Cougar Quarterly

Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, 2018, WSU Vancouver

When Sarah Holm graduated from Washington State University Vancouver in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, she left with more than a diploma. She carried with her a commitment to supporting all students and creating equitable learning opportunities—a perspective shaped by her experiences on campus and the faculty who guided and inspired her.

Holm chose WSU Vancouver for its strong College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences and its focus on preparing teachers to support students with diverse learning needs. “I was seeking a pathway to become a teacher focused on special education and supporting multilingual students,” she said. “It was important for me to develop teaching skills while understanding how bias can influence instruction and contribute to inequities in educational outcomes.”

Today, Holm works as a student conduct coordinator and consultant, supporting schools in implementing fair and consistent approaches to student behavior. She partners closely with administrators and school teams to review cases, develop discipline practices and address disparities in outcomes. Holm also designs and delivers professional development for educators, equipping staff with strategies to promote inclusive, supportive learning environments and prevent behavioral challenges.

“By analyzing data and identifying trends, I help schools create systems that keep students engaged, supported and connected to learning,” Holm said.

A transformational campus experience
Holm speaks passionately about the faculty and staff who shaped her academic journey. She recalls professors who fostered tight-knit cohorts and encouraged deep, meaningful dialogue. She also credits academic advising for boosting her confidence and supporting her as both a student and stepmother managing ADHD.

One mentor in particular—Shameem Rakha, then vice co-chair of the bachelor of education program—had a lasting impact.

“As a student whose K–12 experience had been deeply affected by harmful language in my IEP, I struggled academically,” Holm said. “Shameem guided me past the obstacles holding me back. She ignited a deep desire to learn and grow within me.”

Holm’s time at WSU Vancouver offered opportunities beyond the classroom as well. As a queer female veteran, she participated in the Focus Forward Fellowship through Purdue University, met with Sen. Patty Murray to discuss student loan debt and attended the Boeing Gala honoring Vietnam veterans. She also spoke on a WSU panel addressing the experiences of women veterans.

“I know I am the educator I am today because of the influence of my time in the College of Education, Sport and Human Sciences at WSU Vancouver,” she said. “The mentorship, guidance and opportunities shaped my confidence and sense of purpose.”

Life beyond campus
Holm continues to stay connected to campus by walking the Cougar Trails and visiting favorite views of Mount Hood and Mount St. Helens. “It always reminds me of the perspective and growth I gained at WSU Vancouver,” she said.

Cougar pride also runs in her family. Raised in eastern Washington, Holm grew up surrounded by Cougs—and apple orchards her great-uncles once partnered on with WSU. She fondly remembers drinking from faded Cougar-logo glasses at her grandparents’ home and reflects with pride on being the first grandchild to attend and graduate from college.

Holm uses a WSU Vancouver lapel pin in her office to hold up one of her favorite quotes: “The farther we fall the higher we fly. The key to success is doing what's best for you and sticking to what will make you happy and grow.”

Advice for future Cougs
For current and future students, Holm emphasizes gratitude and resilience.

“Attending university is a privilege—it’s a gift,” she said. “Lean into your learning and growth. Reach out for support when it's hard. When it feels overwhelming or like giving up is the only option, remember that you’re often on the brink of greatness. Lean in, learn through the struggle and keep moving forward.”

And as every Coug knows, the community spans far and wide—Holm even heard a “Go Cougs!” on a solo snorkeling trip in Aruba.

Bachelor of Arts in Apparel Design and Textiles, 2007, WSU Pullman
Owner and CEO The DIfference

Q: How long have you owned The Difference, Inc.?
A: I’ve been owner and CEO for two years, and previously served as director of business development and buyer for four years.

Q: What inspired you to join, then own, The Difference?
A: After studying apparel design at WSU Pullman, I was inspired to work in the styling arena of fashion to help women dress confidently, artfully and use fashion as a tool for daily joy. I’ve been a fashion stylist for 20 years and connected deeply with The Difference Inc.’s core values of connection, personalized service and helping women lead better lives.

Q: Tell us about The Difference’s mission, goals and community involvement.
A: We believe in the power of personal style. The confidence that radiates when you feel comfortable, authentic and joyful in your wardrobe is a force! Our goal is to elevate women and make dressing efficient and effortless through expert styling. We also build community through in-store events and online connection.

We host interns from Cascadia Tech and Vancouver Public Schools to support future fashion and retail talent. We feature local artists during First Friday events, support the vibrancy of downtown through VDA volunteer work, donate to nonprofits and provide clothing for women in transitional housing. Earlier this year, I even dressed as Dolly Parton and sang at a fundraiser for Share—and together, we raised more than $30,000. It was incredibly rewarding to see our community’s generosity!

Q: What has been a favorite or memorable moment in your career as a business owner?
A: There are so many—client and staff interactions fill my days with meaning. If I had to pick one, it would be our very first First Friday event in late 2021. Seeing joyful interactions around art, fashion and connection confirmed how important it is for me to help create spaces where people come together.

Q: What is your favorite thing about WSU or being part of the Cougar community?
A: WSU continues evolving to provide opportunities and build community partnerships. The education is top-tier. Dancing to ’80s music at Valhalla with everyone singing along is also a core memory!

Q: Tell us about the Cougs in your family.
A: I grew up in Pullman, where my mom was a professor for 32 years. I’m the only Coug graduate, though. The rest of my family graduated from Montana Tech.

Q: How long have you lived in the Vancouver area, and what brought you here?
A: I moved to Vancouver in 2007 after graduating college. I was drawn to the trees, mountains, creative scene in Portland and the blend of small-town feel with big-city resources.

Q: Why did you choose WSU?
A: I knew I wanted to study fashion design, and WSU was the perfect fit—plus, I could continue working at Dissmore’s IGA and keep expenses low while getting a fantastic education in my hometown.

Q: What is the most unexpected place you’ve heard a “Go Cougs”?
A: Australia! I ran into a group watching Cougar football while traveling.

Q: What’s the best contact information for alumni to connect with The Difference?
A: Email me at daron@thedifferencepdx.com.

Kudos! Deonier-Clemons was recently recognized as an Accomplished and Under 40 honoree by the Vancouver Business Journal and received the Small Business & Leadership Award from the Greater Vancouver Chamber. At WSU, she earned top honors for her work in apparel design, including Best in Show at the Mom’s Weekend Fashion Show and selection for an international juried textile exhibit.

Get ready to make a difference for WSU Vancouver students. Volunteers are needed to read scholarship essays that help students earn financial support for their education. Reading essays is a rewarding way to hear students’ stories, challenges and goals, and to support their success.

Keep this opportunity in mind. Scholarship reading will take place in February, and more details on how to participate will be shared soon.

If you have questions or would like to be added to the volunteer list, please contact Jake McStravick at jake.mcstravick@wsu.edu.

Date: Tuesday, Nov. 25
Time: Noon – 4 p.m.
Location: Firstenburg Student Commons Kitchen

We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest in this year’s Cougs in the Community Thanksgiving Fresh Food Event! All volunteer spots have now been filled.

If you would like to be added to the waitlist in case openings become available, contact Maddy Juul at 360-546-9600 or madelyn.juul@wsu.edu.

Thank you to everyone helping make Thanksgiving a little brighter for our Cougar community!

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 3
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Location:Hilton Vancouver Washington

Kick off the holiday season with Cougar pride at this family- and pet-friendly celebration! Enjoy a complimentary photo opportunity with WSU’s beloved mascot, Butch T. Cougar, and capture the perfect holiday memory.

Looking for the ideal Cougar gifts? Stop by the CougarWear pop-up shop starting at 10 a.m. to shop exclusive merchandise before the evening festivities.

Guests are encouraged to support the Cougar Food Pantry by making a cash donation or bringing nonperishable food items. To learn which items are most needed, please visit the Cougar Food Pantry webpage.

Date: Saturday, Dec. 28
Time: 12:30 p.m.
Location: Satellite Tavern

Join fellow Cougar fans ahead of the WSU Men’s Basketball matchup against the Portland Pilots! Connect with supporters, share Cougar spirit, and get energized before tipoff.

The game begins at 2 p.m. at the Chiles Center. Come cheer on the Cougs as they take on the Pilots and represent Cougar Nation proudly! Buy men's basketball tickets online.

Date: Friday, Jan. 2
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Location: Satellite Tavern

Keep the Cougar basketball excitement going! Join fellow Cougs before the WSU Women’s Basketball team takes on the Portland Pilots. Connect with fans and get into the game-day spirit together.

The game begins at 6 p.m. at the Chiles Center. Come cheer on the Cougs and help kick off the New Year with a win! Buy women's basketball tickets online.

Tell us about your journey to becoming a Cougar.
I was born and raised in Vancouver and graduated from Fort Vancouver High School. I spent my first two years of college at Central Washington University. At that time, WSU Vancouver was just developing, so I decided to come home and attend there. Most of my classes—maybe all of them—were in Bauer Hall on the Clark College campus, and I was part of the first class to hold its graduation ceremony on the Salmon Creek campus.

What are you doing now?
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in human development, I worked at the university for 10 years in the human development department, the College of Liberal Arts and the Campus Advancement Office. After leaving WSU Vancouver, I earned my master’s in teaching from Concordia University and fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a teacher.

I began teaching at Clover Park School District on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where I spent two years before joining Evergreen Public Schools. This fall will mark my ninth year at Sunset Elementary, where I’ve taught kindergarten, second and third grade. This year I’ll be teaching fourth grade for the first time.

Where is the strangest place you’ve met another Coug or heard “Go Cougs”?
I’m a proud Coug and have heard “Go Cougs!” in unexpected places like Dallas, Phoenix and Dayton, Ohio. I often wear my Coug gear and even have students show up to class in theirs.

What was something you enjoyed about WSU Vancouver or your program?
I was lucky to be taught and mentored by Karen Peterson and to work with many amazing faculty and staff members. When I was a student, WSU Vancouver was a small community where everyone knew each other. We had one coffee cart and one building, which created a strong bond between students and staff in Bauer Hall.

Karen was always available for questions and guidance, and she recommended me for my first job after graduation at WSU Vancouver.

How do you support WSU Vancouver as an alumna?
I support WSU Vancouver by promoting it to my students and peers. I proudly wear my Coug gear, post about WSU on social media and would gladly volunteer at events.

How Coug are you?
Some of my favorite memories include working graduation each year and handing diplomas to Chancellor Dengerink. I also remember tailgating at Autzen Stadium before a WSU–Oregon game, one of the few fans there proudly sporting Coug gear.

What is your advice for current or future Cougs?
Find your passion and pursue it, even if the path isn’t straight. I’ve wanted to be a teacher since childhood, but my journey included twists and turns through higher education and health services before I accomplished my goal.

When Narek Daniyelyan (’11, bachelor’s in business administration; '20, master's in public affairs) became president of agency operations for the Farmers Insurance District Office in Eugene earlier this year, he stepped into a role that blends entrepreneurship, leadership and community impact.

Under the Farmers corporate structure, Daniyelyan serves as district manager for the Central West region of Oregon. Though aligned with a national brand, he operates the district office as an independent contractor—effectively running it as a small business.

“I’ve always been drawn to leadership roles where I can help people achieve more than they thought possible,” Daniyelyan said. “Managing a district gives me the freedom to shape the culture, invest in people, and directly impact the success of local entrepreneurs and the communities they serve.”

His mission centers on supporting agency owners and their teams in building thriving businesses rooted in integrity and expertise. He said the district office focuses on collaboration, growth and community impact—values that guide training, professional development and service across the region.

Daniyelyan is also proud to carry his Cougar identity south of the Washington border. “Being a lifelong Coug in the heart of Duck country has its challenges,” he said with a laugh. “But I proudly hang my WSU diplomas and a Coug flag in my office.”

A Vancouver native, Daniyelyan spent 25 years in the city before relocating to Eugene in June. He attended McLoughlin Middle School, Fort Vancouver High School and Clark College before transferring to WSU Vancouver in 2009. His two younger brothers are also Cougs.

Daniyelyan said choosing WSU Vancouver was about more than academics. “It allowed me to get a great education while staying connected to the community I grew up in,” he said. “Attending WSU Vancouver meant I could invest in my future without losing my connection to family and friends.”

That sense of connection has only deepened through the alumni network. “My favorite thing about being a Coug is the network—it’s not just an alumni list, it’s a family,” he said. “I’ve experienced firsthand how Cougs go out of their way to support one another in business and in life.”

Daniyelyan has even found Cougar connections abroad. During a trip to Europe in 2016, he and a group of WSU friends wore Coug gear throughout their three-week journey. “We were easily spotted by other Cougs who happened to be there,” he recalled.

For Daniyelyan, leading the Farmers Insurance district office is more than a career move, it’s an extension of the Cougar values of leadership, service and community.

It’s Apple Cup time, Cougs! Join fellow fans as WSU takes on UW in this fierce rivalry game. Wear your crimson and gray, bring your Cougar spirit and enjoy great food, drinks and camaraderie. The event is open to all ages—perfect for the whole family.

There will be prize drawings at the end of every quarter. Wear your Coug gear to be entered to win. Let’s rally as a community and cheer the Cougs on to a memorable rivalry win!

📅 Date: Saturday, September 20, 2025
🕓 Kickoff: 4:30 PM
📍 Location: Ilani Rock & Brews
1 Cowlitz Way, Ridgefield, WA 98642

Register