There’s always some sort of angst and competition between the two largest institutes of higher education in our state. That can be in the athletic arena, the education arena, and more often than not, in the familial arena. In the state of Washington, you pick sides, play favorites, and ultimately, talk shit. Families are divided and curse words are thrown. I have had the fortunately and unfortunately dubious honor of attending both for each one of my degrees.

In my humble opinion, which is always correct here, is that you declare your allegiance to the institute where you earned your undergraduate degree. Why? You spent the most time on campus and in the classroom for that milestone in your life. You are a part of the culture and the fabric of the university. My second degree, while arguably harder due to time commitments and personal/professional obligations, came by taking night classes on a branch campus in one-third the amount of time as my undergraduate degree. Proud of this advanced degree I am, but ashamed that I had to ‘slum’ at the other university to achieve its accolades.

All competitiveness aside, both universities do much for the local and the global community. It would be hard to deny the immense value that the Medical Sciences colleges at University of Washington has created with its relentless pursuit of medical and life science breakthroughs. But inarguably, one of the greatest innovators across multiple sciences and a diverse cross section of industries is Washington State University. Of course, I am somewhat biased in this regard but I would strongly suggest that before you cast my assertions aside that you research and do your homework on both schools. The resumes of community involvement and technological innovation at both are world renowned. However, WSU has a pride and tradition in pushing the boundaries and raising the bar of expectation in a diverse set of researches that are well recorded.

Equally so, Washington State University is extremely creative in their branding and promotions. Their work is classic in design and efficient in communication. The creative marketing group at WSU works extremely hard to deliver the key messages of the University in all of its collateral and at all touch points. The brand identity of the university should be that of the classical topics addressed by HBS. Below are the Ad Spots which play on television to illustrate many of the projects in which the university is currently involved. Each succinct, very relevant, and poignant:

ORIGINAL AD SPOTS

Economies of Developing Countries


Bioremediation of Water Resources


Bone Replacement


NEW AD SPOTS

Drought-Tolerant Crops


Antimatter


Animal/Human Health


Biofuels


I am very proud that my undergraduate alma mater is heavily involved in the betterment of societies around the globe. The university is truly focused on leaving this planet better than it found it. I applaud my fellow alumni, the classes of students in all of the colleges, the world-class faculty and facilities, and the donors and sponsors who provide the means to execute on the fundamental goals of the university. While I’ve had the opportunity to attend both major educational institutions in this state, my heart and passion still lie with the university where I spent my most collegiate days, learned life lessons, studied extremely hard, developed life-long friendships, built a brotherhood of men, and bled crimson over every related activity. There is something indescribable and indisputable about the culture and atmosphere of the university and its surroundings. This can not be duplicated easily, or even worse, described accurately to do it any justice or explain to the uninitiated. Go Cougs!