Online Edition | Washington State University | Pullman, Washington | Friday, March 8, 2002

Foundation news
Sheridan, Dryfoos heading west

Greg Sheridan, senior vice president of the WSU Foundation, and Walter Dryfoos, executive director for Advancement Services and Annual Giving and vice president of the WSU Foundation, are heading west for Husky country.

Sheridan is the new associate vice president for constituency programs at the University of Washington. He will be working on a campaign to raise $2 billion.

Sheridan served WSU from February 1994 until March 2002. He worked on the steering committee for the successful $275 million drive. WSU was able to increase scholarships and endowments over three-fold, the number of endowed chairs and professorships went from 10 to over 100, and graduate fellowships were established. The past two years have been some of the highest years of cash inventory for WSU.

Sheridan has been influential in gaining WSU property at the Spokane Riverpoint campus, and he spearheaded the effort to move the foundation to its future location in downtown Pullman. He has also worked arranging scholarships for children of WSU employees.

Sheridan says he’s enjoyed his eight years at WSU. “I’m leaving behind two of my greatest assets,” he said, “–my kids, who are students at WSU. I know they’ll enjoy their experience.”

On April 1, Dryfoos becomes UW’s associate vice president for Advancement Services.

Dryfoos participated in the 1990 campaign that raised $275.4 million in seven years. But the Foundation activity didn’t stop there, he notes. Rather, it was “stepped up.” Since 1997, the Foundation garnered another $200 million. And the pace will continue, he adds.

“Cougars have loyal alumni,” said Dryfoos. “They are regularly at the top in the nation for financial participation.” Giving was at 24 percent last year — well above average.

Dryfoos said WSU was not just a job — he’s proud to have been a real part of the community. He served on the community advisory board for Northwest Public Radio and on the Neill public library board of trustees. “Neill is one of the best libraries in the state for a town this size,” he commented. “It serves the kids in this community very well.”

He admits UW is a terrific opportunity, and his parents, who need his support these days, are on the west side. But, he adds, “WSU has been great.”