Distinguished Service Award

2020. Gary Oertli, ’70, ’72, ’85, president emeritus, South Seattle College; former president, UWAA – During Oertli’s 10 years as president of South Seattle College, he played a key role in dramatically expanding the 13th Year Promise Scholarship, which provided one year of tuition-free college and support services to Seattle public school students. The program was so successful that it became part of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan’s platform and now is available to graduates of all of Seattle’s public high schools, providing a new path to success.

2019. Connie Kravas, senior vice president, University Advancement – Throughout her nearly 20-year UW career, Connie has been a tireless supporter of the UWAA and her work has been transformational for the organization. She is a vocal champion of the Alumni Association’s mission, vision and values and has worked hand-in-hand with UWAA leadership to ensure the success and health of the organization.

2018. Ralina Joseph, associate professor, UW Department of Communication – As faculty facilitator for the Interrupting Privilege workshop series, Joseph was essential in bringing UW students and alumni together to explore race and equity together.

2017. Eddie Pasatiempo, ’76, Read profile in Columns magazine 

2016. Greg Sheridan, senior associate vice president, University Advancement

2015. Susan Wilson Williams, ’73

2014. Jon Bridgman, UW professor emeritus

2013. Bryan Pearce (posthumous award) – Read profile in Columns magazine

2012. Frazer Cook, ‘65

2011. Trish Bostrom, ‘72 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2010. Lex and Diane Gamble, ‘59 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2009. Kay Larson, ‘54 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2008. Rob Weller, ‘72 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2007. Dawn Williams, ‘88 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2006. Marie Olmstead, ‘58 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2005. John Behnke, ‘50 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2004. Larry Matsuda, ‘67, ‘73, ‘78 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2003. Vivian Lee, ‘58

2002. Geoff, ‘65, & Judy, ’62 Vernon, (posthumous award)

Read profile in Columns magazine

2001. Don Kraft, ‘48 – Read profile in Columns magazine

2000. Cory Carlson, ‘81 – Read profile in Columns magazine

1999. Multicultural Alumni Partnership – Read profile in Columns magazine

1998. University of Washington Alumnae Board – Read profile in Columns magazine

1997. Carver Gayton, ‘60, ‘72, ‘76 – Read profile in Columns magazine

1996. Nancy J. Nash, ‘51 – Read profile in Columns magazine

1995. Professor Jon M. Bridgman – Read profile in Columns magazine

1994. Akio Hirao, MBA ‘65

1993. Bruce A. Walker, ‘56

1992. Arthur W. Buerk, ‘58

1991. University Book Store

1990. Tracy King, ‘53

1989. Betty Barclay, ‘49, and James G. McCurdy, ‘45

1988. Diana, ‘52, & George, ’51, Holland

1987. Gerald A. Erickson, ‘65, ‘67, ‘71, ‘78

1986. Robert G. Moch, ‘36

1985. New York Alumni Club

1984. R. Keith Douglas, ‘49

1983. E. Kenneth Solid, ‘50

1981. UW Husky Marching Band

1980. Donald and Marilyn Covey, ‘53

1979. Robert D. Hannah

1978. Helen E. Hoagland

1977. Richard S. Sprague, ‘53

1976. Ernest M. Conrad, ‘40 – Read profile in Columns magazine

1975. UW Alumnae Club

1974. R. Mort Frayn, ‘29

1972. Roscoe C. “Torchy” Torrance, ‘23

1971. Los Angeles Alumni Club

1970. Robert J. Behnke, ‘43 – Read profile in Columns magazine

The Distinguished Service Award is presented at the annual UW Recognition Reception in June to an individual or group who has had a significant impact on the UW Alumni Association. The selection criteria for this award are one or more of the following:

• Candidate individual or group has made a major contribution or a combination of efforts having great impact on the alumni association.
• Candidate individual or group has provided a variety of services or held long devotion to the alumni association and the University (i.e., membership, ad hoc, committee service, special assignments).
• Candidate individual or group has made a highly unusual contribution to the alumni association or general body of University alumni (i.e., service in one position for many years, development of a new program relevant to the UWAA or the University, or a single project of great importance to the growth of the alumni association).

Please fill out this form to submit a nomination for consideration. In an effort to adhere to sustainable campus guidelines, the UW Alumni Association will no longer be accepting paper copies of DSA nominations. Nominations must be received by Dec. 31, 2025.

Questions? Please contact Virginia Lerer at vlerer@uw.edu.