Thank you for your generous gift to the Thomas S. Foley Institute Excellence Fund. Your support is a catalyst for the continued success and growth of the Thomas S. Foley Institute, and our mission to recognize Speaker Thomas S. Foley’s extraordinary legacy of public service and his belief that democracy requires an educated and informed public. Since its inception, the institute has developed a reputation for quality educational programs and engaging young people in public service.
Last year this fund was used to bring to campus the nation’s leading scholars, social commentators, and political leaders so that they can share their expertise and insights with students and the wider WSU community. Another major use of this fund has been to present the annual Foley Distinguished Public Service Award, which is given to individuals who have demonstrated integrity, courage, and a commitment to democratic values in public service and whose body of work has had a lasting impact. The 2025 awardee was Former Secretary of Defense and former Director of the Central Intelligence Agency Leon E. Panetta.
In addition to hosting world class lecture series on such critical matters as the rise of economic inequality, the politics of climate change, the causes and consequences of political polarization, and the future of U.S. constitutional governance, the institute is a recognized leader for its research on civility and democracy and promoting respectful civic discourse. You can connect with us at www.foley.wsu.edu.
Thank you once again for your belief in our mission and for being an essential part of our journey towards excellence. We look forward to keeping you informed about the positive outcomes and achievements that your generosity helps us realize, and with your support, we can continue to make a lasting impact on education, research, and the overall experience of everyone within our community.
With sincere appreciation, GO COUGS!