Notable Alumni Award

Washington State University Vancouver presents the 2025 Notable Alumni Award to Bryan Stebbins, Master of Public Affairs, Class of 2020. This award recognizes alumni whose accomplishments, service and leadership reflect WSU Vancouver’s legacy of excellence and commitment to improving lives through education and community engagement.
Bryan’s career and volunteer service embody the Cougar spirit—brave, resilient and dedicated to creating opportunities that strengthen our communities.
In his professional life, Bryan has built a career rooted in public service and community connection. He spent a decade working for U.S. Senator Patty Murray, cultivating relationships with elected officials, community organizations and constituents across Southwest Washington. Today, he serves as public affairs manager at PointNorth, a minority- and woman-owned consulting firm based in Vancouver, where he contributes to one of the nation’s largest infrastructure projects: the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program. In this role, Bryan helps amplify community voices, foster collaboration and ensure that major projects reflect the needs of the people they serve.
Bryan’s commitment to giving back is equally evident in his volunteer leadership. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the Clark County Historical Museum, helping preserve and share the region’s diverse heritage. He is also a member of the Love and Justice Alliance and the City of Vancouver’s 2045 Comprehensive Plan Community Team, working alongside others to shape policies and programs that strengthen civic participation and inclusion. Previously, he served as Board President of the Queer Youth Resource Center, where he worked to expand programs and support for LGBTQ+ youth and allies across Southwest Washington.
Bryan’s dedication to WSU Vancouver and its students is deeply felt. He generously supports the Cougar Food Pantry and the LGBTQ+ Empowerment Endowed Scholarship, a scholarship available to all students designed to expand access to higher education. This scholarship helps ensure that future generations of students will have lasting support in pursuing their academic goals, especially those who may face barriers to higher education. In addition to his philanthropic support, Bryan showed his Cougar Pride by helping to welcome students back to campus at the Wave the Flag event this fall and mentors WSU Vancouver interns, offering the kind of guidance he once wished for at the start of his own career.
Behind all of Bryan’s accomplishments lies a spirit of humility and service. Friends describe him as courageous and compassionate—someone who consistently puts others first and leads with integrity. Whether helping a family member in need, mentoring an intern or speaking up for those whose perspectives are too often overlooked, Bryan acts with conviction and care.
Reflecting on his time at WSU Vancouver, Bryan credits his graduate studies for sharpening his skills and strengthening his resolve to serve the public good. “What I love about WSU Vancouver is you get the small, private university experience but the resources of a large, state land-grant, Tier 1 research institution,” he shared. “This place made my life as a student and as an alumnus richer, and I’m grateful for it.”
Bryan’s impact extends far beyond titles or positions. His legacy is found in the opportunities he creates for others, the communities he helps to build and the example he sets for what it means to live one’s values every day.
Bryan’s contributions reflect his extraordinary character and embody the mission and spirit of Washington State University Vancouver.