Students, donors, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends gathered on April 3 at WSU Spokane for the 2026 Celebration of Giving. The event highlighted how philanthropy directly supports nursing students and extends into patient care across communities.
The program, led by student emcee Kate Guede, BSN ‘26, opened with a message of gratitude and reflection. Guede acknowledged the role donors play in sustaining the strength of the program, sharing that the College of Nursing continues to thrive because of their support. She also reflected on her own experience as a student, noting the impact of faculty mentorship and the sense of purpose she has developed during her time at WSU.
I have gained from the wonderful faculty who offer compassion, understanding, and support to all students.
– Kate Guede, BSN ‘26
Student speaker Angel Ikueze, BSN ’26, brought a personal perspective to the event, describing how scholarship support has shaped her journey.
This scholarship award has helped me feel supported and encouraged as a nursing student. Through this award, I feel like my efforts have been seen and given a means to thrive.
– Angel Ikueze, BSN ‘26
As an international student, Ikueze found both community and opportunity at WSU, where mentorship, leadership roles, and peer connections helped her grow. Her experience reflects how financial support does more than reduce burden—it creates space for students to thrive and fully engage in their education.
Alumnus and Heritage Health family nurse practitioner Robert Jackson, BSN ‘22, DNP-FNP ’25, expanded on that idea by focusing on the unseen influence behind every success story. He encouraged the audience to think about the people who shape lives from behind the scenes, drawing on examples from history. Jackson pointed to figures like Thomas Francis, who mentored Jonas Salk in the development of the polio vaccine, and Anne Sullivan, whose belief in Helen Keller changed the course of her life. He also referenced individuals like Max Talmey, who encouraged and tutored a young Albert Einstein, and James Harrison, whose blood donations saved millions of children from Rhesus disease. These stories, he explained, highlight a common thread—progress often depends on someone who believes in another person before the world sees their potential.
He connected that idea directly to donors, noting that their support plays a similar role for nursing students. Even if they are not present in clinical settings, their impact is carried forward through every patient interaction. Jackson emphasized that without donor support, many of these opportunities would not exist, and reminded students that the care they provide will always reflect the community that helped them get there.
Jackson introduced a preview of Empowered Hosted by Meg Ryan, which highlighted efforts to address the national nursing workforce shortage. The segment featured the Washington State University College of Nursing and its approach to preparing practice-ready nurses through simulation-based education and strong community partnerships. Attendees were among the first to view the feature, which will be broadcast on select public television stations across the country.
Dean Anne Mason, DNP, ARNP, PMHNP, closed the program by reinforcing the broader purpose of giving. She described the event as a moment where generosity meets purpose, creating opportunities that change lives far beyond the classroom. Drawing from her own experience as a Scottish Rite Scholarship Foundation of Washington scholarship recipient, Mason shared how financial support shaped her path and allowed her to fully engage in her education and leadership development.
That support made more than just my education possible—it shaped my entire experience. It allowed me to fully engage in my learning and to be present with faculty whose wisdom, encouragement, and example left a lasting imprint on me—not just as a nurse, but as a leader.
– Dean Anne Mason
Dean Mason stressed that scholarships do more than ease financial pressure—they expand what students believe is possible. Donor contributions, she explained, allow students to stay in their programs, take on meaningful opportunities, and focus on becoming skilled and compassionate nurses. The impact of that support continues long after graduation, reaching patients, families, and communities across the state and beyond.
Mason also reminded attendees that this impact is deeply personal. Each act of giving supports not just a student, but the many lives that student will touch throughout their career. The result is a ripple effect of care, connection, and service that defines the mission of the College of Nursing.
The event included previews of CougsGive stories and concluded with opportunities for attendees to connect, view student research, and celebrate the shared commitment to advancing nursing education.
Throughout the event, one idea remained clear. Behind every nurse is a network of support, and behind every act of care is someone who made it possible.
For those who were unable to attend—or who would like to revisit the program—a recording of the livestream is available on YouTube. Additionally, view photos from the event on the College of Nursing Flickr photostream.
