Local Couple Donates Larson Lights In Memory of Tyler Hilinski

The A. E. Larson Building in Yakima has stood as an object of Art Deco architectural awe since 1931.

Still remaining the tallest building in Yakima city proper, the eleven-story Larson Building recently took on a new project in 2016, founded by the Downtown Association of Yakima, the Yakima Arts Commission and the Millennium Foundation, dedicated to encouraging community unity and economic revitalization.

Corporations, non-profits and individuals can submit their application and pay a $500 per diem fee to have the Larson Building shine it's beautiful lights in a variety of colors.

If you happened to catch the building's light show last night (January 26, 2018), then you noticed the crimson and gray lights. You may have thought, "Oh, those are Cougar colors!", and you would be partially correct. The colors of the lights were chosen by a local anonymous couple, both Washington State University alumni, who donated the funds to have the Cougar lights shine in memory of WSU sophomore student and football quarterback, Tyler Hilinski.

If you are not familiar with the name of Tyler Hilinski, he was a stellar student at WSU and a member of the football team. His recent suicide in Pullman on January 16, has left his family, friends, former classmates and even the local community here in Yakima reeling in mourning.

The memory of this young man will remain lodged in the hearts of many for decades and generations to come.

“As [WSU] Cougar alumni, we want to bring awareness to this issue. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students and yet it’s still a topic that people don’t talk about. We hope this small action gets our community to continue the conversation,” said the anonymous donor couple.

The donors encourage people suffering from depression to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Hilinski's funeral was held in his hometown's high school in La Verne, California today (January 27) at 1:30pm PST.

To find out more about the Light Up The Larson Building project, view the application here.