Your gift today—or your monthly pledge—to this fund or to the Eagle On Fund (or another fund of your choosing) becomes part of something much greater. You’re building a brighter future for all.
Be Transformational This Giving Tuesday
As the holiday season approaches, we’re reminded that every gift can have an indelible impact on the world.
One act of kindness can become a living legacy that transforms lives, both today and in the future. On this special day of giving, Eagles need to look no further than the profound generosity of our own graduates.
In August 2020, the EWU Doctor of Physical Therapy Class of 2023 began their journey to becoming physical therapists—six feet apart, behind masks and safety glasses, in a world shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic.
But what they remember most isn’t the social distancing. It’s the grief.
During their three years at EWU, this cohort faced what felt like an unusually high—and profoundly unfair—number of family deaths and terminal diagnoses.
Many students missed class, postponed exams, and traveled long distances to say goodbye or honor their loved ones. Alongside the emotional toll came financial strain, including travel costs, lost income, and the expense of funeral attire—stressors that made an already demanding program even harder.
To ease unexpected burdens for future students, the EWU DPT Class of 2023 established the Living Legacy Fund.
By providing financial support during times of loss, the students hope to give others the freedom to grieve, heal, and continue their education without compromise. This is their living legacy: ensuring no student walks alone through life’s toughest moments.
On Giving Tuesday, Let’s Build the Future Together!
Share in transformational student success
Foster a sense of belonging and support continuous learning
Be part of EWU’s regional impact
Engage with the EWU community
Giving Thanks
Thank you for standing together, believing in the power of community, and choosing to give back on this special day. You are building a better, brighter future. Go Eags!
"Someone I never met donated to the scholarship that helped me. Now I can help someone else facing great challenges than I did. I’m proud that I can do my part.”
Employee Giving
For nearly 20 years, a longtime EWU staff member has supported the university through her dedicated work in Academic Affairs.
Above and beyond her many contributions as an employee, Leslie Swannack regularly makes gifts that support the university and its students.
Over the years, Swannack has supported the Eagle Athletic Fund, Stadium Renovation Fund, Eagle On, Eagle Strong, the Eastern and University scholarship funds, and numerous other funds that provided scholarships and support to help students overcome obstacles, explore interests, and build a path to life-changing careers.
After watching countless students follow their curiosity, step into new challenges, and discover passions that shape their lives, she recently decided it was time to take an academic journey herself.
“I’ve always wanted to learn Japanese,” Swannack says. “I just never had the time.”
That changed when her son moved to Japan. “I wanted to be able to connect in his new home and better understand the culture he is now surrounded by,” she says. So, Swannack enrolled in Japanese classes at Eastern, becoming a student once again.
What began as a personal goal quickly turned into something deeply rewarding. “The faculty are fantastic,” she says.
“There’s daily speaking practice and real interaction, not just with my classmates, but with native speakers who often visit class. I’m learning so much!”
The experience has reminded Swannack of what makes EWU such a special place to learn: small class sizes, dedicated professors, and an environment that encourages curiosity at every stage of life.
Though Swannack has long worked behind the scenes to support academic programs, being in the classroom has given her a new perspective.
“It’s shown me just how much work faculty do that I never saw before,” she explains. “They’re intentional about every lesson, every activity. The learning is so hands-on and so personalized for every student.”
This insight has deepened Swannack’s appreciation for her Eastern colleagues and for the university that has been her home for nearly two decades.
“Eastern gives us so much,” she says. “If you study here or work here, you should support EWU. We’re all part of the same mission—to make learning possible.”
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