“On the day we broke ground for the first building, it was pouring rain and we walked guests through the wet grass reminding them to watch their step as this land was most recently a cow pasture.”

"What fascinates me most is the degree to which the university and other elements of the community are becoming woven into a single fabric. It is true that the university contributes to the community in a variety of ways, but the reverse is also true. The university thrives only if the entire community thrives. The health of our financial systems, public schools, transportation systems, employment opportunities, healthcare and social services, all contribute to the university’s ability to succeed. And while we may help educate the community, the community helps educate us too. It only makes sense that WSU Vancouver would be actively involved in helping strengthen these other threads of the fabric."

June 28, 1996
From dream to reality… WSU puts out the welcome mat

“The Salmon Creek site is the first all-new campus for WSU in more than 100 years, and this weekend’s festivities cap a decades-old effort to bring bachelor’s and master’s degree programs to Southwest Washington.”

"WSU Vancouver is one of the best improvements ever to the quality of life of the citizens of our community. It’s delivering on the vision set more than 20 years ago as an investment in individual initiative, overall community health and as a key factor in a strong and healthy community identity."