The Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award recognizes the UW teachers who inspired and influenced their students long after they left their classroom.
Nominators must have taken at least one class from the nominee, although consideration is also given to interactions outside of the classroom. The DTLA is part of the University’s annual Awards of Excellence celebration.
2020. John Keating. Even when teaching 700 students in Psychology 101, the late Jack Keating didn’t use notes. His “encyclopedic knowledge of psychology and engaging teaching style,” along with his commitment to intellectual rigor and social justice, inspired students and prepared them to turn their knowledge into action. Jack made the UW accessible and welcoming, co-chairing the committee that created the Department of American Ethnic Studies. He was instrumental in the development of UW Tacoma and UW Bothell, chairing the search for founding faculty and serving as dean of the branch campuses.The UW is recognizing him posthumously for his enduring legacy.
Past DTLA Recipients
2018. Aurora Valentinetti. Aurora Valentinetti is undoubtedly the UW’s most beloved puppeteer, but her influence on people’s lives has extended far beyond the stage or the classroom.
2017. Bill Cole. During his 13 years on the faculty of the UW School of Music, Bill Cole had a profound impact on dozens of future music educators. But more than that, he had a lasting influence on the lives of his students no matter what field they entered.
Selection criteria
The DTLA Selection Committee meets in winter quarter to review all nominations.
Definition of a UW teacher
For purposes of the DTLA, a UW teacher is defined as a current or former UW faculty member of any rank.
Specific criteria include:
Strength of impact
How did the nominee make a profound impact on your life?
Length of impact
When did you have the nominee as a teacher?
How does the nominee’s teaching continue to influence you today?
How to nominate
Please fill out this form to submit a nomination for consideration. In accordance with sustainable campus guidelines, the UW Alumni Association cannot accept paper copies of nominations.
Nominations received by January 15, 2021 will be considered for the 2020-21 awards cycle. Nominations received after this date will be considered in the next year.
Questions? Please contact Virginia Lerer at vlerer@uw.edu.
2020. John Keating. Even when teaching 700 students in Psychology 101, the late Jack Keating didn’t use notes. His “encyclopedic knowledge of psychology and engaging teaching style,” along with his commitment to intellectual rigor and social justice, inspired students and prepared them to turn their knowledge into action. Jack made the UW accessible and welcoming, co-chairing the committee that created the Department of American Ethnic Studies. He was instrumental in the development of UW Tacoma and UW Bothell, chairing the search for founding faculty and serving as dean of the branch campuses.The UW is recognizing him posthumously for his enduring legacy.