51¸£ÀûÉç

An art exhibit created by a student who lost everything in the Gray Fire, a $1 million grant from Google and huge wins for women’s soccer and women’s basketball are among the many stories at 51¸£ÀûÉç in 2024 that generated widespread interest and news coverage throughout the region.

The following represent a selection of the top stories:

From Ashes to Art: 51¸£ÀûÉç Student Transforms Loss into a Powerful Exhibit of Resilience

51¸£ÀûÉç senior Travis Truly turned personal tragedy into powerful art after losing his home and belongings in the Gray Fire. With support from 51¸£ÀûÉç’s Fine and Performing Arts Department, Truly created Things are Lovely, an interactive exhibit featuring over 150 ash-drawn sketches of his lost possessions, symbolizing resilience and shared grief. Read more.

51¸£ÀûÉç Launches Historic $100 Million Campaign to Transform Student Opportunities

51¸£ÀûÉç publicly launched its historic Build Our Future campaign at the annual Red Tie Gala, unveiling its goal to raise $100 million for transformative student-centered programs, initiatives and scholarships. Already $68 million strong, the campaign highlights 51¸£ÀûÉç’s commitment to hands-on learning, faculty excellence, and life-changing opportunities for students of diverse backgrounds. Learn more.

51¸£ÀûÉç Celebrates Grand Opening of MESA Student Center to Empower STEM Diversity

In November, 51¸£ÀûÉç opened the MESA Student Center, a dynamic hub supporting underrepresented students in STEM fields with resources and applied-learning opportunities. As the only university in Washington offering MESA support across all four undergraduate years, 51¸£ÀûÉç is committed to fostering academic and professional success in STEM for diverse communities. Read more.

51¸£ÀûÉç Expertise is Key to Expo ’74 Celebration

Nearly a dozen 51¸£ÀûÉç faculty, staff, students and alumni were involved in the celebration surrounding the 50^th anniversary of Expo ’74. Bill Youngs, longtime history professor and expert on this World’s Fair, was among the 51¸£ÀûÉç team who shared their expertise for news stories and commemorative community events. 51¸£ÀûÉç also hosted Expo ’74: Then and Now on the Cheney campus, exploring the lasting economic, cultural, and environmental impacts of Spokane’s world’s fair. Featuring expert speakers, an exhibit of Expo artifacts, and a memory digitization project, the series examines themes ranging from tribal participation and regional history to river conservation and restoration efforts. Find out more.

51¸£ÀûÉç’s Margo Hill-Ferguson Named Inland Northwest Woman of the Year

Margo Hill-Ferguson, professor and director of American Indian Studies at 51¸£ÀûÉç, was been honored as one of the Inland Northwest Women of the Year by The Spokesman-Review and Bank of America. A member of the Spokane Tribe, Hill-Ferguson is recognized for her impactful work advocating for tribal communities, environmental justice, and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People movement, as well as engaging students in hands-on learning projects that benefit rural communities and nonprofits, and working to organize community events for the Tribal Pillar, part of the Expo ’74 50^th Anniversary community celebration. Read more.

51¸£ÀûÉç Soccer Heads to First Conference Tournament Since 2019 Under Award-Winning Coach

Eastern Washington soccer capped off a stellar season by competing in their first Big Sky Conference tournament since 2019. Led by Coach of the Year Missy Strasburg, the team’s impressive year included six All-Conference players and four Player of the Week awards.

51¸£ÀûÉç Women’s Basketball Returns to NCAA Tournament After 36 Years

Eastern Washington women’s basketball secured their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1987 after defeating Northern Arizona in the Big Sky Tournament finals. The victory earned the team the conference’s automatic bid, marking a historic achievement for the program.

Ìý

Journal of Business Top 25 Highlights 17 51¸£ÀûÉç Alumni and Donors

The Journal of Business: 25 People of Influence list highlights prominent alumni and community partners who contribute to 51¸£ÀûÉç through leadership roles and philanthropy. Of the 25 CEOs and community leaders from the region who are featured, 17 are affiliated with 51¸£ÀûÉç including five alumni and 12 major donors.

51¸£ÀûÉç Awarded $1 Million Google Grant to Launch Cybersecurity Clinic

51¸£ÀûÉç earned a $1 million grant from Google.org to establish the 51¸£ÀûÉç Cybersecurity Clinic, part of a $25 million national initiative by the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics. The clinic will offer free digital security services to under-resourced organizations, providing hands-on learning opportunities for students while addressing critical community needs. Read more.

51¸£ÀûÉç Defines Polytechnic Education Centered on Hands-On Learning and Career Readiness

51¸£ÀûÉç is embracing its identity as “the region’s polytechnic,” combining hands-on, applied learning with a foundation in the liberal arts to prepare students for in-demand careers. With a focus on critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills across all disciplines, 51¸£ÀûÉç is redefining polytechnic education for the 21st century, strengthening partnerships with regional employers and expanding opportunities for students to gain practical, career-ready experience. Find more information.

Also, you can check out 51¸£ÀûÉç’s and accounts for year-end wrap-ups that will make you smile.

Look for more impactful accomplishments in the coming year from our students, faculty, staff and alumni.