2026 Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony

The Pullman Chamber and Visitor Center is thrilled to announce the 2026 Walk of Fame Class, who will be inducted in a ceremony at The Pullman Depot Heritage Center on Thursday, Aug. 20.   

The 2026 inductees include Alice and Rex Davis, Roger Johnson, Allison and Mike Levenseller and Dr. Frances McSweeney. 

Alice and Rex Davis first met as students at Washington State College (1949–1953) and built a lifelong commitment to education, athletics, service and the Pullman community. After careers in teaching, Rex became a legendary WSU tennis coach and early advocate for pickleball in Pullman, while Alice inspired generations of students and helped launch many of Pullman’s cherished community traditions and events. Both were deeply involved in Simpson Methodist Church and numerous civic organizations, contributing countless volunteer hours to improve the lives of others. Over more than six decades in Pullman, Rex and Alice exemplified dedication, leadership and community engagement through their lasting impact on local schools, athletics and daily civic life. 

Roger Johnson, a fifth-generation Pullman native, transformed Rico’s – one of Pullman’s most beloved and recognizable restaurants – into the iconic establishment it is today. After taking ownership in the early 1980s, he spent 36 years building Rico’s into a community gathering place known for its artistic atmosphere, revolutionary craft beer selection, and status as home to some of the region’s best live jazz performances. Through decades of dedication, Roger helped sustain and revitalize downtown Pullman while creating a space where generations of residents, students and visitors alike have felt at home. His deep love for Pullman and the Palouse has left a lasting impact on the community’s social and cultural life.  

Mike and Allison Levenseller devoted much of their careers to serving and strengthening the Pullman community. Mike, a former WSU football standout, professional player, WSU Hall of Fame inductee and longtime Cougar assistant coach, spent 20 years mentoring some of the most accomplished receivers in program history. Allison spent 23 years leading the Holiday Inn Express and contributing to numerous community organizations, including the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Palouse Marketing and the Lodging Tax Advisory Board. Together, they helped enhance Pullman's athletic, business and civic sectors while raising their family in a community they proudly called home for 26 years. 

Dr. Frances McSweeney came to Pullman in 1974 to join the Washington State University Psychology Department and built a distinguished career as a researcher, educator and academic leader. She rose to the rank of Regents Professor while serving as Department Chair, Chair of the Faculty Senate, Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and President of the Association for Behavior Analysis International. A recipient of numerous honors, including WSU's Eminent Faculty Award and Lane Rawlins Distinguished Lifetime Service Award, she credits her success to the colleagues, students and staff who enriched her career. Drawn by WSU's academic excellence and Pullman's small-town character, she spent more than four decades contributing to the university and community she came to call home.

Pullman Chamber of Commerce Vice President Pete Chittenden says that the 2026 Walk of Fame Class is being inducted during a particularly exciting time for the program. "A new site and design for Pullman's Walk of Fame has been presented by the Chamber and DPA to the Pullman City Council," shared Chittenden. "We are excited about the future of the Walk of Fame and hope the community will join us in supporting this program for many more years to come," Chittenden added.

The Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony is set to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20. A social hour will be held before the ceremony starting at 5 p.m. The ceremony is open to the public, and all are welcome to attend.

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.

A new class of individuals is inducted annually in conjunction with the National Lentil Festival. Inductees are selected by a panel of representatives from the aforementioned service organizations.