Thank you for investing in the future of the Department of Sociology. Your generosity creates opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, empowering students, supporting faculty innovation, and enhancing the experiences that define our community.
Because of your support through the Excellence Fund, meaningful progress is happening every day. The accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect the impact of your partnership, and we are grateful for your commitment to our mission.
With sincere appreciation,
GO COUGS!
How your gifts made an impact in 2025-2026:
Excellence Funds supported several initiatives that strengthened community engagement, recognized student achievement, expanded alumni outreach, and enhanced graduate student research opportunities. Together, these investments contribute to a more connected, supportive, and academically successful department.
The Department of Sociology’s annual Welcome Picnic brought faculty and students together at the start of the academic year. The catered event provided an opportunity to welcome incoming students, foster connections among department members, and build a sense of community from the outset of the academic year.
The department also hosted its annual Awards Ceremony at the WSU Alumni Center to celebrate the accomplishments of undergraduate and graduate students. Honorees received certificates and flowers in recognition of their achievements, while locally made pastries and refreshments helped create a memorable experience for students, families, and faculty. Funding supported these recognition and hospitality elements that contribute to a culture of academic excellence.
Support was also provided for outreach to undergraduate alumni through a survey focused on alumni experiences, career paths, and the professional value of a sociology degree. To encourage participation, respondents were entered into a raffle for a tin of Cougar Gold Cheese. The feedback collected offers valuable insights that help inform program assessment and strengthen connections with alumni.
In addition, two laptops were purchased for graduate student research use. These resources provide secure computing capabilities for collecting, managing, and storing research data, expanding access to technology that supports student scholarship and research productivity.