Richland, Wash. — CH2M HILL has presented Washington State University Tri-Cities with an unrestricted gift of $600,000 to advance the pursuit of knowledge on the Tri-Cities campus. In addition, because WSU Tri-Cities has experienced overwhelming interest in its programs, CH2M HILL is also sponsoring 10 freshman scholarships, each worth $6,000.
“Our company is a strong advocate of higher education and we are thrilled that our contribution is providing more students with access to WSU Tri-Cities. We are truly partners with WSU Tri-Cities in the pursuit of knowledge,” said CH2M HILL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Spears. The latest contribution from CH2M HILL brings the firm’s total contribution to the Tri-Cities campus to more than $2 million.
The financial contribution brings with it an original piece of art that will serve as a remembrance of the partnership and the support provided to WSU Tri-Cities by CH2M HILL. The art was designed by the CH2M HILL Communications Department and built by local sculptor Ted Neth.
“This long-term investment by CH2M HILL is vital to our campus growth,” said Vicky Carwein, WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor. “The donation of 10 freshman scholarships and significant unrestricted funds that will support a variety of programs — including internships — will position WSU Tri-Cities for a most successful future. We are very grateful to CH2M HILL for its long-standing and generous support of our campus.”
The unrestricted gift from CH2M HILL supports many programs at the campus including Computer Science, Student Internships, Math Engineering Science Achievements program and new faculty and student coordinators.
“We are very proud of WSU Tri-Cities and are pleased to be able to support its programs, especially the new four-year university program,” Spears said. “WSU Tri-Cities has shown excellent progress in offering quality education in this region of the state and continues to expand its programs and services available to the community.”
Each freshman scholarship offered by CH2M HILL will include more than just cash — $3,000 during the freshman year and an additional $3,000 in the senior year. The scholarships include mentoring throughout the student’s educational journey, plus summer internships within the company.
WSU Tri-Cities originally anticipated admitting 35 freshmen into the four-year program that starts Aug, 20. Due to the overwhelming response, the state legislature approved funding for 50 freshmen. That goal also has been surpassed with 68 incoming freshmen already paying their tuition deposit to save their seats — and WSU Tri-Cities still is accepting applications from freshmen and transfer students.
.jpg)