Sandra K. Saffell was raised with an international, cross-cultural perspective. Her father was a military officer and wherever he was stationed; her parents made sure their family learned about and respected the local customs. Her undergraduate degree in Recreation is from WSU and she has a Master’s in Public Administration. One of Sandy’s core beliefs is the importance of International Friendship. Living, working, volunteering and visiting in many countries of North America, Europe, Asia and Africa, she has worked to this end through her community involvement and commitment.
During her three years in Germany, Sandra served as a Girl Scout trainer and as President of the German American Womens’ Club. She began working for the Washington State Patrol in 1975. During 24 years with them, she enjoyed instructor staff positions at the Washington State Patrol Academy and Criminal Justice Training Commission and managed several Telecommunications Centers. She has taught classes at the Community College, University and Graduate School levels both in the United States and Internationally. She has also conducted seminars on self-expression, self-management and conflict management. Sandy is the recipient of the Volunteer Leadership Award and received the Outstanding Service Award from the WSU Foundation where she currently serves as a Trustee. She is a lifetime member of the Alumni Association of WSU and served two terms on their Board of Directors. Current interests include supporting the Washington State burgeoning wine industry through her wine seminars.
An introduction to the wine industry in Germany ignited her interest in viticulture and enology. She worked on a research project for Ag 101 on the wine industry when she moved to Yakima. She then discovered that Washington needed a competitive viticulture and enology program. Scholarships enable WSU to recruit quality candidates. Wine and its ancillary work allows for creativity, business opportunities and adds to the lifestyle and experiences in the Yakima Valley as a premier grape growing region, as well as the State of Washington.
When Sandy decided to go to graduate school she was also working full time, teaching at two academies, managing two communication centers and there were times she couldn’t afford a hamburger. Because Sandy knows from experience that going to graduate school and working full time is very challenging and expensive she has created this fellowship to help students achieve their dreams.
Award Requirements
The principal of this fund shall be used to provide fellowship stipends to be used by the recipient for such things including but not limited to tuition and fees, subsistence, research expenses, and other educationally related costs.
Eligible recipients shall be current U.S.A. citizens or lawful permanent resident aliens of the U.S.A., non-traditional or returning graduate students in a master’s program in Viticulture and Enology, with first preference to students in Viticulture. Preference shall also go to a student who has received the Gold Award from Girl Scouts of America. Recipients must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.