WSU ROAR Tracks – Spring 2026
A letter from our director
Dear WSU ROAR Community,
As we prepare for another exciting academic year, we are thrilled to welcome 14 exceptional new WSU ROAR scholars from across Washington State and beyond. We look forward to introducing them to our campus community and supporting them as they begin their college journey.
This year also marks an exciting milestone for WSU ROAR. As many have heard, we were awarded a second five-year Transition and Postsecondary Programs for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (TPSID) grant, extending federal funding through 2030. This opportunity allows us to continue strengthening and expanding the high-quality, inclusive programming our students deserve.
We’re excited to welcome Jessie George as our new Transition Coordinator and Ellen Kellie as Program Coordinator. Ellen will continue leading Employment Services while we recruit and onboard an exceptional Employment Services Coordinator.
Over the next five years, our work will focus on expanding opportunities for students through WSU ROAR Advanced, which now serves four students pursuing degree pathways and competitive employment, launching Ready-to-ROAR summer programming in 2027, developing WSU ROAR Beyond transition supports, and strategically growing our program to serve 45 students by 2030.
We are grateful for the continued support of our students, families, faculty, staff, campus and community partners, and donors. Together, we are creating more opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities to thrive in college and beyond. Because of you, the future of WSU ROAR is incredibly bright.
Go Cougs!
Warmly,
Kristi Tippett
Director
ROAR Alumni Spotlight
Please join us in celebrating WSU ROAR alumnus Hayden Buchanan as he embarks on his next adventure!
After graduating from WSU ROAR, Hayden continued his journey at Washington State University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Digital Technology and Culture. During this time, he also served for four years as a WSU ROAR Assisted Living Advisor (ALA), mentoring students, fostering community, and helping scholars navigate campus life with confidence.
Hayden’s commitment to WSU ROAR has left a lasting impact on our students, staff, and program. His journey reflects the power of inclusive higher education and the many pathways that can follow.
Hayden, your contributions to WSU ROAR are invaluable, and we wish you every success in the exciting road ahead. Once a Coug, always a Coug—and always a part of the ROAR family!
ROAR Scholars at Work
This spring, ROAR students had the privilege of participating in several excursion-based learning opportunities that connected career exploration to experiences in our community. The Palouse Discovery Science Center, the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, Birch & Barley, and WSU Women’s Golf all hosted ROAR students in work-based learning experiences. Alongside their supervisors, students showcased their workplaces, shared their responsibilities, and shared the many tasks they complete each day.
A big highlight of the spring was our visit to Tessera in Auburn and Microsoft in Redmond. Students who are pursuing a career in manufacturing and technology toured Tessera’s manufacturing facility and learned about the wide range of career opportunities available within the company. During our visit to Microsoft students participated in an accessibility tour of the campus and gained valuable insight into the company’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive hiring practices. They also had the opportunity to visit Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab and explored technology designed to make digital tools more accessible for people with disabilities.
In April, ROAR hosted the 2026 Reverse Career Fair. This signature event provided every ROAR student with the opportunity to showcase their skills, accomplishments, and career goals while connecting with employers, campus partners, and members of the Pullman community. The event showcased the talents of our students and reinforced the importance of creating meaningful pathways to employment and community engagement.
We are grateful for the support of our community partners who make these experiences possible. Together, we continue to expand opportunities for students to explore careers, build professional networks, and prepare for meaningful employment after graduation.
Exciting Updates in ROAR Academics
Introducing…
This spring marked an exciting milestone for WSU ROAR as we celebrated our largest graduating class. On May 9, thirteen students proudly walked across the commencement stage after completing the Comprehensive Transition Program. Watching our students celebrate years of hard work and personal growth alongside their friends and families made for an unforgettable day and a wonderful reminder of what our program is all about.
We are especially proud to share that this graduating cohort achieved a 100% graduation rate, with all thirteen students successfully completing the program. Their accomplishments reflect not only their dedication and determination, but also the support of the campus community that helped them reach this milestone. Every graduate leaves with new academic experiences, greater independence, stronger self-advocacy skills, and valuable preparation for the next chapter of their lives.
While some of our graduates are moving on to new opportunities in their communities, we are excited to welcome several back this fall as members of our ROAR Advance program where they will continue working toward their academic and career goals. We congratulate each of our graduates on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years ahead.
ROAR Independent Living Updates
This spring has been an exciting season for WSU ROAR students and alumni competing with the Whitman County Special Olympics team. Under the guidance and support of ROAR Independent Living Coach Alyssa Norgaard, our athletes have demonstrated incredible dedication, perseverance, and teamwork, earning impressive results at both the state and regional levels.
In March, the Whitman County Special Olympics basketball team achieved an outstanding milestone by winning the State Gold Medal—an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the athletes’ hard work throughout the season. Seven ROAR students and alumni were members of the championship team, representing both Whitman County and the ROAR program with pride. Their commitment, sportsmanship, and teamwork were on full display as they competed against teams from across Washington.
Track and field season brought more reasons to celebrate. ROAR student, Xander Piatt, earned an impressive 2nd-place finish in his event, while ROAR student Payton Hilberg finished 4th in her event, demonstrating the dedication and perseverance that define Special Olympics athletes. Their hard work during practices paid off as they proudly represented Whitman County in competition.
The success didn’t stop there! The Whitman County Special Olympics Cheer Squad also had an incredible season, placing 4th at the Regional Competition. Seven ROAR students participated in the cheer squad, bringing enthusiasm, energy, and school spirit to every performance. Their routines showcased not only athletic ability but also confidence, determination, and the importance of supporting one another.
The Special Olympics provides athletes with opportunities to build confidence, develop lifelong friendships, and experience the joy of competition in an inclusive environment. The achievements of our ROAR students reflect the values of determination, teamwork, and personal growth that are central to both the ROAR program and Special Olympics.
Congratulations to all of our athletes on an incredible season! We are so proud of your accomplishments and grateful to Coach Alyssa for her leadership, encouragement, and commitment to helping our students succeed both on and off the field. We can’t wait to see what next season brings!
How to support our ROAR Scholars
Many WSU ROAR families did not know that college would be an option for their students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a result, they often had not planned for the financial burden that comes with pursing higher education. Any gift given to the ROAR Scholarship Fund eases that burden and makes the dream of college possible. We’re thankful for any and all support you provide this program.
Ready to make your gift to ROAR? Now is the perfect time! Introducing
Arshan’s Challenge: A $250,000 Matching Gift to Support ROAR
Now, through June of 2029, any new donor gift made to ROAR will be matched, up to $250,000. Inspired by his son, Arshan, Mahmood Ghassemi has launched a transformational $250,000 matching challenge to accelerate ROAR’s growth and impact. Every new donor contribution doubles in impact: expanding access, enhancing programming, and empowering more students to succeed.
Arshan’s Challenge aims to sustain and grow ROAR, making it possible for more students, across Washington and across the country, to experience an inclusive, supportive college environment. This challenge strengthens ROAR’s long-term foundation and helps ensure that financial barriers never limit a student’s ability to participate in the program.
For additional information on ways to support ROAR, please contact Jennifer Dean, Senior Director of Development for the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences at jenn.dean@wsu.edu.