| EWU: start something big |
| Submit your \"something big\" Tell us \"what's big to you\" and share it with others! |
| says... |
| Brian Sites says... My \"Something Big\" would be to create a scholarship for students from alternative high schools. I have already helped to develop a mentoring program in the high school I teach at, which has resulted in raising the percent of students going to college from 10% to over 70% (in only 3 years). I am passionate when it comes to helping this group of students overcome the stigma attached to coming from an alternative background. I have seen a great deal of success in my students, and want them to continue their education at the postsecondary level. Assistance in overcoming the financial barrier of attending college is what helps most in convincing students to continue their education beyond the high school level. I would love nothing more than to inspire my current students to become tomorrow's leaders at EWU, and to create a partnership with the University that would enhance my group of students' chance at pursuing their education at EWU. |
| Kristy Watson says... I graduated in 1980 with a BS in Dental Hygiene from EWU. After receiving an amazing education, and practicing for the last 27 years, I am now able to expand my horizons as the President of the Idaho Dental Hygienists' Association for 2007-2008. My goals center around expanding access to dental services for families in rural areas. I am happy to see that the EWU dental hygiene program is involved in the same issues. Way to go!! |
| Leah Wells says... My \"Something Big\"...It's being comfortable with stepping out of my comfort zone. |
| Dana Simmelink says... My Something Big is making my family and friends proud and helping to make this world a better place for everyone. |
| Sally Eaton says... My \"Something Big\" is students - I love students of any age group, but I especially love undergraduates. Each one is such a unique bundle of history and future, and being in contact with them makes me happy. The humor, the awareness of current culture, and the interest in the \"ancient history\" of my student days makes daily interactions with students a real joy. My something big is doing whatever I can to make sure each student feels valued, and that each student learns something that prompts another step in the maturation process. I love seeing people grow. |
| Larry Hardie says... In Eastern's 125 year history, my family has had a pretty extensive hand in building, support, and education at EWU. First, my uncle, Jack Hardie, worked on the construction of the original Tawanka Commons building, living in a trailer court located there before its construction. A cousin, Rick Hardie received his degree at Eastern in the late 1960s, playing football for EWU as a receiver. Although I was just a kid at the time, I would take permanent pens to T-shirts and sweatshirts, writing no.27 on anything I could find in pride of his and EWUs accomplishments. Both my mother and father worked for EWU for their entire careers, my father Del in the maintenance department and my mother Katharine in the registrar's office when it was still located in Showalter Hall. At some point, every member of my family save one has worked at Eastern. My Oldest sister Linda worked on the grounds crew, as did my brother David. My sister Anita worked for a number of years in the Learning Skills Center, as it was then called. I also worked in the Learning Skills Center as a tutor. My wife Krissy works in the transcripts department and has done so for about 12 years now. In regard to education, both of my sisters, myself, and I believe both of my brothers have attended EWU either full time or part time, with my sister Linda and myself completing education degrees. I believe that she has now been teaching for more than 30 years at Blair Elementary on Fairchild Air Force Base. I too, have been teaching in the area for 12 years now, at both Almira Coulee Hartline High School and at Liberty Junior High and High School. I recently received my Master's Degree from EWU as well. My son Brandon has continued the connection with EWU as well. As a young kid, he was given the chance to be a ball boy for the EWU men's basketball team during Steve Aggers' tenure as head coach. Now, although still in high school, he has completed AP courses through Eastern, continuing our family's legacy of either being supported by the university or by supporting it in a number of ways. Needless to say, we're proud of the connection we've had with the university during a good portion of its 125 years in existence. |
| Dave Chandler says... I am a twice over grad from Eastern (74 BA in Sociology and 80 Masters in Pub Admin). Next Monday (8/5/07), the Spokane City Council will vote on my appointment recommendation from Mayor Hession as the new Director of Human Resources. My appointment will be effective August 27th. Currently I reside with my wife \"Ernie\" in Walla Walla, WA where I have been the Human Resources Manager for the City of Walla Walla since May 1996. My most recent claim to fame in Walla Walla has been to be the catalyst and help found Junior Achievement in Walla Walla through the Walla Walla Public Schools District. Junior Achievement is an international non-profit program that uses hands-on experiences to help young people understand the economics of life. In partnership with business and educators, Junior Achievement brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. |
| Tracey Waring says... Being the first among my parents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and cousins to acheive a bachelor's degree. As I moved toward this goal, I have been encouraged by my program advisor as well as professors to think beyond my graduation in June 2008. My new aim is to earn a PhD in sociology! |
| Marguerite Tessier says... Was starting a scholarship at EWCE in my husband's name, Irwin Lynn Williams, after he was the only one killed in a military accident out of March Air Force Base, CA in Jan. 1961. |
| Lisa Knittle says... Well my something big is University En Pointe (ballet club) for the ballet dancers on campus. We have finished what I think is most of the paper work needed to be done. Next is finding funds to help put on our first annual fall showcase this fall to help attract more ballet dancers to the campus. |
| Cheryl Grimm says... My Something Big is to continue to remind everyone working here at EWU that without the students we wouldn 't have jobs. The students are our business. Treat them with respect. If I accomplish only one thing with the students it is to make them feel important. This may seem basic but it's \"big.\" |
| Theresa Martin says... I received my PhD from a graduate program whose faculty were very interested in training it's graduates to become faculty at research I universities. I knew early on that wasn't the future I wanted. When I came to EWU for my interview trip, I knew right away that this was the place I wanted to be. After 16 years, I'm still glad I made that decision. My something \"big\" is to devote my entire professional career to being at Eastern - contributing in whatever I can professionally to the growth and development to other first-generation students like myself and being around faculty and staff who are deeply committed to EWU and her students. |
| Karen Wichman says... It is not my Something Big I want to share. It is my son, Morgan's \"Something Big\" I want to share. Last week he was in my office and saw my little red box on my desk and as any 9 year old would do he grabbed it and said \"what is this?\" I explained that it was a red box and it could represent many things to many different people. It would hold dreams, hopes and desires for anyone who put those thoughts, goals and aspirations into it. I asked him \"What would you put in it?\" He thought about it and said he wanted to put a home run in it for his baseball game that evening. That evening he was playing his game when in about the 4th inning, he hit the ball way out into left field. He ran with all his might and made around the bases and across home plate before the other team could reach it. It was an exciting moment for all of us. About 10 minutes later he ran up to me in the bleachers beaming from ear to ear and whispered \"Remember what I put in the red box this afternoon.\" I realized at that moment he got it. He understood the importance of setting goals and stating his wishes and then experienced the rewards so fully. It was a great moment in a mothers life. Thank you for providing the Red Box teaching moment. |
| Carol Golden says... My aunt passed away and left me an inheritance of which I knew I needed to do \"something big\" with a portion of it. I decided to start a new scholarship with $5,000 for a master's student in Communication Disorders who would preferably work in grade schools where a child's character is usually formed. This is the Marvin Craig Endowed Scholarship. It was matched by the BNSF (through my husband) and has been added to by retired faculty and staff. The goal is to get it to $25,000 and have it state matched for $25,000. I also give to an international scholarship. I love working with the exchange students, being a host mother and showing them my love of EWU and the US. I host students in my home continously and express to them the \"pay it forward\" concept. You give to others first - then they in turn will give to others. My hope is that their experience of EWU will add to the international scholarships and will encourage them to tell their friends about EWU and to live their dreams through their experiences and accomplishments at EWU. One student, Atsumi Yoshimoto, lived with us for 1 year, will graduate next year with her major in theater, and a double minor in technology and ESLG. She hopes to be able to come back to EWU to receive her Master's degree and has big dreams for future. She is involved as an IPA in the international program and is a great asset to EWU through what she has experienced the past 3 years and how she can help others through their experiences at EWU. I also support EWU athletics and give to EAA. My heart is with EWU due to my experiences the past 20 years here. I have seen the down times and the up times from Dr. Schilt through Dr. Arevalo. My son is a first generation graduate from EWU with both his bachelor's in Criminal Justice and Psychology and his master's in Social Work. I am proud of him and his accomplishments in life. I feel I have and am still doing something big in dreaming of the great possibilities for students at EWU. |
| Misty Griffith says... My \"Something Big\" has work and personal components: 1) Work - I want to provide a positive and satisfying customer service experience for all who come into our office (Housing & Residential Life) or apply for on-campus housing on-line. I want students to leave our office feeling confident and pleased. I also want to help provide students with tools and skills they can apply outside of the EWU realm. My job is more than just the Room Assignments Coordinator; I should be able to help them bridge gaps with other departments/offices and be an excellent resource. 2) Personal - Together with my husband, I want to teach my son (he's 5 months old) to be a contributing member of society. I want to instill charitable and generous values in him so he can make a difference in this world and help others! |
| Carl Combs says... I want to help make Eastern's Student Technology Rock in the Computer Labs, Recording Studio, CyberCafes, wireless network, and more. Also getting as many middleschool & highschoolers on the big screen as possible has been a lot of fun (soccer, camp, xcountry, bball vids); they dig it! :) |
| Rex Caldwell says... I graduated High School in 1978 and attended a Community College getting my AA and AAS degrees in 1981. I immediately went into the work force thinking I could always get back and finish my four-year degree \"someday\". I joined the EWU@BCC program in 2005 and finished 70 credits in 18 months while working full time managing 40 people at a municipal police department. John Neace, Greg Dempsey and the others at EWU@BCC made the program enjoyable, workable and a pleasure to attend. I am graduating Cum Laude in 2007 with my BA in ITDS. My wife, a 1977 HS grad who also finished her AA in 1981, will be walking at my side with her ITDS BA this year too! My HS age son is getting better grades than ever as the challenge has been put out there by mom and dad |
| Ben Janes says... As a valued member of the Eastern team and an individual that loves doing \"BIG\" things; I want to take my desire to serve others to the highest level I can here at the university and in my personal life. As I work through my degree plan I will help others reach their own goals along the way. I will invest available resources to provide EWU students, faculty, staff, and visitors with the most convenient access and increased security available. I will make this university a safe place to learn, live, work, play and visit. My something big is take full advantage of every learning opportunity I have, to help others realize they can also achieve something big, and to help Eastern Washington University become truly amazing. I submit that anything is possible, therefore everything is available! |
| Meadow Anderson says... Higher education is not something uncommon in my family. My parents both have their BS degree, one of my siblings, and most of my relatives. My BIG difference? I am the first in my family to get a graduate degree. I graduated in 2006 with my MSW and it was one of the most important moments in my life. My family was so proud of me! |
| Dave Sonntag says... My \"something big\" is for the entire Inland Northwest region to know that EWU is THE starting point for individuals to realize their biggest goals; for every EWU faculty, staff, student and alum to have uncompromising pride in their relationship with EWU; and for everyone connected to EWU in any way to have a red box proudly displayed on their desk or mantle. |
| Barb Richey says... My something big was to follow the other generations of Eastern Eagles in my family. I truly love EWU and loved my experiences there. My something big now is to continue to promote and foster relationships with future EWU alumni and friends. |
| Lance Kissler says... My \"something big\" is to make Eastern a place where every student has the ability to attend college, receives equitable and fair treatment, and can pursue their \"big\" dream; where faculty and staff can pursue their academic and professional endeavours; and where everyone has pride and spirit. |
| Shannon Amidon says... My something big is completing my MFA in creative writing at the Inland Northwest Center for Writers. Being mentored by such talented and generous writers was an honor, and I hope to share my experience in the EWU program by passing on my love of literary writing to those around me. |
| David Midkiff says... To combine academic knowledge and patience with my already expanded world view, from the military, so that I find and refine my purpose in this life - instead of dwelling on has-beens. |
| Rich Layton says... Something Big in the world of our family is our oldest, Zack Layton, starting at EWU in Fall 2007. Zack comes from a family of Eagles including his grandfather John Layton and his stepmother Toni Taylor. Zack will be studying psychology with the goal of providing family counseling. We are anxious, as are all parents, as we watch our oldest child leave the nest and at the same time excited that he will become an Eagle and part of the EWU family. |
| Kimberly Evans says... My \"Something Big\" is going out into the world to be independent. I know college isn't completely the \"real world\" but it is a lot closer to that than high school! I am so excited to go to Eastern! |
| Al Pjosek says... I've had the good fortune of completing two degrees during my undergrad years and am now in the process of completing my graduate degree while working as a full-time staff member with EWU. I thank EWU for all that it has done for me and for giving me the chance to start \"something big.\" |
| Amber Enyeart says... Something Big to me is going to college. I will be the first Enyeart in my family to attend a college. Also I am going to achieve my dream of getting higher education in math and business. |
| Jenna Burbank says... It's a \"Big\" deal that I am the first person in my family not to join the military after high school. Instead I am the first person in the family to attend college after high school. |
| Anna Crawford says... My \"something big\" is going to college and knowing what I want to get out of it. I'm going in with a goal. I'm really excited! |
| Brandy Brown says... My \"big\" is becoming the first person in my family to become enrolled into a four-year university. Also, I'm the first one to attempt a professional career (I'm going to go pre-med at EWU). |
| Carol Dini says... Get a good job after my graduation and marry Bob. |
| Luke Swain says... A traditional animation program that would combine aspects of basic storytelling skills, a solid foundation of illustrative skills, and an environment that allows for different learning speeds. |
| Brooke Nicholson says... Revolutionize how students use bibliography thanks to Refworks. Thanks to Eastern, my 205 group can espouse Refworks knowledge. First this campus, then campaigning across the country on the greatness of Refworks thanks to our presentation. |
| Cam Tran says... My \"something BIG\" is getting into EWU, (which I have)... finishing up my prerequisites for Dental Hygiene, and then getting accepted into the EWU Dental Hygiene program. And of course getting my BA in DH! |
| Michael Cressler says... Eastern prepared me for my future. It set my foundation. The skills I learned while at Eastern have helped to progress from a Software Developer to a Director of Software Development to a Program Manager responsible for the offshore IT work of a Fortune 500 company. Eastern also helped introduce me to my wife. Eastern helped change me at a time in my life when I needed changing. Go Eags! |
| Ryan Shannon says... Eastern was my place for lifelong friendships and connections! |
| Nichole McAllister says... I have wanted to become a dental hygienest for a long time. EWU is the only school that offers the proper training along with a basic well rounded education resulting in a four year degree. That's my \"something big\". |
| Anas Al-Abdulwahed says... I Graduated from EWU in December of 1985. I gained an education as well as some future dreams. My big thing nowadays is that I'm living those dreams and I sent my boys to EWU to start building their dreams... thanks to EWU |
| Donna Marvin says... I started a non profit ministry for women and chidlren in need. We have an office in the Spokane Valley. |
| Stephanie Combs says... My carreer is based upon the platform created by my BA Accounting '82 and MBA '92. I now reside on the East Coast and this EWU platform allows me to stand shoulder to shoulder with those coveted East Coast school grads and even some Ivy Leaguers. Go Eagles! |
| Phillip Pine says... Nationally ranked wrestling program. |
| Cathy Fessler says... I graduated from Eastern with a BA in Education 1982. I have been teaching Jr. High kids for 26 years. Thank you Eastern for a great education with excellent role models that truly turned me on to education |
| Matthew Minton says... My \"Something Big\" is opportunity. EWU created opportunities for me and gave me the foundation for success that I didn't think possible when I was 18. Thank you Eastern! |
| Scott Schaefer says... I graduated from EWU in 1985 with a B.A. in Radio/TV. My \"something big\" came from my intense hands-on experience in the TV and radio studios, especially during the special Summer Sessions under Dr. David Terwische. EWU was great for learning how to really make TV, films, radio and much more, because it was small and we basically had full-run of the facilities. I learned so much more there than I would've in a standard classroom. I credit my three National Emmy Awards for Writing (for \"Bill Nye the Science Guy,\" PBS/Disney) and a fun, exciting 20+ years in media to EWU. |
| Craig Linderman says... Centralized Electronic Medical Records Database |
| Tony Kern says... Being able to teach students effectively everyday as a result of my degrees earned at Eastern. Proudly wearing my Eagle wear. Game day on a sunny fall afternoon at Woodward Field. |
| Susan Lazaro says... That I had the opportunity to experience getting my college education at EWU and the \"POSITIVE IMPACT\" it has played in outlining my succesful career in medical sales working for the world's largest genetics testing company... making the difference in a cancer patient's life one genetic test at a time, one day at a time. |
| Tiffany Chambers says... To be a college professor in Literature. |
| Jordon Bennett says... My \"Something Big\" is my future and the one Eastern gives me. |
| David Rey says... I will help establish EWU as the foremost provider and partner in higher education for our region's Native American tribes. |
| Amy Polk says... Getting my dream degree: MSW |
| Ellen Trepanier says... I want to make an impact on at least one person's life with my being a para-educator. I want to work with special education students and help them to be the best that they can be. |
| Jessica Vigil says... I am the first one in my family to go to college and the first one to graduate from high school so that is something big and it will be something big for the rest of my life. |
| Submit your \"something big\" Tell us \"what's big to you\" and share it with others! |
| RSS integration by RSSinclude |