Mike and Kathy Hambelton know personally what a WSU education means for students. As second-generation Cougars, Mike and Kathy enjoyed their educational experience at WSU. Both made the most of their time at WSU beyond the classroom as they were both members of the Greek community; Mike a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity and Kathy a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After Mike graduated in 1971, he embarked on a career in the tree fruit industry in sales and marketing. While building their career they started their family and had three sons, Jeffrey, Scott, and Mark. While their sons were growing up Mike and Kathy started Double M Orchards, a partnership with two other Cougar couples, this is where they spend most of their working time today. Mike and Kathy are creating a scholarship fund to benefit students pursuing their education in CAHNRS. The reason for giving back is simple: they want to make a difference for students at WSU and CAHNRS because WSU made a big difference in their lives. Through their gifts and estate plan, they want to help students receive an excellent education, particularly as the financial burden on students increase. They have had several experiences of seeing first-hand how scholarships make a difference and making a difference is why they are establishing this scholarship fund.
Award Requirements
The first preference is to provide one $5,000 scholarship to an incoming freshman who is planning to major in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. When the endowment fund grows large enough to provide additional awards, up to four additional awards shall be made to undergraduate and/or graduate students studying in the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. Each award shall be at least $5,000.