Central Washington University (CWU), located in Ellensburg, Washington, has produced a range of notable alumni from Central Washington University who have made significant marks in sports, entertainment, business, and education. While not boasting household names in politics or Nobel laureates, the school's famous graduates of Central Washington University shine brightest in professional athletics, reflecting the strong athletic programs at CWU, particularly in football and baseball. For instance, Jon Kitna, an NFL quarterback who played for teams like the Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals, and Dallas Cowboys, led the Wildcats to an NAIA Division II championship in 1995 during his college career. Other sports-figures include MLB outfielder Billy North, who played for the Oakland Athletics and Chicago Cubs, pitcher Dave Heaverlo with the San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners, CFL quarterback Mike Reilly of the Edmonton Eskimos, and linebacker Adam Bighill.
Beyond sports, alumni like actor Craig T. Nelson, known for his role in the TV series Coach and films such as The Incredibles, highlight entertainment successes. In business and public service, figures like Christine M. Day (former CEO of Lululemon Athletica) and Adrian Z. Diaz (Seattle Police Chief) demonstrate leadership impacts. Academics and professionals such as chemist Aurora E. Clark and statistician Ron S. Jarmin (former Director of the U.S. Census Bureau) underscore CWU's contributions to science and data fields.
These achievements emphasize CWU's role in fostering practical skills and determination, especially for students eyeing careers in competitive industries. The alumni network supports ongoing connections through the CWU Alumni Association and distinguished award honorees listed on their official site. For a full list, check Wikipedia's CWU people page. Exploring Rate My Professor for Central Washington University can reveal faculty insights that shaped these leaders. Job seekers might find opportunities via higher ed jobs in Ellensburg or Washington. See standout sports figures below for more inspiration on how CWU alumni excel professionally.
This legacy implies strong career preparation, with implications for prospective students valuing real-world success over celebrity glamour. CWU's over 123,000 alumni worldwide amplify its regional influence in the Pacific Northwest.
Discovering the stories behind Central Washington University notable alumni is like uncovering hidden gems from the Wildcat network in Ellensburg, Washington. These famous graduates of Central Washington University have left their mark across sports, politics, and even game shows, proving that CWU (Central Washington University) packs a punch in launching careers that captivate the world.
Take Chris Chandler, a standout NFL quarterback who honed his skills at CWU before lighting up the league with the Atlanta Falcons, Houston Oilers, and Seattle Seahawks. Drafted in 1988, Chandler earned four Pro Bowl nods and led the Falcons to Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, showcasing the grit and precision instilled by CWU's football program. His journey from the Kittitas Valley campus to professional stardom inspires aspiring athletes considering higher ed jobs in coaching or sports management.
In politics, Norm Dicks stands tall as a long-serving U.S. Congressman from Washington's 6th district (1985-2013). A CWU alum, Dicks championed environmental causes and defense issues, securing funding for key projects like Olympic National Park preservation. His legacy highlights how CWU prepares leaders for public service, a path echoed by other alumni like state legislator Erin Murphy.
For a modern twist, Drew Basile, CWU class of 2019, became a Jeopardy! super champion in 2024, winning 8 games and nearly $500,000. His trivia prowess, fueled by a philosophy degree from CWU, turned heads globally, reminding us that notable alumni from Central Washington University excel in unexpected arenas. Check out more sports figures or explore Rate My Professor reviews for CWU faculty who shaped these stars.
CWU's alumni network thrives through events and connections—visit the official CWU Alumni Association for stories and opportunities. Whether you're a student eyeing academic jobs in Ellensburg, parents scouting futures, or job seekers inspired by these paths, CWU graduates show real-world impact. From gridiron glory to Capitol Hill battles and quiz show triumphs, these entertaining insights reveal why famous graduates of Central Washington University continue to shine. Dive deeper into faculty insights on Rate My Professor or career tips at higher ed career advice.
Discover how Central Washington University (CWU) notable alumni shine across key categories with these star ratings based on verified achievements from official sources like the university's athletics hall of fame and Wikipedia listings. Ratings reflect the prominence and impact of famous graduates from Central Washington University, helping students and job seekers gauge potential career paths. Sports stands out strongly, with NFL and MLB stars, while other areas show solid but fewer high-profile successes.
CWU excels here, producing NFL quarterback Jon Kitna, who led the Wildcats to an NAIA Div. II championship in 1995 and played for teams like the Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys. MLB alumni include pitcher Dave Heaverlo (San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics) and outfielder Billy North (Chicago Cubs). CFL stars like Mike Reilly and coaches Keith Gilbertson and Greg Olson add depth. View sports-figures for full list. Advice: Leverage CWU's strong athletics programs for scholarships and pro networks; check CWU Athletics Hall of Fame.
Actor Craig T. Nelson, known for Coach and The Incredibles, is a standout famous graduate. Limited verified names otherwise. Advice: Build on theater programs at CWU; explore rate-my-professor for faculty mentors in performing arts.
Influential leaders like Adrian Z. Diaz (Seattle Police Chief) and Ron S. Jarmin (former Census Bureau Director) highlight public service. Advice: Engage in CWU's civic programs; seek administration-jobs in government.
Christine M. Day, ex-CEO of Lululemon, represents business success. No confirmed billionaires. Advice: Use CWU business college for internships; visit career advice.
No verified Central Washington University Nobel winners or notable criminals. Advice: Focus strengths elsewhere; research via CWU Alumni Association.
Overall, CWU alumni achievements inspire in athletics and leadership, ideal for job seekers eyeing sports management or public roles in Ellensburg, Washington. Connect via alumni events for mentorship. Considering CWU? Review professors on /rate-my-professor and explore academic jobs in Ellensburg or higher-ed-jobs. These ratings motivate pursuing passions where CWU shines. (Word count: 428)
Central Washington University alumni have made their mark in entertainment fields such as acting, comedy, and music, with figures known for improvisational humor and rock drumming that have entertained global audiences and contributed to popular television and music scenes.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Stiles | Comedian and Actor | 1977 (attended one year) | American-Canadian comedian and actor best known for his improvisational work on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' and as Lewis Kiniski on 'The Drew Carey Show'. | |
| Tim Alexander | Musician | Music | unknown | Drummer best known as a founding member of the rock band Primus, contributing to albums like 'Sailing the Seas of Cheese' and later forming the experimental rock band Laundry. |
This section features notable athletes associated with Central Washington University (CWU), primarily in categories like Athletes, reflecting the university's role in developing talent for professional sports such as tennis and American football through its competitive NAIA and NCAA Division II programs.
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| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kellen Damico | Professional Tennis Player | 2005 | Former ATP professional tennis player who reached career-high rankings of No. 414 in singles and No. 227 in doubles, and was an NAIA All-American in both during his time at CWU. | |
| Mark McMillian | Former NFL Cornerback | 1993 | NFL cornerback drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1993, playing six seasons across teams including the Eagles, Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans, and Kansas City Chiefs. | |
| Billy Fitzgerald | Former NFL Wide Receiver | 1987 | Professional football wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Redskins in the late 1980s. | |
| Jessie Chatman | Former NFL Defensive End | 1993 | Defensive end who appeared in NFL games for the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, and St. Louis Rams after playing at CWU. |
Central Washington University alumni have made their mark primarily in U.S. politics, with leaders serving at state and federal levels; their achievements highlight the university's role in shaping influential figures in Washington state governance and national representation without any notable international or royalty connections.
| Name | Job Title | Discipline | Class Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dave Reichert | U.S. Representative | Physical Education | 1977 | Served as U.S. Representative for Washington's 8th congressional district from 2005 to 2019, previously as King County Sheriff. |
| Richard Hastings | Washington State Senator | Physical Education | 1966 | Served as Washington State Representative from 1987 to 1993 and State Senator from the 16th district from 1994 to 2000. |
| Jim Honeyford | Washington State Senator | unknown | Long-serving Washington State Senator representing the 15th legislative district from 1998 to 2023. |
