RICHLAND, WASH – The women of Washington State University Tri-Cities now have a wellness lounge thanks to a donation from Soroptimist International of Three Rivers. The new space that promotes self-care for students, faculty and staff was formally dedicated on Sept. 27. 

“The Soroptimist mission to improve the lives of women and girls by sponsoring and implementing programs that lead to social economic empowerment and the advancement of the status of women deeply aligns with our goal to foster student success through providing a safe and welcoming environment and offering holistic support,” said WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor, Sandra Haynes. 

The women’s wellness lounge is in the East building. It offers privacy and comfort and is equipped with supplies that support women in their various roles. 

WSU Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes (left) and Soroptimist International Three Rivers Current Past President Mary Dover presented the plaque to campus.

Mary Dover, current past president of Soroptimist International of Three Rivers commented, “For our club, this is a physical demonstration of our partnership with WSU Tri-Cities. It’s really exciting.” 

Soroptimist International Three Rivers has been a strong campus partner for many years. The Scholars Excellence Fund for Scholarships has given $66,000 in scholarships that have enabled recipients to continue pursuing their dream of having a degree.  

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. It was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. The name, loosely translated from the Latin, means “best for women”. Today, Soroptimist has about 30,000 members and supporters in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. There are five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.