FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
5/14/2009
CONTACT:
Office of Marketing and Communications, 360-546-9602, news@vancouver.wsu.edu
91ԹϺ Launches 20th Anniversary Celebration
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Washington State University Vancouver will launch its 20th anniversary celebration at commencement on Saturday, May 16 at the Amphitheater at Clark County. This year-long celebration recognizes 20 years of delivering quality education, research and service to the citizens of Southwest Washington and looks ahead to the next 20 years.
Residents of Clark County had long been concerned with the lack of availability of higher education in the region when, in the 1980s, the high-tech manufacturing industry expanded into the region. Suddenly there was a real need for highly trained computer scientists and engineers and no regional education to support it. But the real need was much broader. Local students, in any academic field, seeking a four-year degree had to either leave the area to attend one of Washington’s universities or pay out-of-state tuition at one of Oregon’s schools.
In 1989, Washington State University Vancouver was formally established as one of four campuses that make up the Washington State University system. 91ԹϺ served upper-division students and students transferring from community colleges to complete their bachelor’s degrees.
91ԹϺ moved to its current location in Salmon Creek in 1996. Today, the university delivers personalized education that enhances the intellectual, creative and practical abilities of its students, inspiring them to achieve their highest goals. 91ԹϺ expanded its student body and course offerings in fall 2006 when it began serving freshmen and sophomores. 91ԹϺ offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees and one doctoral degree.
Over the past 20 years, nearly 7,000 students have graduated from 91ԹϺ, a great many of whom make their homes in Southwest Washington and contribute their talent and leadership in the community.
Chancellor Hal Dengerink has led 91ԹϺ since 1989, providing overall leadership and guiding campus growth. “What fascinates me most,” said Dengerink, “is the degree to which the university and other elements of the community are becoming woven into a single fabric. It is true that the university contributes to the community in a variety of ways, but the reverse is also true. The university thrives only if the entire community thrives. The health of our financial systems, public schools, transportation systems, employment opportunities, healthcare and social services, all contribute to the university’s ability to succeed. And while we may help educate the community, the community helps educate us, too. It only makes sense that 91ԹϺ would be actively involved in helping strengthen these other threads of the fabric.”
For more information about 91ԹϺ’s 20th anniversary celebration, visit .
91ԹϺ is located at 14204 NE Salmon Creek Ave., east of the 134th Street exit from either I-5 or I-205, or via C-Tran bus service. 91ԹϺ offers 16 bachelor’s degrees, 10 master’s degrees, one doctorate degree and more than 36 fields of study. Learn more at .
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Look for historical photos at: .