Albert Lavern McAllister, born in Walla Walla, Washington in 1917, was a 1939 graduate of the Washington State University College of Business. His entry into a career in banking was interrupted by the approach of World War II. He joined the US Navy, completed Officers’ Training, and served the duration of the war as a supply officer at Kaneohe Naval base on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. He resumed his work as a bank officer at Seattle First National/Bank of America until he retired in 1980.
At age 59 Al married Louise Harris, making him stepfather of her five children. Louise Harris McAllister was a 1957 graduate of St. Louis University and an English major. In 1977 Louise graduated from (then) University of Puget Sound School of Law. She practiced family law for about 15 years in the Seattle-Everett area.
When their oldest, Laura, was receiving college admission letters, Al encouraged her to apply to WSU – in his words, “the greatest university in the world.” Laura was accepted by the College of Engineering and found a “home” in the Department of Physical Metallurgy & Engineering, making lasting connections to professors Dr. Bruce Mason and Dr. Servet Duran. With a strong foundation in metallurgical engineering, Laura went on to obtain a masters and a doctorate in Material Science at world-leading graduate schools, which led to a 25-year career at Hewlett-Packard.
Laura’s student experience as a Cougar, followed by that of her younger sister Amy, served to solidify their father’s connection to Washington State University. Al and Louise became season ticket holders to WSU football and members of the President’s Associates. Driving from Seattle for a football weekend and the annual Dad’s weekend was (usually) a joyful event at the game, plus an opportunity to get caught up with their daughters. As a Cougar fan, Al experienced the “whiplash” of wins and losses, but never wavered in his loyalty.
Al McAllister’s experience as a Cougar Dad affirmed his dedication as a generous WSU supporter and Crimson Laureate. This dedication has been carried forward by Louise with the establishment of scholarship funds for College of Arts and Sciences, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, and Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture students.
When Louise heard Voiland College Dean Mary Rezac talk about how Schweitzer Engineering Hall, scheduled to open in 2026, will help facilitate student connections and success, she recalled her daughter Laura’s days as one of the few women engineering students and how Laura valued connecting with other students to do assignments and solve problems together. In those days, only an empty classroom might have been available for a homework session.
Louise’s gift, The McAllister Collaboration Zone – a collaborative meeting space in Schweitzer Engineering Hall, not only honors a Cougar Dad, but also provides an opportunity for students to forge connections with one another.
“I know the value of connecting,” Louise says. “It really can change your life.”