Society of Distinguished Alumni
Since WSU Global Campus was founded in 1992, thousands of students around the world have graduated and gone on to make a lasting impact in their careers, communities, and beyond. In 2022, Global Campus established the Society of Distinguished Alumni (SODA) to recognize exceptional Cougs whose achievements, leadership, and generosity embody the spirit of WSU.
Distinguished alumni are business, civic, and philanthropic leaders who remain dedicated to the Cougar community and lifelong learning. Each year, Global Campus honors alumni who have made a meaningful and lasting impact in their communities and beyond.
Meet 2026’s Inductee
Kevin Van De Wege, WSU Global Campus’ 2026 Society of Distinguished Alumni inductee, has dedicated his career to public service and leadership in Washington state. A 2002 Global Campus graduate, Van De Wege served 18 years in the Washington State Legislature while also building a 27-year career as a firefighter and paramedic. Today, he continues his work in public policy as the founder of C Squared Consulting. Read Kevin’s full biography to learn more about his career, accomplishments, and lifelong commitment to serving Washington communities.
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.
Watch an audio-described version of this video on YouTube.