Cougar Quarterly

B.A. Business Administration, ‘00

President, The Commerce Bank of Oregon

Building career, community on a foundation of Cougar Pride

For Jason Ogg, WSU Vancouver was more than a place to earn a degree—it was a continuation of a family legacy and the beginning of a lifelong connection to the Cougar community. Ogg has carried that connection into a career in banking leadership, community service and family life rooted in Cougar traditions.

A family tradition becomes his own path

Ogg grew up knowing exactly where he wanted to go to college.

“Both of my parents attended WSU, and their stories about campus life, lifelong friendships and Cougar pride made a lasting impression on me,” he said. “WSU wasn’t just a college option, it was part of my family’s identity.”

When it came time to choose a university, WSU Vancouver felt like a natural fit. The campus offered an academic program aligned with his goals and a welcoming environment that felt immediately familiar. “From the moment I stepped on campus, I felt at home,” he said. “It was like I was continuing a legacy while also starting my own journey.”

While at WSU Vancouver, Ogg says the relationships he built and the quality of instruction left a lasting mark. Professors connected coursework to real-world applications, helping him develop critical thinking and leadership skills. Outside the classroom, group projects, student activities and long study sessions helped shape both his personal and professional growth.

Leading in banking and serving the community

Today, Ogg serves as president of The Commerce Bank of Oregon, an affiliate of Zions Bancorporation. In his role, he leads a team focused on relationship banking and supporting the long-term success of local businesses and communities.

“It’s a role that allows me to support local businesses and communities while leading a talented team,” he said.

His commitment to service extends beyond banking. Ogg serves on the board of the Oregon/Southwest Washington Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The work is deeply meaningful to him and focused on advancing research, advocacy and support for individuals and families affected by MS.

He also stays busy at home, where he volunteers as a youth sports coach. Whether on the field or court, he enjoys helping young athletes learn teamwork, discipline and confidence.

A chance encounter, a familiar greeting

Like many Cougs, Ogg says he has encountered WSU alumni in professional settings and community events over the years. But one of his most memorable moments came in an unexpected place.

“I was walking down the aisle when I spotted someone wearing a WSU hat,” he said. “Without hesitation, we exchanged a smile and a spirited ‘Go Cougs!’ right there between the cereal and canned goods.”

The moment, which happened in a Florida grocery store, underscored for him how far-reaching Cougar pride can be. “No matter where you are, you’re never too far from a fellow Coug,” he said.

Watching WSU Vancouver grow

Since his time as a student, Ogg has been impressed by how much WSU Vancouver has evolved. He has watched the campus grow in both size and scope, with new buildings, expanded programs and enhanced student resources.

“It’s been incredible to see how much WSU Vancouver has grown,” he said. “What was once a smaller, more intimate setting has evolved into a vibrant and expanding university community.”

Despite that growth, he believes the campus has maintained its close-knit and supportive culture, something he considers a defining strength.

Food Science, WSU Pullman Class of 2015 and 2016

Arabilis Wines and The Oregon Sparkling Wine Co.

Amity, Oregon

Q: How long have you owned or managed your business?
Our first vintage for Arabilis was in 2018, and we officially launched the brand at the end of 2021 with a couple of wines we had carefully developed over time. In 2024, we expanded our work by launching The Oregon Sparkling Wine Co., a custom services business focused on helping other wineries produce high-quality sparkling wines.

Q: What inspired you to start your business?
Our paths into wine were different, but they ultimately led us to the same place. Kenny’s interest began early, sparked during a family trip. Allison discovered her passion later, after completing a biology degree and exploring wineries in California’s Bay Area, where she became fascinated by the intersection of science, agriculture and human experience in wine.

We both chose WSU to pursue that interest through food science, but after graduating, we took positions with large food companies that allowed us to travel extensively. Wine remained a long-term goal. When friends from WSU who had entered the wine industry began sharing their harvest experiences, we realized the timing mattered. If we didn’t take the leap, we might never do it.

In 2017, before settling down, we wrote a business plan from our apartment in New Jersey. That plan ultimately brought us back to the West Coast to begin building what would become Arabilis.

Q: Tell us about your business, including your mission and goals.
Arabilis is rooted in a deep respect for both the science and artistry of winemaking. As Ph.D. scientists turned winemakers, we focus on crafting precise, elegant traditional-method sparkling wines, along with select still wines. Our approach is hands-on and intentional, from working with thoughtfully farmed vineyards to offering immersive tasting experiences that help people better understand the winemaking process.

The Oregon Sparkling Wine Co. complements that work by providing specialized services to other wineries. We bring technical expertise and equipment to help produce premium sparkling wines. We currently work with about 20 clients, many of them returning each year, and we’re focused on growing alongside Oregon’s expanding sparkling wine industry.

Q: What has been a memorable moment in your journey as business owners?
The most meaningful moments are often the simplest—watching someone taste our wine and light up. Whether it’s during a private tasting at Arabilis or when a client shares a sparkling wine they made with our help, those experiences reinforce why we do this work.

Recognition from the industry has also been rewarding. Our wines have been reviewed by publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast and Decanter. We were named one of VinePair’s “Top 15 Winemakers to Watch in 2026,” and National Geographic highlighted us among innovative wineries shaping the future of the Willamette Valley. Still, the most rewarding part remains the connection between people and the wine in their glass.

Q: Do you have any Coug traditions?
We make it a point to return to Pullman whenever we can—visiting former professors, reconnecting with friends, attending football games, and stopping by Ferdinand’s for ice cream and Cougar Gold cheese. We often bring several cans of Cougar Gold home with us; it’s become one of our favorite gifts to share with friends and family.

Q: How did WSU shape your path?
We were both drawn to WSU’s School of Food Science, particularly the sensory science work happening in Carolyn Ross’s lab. Our shared interest in how people experience wine—and how decisions in growing and production influence that experience—played a major role in shaping our careers.

Q: Why the Willamette Valley?
We moved to Oregon’s Willamette Valley because it offers ideal conditions for producing traditional-method sparkling wines. The region’s cool climate, long growing season and marine influence support the acidity and slow ripening needed for this style. Classic grape varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thrive here, often grown using sustainable practices that align with our values. We were also drawn to the collaborative nature of the winemaking community.

Q: How can alumni connect with your business?
Alumni and community members can learn more at arabiliswines.com or follow along on Instagram at @arabiliswines.

Join the WSU Vancouver Alumni Career Network for opportunities to give back and provide mentorship.

Your journey didn't end at graduation—it was just beginning. Now, you can help current students start theirs. Behind every successful graduate is a mentor who shared a few words of wisdom. Whether it’s through a formal networking event or an informal "Career Conversation," your experience and insights help students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

Get involved with students by participating in:

• Networking events: Build professional bridges.
• Resume reviews: Provide vital industry feedback.
• Career conversations: Share your story in a relaxed setting.

Plus, don't miss the summer Employer and Industry Reception to see how your organization can partner with WSU Vancouver.

To get connected, send an email to the Career Action Center for Students at van.career@wsu.edu.

Many alumni remember Gay Vallorie Selby not just as an educator, but as a mentor, champion and proud Coug who believed deeply in the power of public education and the people called to lead it.

Selby passed away on July 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy that shaped classrooms, campuses and careers across Washington state. As a trailblazing superintendent, faculty member and longtime supporter of WSU Vancouver, Selby cared deeply about her students and spoke of them with pride.

In the spirit of honoring that legacy, Selby’s family has shared her collection of WSU memorabilia. These cherished pieces are symbols of her lifelong Cougar pride and are now being offered to alumni who were part of her journey.

Alumni are invited to select a memento of Selby’s—something to remember her by and to honor the meaningful connection she shared with her students. In keeping with the wishes of Selby’s family, and in recognition of her deep commitment to supporting future educators, those selecting an item are asked to make a gift to Washington State University. Your contribution of any size to either the WSU Vancouver Education Development Fund and the George B Brain and Gay V. Selby Professorship in Educational Leadership Fund, helps continue the work Selby believed in so deeply.

The WSU Coug items can be viewed and selected from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, June 30 at WSU Vancouver, Dengerink Administration Building, Selby Tower Room (third floor), 14204 NE Salmon Creek Avenue, Vancouver, WA 98686.

If you have questions, email Jennifer Miltenberger at j.miltenberger@wsu.edu.

Caps, gowns and Cougar pride. What a moment to celebrate. Congratulations to the Class of 2026 as you graduate from WSU Vancouver! You and your fellow graduates have demonstrated tremendous resilience and dedication throughout your academic journey.

You now join a powerful network of nearly 20,000 WSU Vancouver alumni and more than 281,000 Cougar alumni around the world—an incredible community that continues to grow every year.

To stay connected and expand your professional network, we encourage you to join Cougs Connect. Whether you’re looking for mentorship, job opportunities or want to reconnect with fellow Cougs, Cougs Connect is a great way to stay engaged with the Cougar community.

Don’t forget to stay in touch! Be sure to update your contact information so you can continue receiving news and opportunities from WSU Vancouver. If you update your contact information on or before June 30, you will be entered into a drawing to win Coug swag! And while you’re at it, share your successes with us. We love hearing about the exciting paths our graduates take after commencement.

You can also relive the celebration by viewing photos from commencement on and watching a recording of the ceremony online.

Go Cougs!

A Cougar love story: Aaron and Jen Thorne find home—and each other—at WSU Vancouver

Aaron Thorne Bachelor of Arts in Digital Technology and Culture, 2005, WSU Vancouver

Jen Barnes Thorne Bachelor of Arts in English, 2013, WSU Vancouver

For Aaron and Jen Thorne, WSU Vancouver isn’t just where they earned their degrees or built their careers—it’s quite literally where their love story began.

Long before they married, the two crossed paths in the Multimedia Classroom Building, where Aaron often stopped by with his young son, Julian, to visit colleagues. Jen, then working nearby, would join the conversations—often to compare progress on the Legend of Zelda games Julian and Aaron were playing. Those quick chats grew into a genuine friendship. Over time, as life shifted, so did their relationship.

“The way she was with Julian was a big part of why I realized she was right for me,” Aaron said. “That, and the fact that she’s a crazy punk rock goofball.”

Jen remembers it just as fondly. “We were friends for quite some time through work, and slowly our friendship bloomed into more,” she said. “WSU Vancouver will always be a favorite spot for me because it’s where our love story began.”

Their paths to becoming Cougs

Before finding each other, both found WSU Vancouver at pivotal moments.

Aaron transferred to the campus in 2003 after time at Clark College, UW and several jobs. Unsure of his direction but armed with self‑taught web experience, he took a chance on a campus he had never visited. He entered the Digital Technology and Culture program and graduated in 2005.

Jen’s route looked different. A first‑generation college student, she never thought a degree was possible. By 25, with two young children, she decided to try. She started at Lower Columbia College, discovered a love of writing and eventually transferred to WSU Vancouver to pursue an English degree. A student job as a test proctor opened doors to campus connections—and ultimately her career.

“I didn’t know what I wanted to do,” she said. “I just knew having a degree was an advantage. WSU Vancouver became the place that changed everything for me.”

Life on campus—and beyond

Today, both continue to shape the campus they love.

Aaron has worked in WSU Vancouver’s IT department since graduating, finding meaning in helping students, faculty and staff navigate technology. Outside work, he plays indoor soccer (usually with Jen), follows new bands, travels for concerts and dives into big projects—like clearing blackberry brambles and Tree of Heaven from the property where the couple hopes to build a home.

Jen, now the administrative manager for the College of Arts and Sciences, thrives on problem-solving, especially in Workday. She’s also a dedicated runner and powerlifter, often advising student clubs and advocating for strength training as a way to build confidence and manage stress.

Together, they travel for concerts, explore new adventures and stay deeply connected to campus life.

A campus that still feels like home

Aaron remembers early-morning walks past the Mount St. Helens corridor and glimpses of Mount Hood—views that haven’t lost their charm. Jen treasures the sense of community: “People know each other. It’s like a big family.”

They’ve also witnessed the campus change—growing programs, new student populations and expanding support for first‑generation students. Both say the evolution has been meaningful and necessary.

The power of a campus community

For both Aaron and Jen, graduation didn’t mark an ending so much as a continuation—they simply stayed and kept growing with the campus.

Aaron stays in touch with former student workers, and Jen continues to support clubs, events and colleagues. Both credit members of the WSU Vancouver community with shaping their lives and strive to pay that kindness forward.

Jen still remembers attending ROAR orientation in 2011, panicking after discovering she’d been dropped from her classes. She was ready to walk away until a staff member, Nancy Youlden, stopped to help her navigate the issue.

“She changed the trajectory of my life,” Jen said. “If I’d walked out the door that day, I wouldn’t be here—and I would never have met Aaron.”

Advice to future Cougs

Aaron encourages students who feel uncertain to consider the value of a smaller campus. “On a campus like ours, it’s a lot harder to get lost in the crowd,” he said. “Vancouver is the Goldilocks campus—not too big and not too small.”

Jen’s advice is to dive in: “Get involved. Try new things. Don’t fixate on GPA. The connections you make here will shape your future.”

For two alumni who found their degrees, their careers and each other on this campus, WSU Vancouver isn’t just part of their story—it’s at the center of it.

Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News, 2010, WSU Pullman

Founder and CEO, Spry

How long have you owned your business?

I’ve owned Spry for 15 years.

What inspired you to start your business?

My first job was in sales and account management for a digital marketing company. I quickly realized the services clients were paying for weren’t actually being delivered, so I taught myself how to execute them. My clients saw immediate results—and their gratitude showed me there was real need for honest, effective digital marketing.

When my paychecks started arriving late and sometimes in cash, I knew I needed to move on. My partner encouraged me to start my own business, and I felt compelled to do it—not just to offer better services but to educate people about what digital marketing should be. From day one, Spry has included classes, consulting sessions, and boot camps to help people understand and use digital tools themselves.

Tell us about Spry and your work in the community.

Spry focuses on “social media for good.” We help brands grow healthy, engaged online communities through managed social media services, consulting and training.

A key part of our mission is increasing digital literacy. We partner with organizations such as Clark College Community and Continuing Education, the Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Vancouver Association and the Women’s Entrepreneurial Organization to provide community education.

In 2024, I co‑authored “Down the Rabbit Hole: Slowing the Spread of Misinformation and Propaganda on Social Media” with colleague Adrienne Harvey. Our hope is that it eventually becomes curriculum from middle school through college. We also host community misinformation nights, guest lecture at colleges across the Pacific Northwest and collaborate with school districts on online safety workshops for families.

We make our living helping businesses grow on social media—but we believe that collective digital literacy is the key to ensuring social platforms remain tools for learning and connection, rather than division.

What has been a memorable moment in your career?

Speaking at the 2025 Murrow Symposium was a highlight. Being invited to join a panel on misinformation felt like a culmination of my education, my decade of work in social media and the research that went into our book. It was an honor to be recognized in a field that deeply affects our communities.

Do you have any Coug traditions?

I was a Crimson Girl at WSU Pullman, and when our men’s basketball team reached the Sweet 16 in 2008, I traveled with the team to perform. A clip of me even made it into that year’s “One Shining Moment” video. Every March, my family and I rewatch it—still so fun!

What’s your favorite thing about being part of the Cougar community?

Pullman provided a close-knit, supportive environment where I could focus on my education, activities and friendships. As an alumna, I love the strong network of Cougs everywhere. I’ve enjoyed returning to both the Pullman and Vancouver campuses as a guest lecturer and sharing my entrepreneurial journey with students.

How can alumni and community members connect with Spry?

Join Cougs in the Community for a fun and rewarding trail cleanup with the Washington Trails Association. Help make a difference in our local trails and connect with fellow Cougs while enjoying the outdoors!

• Time and Date: 8:30 a.m. – noon Saturday, March 28
• Location: WSU Vancouver Cougar Trails
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty, sturdy shoes and a water bottle. All clean-up equipment and guidance will be provided by WTA leaders.
• Register online (link to sign-up coming soon)

Alumni Showcase and 30th Annual Student Art Show

The WSU Vancouver Department of Art is celebrating a major milestone, 30 years of creative expression, and alumni are invited to be part of it!

This spring and summer, the campus gallery will feature two special exhibitions that honor both our past and present: An Alumni Showcase highlighting where art alumni are today, and the 30th Annual Student Art Show featuring work by current and former students.

Alumni Showcase

Whether art was your concentration, minor or a single class that stuck with you, we want to feature you. Share a photo and a brief reflection on what you’re doing now and how art or creative thinking continues to shape your path. Learn more and see examples on the Alumni Showcase website.

30th Annual Student Art Show

Alumni are also encouraged to submit artwork for consideration alongside current students. Both 2D and 3D works are welcome.

Key Dates

• Submissions due: March 1
• Artist notifications: March 10
• Artwork delivery deadline: April 3
• Exhibition dates: April 13 – Aug. 10 (approx.)

Submit photos, artwork and materials to: a.bawa@wsu.edu

Join us in honoring three decades of creativity, community and Cougar pride and help showcase the lasting impact of art at WSU Vancouver.

If you have questions, email a.bawa@wsu.edu

Pictured above: Cesar Moreno in 2012 as a first-year student in art class. Today he serves as a financial aid counselor at WSU Vancouver.

WSU Vancouver is looking for volunteers to read and score student scholarship applications for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a great way to support students’ educational goals while learning more about their stories, challenges and achievements.

Whether you’ve volunteered before or are new to this opportunity, we’d love your help. Reading will take place in February, continuing until all applications are reviewed. To sign up or ask questions, contact Jake McStravick at jake.mcstravick@wsu.edu.