The Coug Climber — a proud Washington State University alumnus — and his wife, a retired nurse, are continuing their mission to raise awareness about the nationwide nursing shortage while supporting future nurses at WSU, via the Dean’s Excellence Fund for Nursing.
What began as a personal passion for hiking has turned into a meaningful campaign. For the past few years, the Coug Climber has been summiting peaks to bring attention to the critical need for nurses and to honor the nursing profession. Now back on the trails this summer, he’s taken on a new challenge: to summit 50 peaks in support of nursing education. With peak number six now behind him, his journey continues across mountains in Washington and neighboring states, each climb highlighting the vital role nurses play in every community.
To further amplify the message, the Coug Climber places a sign with a QR code to support the College of Nursing on his car at trailheads and another on his backpack—turning every hike into an opportunity to spotlight this important cause. The project is also a tribute to his wife’s nearly four decades of service in nursing and a celebration of the difference nurses make every day.
His latest update comes from Tamanos Mountain in Mount Rainier National Park. Known for its panoramic views and alpine meadows, the summit represents one of many milestones in this ongoing journey to inspire support for future Coug nurses.
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