WSECU Saves Beloved WSU Pullman Crop Art Tradition

Sept. 4, 2024 (Pullman, Wash.) – A five-year tradition welcoming Cougs to Pullman seemed headed to the history books this August as the ongoing crop art partnership came to a close, leaving a noticeable absence of Cougar spirit in a field that each fall was adorned with a design so large, it could be seen from space. For WSECU, watching the end of a tradition that brought students and the community together was not an option.

“We couldn’t let this celebration of Cougar pride fade away knowing how many people love it,” said Gary Swindler, WSECU President and CEO and a WSU alumnus. “When we heard the beloved crop art wasn’t returning this year, we were excited to jump in to show our support for WSU on a big scale.”

Globally-renowned earthwork artist Stan Herd who has been bringing crop art dreams to life for 40 years will create the mural, continuing the iconic tradition at WSU Coug Mural Field. The field serves as a final landmark as the highway splits, just minutes before the city of Pullman seems to materialize from among the sea of wheat fields.

The 2024 design features the iconic imagery of a roaring cougar above the words “Cougar Country Loud and Proud.” WSECU’s partnership to assure the continuation of the crop art unfolded quickly in late August with the mural now underway and scheduled for completion in time for the second WSU home football game against Texas Tech on Sept. 7.

“This crop mural has become one of the favorite signs of fall on the Palouse,” said WSU Pullman Chancellor Dave Cillay. “WSECU has a long history working with WSU Pullman and we are excited that they have stepped in to keep this terrific tradition alive.”

The larger-than-life display of support comes two years after WSECU expanded its partnership with WSU as the official banking partner of the WSU CougarCard, a card that doubles as a debit card and university student ID.

“This mural brings people together and that sense of community and shared pride is important to us,” Swindler said. “It’s a massive show of support so when we got the opportunity, we were ready to pick it up and run with it.”

WSECU has two branches in Pullman including one in the WSU Compton Union Building. The credit union has had a branch presence on the WSU Pullman campus since 1979. In addition to 45 years of financial services support, WSECU also supports Cougs Feeding Cougs, a program that addresses food insecurity for students at WSU and offers free financial workshops to the campus community.

The crop art celebrating WSU Pullman should be visible for approximately 8-10 weeks after completion before seasonal changes begin to impact its clarity. The exact location can be found on Google maps.