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Paul Madison and Western Washington University Athletics are synonymous with excellence. The man who created the WWU Athletics Hall of Fame, who chronicled the achievements of both individuals and teams from 1966 to 2015 as the Sports Information Director and who to this day embodies the true character of a WWU Viking, is arguably one of the most impactful people in the history of Western Athletics. We want to honor that legacy today and well into the future through the creation of the Paul Madison Athletic Scholarship Endowment.
Paul created a legacy in Western Athletics that will last forever. He was a tireless worker who helped tell the stories of coaches and students. He got to know us, our families, and our friends. He asked questions and listened intently to our answers. He watched us grow up, from gangly, curious freshmen to accomplished seniors ready to take on the world. He was kind. He was always present. He was our story-teller.
As Paul continues to enjoy retirement, we want to forever honor his too-many-to-count contributions to Viking Athletics through the creation of a scholarship endowment. This award will be presented annually to a Western student-athlete who hails from Whatcom County and exhibits the traits of Paul: commitment, dedication, teamwork, service and compassion. Coaches will have the opportunity to nominate members of their team for the scholarship, and each year, Paul and his family will have the opportunity to meet the recipient.
We can’t think of a better way to forever honor and thank Paul for all he’s done for Athletics as a whole and scores of individual student-athletes. Through lead gifts, we have already raised enough to permanently endow this award. But we want to go further. Much further. Our goal is to raise at least $100,000 and we are asking for your support. Will you join us in making a gift to honor Paul? You will not only be recognizing a Western legend, but supporting future generations of Viking student-athletes through scholarships.
Paul is a humble man. When first approached with this idea, he couldn’t believe he was deserving of such an honor. But when he realized the difference a scholarship would make in the life of a Whatcom County young person, Paul got excited. Not for the award being named in his honor. But for the opportunities it would create for others. Typical Paul. Putting others before himself, giving others the spotlight, helping to tell someone’s story. Please join us in recognizing and thanking Paul Madison for 56 years – and counting – of true dedication to the Vikings.
Most sincerely, 
Jim Sterk (’80) Hoyt Gier (’80)
Hall of Fame Class of 2010 Hall of Fame Class of 1993
