Eagles Give Newsletter: Winter 2026
Dear Friends,
Donors like you power the hands-on opportunities that prepare Eastern graduates to launch into career‑track roles. Over the past eight years, EWU supporters have come together to give more than $36 million to ensure Eastern students can access applied learning experiences. Thank you for this life-changing support!
Consider the difference this makes for students like Jessica Avalos. Jessica is independently funding her college education while juggling the demands of nursing school and long shifts as a barista. The Proud Eagle Nursing Scholarship—created by alumni to honor our health care heroes—changed everything. The support allowed her to trade operating an espresso machine for working as a nursing technician, accelerating her professional development and helping to alleviate a nursing shortage.
Your investment in students like Jessica pays dividends that span a multitude of lifetimes. Because Eastern graduates deploy their skills to strengthen workplaces and communities – and even save lives.
Thank you for investing in our Eagles!
Laura Thayer MSC ’19
AVP for Philanthropy, EWU | Interim Executive Director, EWU Foundation
Building the Future
Delta Dental Makes $1 Million Gift to Bolster EWU Dental Programs
Delta Dental’s generous gift will help create an EWU dental education hub in Spokane’s University District. The hub will provide hands-on learning that addresses a workforce shortage while providing affordable dental care to people in need.
Eagle Impact
Occupational Therapy Students Thank Bill Youngs For His Kindness
Eastern’s longtime history professor and champion of national parks is back in action after a serious health scare. Youngs, who credits knowledgeable occupational therapists for helping him overcome obstacles and get back on his feet, created a scholarship fund to help Eastern’s budding OTs earn their degrees.
Design Students Work With Itron Experts on Innovative Sign Project
With a wood background, colorful acrylic ribbons and a QR code linking to Itron’s job posting site, this isn’t your typical recognition sign. EWU students say being involved in this applied learning project helped develop skills that enabled them to land professional jobs right out of college.
Giving Joy Day is April 2-3
In 2016, EWU Foundation team members Pat Spanjer and Kelli Hills created Giving Joy Day, which raises funds to create opportunities for students.
Over the past nine years, Eastern Eagles have come together to help countless students better afford college, manage emergencies, and gain vital applied learning experiences that lead to good-paying jobs. Thank you so much for this life-changing support!
Although Pat recently retired after 21 years at Eastern, her legacy continues. Join in the Giving Joy Day movement by sharing a social media post, spreading the word and/or making a gift.
Visit EWU / Give to learn how you can help or explore giving options that build a legacy at ewulegacy.org.
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