David Hastings Scholarship

David W. Hastings Scholarship


Former Washington State Chief Archivist David Hastings passed away on January 2, 2013. In his honor we have established a scholarship fund at Western Washington University to provide funding for graduate students in Archives and Records Management while completing an internship at the State Archives in Olympia or at one of the five regional State Archives locations.

Thousands of researchers considered Dave Hastings the “heart and soul” of the Washington State Archives since 1976. Known for his memorized knowledge of thousands of the box locations and his 110% customer service, his tenure of more than 30 consecutive years made him the longest serving Archivist in the State Archives system. Credited with many of the major innovations and changes at the Washington State Archives, David Hastings combined his California retail grocer experience with his History degree and Archives certificate from Western Washington University to forge an outstanding career at the Washington State Archives.

Dave’s patience and willingness to mentor young students and interns, often from WWU, was legendary. Many of them went on to successful careers in other state agencies and even the National Archives.

It is our hope that the David Hastings Scholarship will be one more contribution of David’s outstanding career by making it possible for future generations of WWU graduates of the Archives and Records Management program to work and learn at the Washington State Archives. Following David’s example, we can make it a better place to preserve the people’s records and make them easily accessible.

Former State Archivist Jerry Handfield and WWU archival education program director Rand Jimerson have initiated contributions to this scholarship fund, which has surpassed the $500.00 mark. We encourage your contributions in Dave’s memory. Contributions made to the David Hastings Scholarship fund at the Western Foundation are fully tax-deductible as charitable contributions. To donate online, follow this link to an electronic form: David Hastings Scholarship. A check made payable to the WWU Foundation can be mailed to: WWU Foundation, MS 9034, 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225-9034 (please write “David Hastings Scholarship” on the memo line). You can also make a gift by phone or call with any questions: (360) 650-3274.

Dave exemplified the personal concern for people and the ethic of service to the public that all great archivists share. He was a marvelous mentor for graduate students and people entering the archival profession, among his other very many fine qualities. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered. Please consider helping to commemorate Dave Hastings while also assisting future archivists in following his example.

Sincerely,

Jerry Handfield

Rand Jimerson

Note: Please excuse any duplication of requests.