Catch up on the latest academic, research, and outreach news from the School of Music at Washington State University. Click on a headline to read an individual story or follow the links at the bottom to see all of our news and information.
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WSU SURCA undergraduate researchers earn 65 awards
Seventy-three students at the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (SURCA) 2026 were the recipients of 65 awards totaling $14,000.
Meet this year’s Top Ten Seniors
They represent the highest standards of the college experience. In academics, athletics, and the arts. In campus involvement and community service.
Generosity that comes from a love of teaching music
Puyallup’s very own Gary ’67 (MME ’71) and Merilyn “Mimi” ’69 (MM ’76) Jacobson have devoted their lives to teaching music and creating a world of learning, a world their WSU professors created for them when they were students.
Jacqueline Wilson named 2026 Native Performing Arts Fellow
Jacqueline Wilson (Yakama), an assistant professor of music at Washington State University, has been named a 2026 Native Performing Arts Fellow by First Peoples Fund, joining a national cohort of 15 Native artists selected for a yearlong program supporting creative growth in music, dance, theater, and live performance.
Honors College Bornander Chair unlocks the healing power of music
When Washington State University music professor Melissa Parkhurst learned that renowned North Indian classical music and dance troupe Anantya was touring Seattle last fall, she used funding from her 2025-26 Bornander Honors Distinguished Chair appointment to help bring the group to Pullman for a concert in October.
Wierenga named CAS 2025 Fall Commencement Gonfalon Bearer
Grace Wierenga, an Honors College student majoring in music education, has been selected as the 2025 Fall Commencement Gonfalon Bearer for the College of Arts and Sciences.