More Than Forty-Five Years Of Giving
The Committee of 500 began in 1979 as a small group of volunteers who believed that friends and alumni, giving together, could do great things for Walla Walla University. More than forty-five years later, that belief has held true. President Frederick Field, a 1976 graduate of the university, has been a member for years and was elected to lead the Committee in 2025. What started small has never stopped growing.
Volunteers, Start To Finish
What sets the Committee of 500 apart is simple: we are run entirely by volunteers. That is why our operating costs have historically stayed under one percent, and from 2026 we are eliminating them altogether, so every dollar goes directly to Walla Walla University. Each year our members vote on the project to fund, from renovations to new equipment. We are independent from the university's Office of Advancement, but proud to work alongside it.
Our Heritage And Growth
Since 1979, volunteers have grown a simple giving idea into a trusted, member-guided nonprofit.
Steady Support
For over 45 years, members have gathered to fund practical projects that strengthen campus life.
Financial Stewardship
Historically under 1 percent overhead, transitioning in 2026 so that all contributions reach selected WWU projects.
Alumni Leadership
President Frederick Field, a 1976 WWU alumnus, helps guide our volunteer board with thoughtful, prayerful care.
The University We Support
Founded in 1892 as Walla Walla College and renamed Walla Walla University in 2007, it is a private, Seventh-day Adventist university in College Place, Washington. Around 1,700 students choose from more than 100 areas of study, with well-known programs in nursing, engineering, business, biology, and education. For over four decades, the Committee of 500 has been proud to help this community thrive.