Retired Marine Corps Lt. Col. James Sheehan ’55, whose historic $3 million bequest was announced last fall, returned to his beloved alma mater last week. He came to view the construction of the residence hall that will bear his name and meet with students currently benefitting from his scholarship support and students in the Honors Program his future gift will enhance.
Sheehan’s bequest will create a new honors college, fund study abroad programs for students and faculty, and expand merit-based scholarships. With a gift of $500,000 in 2006—the largest cash donation in WSU’s history—he established multiple endowed annual scholarships and Academic Achievement Awards for worthy and deserving students. He followed up his historic generosity with an additional gift of $100,000 in 2011.
During his visit, Sheehan viewed the construction site and looked over building design plans. He met some current honors students for lunch and members of the ROTC for dinner. He also attended the Academic Achievement Awards ceremony and presented his awards to Kristina Beningo, Kayley Brault, Taylor Fritschy and Dominique Seles. Later, he had dinner with them and their families.