Former Washington State Legislator Inducted into Global Campus Society of Distinguished Alumni

Kevin Van De Wege, a former member of the Washington State Legislature, will be inducted into the WSU Global Campus Society of Distinguished Alumni (SODA) during a WSU football game in Pullman, Washington, on September 26.

“I’m so grateful and humbled to be receiving this recognition,” said Van De Wege. “Being a Coug means a lot to me, and I’m very proud to accept this honor.”

Watch an audio-described version of this video on YouTube.

Van De Wege earned his bachelor of arts in social science from WSU Global Campus in 2002. According to him, the education he received at WSU has been instrumental throughout his careers in public service, emergency response, and government affairs.

“Global Campus and the degree I got from Washington State University changed the trajectory of my life,” he said. “I was already starting a family and had a full-time job when I went to WSU and finished. And with that degree, it opened up the opportunity to serve in the legislature … it’s something I will cherish and reflect on for the rest of my life. Global Campus made that possible.”

Van De Wege recently concluded an 18-year career in the Washington State Legislature representing Washington’s Olympic Peninsula. He served his first ten years in the House of Representatives, including six years as Majority Whip, before serving eight years in the State Senate. Throughout his legislative career, he also served as a career firefighter and paramedic in Sequim, retiring this year after 27 years of public service in the fire service.

“We created the SODA program to recognize alumni whose outstanding achievements and character are an inspiration to both Global Campus students and the WSU Community as a whole,” said Kelly Newell, Global Campus associate vice chancellor for strategic partnerships and development. “Kevin is no exception. His example of leadership and spirit of public service are true examples of what it means to be a Coug.”

We created the SODA program to recognize alumni whose outstanding achievements and character are an inspiration to both Global Campus students and the WSU Community as a whole. Kevin is no exception.

Kelly Newell, Global Campus associate vice chancellor for strategic partnerships and development

During his final seven years in the Senate, he chaired the Senate Agriculture, Water, Natural Resources & Parks Committee, helping shape policy on natural resources, water, wildfire resilience, and environmental stewardship. “It was an honor to serve the people of Washington,” he said. “It’s all about making a difference in your community and leaving it better than it was before.”

One of Van De Wege’s most enduring accomplishments was leading the successful 2009 effort to establish a year-round emergency rescue tug stationed in Neah Bay, where it continues to protect the Salish Sea from potential maritime disasters.

Van De Wege will be officially inducted into SODA during a ceremony on the field during a WSU football game at Gesa Field. He will receive a commemorative plaque by WSU Global Campus Chancellor Dave Cillay. “It’s an honor to welcome Kevin into the distinguished ranks of SODA,” said WSU Global Campus Chancellor Dave Cillay. “It’s vital for us to recognize those who embody the values and excellence of WSU, and that’s what SODA is all about.”

Global Campus established the SODA in 2022 to honor exceptional online Cougs and their accomplishments, putting a spotlight on their inspiring spirit of excellence and generosity. Since then, SODA has inducted nine members, including prominent business, civic and philanthropic leaders, ardent supporters of the WSU Cougar family, and unwavering advocates of lifelong learning.

About the Author

Jeff Willadsen is the Digital Content and Communication Coordinator for WSU Global Campus. Before being hired at WSU in 2018, he worked as a photojournalist and public affairs specialist in the U.S. Navy. He earned his master’s in strategic communication online through WSU Global Campus while still serving on active duty in the Navy.