Donor Stories

Learn how others have made an impact through their acts of giving to our organization and others.

Lloyd Walworth: Leaving a legacy of music
Lloyd Walworth: Leaving a legacy of music
Lloyd Walworth, ('69), grew up steeped in music. He sang in church choirs and played the baritone horn in his high school band.
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After Lives Well Lived, a Couple Creates New Scholarship For Future Teachers
After Lives Well Lived, a Couple Creates New Scholarship For Future Teachers
John and Mary Polikowsky spent long, happy careers teaching art and English. Now, thanks to their incredible foresight and generosity, more WWU students who dream of becoming teachers will get their chance, too.
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Dale Durrwachter: Celebrating a Lifetime of Gratitude Toward Western
Dale Durrwachter: Celebrating a Lifetime of Gratitude Toward Western
Alaska resident and retired educator, Dale Durrwachter grew up on an isolated homestead deep in the Washington woods west of Port Angeles.
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A Legacy of Support for ALL—Michou Yenokida
A Legacy of Support for ALL—Michou Yenokida
How to Use Your IRA for Good: Support Western with a Gift from Your IRA
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Staying On Track: Haley Taylor and the Susan Joy Stevens Scholarship Endowment
Staying On Track: Haley Taylor and the Susan Joy Stevens Scholarship Endowment
When she died in 2017, beloved coach and gifted athlete Susan Joy Stevens left behind a warm family, grieving students, many close friends, and...
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Karen Chaudiere ('81)
Karen Chaudiere ('81)
Karen Chaudiere ('81) worked exceptionally hard for a good education, starting in high school. She took a loan from a family...
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Charlie and Susan Brown
Charlie and Susan Brown
Charlie and Susan Brown ('01) have strong ties to Western that began more than two decades ago. Susan began her journey at Western in 1997. In 2001...
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Setting Students up for Success: The James and Kathleen Edris Scholarship
Setting Students up for Success: The James and Kathleen Edris Scholarship
James Edris's journey at Western Washington University began at Fairhaven College in 1967 when...
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A Career of Caring: Jane Greer
A Career of Caring: Jane Greer
For someone who "never ever" wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps and become a teacher, Jane Greer sure changed her mind in a big way.
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Inspired Coach Inspires Athletes—and Gives Back in a Big Way
Inspired Coach Inspires Athletes—and Gives Back in a Big Way
Michael Pittis, a 1968 WWU alumnus and long-time supporter of Western, has recently designated a significant portion of his IRA to The Foundation for WWU & Alumni aiming to...
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A Thoughtful Gift: James Diedrick
A Thoughtful Gift: James Diedrick
Professor, scholar and noted film and literary biographer James Diedrick, ’73, B.A., English, began at Western in the political turmoil of 1969.
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From Student to Benefactor: Joyce Feldmiller's Enduring Impact on Western Students
From Student to Benefactor: Joyce Feldmiller's Enduring Impact on Western Students
Late in life, Joyce Feldmiller reflected on her accomplishments and joys, fondly remembering the friends she made and the scholarship support that...
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A Legacy of Harmony: Sheran Fiedler's Gift to Music Education
A Legacy of Harmony: Sheran Fiedler's Gift to Music Education
For Sheran Fiedler (M.M., PhD, Northwestern University), music education wasn't just a career; it was a calling. For more than 33 years, she ignited a passion for music in countless...
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Elizabeth Joffrion’s Enduring Gift to Western Libraries
Elizabeth Joffrion’s Enduring Gift to Western Libraries
As Director of Archives and Special Collections at Western Libraries, Elizabeth “Beth” Joffrion has spent her life safeguarding cultural memory. With a planned estate gift...
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