Press release published August 20, 2012

PULLMAN, Wash. – The Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University announced Monday the creation of the Kathi Goertzen Excellence Fund, named for the late Murrow alumna and KOMO TV anchor who died last week after a long battle with brain tumors.

Establishment of the fund comes in response to queries from alumni who want to make a contribution to the college in the name of the 1980 Murrow graduate.

“Kathi had many passions, but when it came to Murrow, her priority was to help encourage and prepare the next generation of journalism leaders,” said Lawrence Pintak, founding dean of the college. “In the coming months we will work with her husband and children to determine how these funds can best be used to foster her legacy.”
Goertzen was a longtime member of the Murrow Professional Advisory Board and was actively engaged in the college intellectually, emotionally and financially. She personally endowed a scholarship fund and helped lead an effort to raise funds for a faculty chair in the name of her broadcast journalism professor at Murrow, Glenn Johnson.
“Kathi touched many people and I am sure she will be honored in many wonderful ways, but from our standpoint, she epitomized the Murrow legacy and we want to do something to ensure she forever remains a part of Murrow College,” Pintak said.
Watch a video celebration of Goertzen’s life from KOMO News here.  (Photo above, courtesy of KOMO News.)