New Book Tells The Story Of Central

May 13, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - Central Washington University has witnessed many changes in the past 120 years. Those changes are now documented in a beautiful new hardback book, "By Teaching We Learn: The Evolution of Central Washington University."

"This book originated in a desire to tell Central Washington University's story of change and tradition in both words and images," explains CWU President Jerilyn S. McIntyre.

In 2003 President McIntyre established the History Book Committee to oversee the development of the project. The committee, chaired by Judy Miller, executive secretary to the president, developed the concept for and managed the execution of the book. Five years and 5,000 copies later, the book is an engaging survey of the people and events that have shaped the institution's history.

"It has been a labor of love for all who were involved, and the result is a book that will be a great source of pride for the university," adds McIntyre.

Many individuals had their hand in bringing this project to fruition. Glen Bach, graphic design professor and program director at Central, served as the book's art director. He spent countless hours gathering and researching photos, and put his stamp on all stages of the design and layout of the book. Research and interviews conducted by Karen Blair, professor and chair of the Department of History, served as the foundation on which the book's text was constructed. Central's chief planning officer and professor of psychology Libby Street, compiled statistics, wrote narrative and checked facts. Editor Jennifer Collier Jennings skillfully blended all of the research into a cohesive narrative that tells the story of Central's evolution, and W. David Smith lent his skills as a writer, editor and proofreader. Many others helped by contributing photos, facts and stories.

Although this isn't the first book to be published about the university's history, it is the first to be completed since Samuel Mohler's "The First Seventy-Five Years," the "official" history of Central book written 40 years ago. Central's newest history book focuses on the full scale of the university's history, but emphasizes the years since Mohler's book was published.

A limited supply of "By Teaching We Learn: The Evolution of Central Washington University" is now available at the CWU bookstore, the Wildcat Shop, for $29.95. Don't miss your opportunity to own a little piece of Central history.

Contact: Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.