ELLENSBURG, Wash. – Central Washington University Athletics has announced its 2026 Hall of Fame Class to be inducted on May 2 inside Nicholson Arena. To purchase tickets, click HERE
 
Among those being inducted are longtime CWU Athletic supporters Jean & Joe Adams.
 
Jean and Joe Adams have been steadfast supporters of Central Washington University for more than 17 years.  Both Jean and Joe have served on the CWU Foundation Board of Directors and Jean served as the President of the Wildcat Athletic Association from 2018-2023.  The impact they have had on the Central student-athlete experience has been significant in both the classroom and in competition.  In addition to supporting the renovation of Tomlinson Stadium in 2018, Jean and Joe contributed generously to the recent Nicholson Pavilion Renovation Project. As part of CWU's comprehensive Health Education Project, the renovation represents a transformational upgrade to one of the University's most iconic facilities, an investment the Adams felt strongly about helping bring to life.
 
"These upgrades were long overdue, and we hope that current students, future students, alumni, faculty and fans are as excited as we are to see and use the new facility," they shared. Their generosity established two prominent naming opportunities within the renovated pavilion: the Jean and Joe Adams Atrium in the main lobby and the Sheila Hyatt Athletics Administrative Office Suite, named in honor of Jean's late mother.
 
Both Jean and Joe credit influential mentors who taught them the importance of giving back and "paying it forward" once they were able to support others, an ethos that has guided their philanthropic relationship with CWU. Jean, a 1988 CWU alumna with a degree in finance. The Adams were honored as CWU Alumni Philanthropists of the Year in 2022, and Jean earned recognition as the 2016 CWU College of Business Distinguished Alumni. Their enduring commitment and deep affection for the University continue to make a lasting impact on the lives of CWU students and student-athletes.
 
Below is a Q&A with Jean & Joe about their time, thoughts, and memories with CWU and the Ellensburg community:
 
Q: What does the induction into the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame mean to you?
 
Jean & Joe: We are still processing how this could even happen. Neither of us were collegiate athletes. Being a part of the CWU Athletic Hall of Fame was not even on our radar as a possibility. That said, it is an awesome honor and we are very grateful.
 
Q: You both have been involved with CWU and CWU Athletics for some time now, what originally inspired you to start supporting CWU and Wildcat Athletics so passionately?
 
Jean & Joe: Our brother Mike Siegwarth was a CWU javelin thrower in the late 1970's. He had regular contact with the school after graduating and at some point, Mike threw us under the bus with CWU. He suspected we would like to get involved with Central given our backgrounds. Mike was correct. We have thoroughly enjoyed our 20 plus years of CWU involvement.
 
Q: You both credit influential mentors in your lives for shaping your approach to giving back. Could you briefly discuss a particular mentor or moment that helped teach you the important of "paying it forward" especially toward CWU Athletics?
 
Jean & Joe: Both of our moms were educators. They cared deeply about their students. We saw this devotion firsthand when former students would share stories about how important our mothers were in these former students' lives. Our moms absolutely believed that "giving is better than receiving" and they lived their lives that way. They were hugely inspirational to both of us.
 
Q: How do you hope current and future CWU student athletes will benefit from the facilities and programs you've supported? Are there any specific stories from students that have stayed with you?
 
Jean & Joe: Wow – just look at the athletic facility upgrades over the last 10 years. The transformation has been remarkable. We remember how excited the football players were when they first saw their brand new, completely flat, playing field. The old grass field was a mess and very lumpy. It was basically a mud bowl by the end of the first quarter of each game.
 
And of course, how about the "New Nicholson" Pavilion?! What an amazing facility. All the student athletes we have talked with rave about the upgraded facility and how great it is for so many sports. We have also been told the "New Nicholson" helps tremendously with recruiting the best and brightest future Wildcats.
 
Q: For people who might be inspired by your philanthropic journey, what advice would you give about finding ways to support causes or communities that matter to them?
 
Jean & Joe: We believe philanthropy is best when it comes from the heart. Find a cause that you are passionate about and commit to that cause. If you can't afford to donate money, donate your time and talents. There are wonderful organizations in virtually every community that need passionate volunteers.
 
Q: Lastly, what stories, memories, or experiences you've had with Wildcat Athletics are you willing to share with Wildcat Nation?
 
Jean & Joe: Our favorite CWU memories are of our mom, Sheila Hyatt, watching CWU Football games. There was nothing she enjoyed more than sipping white wine while screaming for a Wildcat victory. Her passion for CWU Athletics inspired us to name the "Sheila Hyatt Athletic Administrative Office Suite" in her honor. We know Sheila will always watch over the CWU coaches and student athletes from above. We miss her dearly.