Arshan Ghassemi reading this children's book to ROAR Scholars

Arshan’s Challenge

A $250,000 Matching Gift to Support ROAR

Investing in the Future of ROAR

WSU ROAR opens doors for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, ensuring they can fully participate in the WSU community while building the skills they need for meaningful, independent lives. Investments in ROAR directly support:

  • Access & Equity
    • Ensuring full participation in academic, social, and residential life at WSU.
  • Student Success
    • Providing individualized support for coursework, independent living, and community engagement.
  • Workforce Development & Statewide Leadership
    • Strengthening ROAR as a model inclusive post-secondary program and resource hub for institutions across Washington.

Your support helps expand opportunities for students from Washington and beyond, building a more inclusive future for higher education.

The $250,000 Match

Inspired by his son Arshan, Mahmood Ghassemi has launched a transformational $250,000 matching challenge to accelerate ROAR’s growth and impact.

How the Match Challenge Works

  • Dollar-for-dollar match for new donors to ROAR.
  • Gifts may support scholarships or programmatic needs.
  • Multi-year pledges qualify for the match.
  • Estate gifts are not eligible.
  • Match runs through June 30, 2029

Every new donor contribution doubles in impact: expanding access, enhancing programming, and empowering more students to succeed.

The Goal of Arshan’s Challenge

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.

About Arshan

Arshan is an illustrator and storyteller from Bellevue, Washington. With a deep love for animals and art, he uses his talents, and his perspective as a neurodiverse individual, to inspire audiences of all ages. His creativity and resilience embody the spirit of ROAR and fuel this challenge to expand opportunities for others.

For questions, contact

Jennifer Dean
Senior Director of Development
College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences
jenn.dean@wsu.edu
509-335-4966

Get your gift matched today!

Give to the WSU ROAR Scholarship Fund
Give to the WSU ROAR Programmatic Fund