CWU Library Receives $1.5 Million Gift from Wilma Stellingwerf Estate

The library received the good news in mid-March that it is receiving a gift
of over $1.5 million from the estate of the late Wilma (Bowers)
Stellingwerf who passed away in Wenatchee, WA in November 2019. Ms.
Stellingwerf, a native of Ellensburg who grew up on her family's farm,
graduated from Ellensburg High School and started as a student at Central
Washington College of Education (CWCE) in 1944.
While a student, Ms. Stellingwerf was an officer in the Off-Campus Women's
Club and a member of the Whitbeck Club. In August 1947, she was one of 16
students who decided to teach on the war emergency certificate rather than
stay at CWCE for her senior year and finish her BA degree. She taught in
Wenatchee at the Whitman School. Ms. Stellingwerf graduated from CWCE in
August 1948 with her BA degree in education. She went on to take additional
courses to become a librarian. Ms. Stellingwerf moved to Wenatchee where
she resided for the rest of her life. She taught fifth grade at Whitman
School and was a librarian at Washington Elementary. She was an active
resident of Wenatchee, delivering mobile meals for 35 years before retiring
from it at the age of 91. She also volunteered at the Wenatchee Valley
Museum, for the American Red Cross, and for the Election Board. Ms.
Stellingwerf was a member for 70 years at the Saddlerock EPC/First
Presbyterian Church.
"This incredible legacy will enable us to transform library services to
meet the needs of our students by giving them opportunities to engage in
digital scholarship, equipping them to succeed in a technological,
data-driven world," said Dean of Libraries Rebecca Lubas.
Ms. Stellingwerf's generous gift will enable the library to update its
library facilities as well as enhance its education and research resources.