.jpg)
On October 18, 2024 Sigma Psi Sigma, the alumnae chapter for AXOs who attended Washingtion State University, will be celebrating Kathi Goertzen at the Omega chapter house in Pullman, WA.
The celebration will include an award of $3500 to a deserving Junior or Senior who answered the question: How did Kathi Goertzen live the values of Alpha Chi Omega? Also, a permanent wall display will be installed to share the inspiring story of Kathi Goertzen.
Washington State University
In 1976, Kathi Goertzen became a proud lifetime member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority at Washington State University. While at the Omega chapter, she emerged as a kind and effective leader. Kathi’s AXO sisters became lifelong friends who were with her throughout her joy-filled life and during her courageous fight with recurring meningiomas.
Kathi excelled in her studies and became an anchor/reporter for the student-produced newscast at KWSU-TV. Later, she interned at KREM-TV in Spokane and reported on the 1980 Mt. St. Helens eruption. Kathi graduated from WSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the Edward R. Murrow School of Communications.
Broadcast Journalism and Volunteerism
Kathi quickly rose to prominence after joining Seattle television station KOMO-TV in 1980. For over 30 years, Kathi kept Seattle informed as she became a multiple Emmy award-winning weeknight news co-anchor and host of several prime-time specials. From the Seattle evening broadcasts to Apple Cup pranks on-air to being the first local American news journalist to report live from the Berlin Wall when it fell, Kathi's career was full of meaningful moments.
In addition to her journalism career, Kathi served on the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2000 and was a Board Member of the YWCA of Seattle-King County.
Legacy
Even as the meningiomas continued to reoccur, Kathi persisted in delivering the news and used her platform to build a connection with so many people and families. She was known for connecting with others suffering from meningiomas and providing encouragement. Kathi's vibrant life was cut short when she died on August 13, 2012, at the age of 54. Kathi’s beloved family includes her husband, Rick Jewett, and daughters, Alexa Jarvis and Andrea Jewitt.
Goertzen Hall in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at WSU is a testament to Kathi Goertzen's enduring legacy. This building, dedicated to teaching, learning, experimenting, and growth, embodies Kathi's passion for journalism. It also serves as a fitting tribute to her illustrious career as a journalist and to the dignity and grace with which she faced her public battle against the disease.
In addition to the Goertzen Hall, Murrow College honors Kathi with the annual Kathi Goertzen Leadership Award, given to a high-achieving Edward R. Murrow College of Communication undergraduate majoring in journalism.
Kathi's legacy shines bright in all Alpha Chi Omegas and we are proud to call her our sister.
Opmerkingen