Philanthropist earns his undergraduate degree
jsteward
As a high schooler, Gary Rubens (’22 Psych.) could scarcely pay to put gas in his car. He filled out college applications, not because he had a strong passion for any particular field of study, but because it was what his friends were doing.
“Back then, I just didn’t have the right information on the financial costs of attending college,” said Rubens, explaining that in 1981 he was accepted to Washington State University but his family couldn’t afford it. » More …
Three research projects, including one designed by Washington State University anthropologist Courtney Meehan, were awarded $50,000 each in this spring’s Cougar Cage event.
Three years ago, Marilou Cassidy, then 78 years old, decided to give herself an 80th birthday present: a college degree. She had earned numerous college credits over the years and WSU Vancouver was just 15 minutes away from her home. Even so, “It took me three or four months and a lot of nerve to go in and apply,” she said. 
A one-time political foe of the late Tom Foley is helping enhance efforts at WSU to promote their shared commitment to public service and productive discourse.