March 19, 1999
Graduate School of Public Affairs to be named for Dan Evans
The University of Washington administration is recommending that its Graduate School of Public Affairs be named for Daniel J. Evans, former Washington governor, U.S. senator, college president and current UW regent. The Board of Regents is expected to act on this recommendation at the March 19 board meeting.
The new name of the school will be the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs.
A formal dedication ceremony is scheduled for noon Friday, March 19 at Parrington Hall.
“The University of Washington is proud to be able to link the name of this school with one of our state’s most distinguished citizens,” says UW President Richard L. McCormick. “Dan Evans’ career of public service is a model which we will use to inspire generations of future students at the University.”
“We decided to name the school,” says Dean Marc Lindenberg, “to help convey its role and mission. In talking with students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community, there was broad agreement that naming the school for Dan Evans would affirm our unique blend of a practical approach and lofty ideals. In his entire career as governor, U.S. senator, college president and UW regent, Dan Evans has provided a model for the school’s highest aspirations: integrity, respect and excellence.”
The Evans School aspires to become a national leader, Lindenberg says. “Although this is one of the 20 top schools of public affairs in the country, and the first school of public affairs to be established at a public university, we are aiming even higher.” Among the school’s goals are: promoting visionary thinking, becoming the region’s primary source of insightful research on public policy and management, and being an innovator in establishing ties with the community. “Above all, we want to train leaders who combine vision, analytic thinking and practicality,” he says.
“I am deeply honored by the wish of the University to add my name to the Graduate School of Public Affairs,” Evans says. “When I met with the Dean and faculty I was impressed by their talent and enthusiasm. They are determined to make this school an innovator and a leader in restoring confidence in public service. I plan to be an active participant in helping reach these goals.”
The naming of the school is linked to the creation of The Daniel J. Evans Endowment for Excellence in Public Service. The school intends to raise $12 million–$6 million from the private sector and $6 million from public sources. The endowment will support:
- Daniel and Nancy Evans Scholars–promising students who are pursuing careers in public service or who are “practitioners in residence” at the school;
- Daniel J. Evans Professorship–for an outstanding academic in the field of public affairs;
- Partnerships for Commmunity Problem Solving–a fund that will encourage experiments in public, private and non-profit problem-solving partnerships;
- Public Forum–a series of public dialogues that will help civil society to become more healthy and vital;
- “Ideas that Work” Research–to encourage research on critical areas of fiscal policy, non-profit management or technology.
The naming inaugurates a year-long campaign to promote engagement and discussion of important policy issues in the region. The campaign will include lectures, forums and newspaper editorials. In addition, a dinner honoring Evans will be held May 22 at Benaroya Hall.
Dan Evans was a member of the Washington State House of Representatives from 1956 to 1965. He was governor from 1965 to 1977. A study by the University of Michigan in 1981 identified him as one of the ten outstanding governors of the 20th century. In 1977, he became president of The Evergreen State College. He served as U.S. senator from 1983 to 1989. He was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Mike Lowry in 1993.
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Photos of Evans and Lindenberg are available.
