Boeing establishes new student success center in voiland college

PULLMAN, Wash. — Washington State University announced a $5 million investment from The Boeing Company to establish a new student success center in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture on WSU’s Pullman campus.

The Boeing Center for Student Success will occupy an entire floor within the college’s Schweitzer Engineering Hall, currently in design, from which it will provide unparalleled access to mentoring, tutoring, advising, and career services to benefit the college’s 4,600 students.

“The impact of this generous commitment from Boeing is incalculable, accelerating the Voiland College’s ambitious plan to modernize its facilities to meet the current and future needs of WSU’s engineering and design students,” said WSU System President Kirk Schulz. “We are grateful for Boeing’s remarkable investment and look forward to the Boeing Center for Student Success having a lasting impact on the academic experience and careers for generations of Voiland College students.”

This gift represents the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership between Boeing and WSU that has spanned more than half a century. Boeing’s cumulative investments of nearly $30 million have advanced a variety of academic, research, and service initiatives systemwide, making Boeing the largest corporate supporter of WSU over the years. Boeing is also consistently among the leading employers of Voiland College graduates.

“Washington State University has been a valued Boeing partner for more than 55 years,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are excited about WSU’s plans to develop an engineering facility for the 21^st century, and are thrilled to contribute to the education of up-and-coming engineers in Washington for many years to come.”

When completed, the Boeing Center for Student Success will provide a focal point of support for other long-standing Voiland College student programs that have been supported by the company over the years, including:

• First-year coursework and extracurricular engagement opportunities which, through Boeing’s support, have contributed to first-year retention rates for the college increasing by 13% over the past four years;
• The Boeing Scholars program, which provides opportunities for students to work on real-world problems that are identified and provided by Boeing through senior capstone and other classroom projects;
• The Boeing Mentorship Program, which matches students with Boeing employees who provide guidance and information about the aerospace industry.

“Student success is a top priority for WSU and the Pullman campus, and the generous gift from Boeing ensures that students within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture have unparalleled opportunities to develop themselves inside and outside the classroom,” said WSU Provost and Pullman Chancellor Elizabeth Chilton. “The Boeing Center for Student Success and the Schweitzer Engineering Hall facility in which it will be housed provide much-needed spaces for state-of-the-art research, collaboration, and learning.”

When complete, Schweitzer Engineering Hall and its Boeing Center for Student Success will be a central location for students on WSU Pullman’s revamped engineering and design district to innovate, collaborate, and have access to advising, technology, and other activities that are foundational to their success at college and beyond. Fundraising continues for the project, as part of the “Building Success” campaign, with a goal to break ground on the first building in 2024.

“As a hub of activity where students can seek help, explore ideas, and make the connections that will shape their futures, the Boeing Center will ensure the Voiland College is better serving the needs of students today and long into the future,” said Mary Rezac, dean of the Voiland College.

Boeing has invested in numerous WSU endowed professorships, fellowships, scholarships, learning centers, and programs over the years. In turn, the company, and the state of Washington have benefitted from thousands of highly skilled and well-prepared WSU graduates who have contributed to Boeing’s success as employees.

“This gift is the latest in a storied partnership that has opened doors for WSU students and faculty to new opportunities to learn, innovate, and collaborate.”

Mike Connell
Vice president of WSU Advancement and
CEO, WSU Foundation

“No corporate partner has made a greater impact at WSU through philanthropic investment than The Boeing Company,” said Mike Connell, vice president of WSU Advancement and CEO, WSU Foundation. “This gift is the latest in a storied partnership that has opened doors for WSU students and faculty to new opportunities to learn, innovate, and collaborate.”

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability, and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team of more than 140,000 employees worldwide is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality, and integrity.

By Bryan Boyle, WSU Foundation