Alumni news
A lifetime of service
John Wiess, an alumnus of the Police Science and Administration program (’50), has created five scholarships over more than 50 years of generous giving. Wiess firmly believes that scholarships are crucial, often determining whether a student can attend college. His own college experience profoundly impacted his life, enabling him to return to his hometown of Great Falls, Montana, as the acting superintendent for the County Bureau of Identification.
After returning from the Korean War in 1963, Wiess took on a new role with the US Department of State’s Office of Public Safety, leading him and his family to various countries including Nepal, Guyana, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Panama. These travels significantly shaped his views on international relations and public safety.
In honor of his family, Wiess established several scholarships: the Geraldine Wiess Memorial Scholarship for young women at WSU, the Mark Wiess Memorial Scholarship for education majors, the Tracy R. McClintock Scholarship in Foreign Languages and Literature, and the Lorraine Tschetter Vedvig Memorial Scholarship in Pharmacy. In 2023, he established the John Wiess Scholarship in Criminal Justice and Criminology, helping young men and women achieve their dreams.
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology is deeply honored to have John Wiess as an alumnus. His generosity has enabled criminal justice students to achieve their goals and realize their potential.
Please read original article on John Wiess.
Distinguished alumni: Stories of success
In this edition of our newsletter, we are thrilled to shine the spotlight on Owen Kilfoyle (2015, Crim. Jus. & Crim.). Owen embodies the values and spirit of Washington State University. Join us in celebrating his achievements and learn more about the paths he has carved since graduation.
What initially inspired you to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology?
I initially became interested in criminal justice and criminology when I was a Running Start student at Bellevue College. I took some introductory criminal justice classes and realized that I had desire to learn more and wanted to somehow turn that passion into a career. It was a long winding road, but I eventually made my way into criminal prosecution.
Can you tell us about your journey since graduating from WSU?
After graduating from WSU in December 2015, I enrolled at Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane, WA, and graduated in 2019. I moved to Western Washington and joined the Washington State Bar in the fall of 2020. At that point it was the height of the Covid Pandemic, and I spent months trying to find a job. In March of 2021, I took a position at the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office working as a deputy prosecuting attorney. I was assigned to the Evergreen District Courthouse in Monroe, Washington, where I took multiple cases to trial. Later that year, a position became available closer to home, and I made the transition to working as one of the prosecuting attorneys for the City of Bellingham, Washington. I have been working here for over three years now.
How did your education at WSU prepare you for your career?
WSU offered a wide range of internships opportunities and classes that really helped guide me down the road. I had the opportunity to do the Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) Internship at WSU, watching the cameras that overlook much of Greek Row, and I also participated in an internship working with Dr. Van Wormer on identifying discrepancies and similarities between the facilities and administration of juvenile detention facilities in Washington State. The first was far more practical and investigative in nature and the other was more research and policy focused. These two distinct internships helped me realize where my interests were and what I found to be more satisfying work. Now, as a criminal prosecutor, I find myself reviewing CCTV footage all the time during case preparations. But I also have had opportunities to help implement new policies and be part of the discussion around new alternatives to traditional criminal courts. All of the classes and internships that I had at WSU were a direct preparation for the work I ultimately ended up doing.
Any advice you would give to current students or recent graduates?
I would just like to let future grads know they should keep their spirits up, that new opportunities are just around the corner. Consistency and showing up every day to your classes, your work, your family, your commitments; these are all important, but the most important part is just showing up and engaging. The worst thing to do is to go through life and to never have shown up to see what it is all about. Also, they should know that coming back home to WSU is one of the best things they can do. Back in 2021, I came back home to visit for a WSU football game with some of my alumni friends. It was at that game that I met the love of my life. Anything can happen at WSU, so show up and live!