​RICHLAND, Wash. – An art exhibit is on display at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus in memory of a faculty member. Four current WSU Tri-Cities faculty contributed their own art creations in various mediums. The exhibition will be on display until the end of February.  

The art exhibit, titled “NO PROGRAM”, was created in memory of WSU Tri-Cities associate professor Douglas Gast and named after his portfolio site, to honor his contributions to the art world, his community, and Washington State University Tri-Cities. Gast, who passed away in 2020, was known as an influential artist and educator whose work was impactful for the university and its students, nationally and internationally.  

The exhibit highlights artwork created by four current WSU Tri-Cities faculty- Peter Christenson, Philip Mudd, Kayleigh Lang, and Marguerite Finch, as well as past works from Gast. The art mediums range from photography, painting, installation, sound, and sculpture.

“I was excited to have the opportunity to help curate this exhibition,” said Finch. “I briefly knew Doug but knew how much he cared about promoting art on this campus and creating art opportunities for students. I believe this exhibition gives students at WSU Tri-Cities a way to engage with art and see what faculty currently working on this campus are doing in their art practice.”

According to the exhibit’s official statement, Gast was an inspirational instructor. “As associate professor, Doug inspired and mentored many students, encouraging them to take chances, create with confidence, and participate within the community and the world."
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The public is invited to view the exhibit located in the Art Center in the Consolidated Information Center on the WSU Tri-Cities campus.  

Tri-Cities, WA (February 2024) – In honor of Heart Health Month, Lourdes Health and Trios Health are excited to announce a community-wide initiative to promote heart health through a free Heart Health screening event.
 
“This free screening event aims to raise awareness about cardiovascular health while also providing valuable screenings and information to community members in the Tri-Cities”, said Mark Holyoak, Lourdes Health CEO.
 
“Heart disease remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally,” said David Elgarico, Trios Health CEO & Market President. “Lourdes Health and Trios Health are committed to empowering our community with the knowledge and resources needed to prioritize heart health.”
 
The free Heart Health screening event will take place on Saturday, February 24 in the lobby of the Trios Care Center at Southridge, located at: 3730 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Registration is not necessary to attend. This is a free walk-in event.
 
Lourdes Health and Trios Health will have a variety of free screenings, educational booths and healthcare professionals on-site to address heart health concerns.
 
Free screenings include, Body Mass Index (MBI), Blood Pressure, Finger Stick Blood Glucose Testing, Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation.
 
Featured Booths: Community Resources & Hospital Services, Diabetes/Nutrition, Hands-Only CPR demonstrations with the Kennewick Fire Department, Heart Attack and Stroke Education, Speak with a Cardiologist and Take a Heart Risk Assessment. Additionally, there will be fun giveaways, kids coloring activities and the chance to win a heart health themed basket.
 
Lourdes Health and Trios Health invite the community to join us in promoting heart health awareness and taking proactive steps towards a healthier future. We encourage everyone, regardless of age or background, to attend this event and make their heart health a priority.
 
The Trios Care Center at Southridge is located at: 3730 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99338. For more information, please visit YourLourdes.com or TriosHealth.org.
 

Noel Schulz has been appointed to the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professorship at Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities. This follows Schulz’s recent appointment to inaugural director of the Institute for Northwest Energy Futures (INEF) in August of 2023. 

As an endowed professor, Schulz will provide expertise and guidance in furthering INEF’s function of research, development, and education associated with realizing the 21st century low-carbon energy transitions over the next decades in the region.   The role allows Schulz to conduct scholarly work related to INEF’s clean energy goals and hire graduate assistants. 

“It is an honor to be named the Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor.  His leadership in the Tri-Cities and energy field provided momentum for INEF and its activities,” said Noel Schulz.  “This support will assist me in continuing research activities in the INEF area.”

The funding for the professorship position was gifted to the WSU Foundation by Bob Ferguson, a veteran in the nuclear field and a longtime supporter of WSU Tri-Cities’ clean energy initiatives. Ferguson’s donations also helped establish INEF, in hopes that the funds would contribute to a clean energy future by developing pathways for developing, integrating, and sustaining the resources of the region.  His gift laid the foundation for the recent investment by the Washington State Legislature for INEF activities.
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“Noel’s leadership and expertise will be great assets to the institute,” said Sandra Haynes, chancellor of WSU Tri-Cities. “Her enthusiasm for the work and mission of INEF are evident and I look forward to the progress she will make in this new role.”

A researcher with the Washington State University Viticulture and Enology program on the WSU Tri-Cities campus is looking for volunteers to participate in a red wine sensory panel. Panelists will be trained to identify specific aromas and tastes in wines and are asked to score the wines based on the results. 

Scheduled to start at the end of February, the panel will take place over the course of seven weeks, with three group sessions and five individual sessions. The group sessions will last between 60 and 90 minutes, and the individual sessions will take no more than 40 minutes each. Snacks will be provided after each session. All sessions will be held at the Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center in Richland. The timing of the sessions will be up to volunteer discretion.
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Any person over the age of 21 is allowed to participate. For more information, contact Juliana Pazos at [email protected]. 

​Gesa, a community-focused credit union, announced that its distinguished Scholarship Program is accepting applications for 30 more days. Students who have active student loans, are entering college for the first time, or are continuing to pursue higher education have the chance to receive some of the more than $100,000 available in scholarships. Gesa encourages eligible students who have not yet applied to take the opportunity to submit their applications before the deadline on February 29, 2024.
 
“As the application deadline for our Scholarship Program approaches, we want to remind and encourage all students to apply,” said Amber Merrill, Community Relations Manager at Gesa Credit Union. “We are eagerly anticipating the rest of the applications to come in, as each year students submit truly exceptional and inspiring personal stories. Gesa is honored that we can continue to support and empower these local students on their educational journey through our Scholarship Program.”
 
Of the available scholarships, $50,000 is offered to high school seniors who have participated in Gesa’s High School Credit Union program; $30,000 is provided for high school seniors who are entering their freshman year at college; $15,000 is available for members who are looking to continue their higher education; and $5,000 is offered to members who have active student loans from continuing higher education.
 
Scholarship applications for the 2024-2025 school year close February 29, 2024. Applicants must be Gesa members and submit their application through the online portal found on Gesa’s website. For more information on grant eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.gesa.com/category/scholarships/.