Forever A Coug

“Once a Coug, always a Coug.”

That’s a favorite saying of Washington State University alumni, a group nearly 240,000 strong. Because getting an education at Washington State University is special. But it’s just the start.

Being a Coug leads to a lifelong connection with other WSU graduates

“Cougars advocate for each other and are genuinely happy when fellow Cougs succeed. It’s very supportive and uplifting.”
Anisa Ashabi, Global Campus; young-adult book author and content developer, Kitsap County, Washington

Powered by loyalty

“Cougs are willing to help out. You just ask, we will help.”
Cisco Masias, Pullman; account executive, Bonney Lake, Washington

And Coug pride

“I wonder, what would I be doing right now if I didn’t go to Wazzu? It’s such a joy to connect with current Cougs, and it brings me back to one of the best times of my life.”
Kellie Patterson, Pullman; president of the Sacramento, California, chapter of the WSU Alumni

“For me it was always WSU or bust, it was the only school I applied to. I felt connected to the campus and to the community the moment I stepped foot there when I was 14.”
Justin Ruane, Pullman; sales executive, Walla Walla, Washington

This Coug network helps land valuable internships

“When I left WSU I was able to have an internship at CNN in Washington D.C. because several other Cougs who had graduated before me had done that. They trusted that any student who came from WSU was going to be a good match.”
Susan Joseph Nielsen, Pullman; economic development specialist, Spokane, Washington

“I got my internships pretty easily when I was in college, just for being a Coug. A lot of people in the wine industry are Cougars so they like to hire Cougars.”
Kyle Welch, Tri-Cities; owner/winemaker, Richland, Washington

And jobs

“I’ve met many Cougs along the way who have helped me in my career. They’re always willing to give professional references and introduce you to other Cougs in different industries. It’s been really helpful to me as I decide where I want to go in my journey.”
Kristi Martin, Pullman; healthcare leader, small-business owner, DrPH candidate, Tacoma, Washington

“Friends I had made at WSU made an introduction and helped me get my first and second jobs. Professionally, being a Coug has done everything for me.”
Justin Ruane

Even a social life in a new city

“Even in a big place, you can find those connections and it makes the city a lot smaller.”
Ellen Price, Pullman; president of the Seattle-King County Chapter of the WSU Alumni Association

The Coug network stretches across the United States

“It gives a person who’s new to town somewhere to start. They can reach out and know there’s going to be a caring person there who wants them to succeed.”
Kellie Patterson

And around the world

“My wife and I went to Italy and were walking down the street in this tiny little village, and somebody gave us a ‘Go Cougs’. To be able to have that connection is something special.”
Justin Ruane

It’s true: Once a Coug, always a Coug

“That certainly applies not to just those who graduate from there. Once I was employed by WSU they were my school. I was proud to be associated with them.”
Charlene Clark, Spokane; former associate dean at the WSU College of Nursing

“Every time I got an internship it was through a Coug connection. My first corporate job was through a Coug friend. I wouldn’t be where I am without the Cougs, that’s the bottom line.”
Cisco Masias

“Being a Coug is having a strong sense of pride. I feel like I’m very loyal to Coug Nation.”
Ellen Price

“Cougs really look out for each other.”
Anisa Ashabi

“Regardless of whether I had met a Coug from 1988 or 2010… they’re always willing to help out, there’s this immediate connection we all have.”
Abu Hassan, Pullman; social media manager, Seattle, Washington

“Crimson all the way.”
Kyle Welch

WSU alumni holding up a we are WSU shirt.

Facing the challenge

At Washington State University, more than 60 departments are active in climate-related research, work that in many cases has been under way for decades.

Teaching outside the box

Chris Clarke uses TikTok to learn – and to teach. Explaining economics on TikTok has made Washington State University Assistant Professor Chris Clarke a bit famous.

A ball hurtles toward home plate. A batter swings. Contact. These are rituals of the ballpark. But to Professor Lloyd Smith and the researchers at Washington State University’s Sports Science Laboratory, they’re also matters of science.

WSU tracks emerging diseases in East Africa

Together with U.S. and international partners, WSU scientists identify, track and work to control emerging infectious diseases, and find new approaches to combat old diseases.

WSU Breadlab a whole-grain champion

The Washington State University Breadlab is a research station, a bakery, and a school. But mostly, the WSU Breadlab is a movement.

Cougs are “everywhere” in the Washington wine industry

The very existence of Washington’s wine industry is credited to the research done by WSU horticulturist Walter Clore.

A better world, thanks to Washington State University

Through research, education and outreach, and in collaboration with a range of partners, WSU is working on questions of the future, today.

Friendship. Purpose. Always.
Forever A Coug

“Once a Coug, always a Coug.” That’s a favorite saying of Washington State University alumni, a group nearly 240,000 strong.

Cougar Gold Marks 75 Years of Yum!

Enough cheese to satisfy loyal Cougs across the country. And enough to feed growing national acclaim for the sharp white cheddar in the iconic yellow-and-white can.

A healthier community is part of the curriculum at WSU Health Sciences

With community health at the forefront, the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, the College of Nursing and the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences are committed to improving the lives of the individuals, families and communities of Washington.

WSU Extension offers a CLEAR pathway to helping kids

CLEAR is just one of the many community-based programs offered by Washington State University Extension, an essential arm of the university that fulfills an historic mission to serve all of the state’s residents.

Our lives are better, thanks to WSU

Research at Washington State University affects the very rhythm of our days. WSU research and scholarship makes our sleep better, it makes the food we eat healthier, our water cleaner, the wine we drink more delicious. It improves our homes and our health.

WSU leading in the quest for cleaner air travel

WSU researchers in eight programs among three colleges on two campuses are exploring energy sources, testing, supply-chain logistics and policy in the quest for sustainable air transportation.