Coug alum launches fund to support Undergraduate Writing Center

Suzanne Desilet Cofer (‘71 Engl.) knows full well the power of a college education. Cofer, who is an accomplished educator with deep family roots in the Lewiston and Clarkston Valley, followed both her parents to WSU. Cofer’s mother worked full time to ensure her daughter completed her education.

Throughout her college years, and following into her storied career, Cofer saw the impact of writing on her success, and the success of the students who came through her classroom. This knowledge inspired Suzanne, and her husband Don, a retired Assistant Attorney General for Washington State, to establish the “Suzanne Desilet Cofer Undergraduate Writing Center Excellence Fund” and strengthen student writing support at WSU for future generations.

This fund will support the WSU Undergraduate Writing Center (UWC) in its mission to support student excellence. The UWC provides free, high-impact writing support to undergraduate students across all majors, disciplines, and campuses. Through one-on-one, peer-to-peer consultations, trained student writing consultants support writers at any stage of the writing process—from brainstorming and thesis development to revision and polishing final drafts.

Built on a “Cougs supporting Cougs” model, the UWC creates a welcoming, collaborative environment that benefits both the writers who seek support and the student consultants who provide it. Writers gain confidence, strengthen critical thinking skills, and develop strategies they carry into future coursework and professional writing. At the same time, consultants deepen their engagement with the WSU community through campus partnerships, workshops, and events, while building confidence, interpersonal skills, and pride in helping their peers succeed.

Demand for Writing Center services continues to grow each semester. Support, like that of the Cofers, ensures equitable access to academic assistance while investing in student employees who develop critical academic, professional, and leadership skills.

Announced during #CougsGive 2026, the commitment from the Cofers inspired an additional $1,800 during WSU’s annual day of giving in support of the Suzanne Desilet Cofer Undergraduate Writing Center Excellence Fund.

Here is a direct link for folks to give to the fund directly online: