By Lacey Desserault

On Friday, Oct. 11, Washington State University Tri-Cities hosted a celebration honoring the campus’ 35th anniversary as part of the WSU system. Past and present faculty and staff, donors, and university leaders gathered to commemorate this milestone and reflect on the campus’ history and future.

The evening featured remarks from WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes, WSU President Kirk Schulz, and Jim Cochran, founding dean of the campus. Cochran played an integral role in transforming the campus from a five-university consortium to a thriving, singular campus within the WSU system. His leadership was instrumental in expanding student enrollment, teaching and research capabilities, and community partnerships. He credited the numerous people that were involved in the transition that helped bring the campus to life as part of the WSU system, and how it could not have been possible without their passion and collaboration.

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes and founding dean Jim Cochran.

During the celebration, Cochran was honored with an “Adopted Cougar” award. The award, given by the WSU Alumni Association honors which is given to those who did not graduate from WSU yet exhibit outstanding loyalty to the university and personify the Cougar spirit.

“Hearing from Dr. Jim Cochran was an important reminder of the dedication of the individuals, industry, and organizations that made this campus possible,” said Anneke Rachinski, senior director of development. “Our history is rooted in the efforts and pride in the area in which we live, and we are honored to be the recipient of so much ongoing support from the amazing community we share.”

Chancellor Haynes reflected on the campus’ accomplishments since 1989 and emphasized that exciting frontiers lie ahead.

“Our vision for the future is clear,” she said. “WSU Tri-Cities will not only provide students with diverse opportunities to engage in the classroom, participate in research, and connect with industry, but we will continue to be a key contributor to the prosperity and economic vitality of the Tri-Cities community.”

President Schulz highlighted the importance of community support, both in the campus’ early years and its future endeavors as it continues to make strides in research and academics.

The evening concluded with a toast from Chancellor Haynes, honoring the history the campus has seen thus far and the bright future ahead.

See more information about the history of WSU Tri-Cities or submit photos to the campus archive.