Society of Distinguished Alumni
Since WSU Global Campus’ founding in 1992, thousands of students around the globe have graduated and gone on to make an indelible mark on the world, thriving in their careers and personal lives while sharing their success with others through philanthropic pursuits. In 2022, Global Campus established the Society of Distinguished Alumni in order to honor these exceptional Cougs and their accomplishments, putting a spotlight on their inspiring spirit of excellence and generosity.
Distinguished Alums are prominent business, civic and philanthropic leaders, ardent supporters of the WSU Cougar family and unwavering advocates of lifelong learning. Each year, Global Campus recognizes more Cougs who have made a lasting, positive impact on their various communities and society as a whole.
Watch a video below featuring our 2025 SODA inductee as she discusses what inspired her throughout her journey.
WSU Global Campus SODA 2025 Inductee Dr. Gerry Ebalaroza-Tunnell Transcript
Meet 2026’s inductee
Kevin Van De Wege
Kevin 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. 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. One of Kevin’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.
In 2025, Kevin founded C Squared Consulting, a government affairs and public policy firm based in Olympia. 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. He and his wife, Jennifer, raised their family while balancing careers dedicated to serving Washington communities. Jennifer is an elementary school principal. Their daughter, Allison, is pursuing a master’s degree, and their son, Jack, is an engineer with Applied Materials.
Kevin earned his Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from Washington State University Global Campus in 2002. The education he received at WSU has been instrumental throughout his careers in public service, emergency response, and government affairs. As a proud Coug, Kevin remains deeply grateful for the education and opportunities WSU provided, which laid the foundation for a lifetime of leadership and public service.