H. George Frederickson, the 21st president of Eastern Washington University who led dramatic advancements in academics, athletics and fundraising during his tenure, died on July 24, 2020. He was 86.
Frederickson served as president from 1977-87 and was instrumental in transitioning Eastern Washington State College into the thriving regional university we know today as Eastern Washington University. He also helped create the schools of Health Sciences, Public Affairs and Mathematical Sciences and Technology. Seeing a need for fundraising support to help Eastern students succeed long into the future, Frederickson also helped establish the EWU Foundation.
Perhaps one of Frederickson’s most recognized contributions to EWU was spearheading Eastern’s drive to National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I status. He led the tireless efforts in the 1970’s and 80’s to help Eastern achieve and maintain NCAA Division I status and become a member of the Big Sky Conference.
To read more about Frederickson’s legacy at EWU, and his family obituary, please visit goeags.com. Below we’ve also included a gallery of photos highlighting Frederickson’s time at Eastern and his lifelong dedication as an Eagle.
