Congratulations to Jill Beilenberg and Hannah Sprague of Birch & Barley, recipients of the Community Partner Award presented by the Whitman County Developmental Services Board for their outstanding contributions to human services in the Palouse region. Their commitment to inclusion, community, and creating spaces where everyone belongs makes a meaningful difference every day.
We also want to celebrate Deb Niehenke of Whitman County Special Olympics for her well-deserved recognition honoring years of dedicated service to human services in the Palouse region. Deb’s impact on athletes, families, and our broader community cannot be overstated.
WSU ROAR is incredibly fortunate to partner with people who champion inclusion not just in words, but through consistent action, leadership, and heart. Thank you for helping make the Palouse a more welcoming and connected community for all. #WSUROAR #GoCougs #InclusiveHigherEd #InclusionMatters
How often do you get to hold a freshly manufactured component that will one day be part of an airplane? Recently, seven students from the Washington State University (WSU) ROAR program got to do exactly that.
Last week, ROAR visited Tessera’s manufacturing facility in Auburn, Washington for a hands-on tour with our team. They stepped onto the production floor, saw our processes in action, and got a closer look at the level of detail behind the work we do every day.
This was such a cool opportunity! See Tessera's newsletter below for more information.
/perspectives/wsu-roar-visits-tesseras-manufacturing/
Happy National IPSE Day! WSU ROAR is proud to be part of the national movement for Inclusive Postsecondary Education. By providing a residential college experience for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities, we’re building a more inclusive future for the entire Cougar family. #ipseday #wsuroar #gocougs #inclusivehighered #thinkcollege
Our WSU ROAR Peer Ally matches are in! 🙌 Connections, support, and shared experiences are what this is all about.
Many thanks to President Sage, VP Jorge, and Advisor Kayleigh, who are making things happen. Here’s to many more events like this!
Email [email protected] to become a ROAR Peer Ally today.
#WSUROAR #InclusiveHigherEd #GoCougs
Washington @repbaumgartner (WA 5th), speaks on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives about @wsuroar and the impact inclusive programming that empowers students with intellectual and developmental disabilities has not only on their lives, but on the lives of those in their communities. We're proud of the work WSU ROAR does and thankful for the continued support from Washington's leaders in supporting this important program.
Now Hiring: Assistive Living Advisor (ALA)
Join WSU ROAR as an Assistive Living Advisor role to support WSU ROAR students as they build independence in daily and independent living. Real impact! Meaningful work!
West Side friends!
If you live on the west side of Washington and want to learn more about WSU ROAR, come find us at the King County Resource Fair on May 28, 2026. REGISTER AT kingcounty.gov/disabilities-fair.
We’ll be there sharing what inclusive college life at WSU can look like for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Stop by, say hello, and chat with our graduates. We’d love to meet you!
Go Cougs. 🐾
WSU ROAR is excited to welcome Derek to WSU ROAR 2028 Cohort! Derek, we’re looking forward to supporting you as you explore academics, build career skills, and become part of the Cougar community.
Welcome to Washington State University, Derek. We’re glad you’re here. Go Cougs! 🐾
Now Hiring!
WSU ROAR Program and Outreach Coordinator with WSU ROAR Pathways: Inclusive Postsecondary Education for Students with Intellectual Disabilities.
The Whitman County Special Olympics Basketball Team just brought home STATE GOLD and we could not be more proud! 🥇🏀
Seven WSU ROAR scholars and alumni teamed up with community members to lead Whitman County all the way to the top.
These athletes competed with intensity, lifted each other up, and represented our community with absolute class.
To our WSU ROAR scholars and alumni...you continue to raise the bar.
Champions! What an accomplishment!
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From Zag kid to Coug for life!
Aiden spent years cheering for Gonzaga growing up. However, last weekend at the game against Gonzaga, he proudly set that aside to root for the WSU Lady Cougs.
As an intern with WSU Women’s Basketball, Aiden is building career skills, showing up for the team, and living out what it means to be part of the Cougar family. We love seeing our students step into these roles on campus and represent WSU ROAR with pride.
Way to go, Aiden!
#WSUROAR #GoCougs #InclusiveHigherEd
