Discover the Top 6 Intriguing Fun Facts About Washington State University You Never Knew!

1. Ski Slope Turned Hiking Haven

It's all downhill from here: In 1957, there were ambitious plans to create a ski slope at Kamiak Butte State Park near Washington State University, but finance and construction woes got in the way, leaving it to be an undisturbed hiking haven instead.
Source => environment.wsu.edu

2. Cosmic Crisp Apples: A Health Revolution

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, the Cosmic Crisp® just might replace health insurance: Washington State University's tree fruit breeding program spent 20 years developing this celestial snack, a hybrid of Enterprise and Honeycrisp varieties, boasting a firm texture, balanced flavor, and star-studded appearance that's perfect for munching, cooking, baking, or turning ordinary fruit bowls into galactic centerpieces.
Source => cosmiccrisp.com

Did you know Seattle is the birthplace of a heavenly fruit sensation? Discover the story behind the tantalizing Cosmic Crisp apple and how it conquered taste buds in 2019. 🍎

=> Fun Facts about Seattle

3. Breadlab: Yeast is the Secret to Life

They say laughter is the best medicine, but Washington State University's Breadlab is cooking up something even better: the most delicious elixir of life in the form of, you guessed it, bread! Breaking bread and breaking stereotypes: WSU's dedicated Breadlab team works tirelessly to develop a regional grain system and breed grains with increased fiber content, creating more robust crops for Skagit County farmers. Their dough-lightful charity didn't stop during the pandemic, as they generously donated over 6,000 loaves to local food pantries, schools, and cafes. Clearly, they're set on revolutionizing the grain game for universities worldwide and proving that good things really do come in yeasty packages.
Source => ruralaction.org

4. Tom Hanks Sings WSU Fight Song

Before Tom Hanks turned into a kid in Big, he belted out an ode to the Cougars instead of chasing them: Washington State University's fight song, penned by Zella Melcher and Phyllis Sayles in 1919, is proudly featured in the 1985 film Volunteers, uniting alumni and students in victory tune triumph.
Source => wsm.wsu.edu

5. Ferdinand's: The Cheese and Ice Cream School

When life gives you dairy, make cheese – and ice cream, of course: The beloved Ferdinand's Ice Cream Shoppe at Washington State University is a campus gem, not just for its delectable frozen treats but also its iconic Cougar Cheese, with sales supporting Food Science students' education and wages since 1938, all thanks to an enterprising Dairy Products Judging Team member named Rune "Ferdinand" Goranson who started selling ice cream sundaes to fund their competitions.
Source => creamery.wsu.edu

6. WSU Pullman: Social Life Extravaganza

Who needs Netflix when you've got WSU Pullman? With a buffet of 300 student organizations, your social life's playlist will never run out of steam: Seriously, from sports clubs to cultural events, 24% of students are enjoying the 50+ fraternities and sororities, keeping campus life action-packed and anything but dull.
Source => pullman.wsu.edu