2025 Pullman Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center is thrilled to announce the 2025 Walk of Fame Class, who will be inducted in a ceremony at the Pullman Depot Heritage Center on Friday, Aug. 15. 

The 2025 inductees include Pat and Laurie Caraher, Gary and Sue Schell, Dave Cillay and Henry Rono.

Longtime Pullman residents, Pat and Laurie Caraher, remain deeply connected to Pullman and Washington State University, where Pat began his long career in communications and alumni relations, and Laurie earned her degree in Music Education. Pat served as editor of WSU’s alumni publications for 35 years and was a dedicated community member, active in Rotary, his church and youth sports, until his passing in March from pancreatic cancer. Laurie spent 19 years teaching music at Franklin Elementary and has led Sacred Heart Church’s contemporary choir for 45 years, in addition to volunteering with local music and hospice groups. Together, they raised three daughters, gave back through numerous community efforts, and embodied a lifelong commitment to service, family and Cougar spirit.

Gary and Sue Schell met at WSU while working on the Chinook yearbook and returned to Pullman in 1974, where Gary built a career in banking, real estate and property management, and Sue taught elementary school for 26 years. Both were deeply involved in the community—Gary through Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce and many local boards, and Sue through education, Alpha Omicron Pi, P.E.O. and the Hospital Auxiliary. They were dedicated members of Community Congregational United Church of Christ for over 50 years and served as long-time coordinators for Family Promise. Together, they raised their daughters in Pullman, embraced Cougar spirit, and created a lasting legacy of service, connection and pride in their hometown.

Dave Cillay, an internationally recognized expert in online education and Chancellor of WSU’s Global Campus, came to the Northwest in 1986 and met his wife Valory while playing baseball at the College of Idaho. After a brief stint on the west side, they returned to Pullman in 1997 to raise their three children, all graduates of the Pullman school system. With over 30 years in the community, Dave remains proud to call Pullman home and continues to be inspired by the campus and community’s ongoing achievements.

Henry Rono stunned the track world in 1978 by setting four world records in just 81 days—at 5,000m, 10,000m, 3,000m steeplechase and 3,000m—an unmatched achievement in distance running history. A dominant force in collegiate athletics, he won six NCAA titles, set numerous records, and earned multiple international awards despite missing two Olympics due to boycotts. A WSU graduate and Hall of Fame inductee, Rono was named the Pac-12 Men’s Track & Field Athlete of the Century in 2016.

“Pullman’s success is founded in the people who have deeply invested in our community and those who, through excelling in their field, have brought recognition to our community. The Pullman Walk of Fame program honors these inspirational individuals who have made outstanding contributions to our community. This year’s honorees have all played an important role in helping Pullman be a great place to live, work, play and do business,” says Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin. “We are again collaborating with the Pullman Depot Heritage Center, which also is foundational 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. 15. The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

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 recent improvements 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.