused on our mission.

I’m incredibly proud of the Eastern family — our students, faculty, staff and alumni. Together, we are transforming lives and shaping the future of our region. And we’re just getting started.

Shari McMahan, PhD

51�� President

Chemical Hunters

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:42:13 +0000

Eagle students join the effort to measure local PFAS contaminations.

51�� geosciences students Basil Lund [left] and Cadence Meier-Grolman collect lake water samples near Spokane County’s West Plains. Photo by Chad Pritchard.

With grant support from the Washington Department of Ecology, an 51�� professor and his team of student researchers are leading a project to measure the spread of potentially harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — the “forever chemicals” more commonly known as PFAS — to sources of drinking water on the West Plains.

The $450,000 grant covers the cost of testing private and public wells, and other water sources, for PFAS concentrations, says Chad Pritchard, the 51�� professor of geosciences who serves as the project’s principal investigator. The grant has also helped the team acquire state-of-the art groundwater modeling software needed to create 3-D water flow maps, to fund student travel and to cover other expenses.

“If you go to most universities, these kinds of research projects would be given to master’s or PhD students,” says Pritchard. “But here, we push our students to the next level as undergraduates. And that’s why they get hired and have great futures.”

Polyfluoroalkyl substances were developed in the 1940s to repel oil and water while resisting heat, qualities that made them particularly valuable in firefighting. This was especially true at airports, where PFAS-containing foams were developed to extinguish flames and contain flammable vapors after crashes.

Unfortunately, in recent years the chemicals have been linked to harmful effects on humans and animals. And when media reports in 2017 revealed that PFAS foams had been used for decades at Fairchild Air Force Base and Spokane International Airport, there was concern, soon borne out by testing, that forever chemicals might have compromised nearby water sources.

The work by Pritchard and his students is helping to discover the extent of that contamination, while providing a path to safe drinking water — and potential clean-up support — for residents of impacted properties.

Mapping contamination and conducting testing is ongoing. But so far the 51�� team have collected samples from close to 150 private wells — along with water from local lakes, rivers and streams — and submitted them for evaluation. Most sites have tested within state limits. Some properties, however, especially those located closer to known sources of contamination, have not. For those households, the 51�� team has been following up to help residents gain access to resources for water deliveries and filtration systems.

That has “brought a lot of people peace,” Pritchard says.

Eagle Care

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:41:55 +0000

51��’s first class of nurses is ready to make their mark.

School of Nursing graduates Mia Rogers (left) and Chloe Jones.

In the PNW and across the nation, a persistent shortage of nurses remains a big problem for hospitals, clinics and the patients who depend on them. According to recent data from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, this year more than 295,000 nursing jobs will go unfilled in the United States. Washington is among those states most impacted.��

Eastern’s School of Nursing is just two years old, but it’s already doing its part to fill the gap. In May, the school celebrated its first class of graduates, with all 40 students who entered the program — 37 of whom are from right here in the state of Washington —�� earning their BSN degrees.

The new graduates include many students who are the first in their families to attend college. Some come from rural farming communities, others are from large cities. This range gives them a unique perspective on the healthcare needs in communities throughout our region, says Donna Bachand, the 51�� professor of nursing who was instrumental in establishing the school.

And that’s not all, Bachand adds. They are also, as a group, exceptionally strong in a quality essential to success in the nursing profession: caring.

“They support each other emotionally, they support one another academically and they seem to genuinely care about one another,” Bachand says. “That’s the culture that we wanted to build here in the School of Nursing — and I’m so pleased to see that.”

Shari McMahan, Eastern’s president, says that when the BSN program was launched university leadership envisioned a future where 51��-trained nurses would make a big difference in our region.

They support each other emotionally, they support one another academically and they seem to genuinely care about one another,” Bachand says. “That’s the culture that we wanted to build here in the School of Nursing — and I’m so pleased to see that.”

“Today, with the graduation of our first cohort, that future is here,” McMahan says. “I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for our students, our faculty, and the communities they will now serve.”

And, in fact, over the past two years, the students have already made meaningful contributions, even while successfully pursuing their studies.

This past semester, for example, students completed their capstone clinical work at facilities from the
Tri-Cities to Coeur d’Alene, including all the major hospitals in Spokane and Spokane Valley.

Bachand liked the results.

“Everywhere we go in the community, we are welcome. And I think it’s because of the reputation that Eastern has,” Bachand says. “It’s not just because they need nurses, I think they really want Eagle nurses.”

Classification Boost

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:41:41 +0000

Eastern’s new RCU status will open doors for grants, research collaborations.

For decades, innovations and discoveries from 51�� faculty researchers have brought big benefits to our state and region. Now, for the first time, those contributions have earned Eastern’s inclusion in the Carnegie Foundation’s classification of research-intensive colleges and universities.

Since its introduction in 1973, the Carnegie Classification has become “foundational in a variety of research and policy uses nationwide,” according to a recent report by the American Council on Education.

But even as its prominence has risen, the report continued, so have concerns that the classification was failing to account for the important work done at regional institutions — particularly those, like 51��, that do not award doctoral degrees.

A classification line-up change aims to fix this. Instead of just including colleges and universities with “high” and “very high,” levels of research and PhDs awarded, this year a third category has been introduced: Research Colleges and Universities, or RCUs.

Eastern qualified for RCU status after its annual research and development activities exceeded the $2.5 million spending threshold required by Carnegie. University research administrators say the recognition is a big step forward.

“It’s so huge,” said David Bowman, dean of Eastern’s College of STEM. “In one sense, it’s an acknowledgement of what we already do — student-centered research that is based on the teacher-scholar model. But more importantly, it opens up opportunities for us to obtain new resources, new grant possibilities, and new collaborations and research opportunities for our students.”

Eastern was notified of its RCU designation earlier this year. The official announcement came in April.

“We’re just so pleased,” Bowman added. “Eastern is an institution that has long prized quality teaching. And in our STEM fields especially, we teach through doing research with our students: hands-on, engaged research.

“That’s what the RCU classification means to us, an acknowledgement and endorsement of that work. It’s fantastic.”

Rave Reviews

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:41:27 +0000

The Prom earns accolades from a noted regional publication.

The Prom, a musical-theater production staged last year by 51��’s Theatre, tells a timely story any social media influencer could appreciate: a group of fading New York celebrities seek to revive their careers by glomming on to the plight of a young woman who is told she can’t bring her girlfriend to the high school prom.

The production’s run, with its powerful music, poignant messaging and artful choreography, was a big hit with audiences. It was also, as the student cast and its director, Angela Rose Pierson, learned later, deemed a triumph by BroadwayWorld Seattle. This spring the publication honored The Prom with five awards in their annual regional theater competition: Best Direction of a Musical, Best Choreography, Best Lighting Design, Best Music Direction and Orchestra Performance, and Best Theatre for Young Audiences.

“These are amazing accolades for us,” says Aspen Cullen, the senior theatre major who starred in the play. “I think the award that meant the most to me was the one mentioning us being the best theatre for young adults. That is the truest thing! 51�� Theatre allows for open discussion, success and a joy for theatre.”

The Prom was a part of 51��’s 2024 winter season, premiering on March 8. Staging the musical provided students working with sets, costumes, lighting, sound and other production essentials an opportunity to apply their skills and talents.

BroadwayWorld is a New York-based theater publication that recognizes theater productions across the nation. Its regional awards recognize productions, touring shows and other theater-related works based on votes cast by audiences and theater-community members.

This is the first time an Eastern production has been so honored. “The Prom was a very special production that was always timely,” says Sara Goff, 51��’s director of theatre. “We are proud of the artistry of the entire production team and honored to be recognized for telling the stories that need to be told.”

Giving Joy, National Parks Edition

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:41:10 +0000

A gift opens doors for students aiming to study ‘America’s best idea.’

Professor Bill Youngs with two of his 51�� students.

Giving Joy Day is an annual fundraiser that — along with its other worthy goals — aims to encourage a joyful approach to building financial support for Eagle students. This year’s event, held on Eastern’s 143rd birthday, was its most successful ever, with donor’s committing more than $900,000 by day’s end.

Among the more notable contributions was that of 51��’s own Bill Youngs, a long-serving professor of history with a keen scholarly and personal interest in our nation’s public lands.��

Youngs’ 2025 Giving Joy Day gift provided funding to establish the “Youngs Endowment for National Park Studies,” a program that will provide resources to students seeking to experience both work and study in these treasured natural landscapes.

Though the creation of the endowment was a closely guarded secret, the big Giving Joy Day reveal didn’t surprise Youngs’ friends and former students. Not only is Youngs’ philanthropic bent well established, his parks-related scholarship is respected across the nation. What’s more, in recent years he has become well known for an online history course that is often taught from inside the boundaries of the very parks he’s highlighting.

“I care about the National Parks because they are beautiful in their own right and because their founding is the result of some of the best instincts in American public life,” Youngs says. “It may sound corny, but when I think of the parks, I think of the reverential tone of America the Beautiful —�� of ’crown thy good with brotherhood, from sea to shining sea.’ ”

The endowment will take Youngs’ passion for national parks and experiential learning a step further, says Shari McMahan, 51��’s president, opening doors for students of all backgrounds to gain knowledge and build careers — all while helping care for this precious public resource.

“Dr. Youngs has spent his entire career investing in our students, and this endowment is an incredible extension of that commitment,” McMahan adds. “Thanks to his generosity, more students will have the chance to learn by doing, whether in our national parks or other real-world settings. We’re so grateful for all he has done, and continues to do, for 51��.”

Serving Those Who Served

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:40:52 +0000

51�� earns national recognition for its support of veterans.

Showalter Hall’s Room 122, home to the 51�� Veterans Resource Center, is more than just an office. As Eastern’s home for student veterans, it’s a welcoming bridge between the military life and college, a place to come together to reestablish the camaraderie and common purpose that distinguishes those who serve in our nation’s armed services.

Now, the nation is taking notice. 51�� has been named one of the Military Support Colleges of Distinction for 2025, an honor recognizing institutions that go above and beyond to support military-connected students. 51�� is one of only three universities in Washington state to receive this recognition.

In their citation of Eastern and the other designees, the Colleges of Distinction organization said the recognition is meant to salute institutions working to overcome “the unique challenges military students face on college campuses” nationwide. “These institutions are proud to support and cultivate the skills that military students bring to the classroom, all while helping them achieve their personal and professional goals.”

At the heart of the center’s success are its experienced staff, who collectively have over 25 years of expertise in guiding students through the complexities of VA education benefits and Department of Defense tuition assistance.

The support goes beyond paperwork. 51�� offers seven annual scholarships specifically for veterans and service members, along with several state-supported tuition waivers and a policy of granting in-state tuition for military-connected students who are not state residents. Each of these areas of support aims to ensure that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of veterans’ paths to graduation.

“The transition from military to college life can be challenging, but 51�� makes it easier,” says David Millet, a former commander of 51��’s Army ROTC program who, since 2012, has served as the center’s director. “The VRC isn’t just a place to get help with benefits — it’s a community where we connect, study and support each other.”

Twice the Ride

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:40:28 +0000

Double-Decker busses will add a second floor to the Cheney commute.

One of STA’s new doubledecker busses on display at 51��’s PUB. Photo by Chris Thompson.

They’re sleek, futuristic and ready to bring the magic back to the commute from Spokane to Cheney.

“They” are seven shiny new Enviro500 double-decker busses, one of which made an introductory appearance in front of Eastern’s PUB in late April.

When the dedicated campus bus route debuted 55 years ago, grateful students soon dubbed the service “the Magic Bus.” Over the decades its charms have not waned. These days, in fact, both the main routes serving 51��— the 66 and 6 — are often standing-room-only during peak hours.

Hence the need for Enviro500s, which will join the fleet serving the university at the start of the next academic year.

According to the Spokane Transit Authority’s website, the Enviro500 “is the world’s best-selling three-axle double-decker bus,” dozens of which are already on the road “in major cities such as New York, Hong Kong and Dublin.” Here in our humble Cheney home, the busses’ biggest attraction may have nothing to do with their superior top-floor views: Each will seat 82 passengers, a significant boost over the capacity of even the articulated 60-foot buses that now ply the route.��

“One of the big motivators for the double-decker is the second story is full of seating,” says Dainon Setzer, business development manager at STA. “Standing from Spokane to Cheney or back makes for a long bus ride.”

And those riders? Is he confident they’ll see the magic? “Oh yeah,” Setzer says, gesturing toward a group waiting to tour the busses’ interior. “We’ve got people coming out when the bus isn’t even moving!”

Stepping Up for Eastern

creineke — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 17:40:11 +0000

‘Build Our Future: The Campaign for Eastern’ tops $75 million … and counting.

A display of 51��’s campaign goal at last year’s Red Tie Gala event.

In the few short months since 51�� announced the public phase of its first-ever comprehensive campaign, Eagles everywhere have rallied to support the university. To date, donors have stepped up to pledge more than $75 million of 51��’s $100 million goal, with more gifts arriving daily.

That willingness to “be there” for Eastern is not a surprise. Since the university’s earliest days, the generosity of its supporters has been woven into its DNA. “Build Our Future: The Campaign for Eastern” offers a unique opportunity for alumni and friends to cement their own Eastern legacy by adding their support to these already impressive totals. “Together, we are building a brighter future for our students and the communities we serve,” says 51�� President Shari McMahan.

Such a future, she adds, will be transformative for both Eagle students and the communities they will serve as graduates. “Our goal is to make an applied learning experience the hallmark of an 51�� degree, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to participate in hands-on learning that prepares them for a good-paying job and a meaningful career,” she says.