Meet Justus Rogers
Class of 2021 | Accounting | Bellevue, Washington
Though his father was a linebacker for the University of Washington’s football team, Justus is proud to be a Coug. He was recruited to WSU, where he became a linebacker and now shares the record for the highest number of career games in Cougar football history with teammate Jahad Woods. A sixth‑year student, Rogers was granted an extra year of eligibility due to the COVID‑19 pandemic’s disruption of the 2020 season.
“I’ve been looking back on the things I’ve done in this program, the different milestones and events, relishing those moments,” Rogers said.
Rogers received his bachelor’s degree in accounting in May and studied communications and sociology as a graduate student during the fall. He started a 10‑week internship at CBIZ Berntson Porter, an accounting firm based in his hometown of Bellevue, in January.
“One of the cofounders, Greg Porter, is a Coug alum. He played football here in the ’80s,” Rogers said. “That played a role in me deciding to go with that firm, but also because it’s in Bellevue and I liked the direction they’re going in.”
After his internship, Rogers plans to take certified public accountant exams during the summer and return to CBIZ Berntson Porter for a full‑time position as an auditor in the fall.
I’ve had a great six years here and made a lot of memories and a lot of new friends. I’d never change it for anything.
WSU gave me the freedom to dabble in all these different areas and learn what I was interested in and pick up other skills useful to me.
Meet Kristian Gubsch
Class of 2020 | Chemical Engineering | Edgewood, Washington
Following his graduation from WSU, Kristian began a master’s program at the University of Sheffield in England with a goal to develop technology that mitigates the effects of climate change. As an undergraduate mentored by WSU faculty, he researched air quality, carbon capture and carbon dioxide conversion.
“My mentors at WSU helped me reach my goals and bolster my confidence,” Kristian said.
With help from faculty in the Honors College, the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, and the Distinguished Scholarships office, Kristian became the first Coug to ever receive the Marshall Scholarship, which selects 50 Americans each year to enroll in graduate programs in the United Kingdom.
Now at the Imperial College London, Kristian is pursuing a master’s in innovation entrepreneurship and management to support his role as co-founder of Mars Materials, a public benefit corporation that aims to transform captured carbon dioxide into everyday affordable products.
“I saw a lot of businesses talking and not doing when it came to climate change,” Kristian said. “So, seeing a need and seeing it not addressed by large companies, I decided to see what I could do to contribute to the solution of a large problem.”
Cost and Aid Information
Cougs were offered $179.7 million in awards in 2021, and 75% of students received some form of financial aid. Whether it’s loans, grants, or scholarships, there are plenty of options to help your Future Coug secure the funding they need.
Family Weekends for Current Students
If your student chooses WSU, you can look forward to two family weekends each academic year, filled with activities to spend time with your new Coug in Pullman .
Family Resources
- Visit the WSU Pullman campus
- Register for a family and supporter virtual presentation
- Academic Success and Career Center
- Academics and majors
- Health and wellness services for students
- Financial aid information
- Housing and residence life
- Undergraduate research
- Civic engagement and service
- Recreation and fitness
- Community life and entertainment
- More resources for Future Cougs and their families