Dale Comstock, a Central Washington University (CWU) Distinguished Alumni recipient and emeritus professor, announced on Apr. 6 his intention to make a $1 million blended cash and estate gift to create the Dale and Mary Jo Comstock Endowed Professorship in Mathematics. This will be the first permanently endowed professorship in the Department of Mathematics at CWU, supporting faculty salaries, research expenses, lab equipment, and travel for conferences.
The creation of this endowment marks a significant development for CWU’s mathematics department by providing sustained support for faculty development and research opportunities. It reflects both Comstock’s commitment to higher education and his long-standing connection with the university.
Comstock said he was inspired by his experiences at CWU: “Central has been good to me over the years, and I want to be good to it in return.” He also explained his motivation for giving back: “The university provided a great, successful life for me and my family, and a tremendously interesting and successful career.”
Comstock’s relationship with CWU began in 1951 as an undergraduate student. Over more than three decades at the university—as professor of mathematics, Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, director of the computer center, as well as through federal government assignments—he contributed both academically and administratively. His service included roles such as Senior Program Manager for international affairs at the Department of Energy.
In addition to academic leadership roles that took him from Ellensburg to Iran under UNESCO programs—and later on research trips across Russia—Comstock has supported students financially since 1979 through annual thesis awards. In 2008 he established an endowed scholarship for mathematics majors.
Reflecting on his time with CWU, Comstock said: “I have been thankful to CWU for an excellent education as an undergraduate and for over 32 years as a professor of mathematics and Dean of Graduate School and Research. Surely there are many other former students and employees from CWU that have also had very successful years related to their experience at CWU.”