2024 Sponsors
STCU Here For Good Foundation
English Academic Category
STCU has been a major donor to Spokane Scholars Foundation (SSF) for nearly 30 years, beginning with former CEO Tom Johnson’s personal engagement with SSF efforts to honor educational excellence, and then STCU transitioned upward to the credit union’s category sponsorship of English. Since its inception, SSF has been fortunate to have several STCU employees as board members and the steady support by current CEO Ezra Eckhardt, the STCU Board, and its philanthropic arm, the Here for Good Foundation.
Jonathan A. Holloway Family Foundation
Fine Arts Academic Category
The Reverend Jonathan A. Holloway, MD (1930-2015) was a pillar of support for the Spokane Scholars Foundation for decades, sponsoring the category of Fine Arts. Dr. Holloway was passionate about music throughout his life and active in encouraging young performers. He was the driving force in 2008 when the Spokane Scholars Foundation partnered with the Spokane Youth Symphony in bringing American iconic musician Marc O’Connor to Spokane. He graduated from Stanford University and Oberlin College, then the University of Washington Medical School. He served his country as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Force, was an ordained Episcopal Deacon, and practiced as an ophthalmologist in Spokane. His legacy of support for SSF has been continued by his family since his passing in 2015.
Hanson Industries, Inc.
Mathematics Academic Category
Hanson Industries, Inc. has been the longtime underwriter for the category of Mathematics. This Spokane based commercial real estate company under the guidance of owners Dennis and NJ Hanson and President Robert Boyles have been unwavering in their support for nearly 15 years. Beyond their financial generosity is their enthusiasm for our mission of recognizing and rewarding scholarly achievement and highlighting merit.
Dennis and Norma Jean Hanson Foundation
Science Academic Category
The Dennis and NJ Hanson Family Foundation initiated its sponsorship of the category of Science in 2005 after attending their first Spokane Scholars Foundation (SSF) banquet when their daughter was honored as a Scholar. The Hanson family’s generosity is a major reason why the Foundation can reliably provide such significant financial awards every year.
Stacey and Anne Cowles Family Fund
Social Studies Academic Category
The Cowles Family sponsorship of Social Studies was initiated by Wanda and James Cowles nearly 30 years ago. Wanda stood at the banquet podium for many years announcing the names of the Scholars in Social Studies projecting grace and kindness, and she looked at the students whose names she called with the pride of a parent. Her advice to scholars? “You are winners. You have accomplished much by hard work and determination. Keep it up. Think about what you like to do. What do you do well? Then set out to be the best in that field. Continue to study and improve (and then be sure to help others to do the same). Look for difficult courses and challenging projects. Travel to places you have never seen and always try something new.”
Upon Wanda’s passing in 2016, husband James continued the Cowles ties to SSF until 2023 when he died, and then Stacey and Anne Cowles stepped up to continue the Cowles family tradition of community philanthropy.
Dr. Hampton Irwin Family Fund
World Languages Academic Category
Dr. Hampton (“Hamp”) Irwin (1930-2015) attended many Spokane Scholars banquets, serving as an entertaining and joyful presenter of awards, as well as the longtime sponsor of the category of World Languages. He was devoted to his patients in his obstetrical/gynecologic practice, the Spokane medical community, his church, and his family. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and kept his mind active by reading, studying Spanish, and playing the trumpet. He marched with the band at halftime of his alma mater University of Michigan football game when he was 65 years old. He also loved music and the arts, and he made the most of each day. His family, which has continued his legacy of supporting SSF since his passing in 2015, recalls his wisdom: “Listen to others (really listen) and learn from others, even if it means not telling the story that may be on the tip of your tongue. Learning is a life-long pursuit. Good, better, best, never let it rest.”
William and Danette Ulrich
2024 Ticket Sponsor
Don Ting - Pyrotek
2024 Medallion Sponsor
Tom and Ruth Ann Johnson
Program Sponsor
Wagstaff Incorporated
Program Sponsor
32 Years of Consecutive Support
