This was originally published in Vol. 34, Issue 5 (February 2024)
WSU Vancouver Sophomore Melissa Rouse and her sister Kristina Rouse, a 2017 alumna, along with their mother and uncle, were shot and killed by their father on Nov. 31 at the family’s home in Orchards. Their father then took his own life. The Carson College of Business, from which Melissa was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management, and the Engaged Learning and Career Action Center, where Melissa counseled fellow students, held a vigil for her and her family Dec. 12 at the Firstenburg Family Fountain from 5 to 7 p.m.
Students, faculty, and staff lined the northwest walkway to the fountain, holding candles as those whose lives had been brightened by Melissa shared memories of her, cherishing the kindness and warmth left by her spirit. Among other things, Melissa was appreciated for her ease with others and ability, at times, to simply joke around.
Just 19, Melissa worked with first-year students as a peer mentor in the Engaged Learning and Career Action Center and was also on the S&A Fee Committee. She was passionate in helping students transition to college life and building a sense of community on campus. She will be sorely missed here, on the Vancouver campus.
Surviving family members have organized a GoFundMe fundraiser to cover funeral services and other costs at https://www.gofundme.com/f/the-rouses.
We honor the lives of Melissa and Kristina Rouse, and their family – lives that were taken too soon.
Midori Davis, Editor-in-Chief; and the entire staff of The VanCougar newsmagazine.