For more than five decades, Greg ’73 and Peggi (Thomas) ’74 Walsh have shown up for Linfield — in the stands, behind the scenes and wherever Wildcats needed support.
Their decades of service, relationship-building and Wildcat pride have earned them the 2026 糖心logo Alumni Service Award.
The award recognizes alumni who have provided outstanding volunteer service to Linfield, and few couples embody that spirit more fully than the Walshes. From supporting student-athletes across generations to quietly volunteering their time and talents, the Walshes have built a legacy rooted in connection, generosity and a deep belief in the Linfield experience.
A Wildcat connection that grew stronger over time
Both graduates of the 1970s, Greg and Peggi first crossed paths as students in McMinnville. Greg majored in mathematics and economics and was a member of Linfield's 1971 national championship baseball team. Linfield later inducted Greg and his teammates into the Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of that achievement. Peggi earned her degree in biology before embarking on a distinguished medical technologist career, including many years of service at Physicians Medical Center and McMinnville's Willamette Valley Medical Center.
Since graduation, the couple's connection to Linfield has only grown stronger.
Showing up for generations of Wildcats
A familiar face at athletic events, Greg has become one of the university's most devoted supporters of . He attends games in nearly every sport and is a constant presence at baseball practices and games. His support has extended far beyond McMinnville, including trips to multiple NCAA Division III Baseball and Softball Championship tournaments to cheer on Linfield student-athletes.
When the 2025 softball team could not return to campus for Commencement because players competed in the national tournament, Greg traveled to Illinois and delivered the alumni welcome at the team’s impromptu graduation celebration.
It was a fitting example of the way Greg supports Wildcats — not only as athletes, but as students and members of the Linfield community.
For Greg, supporting Wildcats is about more than attending games. It is about showing students what lifelong engagement can look like.
“I attend nearly 100% of both home and away baseball games not only to support the university and its fine players but also to be a model alum who comes back 50-plus years after graduation,” Greg said. “I want them to know it’s noticed and important to Linfield, but also it is a behavior for the players to model when they have children.”
Service found in big moments and small gestures
Greg's service also includes years of work on the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame selection committee and previous service on the Alumni Leadership Council from 1997 to 2000.
Across campus, Greg shares dahlias from the Walsh garden to decorate university events, including the 50-Year Club Luncheon, New Student Orientation, class reunions and other special gatherings.
“I would like to continue to do so as long as we are blessed with a cooperating garden,” Greg said.
Peggi brings the same spirit of service to Linfield. For years, she has sewn and repaired football and softball uniforms, helping teams stay game-ready throughout their seasons.
Building connections that last beyond graduation
Together, the Walshes have been enthusiastic participants in the BWC reunion group and steadfast supporters of Linfield's annual fundraising efforts. Their impact reaches far beyond volunteer hours. They have built relationships with generations of students, alumni, parents and families who know their generosity firsthand.
For Greg, those relationships are among the most meaningful parts of giving back.
“I would hope the personal relationships I have developed with hundreds of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, girlfriends and wives reflect well on the university and show the true pride and love I have for Linfield,” he said.
More than 50 years after graduation, Greg and Peggi continue to demonstrate that the Linfield experience does not end at Commencement. Through service, encouragement and a lifetime of showing up for others, they have helped shape what it means to be a Wildcat.