PULLMAN-The generosity of the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation was recognized and honored at the Fortieth Annual Recognition Gala held at Beasley Colliseum by the Washington State University (WSU) Foundation, September 21, 2019. About 400 or more people attended the gala where nine Honor Roll Laureates were recognized in appreciation for cumulative lifetime donations to the university in excess of $1,000,000. Gary Houser, Trustee for the Shepherd Foundation, and wife Chris Houser, accepted the honor on behalf of the foundation.

Harold and Helen Shepherd established a scholarship fund to assist Southeast Washington students in seeking higher education at WSU by covering undergraduate tuition, fees and textbooks. The foundation set up in their name, about 22 years ago, continues the work they started by awarding scholarships to students from Garfield, Asotin, Columbia and Walla Walla Counties. It has helped student-athletes, medical school students, nursing students, as well as the WSU Library with their donations.

After the gala, the Housers were also invited to the WSU Football game that same day, and along with the other eight Honor Roll Laureates, were featured as part of the half-time festivities. Gary Houser was very pleased to be "bigger than life" on the giant screen at Martin Stadium.

The 2019 Honor Roll Laureates include Boeing Employees Credit Union (BECU), Gordon and Joyce Davis, Jim and Lisa King, Premera Blue Cross, Bernadine and James Seabrandt Estate, Washington Red Raspberry Commission, as well as the Harold and Helen Shepherd Foundation.