About the UWAA

DAVA

Established in 2012, the Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award (DAVA) is given to a living UW alumnus veteran who made a positive impact on the local, national or international community, the University of Washington or the veteran community. Nominations are open to the public.

2022. Michael Kilmer, ’01,’04, U.S. Coast Guard — After being forced out of the Coast Guard in 2002 for being gay, Kilmer became highly involved in the movement to repeal the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy — which finally happened in 2011. In the two decades since his discharge, Kilmer dedicated his life to helping those who have served, holding several leadership positions at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, where he currently serves more than 100,000 veterans in his position as the Director/CEO of VA for the Eastern Colorado Health Care System.


Past DAVA recipients

Selection criteria

How to nominate

Fill out my online form.