2024 Pullman Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center is thrilled to announce the 2024 Walk of Fame Class, who will be inducted in a ceremony at the Pullman Depot Heritage Center on Friday, Aug. 16.  

The 2024 inductees include Glenn A. Johnson, Kirk Schulz, Jack Thompson, Ted Weatherly, Ken Vogel, and Mike and Susie Gormsen.

Johnson served five terms as Pullman’s mayor from 2004 to 2023, making him Pullman’s longest-serving mayor. He remains active in various service roles throughout the Pullman community. 

Schulz is currently serving as the 11th president of Washington State University. Schulz began his presidency in 2016 and is set to retire in June 2025. 

Thompson is a well-loved WSU alumnus and Cougar Football great. He played Quarterback for the Cougs from 1975 to 1978 before being drafted as the 3rd overall pick in the 1979 NFL draft.

Weatherly moved to Pullman in 1979, serving as the Public Safety Director. In 1982 he assumed the title of Police Chief, a role he held until retirement in 2010. He is credited with reorganizing first responder services to separate Pullman’s Fire and Police Departments. 

Vogel initially moved to Pullman in 1966 as a WSU student. Drafted into the US Army in 1968, Vogel eventually returned to Pullman after his military service, working at the Empire Department Store until its closure in 1982. Vogel would go on to found Ken Vogel Clothing, an anchor store in downtown Pullman for nearly 25 years. 

The Gormsens donated 6.5 acres of land and monetary gifts to Whitman County in the year 2000 to help establish the Whitman County Humane Society and its adjoining Pooch Park. Susie Gormsen also served on the board of the Whitman County Humane Society as the organization’s treasurer. 

“Walk of Fame is a program that honors the great people who have contributed to this community. The 2024 class is no different and have all had an important role in helping Pullman be a great place to live, work and do business,” says Pullman Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Dymkoski. “This year we are happy to be collaborating with the Pullman Depot Heritage Center, which also has an important story in the history of Pullman. The location is perfect for honoring this year’s inductees.”

The Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16. The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be provided.

Guests are strongly encouraged to dress appropriately for current weather conditions. Canopies and seating will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking will be provided in limited quantities, so please plan accordingly. 

The ceremony is scheduled to take about 30 minutes, but the Pullman Chamber of Commerce strongly encourages guests to stay and visit with the inductees and fellow attendees once the ceremony is complete. 

As a result of the improvements being made to downtown Pullman’s sidewalks, this year’s inductees will each be awarded a plaque to take home.

The Walk of Fame was established in 2003 to honor individuals who have served the Pullman community in a significant way, promoted goodwill, improved the quality of life for Pullman residents or brought acclaim to the area through their contributions.

The Pullman Walk of Fame is generously sponsored by the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club of Pullman, Rotary Club of Pullman and the Pullman Lions Club.