Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame was established in 2003 to honor individuals who have served the Pullman community in a significant way, promoted goodwill, improved the quality of life for Pullman residents or brought acclaim to the area through their contributions. This year’s inductees bring the number of Walk of Fame honorees to 123. During this time of transition, we look forward to creating a new space to house our Walk of Fame that will help continue this beloved, Pullman tradition well into the future. Donations are always accepted for the Walk of Fame program.
The 2024
Walk of Fame
Inductees
Please join us August 16, 2024 at the Pullman Heritage Depot Center (330 N. Grand Ave.) at 6:00 p.m. sharp to honor this year's Walk of Famers with light refreshments to follow.
Pullman Mayors
Glenn A. Johnson
Glenn A. Johnson began his service to Pullman and the community shortly after arriving in 1979 with his family to start a 35-year teaching career at Washington State University and retired as the longest serving Mayor in Pullman’s history. Glenn served five terms as Mayor, from 2004 through 2023 and in all five elections, he ran unopposed.
The largest project that Glenn had the privilege to be part of in his 20-years as mayor, and his role as airport chair, was the runway and terminal project for the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport. With great cooperation from our federal, state and local partners, the runway was re-aligned, its length and width extended, a much-needed all weather instrument approach was installed and a new terminal was constructed to address current and future needs. The entire project came to a quarter of a billion dollars and was done without incurring any debt.
WSU Presidents & Distinguished Members of the WSU Community:
Kirk Schulz
Kirk Schulz became the 11th president of Washington State University and a tenured professor in the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering on June 13, 2016.
As WSU’s chief executive, President Schulz has prioritized increasing the reach and effectiveness of the WSU statewide system of campuses, Extension offices, and other programs to better serve the State of Washington. The milestones achieved under his leadership include record highs in student enrollment, record-level fundraising, the expansion of academic offerings across the system, and the growth of the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine.
Famous Sports
Figures
Jack Thompson
Jack Thompson also known as “The Throwin’ Samoan,” is a well-loved WSU alumnus and Cougar Football great. He played Quarterback for the Cougs from 1975 - 1978, before being drafted as the 3rd overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft.
Thompson co-founded CougsFirst!, a non-profit organization encouraging all WSU alumni to “Think CougsFirst!” when making purchasing decisions for their products and services. Over the past 15+ years, Jack has been a pioneer and leading force in driving commerce and business connections between fellow Coug-owned businesses across the state of Washington.
Distinguished
Residents
Ted Weatherly
Ted Weatherly Began his career in Pullman as the Public Safety Director in 1979 as both Police Chief and Fire Chief. He helped reorganize the first responder services to separate fire and police departments and assume the title of Police Chief, June 1, 1982, retiring June 30, 2010.
Beyond his professional achievements, Ted has been actively engaged in the Pullman community, serving in leadership roles in organizations such as Kiwanis International, Maynard-Price American Legion Post 52, Pullman Chamber of Commerce, Toastmasters International (Pullman Club), "Friends of Gladish" board, YMCA at WSU board, and the Bridging the Gap Committee, addressing local youth concerns.
Distinguished Residents
Mike & Susie Gormsen
Mike & Susie Gormsen In 2000, Mike and Susie donated 6.5 acres of land to Whitman County to create a home for the Whitman County Humane Society and the adjoining Pooch Park, in addition to monetary gifts. Before the Whitman County Humane Society was established there was a small facility on Guy Street that housed animals for a short time and, if not claimed or adopted, they were euthanized. Susie also served as a Board Member of the Whitman County Humane Society and held an office as Treasurer.
Distinguished Residents
Ken Vogel
Ken Vogel Ken Vogel began his love affair with Pullman in 1966 as a WSU student. He was drafted into the US Army in 1968 and returned to Pullman, WSU and the Empire Department Store after his military service. Ken remained with the Empire until it closed in 1982. In October 1982, he opened Ken Vogel Clothing on Main Street. Ken Vogel Clothing became an anchor store in downtown Pullman for nearly 25 years.
2023 Inductees
The 2023 Inductees include:
Lance Lincoln
Famous Sports Figure (in Recognition of a Positive Impact Beyond Pullman High School or Washington State University)
Lance has been a teacher for 27 years in the Pullman School District and coached baseball for more than 20 years with 10 league titles, 2 state championships and 7 times named Coach of the Year.
Munir Abdel-Massih Daud
Distinguished Resident (in Recognition of an Economic and Cultural Contributor to Pullman
Munir started his career as a Project Engineer for the City of Pullman, and in 1975 he founded his own business: Munir Daud and Associates (MD+A), which provided engineering, architecture, and surveying services to the community for 48 years. Munir worked until the day he passed away, April 30, 2023.
Ida Lou Anderson
Distinguished Members of the WSU Community (in Recognition of Positive National Recognition and Community Involvement)
Ida Louise Anderson laid the foundation for excellence in communication and launched the careers of countless Washington State College students in broadcasting including Edward R. Murrow. She was born in Morganton, Tennessee and moved to Washington state as a small child, settling with her family in Colfax. She was stricken with polio as a child and persevered through serious physical limitations to excel in drama and public speaking.