WWU receives donation to establish Pete Zuanich endowed scholarship

Donors have endowed a scholarship at Western Washington University to honor the late Pete Zuanich, a longtime Port of Bellingham commissioner.

An initial $100,000 donation by Rob and Michelle Zuanich established the endowment, which funds the scholarship from accumulated earnings. The scholarship funds four years of tuition and fees for a student with a stated interest in community service, and with a first preference for students from Whatcom County.

The first recipient of the scholarship is Stephanie Robinson of Blaine, who will be attending Western this fall as a freshman.

“This endowment is an appropriate tribute to my father, who never had the opportunity to attend college.” said Rob Zuanich. “Our hope is like-minded people, who appreciated what my father did for the community, will also give to the endowment and make college possible for others.”

Born in Bellingham in 1916, Pete Zuanich served as a commissioner for 43 years, the longest tenure of a port commissioner in the United States. His efforts on the commission were instrumental in building of the Squalicum Harbor, luring Intalco Aluminum Corp. to Whatcom County and bringing the Alaska Marine Highway System to Fairhaven. Philanthropy and community service were also a way of life for Pete Zuanich, who donated all compensation he received as a commissioner to various worthwhile community projects such as the Bellingham Aquatic Center and the Squalicum Harbor’s Park, which was officially renamed Zuanich Point Park, in 1995, to honor his retirement from the Port.

Robinson, a graduate of Blaine High School, said she plans to study pre-law at Western.

“I would just like to thank the Zuanich family for their generous contribution to my education and let them know that, because of them, I will be able to focus solely on my studies,” Robinson said. “I am truly grateful for their support and hope that one day I will be able to do for someone what they are doing for me.”

For more information about how to contribute to the endowment or help support students at Western, please contact the Western Washington University Foundation at (360) 650-3027 or via the Foundation website.