Regional leaders help grow CWU community in Yakima

As the Central Washington University Alumni Association works to create chapters of Wildcats across the Pacific Northwest, three Wildcats have been key in helping grow engagement in the Yakima area.

Bill Splawn (’94), Beverly Splawn (’94), and Tim King (’93 and ’00) enjoy gathering with Wildcats at events in their area and are now hoping to increase the number of people involved in the community.

Tim has been with the Roza/Sunnyside Board of Joint Control and Sunnyside Valley Irrigation District for the last 23 years and works in the safety and health department serving Yakima County.

He says that whatever your life skills or gifts are, you have something you can share with the Wildcat family.

“It’s important, I think, to give back to the community in any way that you choose to,” Tim said. “The older I get, the more important I think it is to give back to the place you got your skills to begin with. College is a very good foundation for the life skills that you’re going to carry with you for the rest of your life.”

Not only does Tim enjoy attending alumni events, but he has also come back to campus to speak to several classes. 

Bill is the chief at the Yakima County Department of Corrections, having previously worked for the Yakima County Sheriff's Office for 22 years. His wife, Beverly, has worked for the City of Yakima for 29 years.

“The Yakima Chapter is growing, and we have met some great people and made some friends along the way,” Bill said. “It is a wonderful way to network and share similar experiences with others in the community.” 

The couple met at CWU, and Bill asked Beverly on their first date at graduation in 1994. Now they enjoy remaining connected to their alma mater through football, basketball, and alumni events. They also celebrate being a family of Wildcats with their son, William, who completed his undergraduate degree at CWU before continuing on to law school.

Bill, Beverly, and Tim hope to see you at the next CWU AlumNight in Yakima at Public House East on February 7. Members of the CWU football coaching staff will also be in attendance.

CWU AlumNights are free events in different regions that give the Wildcat family the opportunity to engage with other alumni and friends of the university in their area.

To stay informed about all upcoming alumni events in your area, sign up for a free account on WildcatsConnect and check out the upcoming events. If you’re interested in becoming a chapter leader in your area, please contact the alumni office at alumni@cwu.edu or 509-963-1891.