Your support gives students the tools they need to succeed.

Two Ways to Give

The Graduate School Dean's Fund

Donations to the Graduate School directly support graduate student research, field experiences, and professional development opportunities. The first $1000 in donations will be generously matched by Kathy Kitto and Dennis Waller.

Ross Travel Grant

The Dean Ross Endowment established by Dr. J. Alan & Dorothy C. Ross funds graduate student travel to present their research, scholarship, and creative work at professional meetings and conferences.

When you donate to the Graduate School, your gift continues to give for generations to come. Here is a taste of our students' impact.

MARS, UP CLOSE

While completing his Master of Science degree in Geology, Darian Dixon helped develop daily operations plans for the Mars Curiosity rover. Working with Melissa Rice, assistant professor of Planetary Science, his thesis examined the capabilities of the camera equipment that will be on the Mars 2020 rover.

EDUCATORS BECOMING LEADERS

Students who complete Woodring’s Master of Education in Educational Administration may also earn the residency principal certificate. Educators who already have a master’s degree may pursue an initial superintendent certification at Woodring. Annie Parker, Assistant Principal at Salmon Bay K-8 School, says of her experience at Western: “All the instructors are real-world professionals, ranging from veteran principals and district directors to current superintendents, who support learning in the present educational context. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to complete Western’s program that is built for working professionals who want to pursue their goals while maintaining their full-time roles.”

A CHANGE OF CAREERS

After studying biochemistry and psychology as an undergraduate at Western, Ian Smith worked in quality assurance in the beverage industry. But his dream was to be a doctor and biomedical researcher. Drawn by the opportunity to work closely with faculty mentors, he returned to Western for graduate school. In Professor Clint Spiegel’s lab, he used X-ray crystallography to study the molecular structure of an engineered human/porcine blood coagulation factor that can play a role in improving treatment for hemophilia A. Now, Smith is in medical school at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences.

ACQUIRING AN EXPANSIVE VIEW OF BUSINESS SUCCESS

While earning her MBA, Janis Vander Ploeg-Wolfe worked as a graduate assistant in Western’s Small Business Development Center, which offers free management advice to local businesses. She got an insider’s view of what a well-run business looks like, and she is now the operations manager for a large physical therapy clinic. 

Your generosity supports the success of Western's graduate students and their impact in Washington and beyond. Thank you!