Party to honor retiring Ralph Vernacchia to be held in Bellingham May 7

Ralph Vernacchia, a professor in the department of Physical Education, Health and Recreation at Western Washington University and director of the university's Center for Performance Excellence, is retiring.

A party will be throw on his behalf on May 7 at the Bellingham Golf and Country Club.

Admittance is $50 per person. Grilled Northwest salmon will be served for dinner; those with dietary restrictions should note those along with their reservation. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m., and dinner is at 7.

To honor Vernacchia’s lifetime of achievements, a scholarship fund has been created in his name. To make a gift to support this fund, visit http://www.wwu.edu/give and type “Ralph Vernacchia Scholarship” in the gift designation field. Those registering for the May 7 event also can include any gift amount on the same check as the registration fee. All gifts are tax deductible, and 100 percent of any gift will go to the scholarship fund.

RSVP to Kate Kairoff at (360) 650-3055 or kate.kairoff@wwu.edu.

Mail checks made payable to WWU:

Attn: Kate Kairoff
PEHR Department
516 High Street
Bellingham, WA 98225