From the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University’s Sport Management program will mark its 40th anniversary with a two-day celebration September 5–6 in Pullman, bringing together alumni, faculty, students, and industry leaders to honor the program’s history and chart its future.
The weekend kicks off Friday, September 5, with a social at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. The event features a keynote by program alumnus Chuck Arnold (’94), president of the Seattle Seahawks and First & Goal Inc., alongside opportunities to connect with faculty other alumni, and hear from students.
On Saturday, September 6, the program will host a pre-game tailgate at the lawn between the Spark, Education Addition, and Cleveland Hall. During the game that evening at Gesa Field against San Diego State, Arnold will raise the flag, and then the Sport Management program will be recognized on-field for its 40-year legacy of preparing leaders across the sports industry.
Karen Thomas-Brown, dean of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, said that it will be a nice opportunity to recognize the past while looking to the future.
… milestones like this are a chance to honor the people who built the foundation, celebrate the students and alumni who keep advancing the field, and set our sights on the next 40 years of impact,” said Karen Thomas-Brown, dean of the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences.
Since its founding in 1984, the Sport Management program has grown from a small, pioneering initiative into one of WSU’s most recognized programs. Its alumni network now spans professional leagues, collegiate athletics, community organizations, and beyond. The anniversary year also highlights the program’s deep connection to Title IX history and the leadership of faculty such as Jo Washburn and Sue Durrant, whose work ensured women’s access to competitive sports at WSU and across the Northwest.
“From day one, this program has been about more than sports,” Thomas-Brown said. “It has been about equity, opportunity, and preparing leaders who understand the social, economic, and cultural impact of sport.”
Sport Management alumni from every era are invited back to Pullman, whether they work in sports or other industries, to celebrate the shared Coug experience and the program’s enduring legacy.
Event Highlights
- Friday, Sept. 5 (5:30–8:00 p.m.) – Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center – Sport Management social with keynote speaker Chuck Arnold.
- Saturday, Sept. 6 (2:30–5:00 p.m.) – Spark, Education Addition, and Cleveland Hall lawn – Pre-game Tailgate.
- Saturday, Sept. 6 (7:15 p.m.) – WSU Football vs. San Diego State, with on-field recognition of Sport Management’s 40-year history.
RSVPs are encouraged. Alumni who register will have access to group-rate football tickets in a dedicated section at Martin Stadium.