June 23, 2020
Dear New Cougar Graduate:
It is with much sadness and regret that we write to let you know we
have decided to cancel the in‑person commencement ceremonies scheduled
at all of our campuses later this summer.
This is not a choice that any of us wanted to make. It was a decision not
easily made nor quickly reached. But in consideration of the state’s COVID‑19
guidelines for resuming group activities and our own abundance of caution in
protecting the health and safety of the entire Cougar community, we feel it
is the right decision.
We know that many of you will be unhappy or frustrated with this
decision. We understand and empathize with those feelings. All of our
lives have been upended by the pandemic these past few months, and not
holding these ceremonies creates more disappointment.
But know that canceling commencement takes nothing away from your
accomplishment of earning a degree. You persevered in the face of one of
the most challenging times in modern history to reach this life milestone.
The Cougar spirit you have shown is inspiring. Your willingness to
work hard to succeed—no matter the obstacles—demonstrates
the tenacity of WSU graduates to the world. It also bodes well
for your future.
There’s no doubt the world needs Cougar spirit more than ever. And your
willingness to confidently step up and tackle our shared challenges fills
all of us with hope. Hope for today, and hope for our shared future.
Again, congratulations on your graduation, and best wishes for your
future. Stay in touch with your alma mater. We are here to support you
throughout your life journey, and you’re always invited back home. May WSU
and the Coug family be a continuing source of hope as we face the future,
together.
Go Cougs!
Kirk Schulz
President
Bryan Slinker
Interim Provost and Executive Vice President
Elizabeth Chilton
Incoming Provost and Executive Vice President
Lisa Calvert
Vice President for University Advancement and CEO of the WSU Foundation
Asif Chaudhry
Vice President for International Programs
Pat Chun
Director of Athletics
Dave Cillay
Vice President for Academic Outreach and Innovation and Chancellor, Global Campus
Daryll DeWald
Vice President of Health Sciences and Chancellor, WSU Health Sciences Spokane
Theresa Elliot‑Cheslek
Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer
Mary Jo Gonzales
Vice President of Student Affairs
Sandra Haynes
Chancellor, WSU Tri‑Cities
Christine Hoyt
Chief of Staff, Office of the President
Chris Keane
Vice President for Research
Colleen Kerr
Vice President for External Affairs and Government Relations
Mel Netzhammer
Chancellor, WSU Vancouver
Stacy Pearson
Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Sasi Pillay
Vice President for Information Technology Services and Chief Information Officer
Paul Pitre
Chancellor, WSU Everett
Phil Weiler
Vice President for Marketing and Communications
Dori Borjesson
Incoming Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
Lisa Gloss
Dean, Graduate School
Mel Haberman
Interim Dean, College of Nursing
Larry (Chip) Hunter
Dean, Carson College of Business
Matthew Jockers
Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
Mary Koithan
Incoming Dean, College of Nursing
Mark Leid
Incoming Dean, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Linda Garrelts MacLean
Interim Dean, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Robert H. Mealey
Interim Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine
M. Grant Norton
Dean, Honors College
Bruce Pinkleton
Dean, Edward R. Murrow College of Communication
Mary Rezac
Dean, Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Jay Starratt
Dean, Libraries
John Tomkowiak
Founding Dean, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
Mike Trevisan
Dean, College of Education
André-Denis Girard Wright
Dean, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences
