WSU Tri-Cities

Emergency Messages as of 1:35 PM, Sat. May 16

No information currently posted.

logo

Subscribe to receive FlashAlert messages from WSU Tri-Cities.

Manage my existing Subscription

News Release

Kennewick Public Hospital District Dedicates $20,000 To Social Work Scholarships For WSU Tri-Cities Students - 05/15/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities has received a $20,000 gift from the Kennewick Public Hospital District to establish scholarships for students pursuing careers in social work. 

 

The funding supports WSU Tri-Cities’ development of a new Bachelor of Social Work program, which aims to address the region’s growing need for qualified social work professionals. Social workers play a vital role in advocating for individuals and families across healthcare, education and other public institutions, often serving people from historically underserved communities. 

 

“We are very thankful to the Kennewick Public Hospital District for entrusting us with this generous gift,” said RoseAnne Droesch, director of the Bachelor of Social Work program. “These scholarship funds will help remove financial barriers for future WSU Tri-Cities students who are committed to helping people across the region. This support reflects our mission to expand access to social work education, strengthen the workforce in Washington state and prepare graduates who will address critical unmet needs. It sends a powerful message that their work matters and that our community stands behind them as they step forward on this educational path.” 

 

The donation is made possible thanks to the Paul G. and Mabel Richmond Endowment Fund, which the health district oversees. The Richmond family was deeply committed to strengthening healthcare services in the Tri-Cities and supporting students entering health‑related professions. Income generated by the fund allows the KPHD to continue investing in critical fields such as social work and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at WSU Tri-Cities. 

 

"We hope our $20,000 contribution eases the educational path for students in WSU’s first-ever social service program — allowing them to focus on their mission of providing care for those in need without worrying about how their bills will be paid,” said Wanda Briggs, longtime KPHD board member. “We strongly support higher education because it’s an ideal collaboration with partners throughout the Tri-Cities who strive daily to improve healthcare and access for everyone.” 

Kennewick Public Hospital District Dedicates $20,000 To Social Work Scholarships For WSU Tri-Cities Students - 05/15/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Washington State University Tri-Cities has received a $20,000 gift from the Kennewick Public Hospital District to establish scholarships for students pursuing careers in social work. 

 

The funding supports WSU Tri-Cities’ development of a new Bachelor of Social Work program, which aims to address the region’s growing need for qualified social work professionals. Social workers play a vital role in advocating for individuals and families across healthcare, education and other public institutions, often serving people from historically underserved communities. 

 

“We are very thankful to the Kennewick Public Hospital District for entrusting us with this generous gift,” said RoseAnne Droesch, director of the Bachelor of Social Work program. “These scholarship funds will help remove financial barriers for future WSU Tri-Cities students who are committed to helping people across the region. This support reflects our mission to expand access to social work education, strengthen the workforce in Washington state and prepare graduates who will address critical unmet needs. It sends a powerful message that their work matters and that our community stands behind them as they step forward on this educational path.” 

 

The donation is made possible thanks to the Paul G. and Mabel Richmond Endowment Fund, which the health district oversees. The Richmond family was deeply committed to strengthening healthcare services in the Tri-Cities and supporting students entering health‑related professions. Income generated by the fund allows the KPHD to continue investing in critical fields such as social work and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at WSU Tri-Cities. 

 

"We hope our $20,000 contribution eases the educational path for students in WSU’s first-ever social service program — allowing them to focus on their mission of providing care for those in need without worrying about how their bills will be paid,” said Wanda Briggs, longtime KPHD board member. “We strongly support higher education because it’s an ideal collaboration with partners throughout the Tri-Cities who strive daily to improve healthcare and access for everyone.” 

MEDIA ALERT: WSU Tri Cities Hosts STEM Discovery Day For 173 Finley Elementary Students — AWB Manufacturing Week Bus To Make Special Stop - 05/13/26

Richland, Wash. — Local media are invited to cover an exciting, hands‑on STEM Discovery Day at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, where 173 third‑ through fifth‑grade students from Finley Elementary will participate in a full morning of science, technology, engineering, and math activities led by WSU faculty, staff, and students. As a special highlight, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Manufacturing Week Bus will make a stop during the event as part of its statewide tour.

 

WHAT:

 

WSU Tri‑Cities STEM Discovery Day — a high‑energy, interactive STEM experience featuring activities such as rocket building, robot demonstrations, paper circuits, perception goggles, music technology, 3-D activities and more. This STEM outreach event is funded by a grant from Women Helping Women.
In addition, the AWB Manufacturing Week Bus will also be on site to showcase Washington’s manufacturing sector and engage students in hands‑on learning.

 

WHO:

  • 173 students from Finley Elementary School (3rd–5th grade)
  • WSU Tri‑Cities faculty, staff, and student volunteers
  • Finley School District teachers, support staff, and volunteers
  • Members of the funding partner, Women Helping Women
  • AWB Manufacturing Week Bus team

 

WHEN:

 

Thursday, May 14, 2026
Media are encouraged to attend between 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, when students will be rotating through STEM activities across campus.

Key moments for visuals/interviews:

  • 9:45 AM – Welcome at the Amphitheater
  • 10 AM – 12:25 PM – STEM activity rotations
  • 1 PM – STEM demonstration

WHERE:

 

Washington State University Tri‑Cities
2710 Crimson Way
Richland, WA 99354

Activities will take place across campus, including the Amphitheater, Collaboration Hall, and various classrooms in the Elson S. Floyd building.

 

WHY:

 

This event provides elementary students with early exposure to STEM fields through hands‑on, inquiry‑based activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence. The goal is to use this as a learning opportunity that creates a sense of belonging in STEM as well as providing exciting, joyful opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate and find success in discovery and investigation. It also highlights WSU Tri‑Cities’ commitment to community partnerships and STEM education pathways.
 

The AWB Manufacturing Week Bus stop adds a unique opportunity for students to learn about Washington’s manufacturing industry and future career possibilities.

 

VISUALS & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Students building rockets, exploring robotics, creating circuits, and participating in sensory science
  • Faculty and student instructors leading STEM demonstrations
  • AWB Manufacturing Week Bus arrival and interactive displays
  • Interviews with WSU Tri‑Cities leadership, Women Helping Women, Finley SD staff, and AWB representatives

MEDIA ALERT: WSU Tri Cities Hosts STEM Discovery Day For 173 Finley Elementary Students — AWB Manufacturing Week Bus To Make Special Stop - 05/13/26

Richland, Wash. — Local media are invited to cover an exciting, hands‑on STEM Discovery Day at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, where 173 third‑ through fifth‑grade students from Finley Elementary will participate in a full morning of science, technology, engineering, and math activities led by WSU faculty, staff, and students. As a special highlight, the Association of Washington Business (AWB) Manufacturing Week Bus will make a stop during the event as part of its statewide tour.

 

WHAT:

 

WSU Tri‑Cities STEM Discovery Day — a high‑energy, interactive STEM experience featuring activities such as rocket building, robot demonstrations, paper circuits, perception goggles, music technology, 3-D activities and more. This STEM outreach event is funded by a grant from Women Helping Women.
In addition, the AWB Manufacturing Week Bus will also be on site to showcase Washington’s manufacturing sector and engage students in hands‑on learning.

 

WHO:

  • 173 students from Finley Elementary School (3rd–5th grade)
  • WSU Tri‑Cities faculty, staff, and student volunteers
  • Finley School District teachers, support staff, and volunteers
  • Members of the funding partner, Women Helping Women
  • AWB Manufacturing Week Bus team

 

WHEN:

 

Thursday, May 14, 2026
Media are encouraged to attend between 9:45 AM – 12:30 PM, when students will be rotating through STEM activities across campus.

Key moments for visuals/interviews:

  • 9:45 AM – Welcome at the Amphitheater
  • 10 AM – 12:25 PM – STEM activity rotations
  • 1 PM – STEM demonstration

WHERE:

 

Washington State University Tri‑Cities
2710 Crimson Way
Richland, WA 99354

Activities will take place across campus, including the Amphitheater, Collaboration Hall, and various classrooms in the Elson S. Floyd building.

 

WHY:

 

This event provides elementary students with early exposure to STEM fields through hands‑on, inquiry‑based activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence. The goal is to use this as a learning opportunity that creates a sense of belonging in STEM as well as providing exciting, joyful opportunities for students from all backgrounds to participate and find success in discovery and investigation. It also highlights WSU Tri‑Cities’ commitment to community partnerships and STEM education pathways.
 

The AWB Manufacturing Week Bus stop adds a unique opportunity for students to learn about Washington’s manufacturing industry and future career possibilities.

 

VISUALS & INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

  • Students building rockets, exploring robotics, creating circuits, and participating in sensory science
  • Faculty and student instructors leading STEM demonstrations
  • AWB Manufacturing Week Bus arrival and interactive displays
  • Interviews with WSU Tri‑Cities leadership, Women Helping Women, Finley SD staff, and AWB representatives

Cougar Tracks At WSU Tri?Cities Announces Summer Manager Coaching Series With Scholarship Opportunities - 05/12/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, the region’s trusted hub for continuing and professional education, is now enrolling participants for its Summer Manager Coaching Series, a workforce development program designed to strengthen leadership capacity across the Tri‑Cities. 

 

The Manager Coaching Series, scheduled for June 3–4 and 9–10 on the WSU Tri‑Cities campus, provides current and emerging managers with practical tools to improve employee performance, support professional growth, and build engaged, resilient teams. The program is designed to meet immediate workplace needs and support employers seeking to develop strong internal leadership pipelines. “Effective managers are essential to workforce stability, productivity and retention,” said Wade Larson, professor in the Carson College of Business at WSU. “This program is built around the real‑world challenges organizations face today.” 

 

“This series gives managers tools they can use right away, and scholarships and grant support ensure the training is accessible to organizations of all sizes,” added Garth Reed, Cougar Tracks instructor at WSU Tri‑Cities. 

 

About the Instructors 

Professor Wade Larson serves as a lead faculty member in leadership, management, and human resources across MBA and executive programs at WSU. With more than 30 years of experience spanning higher education leadership, workforce development, and executive human resources, Larson brings an applied, industry‑informed perspective to leadership education. Garth Reed is a leadership development professional specializing in government and interagency training initiatives.  He designs and facilitates practical, evidence-based programs that strengthen collaboration, communication, and leadership effectiveness across public-sector organizations.  

 

A Proven Program with Lasting Impact 

Participants in the Manager Coaching Series learn strategies to: 

  • Coach employees toward higher performance and accountability 
  • Navigate performance conversations with confidence 
  • Build trust, engagement, and collaboration within teams 

Participant feedback surveys revealed the programs impact. One attendee noted “This program completely changed how I approach coaching conversations. I use what I learned almost daily, and the impact on my team has been immediate.” 

Audrey Burney, director of economic development at the Port of Benton said she found the program to be highly practical and applicable to her role. “The sessions strengthened my leadership skills, particularly in applying the SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) feedback model, setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and building accountability through consistent management practices.” 

 

Expanding Access Through Workforce Funding 

To broaden access to leadership development, the series is supported by multiple funding pathways: 

“The scholarship support made it possible for me to participate, and the return on investment—for me and my organization—has been tremendous,” Burney said. 

 

Enrollment for the Summer Manager Coaching Series is now open, and space is limited. For program details, scholarship information or to register, visit:  https://tricities.wsu.edu/continuing-education/ 

 

About Cougar Tracks: Advancing the Regional Workforce 

Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri‑Cities serves as a central partner for employers, professionals, and community organizations seeking responsive, high-quality continuing and professional education. Through workforce aligned programming, Cougar Tracks supports economic resilience and leadership development throughout the Tri‑Cities region. 

 

Cougar Tracks At WSU Tri?Cities Announces Summer Manager Coaching Series With Scholarship Opportunities - 05/12/26

RICHLAND, Wash. — Cougar Tracks at Washington State University Tri‑Cities, the region’s trusted hub for continuing and professional education, is now enrolling participants for its Summer Manager Coaching Series, a workforce development program designed to strengthen leadership capacity across the Tri‑Cities. 

 

The Manager Coaching Series, scheduled for June 3–4 and 9–10 on the WSU Tri‑Cities campus, provides current and emerging managers with practical tools to improve employee performance, support professional growth, and build engaged, resilient teams. The program is designed to meet immediate workplace needs and support employers seeking to develop strong internal leadership pipelines. “Effective managers are essential to workforce stability, productivity and retention,” said Wade Larson, professor in the Carson College of Business at WSU. “This program is built around the real‑world challenges organizations face today.” 

 

“This series gives managers tools they can use right away, and scholarships and grant support ensure the training is accessible to organizations of all sizes,” added Garth Reed, Cougar Tracks instructor at WSU Tri‑Cities. 

 

About the Instructors 

Professor Wade Larson serves as a lead faculty member in leadership, management, and human resources across MBA and executive programs at WSU. With more than 30 years of experience spanning higher education leadership, workforce development, and executive human resources, Larson brings an applied, industry‑informed perspective to leadership education. Garth Reed is a leadership development professional specializing in government and interagency training initiatives.  He designs and facilitates practical, evidence-based programs that strengthen collaboration, communication, and leadership effectiveness across public-sector organizations.  

 

A Proven Program with Lasting Impact 

Participants in the Manager Coaching Series learn strategies to: 

  • Coach employees toward higher performance and accountability 
  • Navigate performance conversations with confidence 
  • Build trust, engagement, and collaboration within teams 

Participant feedback surveys revealed the programs impact. One attendee noted “This program completely changed how I approach coaching conversations. I use what I learned almost daily, and the impact on my team has been immediate.” 

Audrey Burney, director of economic development at the Port of Benton said she found the program to be highly practical and applicable to her role. “The sessions strengthened my leadership skills, particularly in applying the SBI (Situation–Behavior–Impact) feedback model, setting clear expectations, delegating effectively, and building accountability through consistent management practices.” 

 

Expanding Access Through Workforce Funding 

To broaden access to leadership development, the series is supported by multiple funding pathways: 

“The scholarship support made it possible for me to participate, and the return on investment—for me and my organization—has been tremendous,” Burney said. 

 

Enrollment for the Summer Manager Coaching Series is now open, and space is limited. For program details, scholarship information or to register, visit:  https://tricities.wsu.edu/continuing-education/ 

 

About Cougar Tracks: Advancing the Regional Workforce 

Cougar Tracks at WSU Tri‑Cities serves as a central partner for employers, professionals, and community organizations seeking responsive, high-quality continuing and professional education. Through workforce aligned programming, Cougar Tracks supports economic resilience and leadership development throughout the Tri‑Cities region. 

 

WSU Tri-Cities Graduates Set To Cross The Stage On May 10 (Photo) - 04/28/26

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will honor more than 330 graduating students this year, including graduates from the fall 2024 and spring 2025 terms.

Executive Vice President for WSU Statewide Campuses Sandra Haynes will deliver opening remarks, followed by WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, special guest Rep. Dan Newhouse, and a keynote address from WSU alumna Rachel Ruggeri, former executive vice president and chief financial officer for Starbucks.

 

The two-hour WSU Tri-Cities commencement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Toyota Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., in Kennewick. No tickets are required. Parking is free. Doors open at noon. The Toyota Center enforces entry requirements, including a clear bag policy.

 

Background on the graduates

The 2025–26 graduating class includes 15 doctoral candidates in biological and agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, food science, math and science education, nursing practice, and special education.

 

Twenty-six master’s candidates will receive degrees in computer science, educational leadership, electrical engineering, elementary or secondary education, engineering and technology management, horticulture, language, literacy and technology education, and mechanical engineering.

 

More than 280 bachelor’s candidates will receive degrees in biology, business administration, civil engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, digital technology and culture, earth and environmental science, education, electrical engineering, English, history, humanities, mechanical engineering, nursing, psychology, science, social sciences, and viticulture and enology.

 

Keynote speaker

Rachel Ruggeri is a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across public, nonprofit and global organizations. She spent more than two decades at Starbucks Coffee Company, where she held senior finance and enterprise leadership roles during a period of significant global expansion.

From 2021 to 2025, she served as executive vice president and chief financial officer—the first woman to hold the role—and later as interim chief executive officer, helping guide the company through a major leadership transition.

 

Known for her people-centered leadership style, Ruggeri is passionate about mentoring, talent development and building strong organizations. Her professional journey reflects adaptability, purpose and a deep commitment to developing future leaders.

Attached Media Files: Graduates pose with diploma covers during the 2025 WSU Tri-Cities Commencement Ceremony, Rachel Reggari, keynote speaker at the 2026 WSU Tri-Cities Commencement Ceremony,

WSU Tri-Cities Graduates Set To Cross The Stage On May 10 (Photo) - 04/28/26

RICHLAND, Wash. – Washington State University Tri-Cities will honor more than 330 graduating students this year, including graduates from the fall 2024 and spring 2025 terms.

Executive Vice President for WSU Statewide Campuses Sandra Haynes will deliver opening remarks, followed by WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell, special guest Rep. Dan Newhouse, and a keynote address from WSU alumna Rachel Ruggeri, former executive vice president and chief financial officer for Starbucks.

 

The two-hour WSU Tri-Cities commencement ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Sunday, May 10, at the Toyota Center, 7016 W. Grandridge Blvd., in Kennewick. No tickets are required. Parking is free. Doors open at noon. The Toyota Center enforces entry requirements, including a clear bag policy.

 

Background on the graduates

The 2025–26 graduating class includes 15 doctoral candidates in biological and agricultural engineering, chemical engineering, food science, math and science education, nursing practice, and special education.

 

Twenty-six master’s candidates will receive degrees in computer science, educational leadership, electrical engineering, elementary or secondary education, engineering and technology management, horticulture, language, literacy and technology education, and mechanical engineering.

 

More than 280 bachelor’s candidates will receive degrees in biology, business administration, civil engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, digital technology and culture, earth and environmental science, education, electrical engineering, English, history, humanities, mechanical engineering, nursing, psychology, science, social sciences, and viticulture and enology.

 

Keynote speaker

Rachel Ruggeri is a seasoned finance executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience across public, nonprofit and global organizations. She spent more than two decades at Starbucks Coffee Company, where she held senior finance and enterprise leadership roles during a period of significant global expansion.

From 2021 to 2025, she served as executive vice president and chief financial officer—the first woman to hold the role—and later as interim chief executive officer, helping guide the company through a major leadership transition.

 

Known for her people-centered leadership style, Ruggeri is passionate about mentoring, talent development and building strong organizations. Her professional journey reflects adaptability, purpose and a deep commitment to developing future leaders.

Attached Media Files: Graduates pose with diploma covers during the 2025 WSU Tri-Cities Commencement Ceremony, Rachel Reggari, keynote speaker at the 2026 WSU Tri-Cities Commencement Ceremony,