Jason Douangpanya ’98 and Heather Riesen Douangpanya ’98

Jason Douangpanya and Heather Riesen Douangpanya Jason Douangpanya ’98 and Heather Riesen Douangpanya ’98 were one of the first families to commit to the one-to-one scholarship match initiative through Upward Together. The Douangpanyas have been consistent donors to Whitman for 18 consecutive years before creating the Riesen and Douangpanya Scholarship Endowment to support need-based financial aid for all students.

Both received scholarships during their time on campus and are now paying it forward. “We believe that capable and qualified students should have the opportunity to attend college regardless of their financial situation,” Heather says.

At Whitman, both Jason and Heather majored in Biology. After earning his Bachelor of Arts, Jason received his MBA from the University of Washington Bothell. In their current careers at Pfizer Inc., Jason as a Senior Manager in Biotherapeutics and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Heather as a Senior Director in Medical Affairs, they both utilize their Whitman education daily. The Douangpanyas reside in Bothell, Washington, with their two teenage daughters, Jada and Hallie.

Fifty Under 50 is a new initiative recognizing emerging leaders in philanthropy. Members are graduates of the class of 1989 or later and have made gifts and pledges exceeding $50,000 to the campaign.