Tech industry entrepreneur Dan Castles honored with WSU Alumni Achievement Award

Carson College of Business alumnus Dan Castles ('78), a tech industry entrepreneur, was honored Sept. 6 with the Washington State University Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award recognizing his outstanding service to WSU, executive leadership in business, and entrepreneurial achievements.

The WSUAA Alumni Achievement Award was created in 1970 by the WSUAA Board of Directors to recognize alumni who have given outstanding service to WSU and made contributions to their professions and communities. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the Alumni Association. Out of the estimated 250,000 people who have attended WSU since it was founded in 1890, just over 500 alumni have received the award.

In 1998, Castles founded Telestream, a digital media company that pioneered software products allowing millions of consumers and business professionals to deliver engaging video content to audiences worldwide. Castles was Telestream's CEO for 20 years before retiring in 2018, but it didn't stick. He returned in 2020 to lead the company through COVID-19, retired in 2023, and returned in 2024 to offer further leadership.

For 25 years, Castles has shared his knowledge of innovation, entrepreneurship, and principled leadership with WSU business students and athletes. He and his wife, Joanne ('78), have made significant financial contributions to the Carson College of Business and WSU Athletics, helping students develop attributes and skills that will help them professionally and personally.

"Though a Washington native, I've lived outside the state since I graduated from WSU, so it's taken extra work to connect with the university remotely. I really appreciate that this effort has made a difference in the student experience and is now recognized with this award," Castles said. "WSU has mattered to me, to my wife, my daughters, and my brothers; we're all graduates. My Pullman experience shaped who I am as a person and my business philosophy. I am blessed to be able to give back and help the university continue to have this kind of impact on today's students."

Giving back to WSU

The Center for Entrepreneurship (CfE)is one example of how the Castles have advanced entrepreneurship in the Carson College. More than 10 years ago, they established the Castles Excellence Fund in Entrepreneurship that directly benefits the center's programming and entrepreneurial initiatives as well as Carson College scholarships, outreach, curriculum development, event management, and industry site visits. Castles regularly speaks to Carson College entrepreneurship classes, mentors Business Plan Competition teams, and often judges the competition.

"As a WSU graduate myself and entrepreneurship faculty member, I can say with confidence that Dan Castles exemplifies the Cougar values of hard work, humility, and servant leadership," said Marie Mayes, director of the CfE. "He is an excellent choice for the Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award."

More recently, the Castles's significant contributions have supported study abroad programs and student-athlete entrepreneurship. In 2022, they supported the establishment of the WSU Student-Athlete Entrepreneurship Initiative, a collaboration between the Carson College and WSU Athletics that supports programming for student-athletes in entrepreneurship and business education. It also facilitates name, image, and likeness opportunities to help student-athletes explore potential careers, build networks, and develop professional skills.

Castles is most proud of his volunteer service to the university, which includes being a member of the Alumni Association and an original member of the Entrepreneurship Advisory Board within the Carson College National Board of Advisors. He is also a WSU Crimson Benefactor, recognized for cumulative, lifetime giving of $500,000 or more.

"Our passion for WSU has been fed from a lifetime of positive experiences, and our intent is to contribute in some way that truly makes something happen that wouldn't happen without our support," Castles said.