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A Cougar love story: Aaron and Jen Thorne find home—and each other—at 91�ԹϺ�����

Aaron Thorne Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Culture, 2005, 91�ԹϺ�����

Jen Barnes Thorne Bachelor of Arts in English, 2013, 91�ԹϺ�����

For Aaron and Jen Thorne, 91�ԹϺ����� isn’t just where they earned their degrees or built their careers—it’s quite literally where their love story began.

Long before they married, the two crossed paths in the Multimedia Classroom Building, where Aaron often stopped by with his young son, Julian, to visit colleagues. Jen, then working nearby, would join the conversations—often to compare progress on the Legend of Zelda games Julian and Aaron were playing. Those quick chats grew into a genuine friendship. Over time, as life shifted, so did their relationship.

“The way she was with Julian was a big part of why I realized she was right for me,” Aaron said. “That, and the fact that she’s a crazy punk rock goofball.”

Jen remembers it just as fondly. “We were friends for quite some time through work, and slowly our friendship bloomed into more,” she said. “91�ԹϺ����� will always be a favorite spot for me because it’s where our love story began.”

Their paths to becoming Cougs

Before finding each other, both found 91�ԹϺ����� at pivotal moments.

Aaron transferred to the campus in 2003 after time at Clark College, UW and several jobs. Unsure of his direction but armed with self‑taught web experience, he took a chance on a campus he had never visited. He entered the Digital Technology and Culture program and graduated in 2005.

Jen’s route looked different. A first‑generation college student, she never thought a degree was possible. By 25, with two young children, she decided to try. She started at Lower Columbia College, discovered a love of writing and eventually transferred to 91�ԹϺ����� to pursue an English degree. A student job as a test proctor opened doors to campus connections—and ultimately her career.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I just knew having a degree was an advantage. 91�ԹϺ����� became the place that changed everything for me.”

Life on campus—and beyond

Today, both continue to shape the campus they love.

Aaron has worked in 91�ԹϺ�����’s IT department since graduating, finding meaning in helping students, faculty and staff navigate technology. Outside work, he plays indoor soccer (usually with Jen), follows new bands, travels for concerts and dives into big projects—like clearing blackberry brambles and Tree of Heaven from the property where the couple hopes to build a home.

Jen, now the administrative manager for the College of Arts and Sciences, thrives on problem-solving, especially in Workday. She’s also a dedicated runner and powerlifter, often advising student clubs and advocating for strength training as a way to build confidence and manage stress.

Together, they travel for concerts, explore new adventures and stay deeply connected to campus life.

A campus that still feels like home

Aaron remembers early-morning walks past the Mount St. Helens corridor and glimpses of Mount Hood—views that haven’t lost their charm. Jen treasures the sense of community: “People know each other. It’s like a big family.”

They’ve also witnessed the campus change—growing programs, new student populations and expanding support for first‑generation students. Both say the evolution has been meaningful and necessary.

The power of a campus community

For both Aaron and Jen, graduation didn’t mark an ending so much as a continuation—they simply stayed and kept growing with the campus.

Aaron stays in touch with former student workers, and Jen continues to support clubs, events and colleagues. Both credit members of the 91�ԹϺ����� community with shaping their lives and strive to pay that kindness forward.

Jen still remembers attending ROAR orientation in 2011, panicking after discovering she’d been dropped from her classes. She was ready to walk away until a staff member, Nancy Youlden, stopped to help her navigate the issue.

“She changed the trajectory of my life,” Jen said. “If I’d walked out the door that day, I wouldn’t be here—and I would never have met Aaron.”

Advice to future Cougs

Aaron encourages students who feel uncertain to consider the value of a smaller campus. “On a campus like ours, it’s a lot harder to get lost in the crowd,” he said. “Vancouver is the Goldilocks campus—not too big and not too small.”

Jen’s advice is to dive in: “Get involved. Try new things. Don’t fixate on GPA. The connections you make here will shape your future.”

For two alumni who found their degrees, their careers and each other on this campus, 91�ԹϺ����� isn’t just part of their story—it’s at the center of it.

Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News, 2010, WSU Pullman

Founder and CEO, Spry

How long have you owned your business?

I’ve owned Spry for 15 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

My first job was in sales and account management for a digital marketing company. I quickly realized the services clients were paying for weren’t actually being delivered, so I taught myself how to execute them. My clients saw immediate results—and their gratitude showed me there was real need for honest, effective digital marketing.

When my paychecks started arriving late and sometimes in cash, I knew I needed to move on. My partner encouraged me to start my own business, and I felt compelled to do it—not just to offer better services but to educate people about what digital marketing should be. From day one, Spry has included classes, consulting sessions, and boot camps to help people understand and use digital tools themselves.

Tell us about Spry and your work in the community.

Spry focuses on “social media for good.” We help brands grow healthy, engaged online communities through managed social media services, consulting and training.

A key part of our mission is increasing digital literacy. We partner with organizations such as Clark College Community and Continuing Education, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Vancouver Association and the Women’s Entrepreneurial Organization to provide community education.

In 2024, I co‑authored “Down the Rabbit Hole: Slowing the Spread of Misinformation and Propaganda on Social Media” with colleague Adrienne Harvey. Our hope is that it eventually becomes curriculum from middle school through college. We also host community misinformation nights, guest lecture at colleges across the Pacific Northwest and collaborate with school districts on online safety workshops for families.

We make our living helping businesses grow on social media—but we believe that collective digital literacy is the key to ensuring social platforms remain tools for learning and connection, rather than division.

What has been a memorable moment in your career?

Speaking at the 2025 Murrow Symposium was a highlight. Being invited to join a panel on misinformation felt like a culmination of my education, my decade of work in social media and the research that went into our book. It was an honor to be recognized in a field that deeply affects our communities.

Do you have any Coug traditions?

I was a Crimson Girl at WSU Pullman, and when our men’s basketball team reached the Sweet 16 in 2008, I traveled with the team to perform. A clip of me even made it into that year’s “One Shining Moment” video. Every March, my family and I rewatch it—still so fun!

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the Cougar community?

Pullman provided a close-knit, supportive environment where I could focus on my education, activities and friendships. As an alumna, I love the strong network of Cougs everywhere. I’ve enjoyed returning to both the Pullman and Vancouver campuses as a guest lecturer and sharing my entrepreneurial journey with students.

How can alumni and community members connect with Spry?

Join Cougs in the Community for a fun and rewarding trail cleanup with the Washington Trails Association. Help make a difference in our local trails and connect with fellow Cougs while enjoying the outdoors!

• Time and Date: 8:30 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 28
• Location: 91�ԹϺ����� Cougar Trails
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, sturdy shoes and a water bottle. All clean-up equipment and guidance will be provided by WTA leaders.
• Register online (link to sign-up coming soon)

Alumni Showcase and 30th Annual Student Art Show

The 91�ԹϺ����� Department of Art is celebrating a major milestone, 30 years of creative expression, and alumni are invited to be part of it!

This spring and summer, the campus gallery will feature two special exhibitions that honor both our past and present: An Alumni Showcase highlighting where art alumni are today, and the 30th Annual Student Art Show featuring work by current and former students.

Alumni Showcase

Whether art was your concentration, minor or a single class that stuck with you, we want to feature you. Share a photo and a brief reflection on what you’re doing now and how art or creative thinking continues to shape your path. Learn more and see examples on the .

30th Annual Student Art Show

Alumni are also encouraged to submit artwork for consideration alongside current students. Both 2D and 3D works are welcome.

Key Dates

• Submissions due: March 1
• Artist notifications: March 10
• Artwork delivery deadline: April 3
• Exhibition dates: April 13 – Aug. 10 (approx.)

Submit photos, artwork and materials to: a.bawa@wsu.edu

Join us in honoring three decades of creativity, community and Cougar pride and help showcase the lasting impact of art at 91�ԹϺ�����.

If you have questions, email a.bawa@wsu.edu

Pictured above: Cesar Moreno in 2012 as a first-year student in art class. Today he serves as a financial aid counselor at 91�ԹϺ�����.

91�ԹϺ����� is looking for volunteers to read and score student scholarship applications for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a great way to support students’ educational goals while learning more about their stories, challenges and achievements.

Whether you’ve volunteered before or are new to this opportunity, we’d love your help. Reading will take place in February, continuing until all applications are reviewed. To sign up or ask questions, contact Jake McStravick at jake.mcstravick@wsu.edu.

Save the date: May 1, 2026

Join fellow Cougar alumni to help celebrate WSU golden graduates with the gift of flowers. Be on the lookout for more information on this volunteer opportunity.

Questions? Contact Maddy Juul at 360-546-9600 or van.alumni@wsu.edu.

The 91�ԹϺ����� Notable Alumni Award honors graduates who have made significant contributions to society and whose accomplishments, careers, affiliations or community service reflect the university’s legacy of excellence.

by May 31.

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, 2018, 91�ԹϺ�����

When Sarah Holm graduated from Washington State University Vancouver in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she left with more than a diploma. She carried with her a commitment to supporting all students and creating equitable learning opportunities—a perspective shaped by her experiences on campus and the faculty who guided and inspired her.

Holm chose 91�ԹϺ����� for its strong College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences and its focus on preparing teachers to support students with diverse learning needs. “I was seeking a pathway to become a teacher focused on special education and supporting multilingual students,” she said. “It was important for me to develop teaching skills while understanding how bias can influence instruction and contribute to inequities in educational outcomes.”

Today, Holm works as a student conduct coordinator and consultant, supporting schools in implementing fair and consistent approaches to student behavior. She partners closely with administrators and school teams to review cases, develop discipline practices and address disparities in outcomes. Holm also designs and delivers professional development for educators, equipping staff with strategies to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments and prevent behavioral challenges.

“By analyzing data and identifying trends, I help schools create systems that keep students engaged, supported and connected to learning,” Holm said.

A transformational campus experience
Holm speaks passionately about the faculty and staff who shaped her academic journey. She recalls professors who fostered tight-knit cohorts and encouraged deep, meaningful dialogue. She also credits academic advising for boosting her confidence and supporting her as both a student and stepmother managing ADHD.

One mentor in particular—Shameem Rakha, then vice co-chair of the bachelor of education program—had a lasting impact.

“As a student whose K–12 experience had been deeply affected by harmful language in my IEP, I struggled academically,” Holm said. “Shameem guided me past the obstacles holding me back. She ignited a deep desire to learn and grow within me.”

Holm’s time at 91�ԹϺ����� offered opportunities beyond the classroom as well. As a queer female veteran, she participated in the Focus Forward Fellowship through Purdue University, met with Sen. Patty Murray to discuss student loan debt and attended the Boeing Gala honoring Vietnam veterans. She also spoke on a WSU panel addressing the experiences of women veterans.

“I know I am the educator I am today because of the influence of my time in the College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences at 91�ԹϺ�����,” she said. “The mentorship, guidance and opportunities shaped my confidence and sense of purpose.”

Life beyond campus
Holm continues to stay connected to campus by walking the Cougar Trails and visiting favorite views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. “It always reminds me of the perspective and growth I gained at 91�ԹϺ�����,” she said.

Cougar pride also runs in her family. Raised in eastern Washington, Holm grew up surrounded by Cougs—and apple orchards her great-uncles once partnered on with WSU. She fondly remembers drinking from faded Cougar-logo glasses at her grandparents’ home and reflects with pride on being the first grandchild to attend and graduate from college.

Holm uses a 91�ԹϺ����� lapel pin in her office to hold up one of her favorite quotes: “The farther we fall the higher we fly. The key to success is doing what's best for you and sticking to what will make you happy and grow.”

Advice for future Cougs
For current and future students, Holm emphasizes gratitude and resilience.

“Attending university is a privilege—it’s a gift,” she said. “Lean into your learning and growth. Reach out for support when it's hard. When it feels overwhelming or like giving up is the only option, remember that you’re often on the brink of greatness. Lean in, learn through the struggle and keep moving forward.”

And as every Coug knows, the community spans far and wide—Holm even heard a “Go Cougs!” on a solo snorkeling trip in Aruba.

Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Design and Textiles, 2007, WSU Pullman
Owner and CEO The DIfference

Q: How long have you owned The Difference, Inc.?
A: I’ve been owner and CEO for two years, and previously served as director of business development and buyer for four years.

Q: What inspired you to join, then own, The Difference?
A: After studying apparel design at WSU Pullman, I was inspired to work in the styling arena of fashion to help women dress confidently, artfully and use fashion as a tool for daily joy. I’ve been a fashion stylist for 20 years and connected deeply with The Difference Inc.’s core values of connection, personalized service and helping women lead better lives.

Q: Tell us about The Difference’s mission, goals and community involvement.
A: We believe in the power of personal style. The confidence that radiates when you feel comfortable, authentic and joyful in your wardrobe is a force! Our goal is to elevate women and make dressing efficient and effortless through expert styling. We also build community through in-store events and online connection.

We host interns from Cascadia Tech and Vancouver Public Schools to support future fashion and retail talent. We feature local artists during First Friday events, support the vibrancy of downtown through VDA volunteer work, donate to nonprofits and provide clothing for women in transitional housing. Earlier this year, I even dressed as Dolly Parton and sang at a fundraiser for Share—and together, we raised more than $30,000. It was incredibly rewarding to see our community’s generosity!

Q: What has been a favorite or memorable moment in your career as a business owner?
A: There are so many—client and staff interactions fill my days with meaning. If I had to pick one, it would be our very first First Friday event in late 2021. Seeing joyful interactions around art, fashion and connection confirmed how important it is for me to help create spaces where people come together.

Q: What is your favorite thing about WSU or being part of the Cougar community?
A: WSU continues evolving to provide opportunities and build community partnerships. The education is top-tier. Dancing to ’80s music at Valhalla with everyone singing along is also a core memory!

Q: Tell us about the Cougs in your family.
A: I grew up in Pullman, where my mom was a professor for 32 years. I’m the only Coug graduate, though. The rest of my family graduated from Montana Tech.

Q: How long have you lived in the Vancouver area, and what brought you here?
A: I moved to Vancouver in 2007 after graduating college. I was drawn to the trees, mountains, creative scene in Portland and the blend of small-town feel with big-city resources.

Q: Why did you choose WSU?
A: I knew I wanted to study fashion design, and WSU was the perfect fit—plus, I could continue working at Dissmore’s IGA and keep expenses low while getting a fantastic education in my hometown.

Q: What is the most unexpected place you’ve heard a “Go Cougs”?
A: Australia! I ran into a group watching Cougar football while traveling.

Q: What’s the best contact information for alumni to connect with The Difference?
A: Email me at daron@thedifferencepdx.com.

Kudos! Deonier-Clemons was recently recognized as an Accomplished and Under 40 honoree by the Vancouver Business Journal and received the Small Business & Leadership Award from the Greater Vancouver Chamber. At WSU, she earned top honors for her work in apparel design, including Best in Show at the Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show and selection for an international juried textile exhibit.

Get ready to make a difference for 91�ԹϺ����� students. Volunteers are needed to read scholarship essays that help students earn financial support for their education. Reading essays is a rewarding way to hear students’ stories, challenges and goals, and to support their success.

Keep this opportunity in mind. Scholarship reading will take place in February, and more details on how to participate will be shared soon.

If you have questions or would like to be added to the volunteer list, please contact Jake McStravick at jake.mcstravick@wsu.edu.