2025 Awards of Excellence recognize our outstanding UW community

Every year, the University of Washington celebrates the people who make our campuses stronger, more compassionate and more connected. The Awards of Excellence honor alumni, faculty, staff, students and retirees whose work embodies our values and elevates our shared mission.

On Thursday, June 12, hundreds of colleagues, friends and family members gathered to recognize this year’s recipients at the 55th annual ceremony. The tributes below are based on remarks by President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost and Executive Vice President Tricia Serio.

Don’t miss the photos from the ceremony for highlights from the unforgettable evening.

2025 Awards of Excellence Recipients

David B. Thorud Leadership Award
Munira Khalil, Professor and Chair, Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences 

As chair, Munira Khalil has set a new standard for departmental leadership, in the way that she guides meetings, responds to complicated management situations and communicates clearly. Her colleagues credit her with infusing a “spirit of mattering” throughout the department. She empowers faculty and staff colleagues to grow professionally in their research, teaching and administration roles while maintaining outstanding research in the field of molecular spectroscopy. 

David B. Thorud Leadership Award
Margaret Shepherd, Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the President and Provost

Margaret Shepherd is an outstanding leader whose intelligence, certitude and work ethic have been instrumental in countless successful initiatives. But what her colleagues admire most about her is that she fosters a culture of trust and respect. She is considerate, perceptive, effective, tactful and firm in her unwavering service to the institutional and public good.

Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award
Dana Curtis Covey, ’84, School of Medicine; Captain, U.S. Navy (ret.)

Throughout his dedicated service in the U.S. Navy, and later as a surgeon, Dana Curtis Covey has consistently served as a role model for the next generation of doctors. As a leading expert on combat surgery, he has unwaveringly served his country, his patients and his fellow service members with honor, courage and skill. The UW is deeply proud to count this teacher, doctor, mentor and patriot among our most esteemed alumni.

Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award
Jason Daniel-Ulloa, Associate Teaching Professor, Health Systems and Population Health and Global Health, School of Public Health

With each new class of students, Jason Daniel-Ulloa begins by creating an inclusive learning environment in which each student feels engaged, present and invested. He then adapts his teaching strategies to their needs and experiences, which often includes setting flexible deadlines and using storytelling to spark curiosity and connection. Next, he shares his expertise in community-based participatory research and community capacity building to help students find their own passion for public health, social justice and eliminating health disparities.

Distinguished Librarian Award
Stephanie Lamson, Director, Preservation Services, University Libraries

Throughout her 24-year career, Stephanie Lamson’s visionary approach and transformative contributions have contributed enormously to University Libraries and the University as a whole. She has made the UW Libraries’ Conservation Center a leader in the field, and she is deeply committed to ensuring long-term access to research materials for current and future scholars. She has also had an active role in shaping the profession through teaching and mentorship, creating opportunities for a new generation of preservationists.

Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award
Jill Morrison McKinstry, Librarian Emeritus, University Libraries

After nearly 30 years of service to University Libraries, Jill Morrison McKinstry has continued to serve the public as a volunteer, including leadership roles with the Mt. Baker Safe Access Committee and Grandmothers Against Gun Violence. She actively seeks out opportunities to better the community, and with her enthusiasm and dedication, she inspires others to join her. She is a powerful reminder of the positive change that one person can make in the world.

Distinguished Service Award
Brad McDavid, Director, UW Athletic Bands (ret.)

In his extraordinary career leading the Husky Marching Band, Brad McDavid’s impact at the UW was felt by thousands of student musicians and hundreds of thousands of Husky fans far and wide. As the director for almost a third of the band’s entire history, he designed and directed over 200 halftime shows and made invaluable contributions to our University and alumni communities. He is instantly recognizable to every UW fan as a true Husky icon.

Distinguished Staff Award for Career Achievement
Leula Amaha, Custodian, UW Facilities
Leula Amaha has served as a UW custodian for 25 years, and in her role at the University’s Applied Physics Laboratory, she is consistently proactive and committed to maintaining a safe, clean and productive environment. Thanks to her focus, efficiency and dedication, this critical facility is always impeccably maintained to the highest standards, including when senior government officials and representatives of funding agencies visit.

Distinguished Staff Award for Collaboration
Lara Muffley, Director of Program Operations, Genome Sciences, School of Medicine and Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine
In her role facilitating cooperation among hundreds of researchers studying genetic variation, Lara Muffley serves as a backbone in advancing scientific collaboration and discovery. Her innovative, hardworking and community-focused leadership has helped build a global genetic research community that is breaking new ground in genetic research. She enables complex and multidisciplinary teams to work toward common goals for the good of humanity.

Distinguished Staff Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
MEDEX Northwest PA Program Admissions and Student Services Team
Tove Blake, Director of Admissions and Student Services, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine
Roxana Palma-Orantes, Counseling Services Coordinator, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine
Kalee Lynn Warnimont, Counseling Services Coordinator, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine

In their work conducting admissions and student support for the MEDEX program, this three-person team manages complex processes across five campuses in Washington, Alaska and Hawaii, serving hundreds of students annually. Impressively, they have achieved 100% seat fulfillment. And, through their dedication to outreach and collaboration — from orientation to white-coat ceremonies — the team has been able to recruit a top-tier cohort reflecting increased diversity. Their excellent work has helped advance program goals and our University-wide commitment to equity and community engagement.

Distinguished Staff Award for Impact
Benjamin Hornburg, Facilities Manager, Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering
Described as “the backbone of the chemical engineering department,” Benjamin Hornburg not only maintains and manages the facilities in Benson Hall, but he also ensures that everything in the building meets the highest safety standards. Graduate students routinely ask for his assistance with lab setups, and he’s essential to the smooth operation of many undergraduate labs. His outstanding work ensures that lab spaces run smoothly, accessibly and safely.

Distinguished Staff Award for Innovation:
Colin Gioia Connors, Electronic Media Producer 2, Scandinavian Studies, College of Arts & Sciences

Colin Gioia Connors produces and hosts the podcast Crossing North, which explores Nordic and Baltic society and culture. Since its launch in 2019, Crossing North has attracted a broad listenership and enhanced the Scandinavian studies department’s reputation among faculty, students and the public. Connors’ expertise, production know-how and hosting skills have helped the department and the College of Arts & Sciences educate the community with fun and fascinating content that connects the UW with the communities we serve.

Distinguished Teaching Award
Martine De Cock, Professor, School of Engineering & Technology, UW Tacoma

Through an iterative and reflective teaching practice, Martine De Cock designs transformative learning experiences for her students. For example, she has adapted a course to allow students to develop real-world, career-focused skills so they can create better artificial intelligence models. To expand access to graduate education to outstanding students from diverse backgrounds, she led the development of the Ph.D. program in computer science and systems. Her commitment to inclusive teaching, mentoring and valuing students’ experiences positively impacts the professional and academic trajectories of her students and mentees.

Distinguished Teaching Award
Keri DeGroot, Assistant Teaching Professor, Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine

As health-care professionals, occupational therapists support people in “doing, being, becoming and belonging.” This is also how Keri DeGroot approaches her teaching — by supporting her students in learning and doing basic skills, in their being occupational therapy students, in becoming practitioners and in belonging to the UW community. Her teaching methods incorporate case studies and real-world applications to encourage critical inquiry and reflection. DeGroot is also involved in curriculum initiatives that promote diversity and inclusivity, contributing to the broader academic community at the UW.

Distinguished Teaching Award
Jasmine Mahmoud, Assistant Professor, School of Drama, College of Arts & Sciences

Whether she’s teaching a seminar with eight graduate students or a lecture with 200 undergraduates, Jasmine Mahmoud makes meaningful connections with each of them. By providing feedback that encourages iteration, Mahmoud helps her students develop as critical thinkers with growth mindsets and lifelong learning practices. She offers them professional development activities, such as conference planning and research collaborations. In addition, she guides students in developing syllabi and in facilitating independent studies that lead to practical projects — all to help them prepare for academic and professional careers.

Distinguished Teaching Award
Laura McGarrity, Associate Teaching Professor, Linguistics, College of Arts & Sciences

To make linguistics as relatable and relevant as possible, Laura McGarrity transformed the course Linguistics 269 into “Swearing and Taboo Language.” Enrollment in the course shot up, and now, 800 students take it each year. To create an inclusive learning environment in her course “Language and Thought,” McGarrity assigns readings by a variety of authors. For that class, one student writes, she “presented topics that never occurred to me and did so in a way that encouraged us to debate them and make up our own minds on whether we found them true or not.”

Distinguished Teaching Award
Bryan White, Teaching Professor, Biological Sciences, School of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics, UW Bothell

By connecting classroom content to real-world scenarios, Bryan White sparks a sense of wonder and curiosity in his students — and they begin to see themselves as scientists in development. White, one nominator writes, “represents the pinnacle of educational excellence, transforming ordinary classrooms into vibrant spaces of discovery and engagement. His ability to turn complex science concepts into memorable experiences — whether through impromptu demonstrations, unexpected props or spontaneous dance moves — reflects his extraordinary gift for making learning both rigorous and joyful.”

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams
Brotherhood Initiative Instructional Team, College of Education
Kandi Bauman, Assistant Director of Research and Curriculum, Brotherhood Initiative, College of Education
Joe Lott, Professor, Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy, College of Education
Paul Metellus, Associate Director for Student Success, Brotherhood Initiative, College of Education
Siamak Vossoughi, Teaching Associate, Brotherhood Initiative, College of Education
T. Ling Yeh, Director of Research and Programs, Brotherhood Initiative, College of Education

This team helps students who identify as men of color navigate college and develop agency within their professional and civic identities. Through a cohort-based seminar structure that is developed with extensive data and planning, the team reimagines the curriculum each year to ensure that the project is relevant to students’ experiences and perspectives. The team’s work has created transformative learning opportunities that affirm students’ cultural experiences while promoting a sense of belonging and community.

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams
CSE 121, 122 & 123 Course Launch Team, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Kasey Champion, Lecturer, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Elba Garza, Assistant Teaching Professor, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Miya Natsuhara, Assistant Teaching Professor, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Hunter Schafer, Associate Teaching Professor, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Brett Wortzman, Associate Teaching Professor, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering

This team revitalized the introductory computer science courses that serve as an entry point for students to explore the world of computing. The team infused the course sequence with activities that encourage students to reflect on their work, integrate their personal experiences into their learning, embrace a growth mindset and consider ethical questions related to computer science and engineering. Their chair notes, “this multiyear, iterative, collaborative project has been wildly successful and impressively innovative, better serving thousands of students each year.”

Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award
J’May Bertrand Rivara, Associate Teaching Professor Emerita, School of Social Work; Co-Director, Carol LaMare Scholars Program, Center for Integrative Oncology and Palliative Care Social Work

A cornerstone of support. Advocate. Champion. Guiding light. Enduring influence. These are just some of the words students use to describe J’May Bertrand Rivara. Throughout her career, Rivara has taught, mentored and nurtured graduate social work students who are committed to cancer care, palliative care or end-of-life care. “Her actions and words have shown me that being a social worker is not a time-limited role,” one student writes, “but rather a set of values and relationships that are pursued over the long haul.”

Excellence in Global Engagement Award
Anu Taranath, Teaching Professor, English and Comparative History of Ideas, College of Arts & Sciences

As a speaker, educator, study abroad program director and public scholar, Anu Taranath partners with a range of people and organizations to encourage students and faculty to explore their own stories while deepening conversations on equity, social justice and global consciousness. Her book, “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” serves as a critical resource for academics, students, researchers and travelers who engage globally and want to better understand and navigate worlds of difference.

Excellence in Teaching Award
Sourojit Ghosh, Doctoral Candidate, Human Centered Design & Engineering, College of Engineering

For Sourojit Ghosh, teaching is an iterative process and a partnership. He actively involves students in course design and adapts his curricula based on their feedback. After designing one of the University’s first courses on ethics in artificial intelligence, he was invited to expand it into a five-credit version for undergraduates. His students said that the class equipped them with a clearer understanding of generative AI tools and gave them a strong foundation in ethical frameworks to champion responsible AI design and communicate integration strategies to their employers.

Excellence in Teaching Award
Robert James Swan, Doctoral Candidate, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, College of the Environment

Having taught more than 1,000 students, Robert James Swan is recognized for creating meaningful opportunities for all students to engage with forestry research — including those without backgrounds in science — by guiding them in essential skills such as fieldwork and lab techniques. His noteworthy class assignments focus on helping students learn experientially and build their metacognitive skills. To enhance networking and extracurricular opportunities for students, he revived the UW chapter of the Society of American Foresters and founded the UW Beekeeping Club.

Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award
Hannah C. Wiley, Professor, Dance, College of Arts & Sciences

To help professional dancers transition to careers in higher education, Hannah C. Wiley established a master of fine arts program aimed at addressing their unique challenges and providing financial support through teaching opportunities. She actively recruits, trains and mentors a diverse body of students, advocating for changes in curriculum, programming and support systems. “Hannah’s office door is always open — literally,” a colleague writes. “And while there isn’t a fireplace inside, you always leave her office feeling as if you’ve gathered around one.”

Outstanding Public Service Award
Vadym Provozyuk, Lead Network Specialist, UW Information Technology

Vadym Provozyuk, who emigrated to the U.S. following Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine, has devoted himself to helping Ukrainians since the start of Russia’s 2022 invasion. His heroic coordination of organizing and planning has helped thousands of Ukrainians evacuate to safety. Working with the nonprofit Grace Tea, he has also helped ensure that urgently needed food, water, medical supplies, fuel and other necessities reach Ukrainians in need.

President’s Medal
Kerry Petit, Undergraduate Student, Anthropology and Urban Ecological Design

Kerry Petit returned to higher education later in her career, first at Shoreline Community College before transferring to the UW. She embraces new experiences inside and outside the classroom, and as an anthropology major, she is interested in how culture and design can shape more equitable futures. After graduation, Petit, a member of the Chinook Indian Nation family, plans to apply her learning to working with underserved communities supporting cultural revitalization and ethical museum practices.

President’s Medal
Gloria Shen, Undergraduate Student, Neuroscience and Dance

As a Seattle native, Gloria Shen was drawn to the UW from an early age, but as a student, she discovered an even deeper connection through a strong sense of belonging in the neuroscience program. She has pursued an ambitious academic program at the intersection of dance, medicine and neuroscience, receiving numerous awards and scholarships in recognition of her academic excellence. After graduation, she plans to pursue a medical degree and hopes to one day become a pediatric neurosurgeon.

University Faculty Lecture Award
Douglas Wood, Henry N. Harkins Professor and Chair, Surgery, School of Medicine

Douglas Wood’s leadership in developing and promoting lung cancer screening guidelines has been nothing short of transformative. As a world-renowned expert in thoracic oncology and founding chair of the National Lung Cancer Screening Panel, Wood has overseen the creation and continual refinement of evidence-based guidelines for the early detection of lung cancer. Now the standard in clinical practice, these guidelines have been instrumental in saving thousands of lives throughout the world. Wood will present his lecture in 2026.

Please take a moment to congratulate our 2025 recipients for their exemplary work to expand knowledge, serve our students, improve people’s health and well-being, and to better communities.

UW announces 2025 Awards of Excellence recipients

UW seal The UW is delighted to announce the recipients of the 55th annual University of Washington Awards of Excellence! The awards honor outstanding alumni, faculty, staff, students and retirees who contribute to the richness and diversity of our University community.

The awardees were honored at a ceremony in Meany Hall on June 12. The program included a one-hour ceremony hosted by President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio, followed by a reception with refreshments where our community was able to connect with one another.

Do you want to nominate a UW colleague for an award? The next cycle of awards will open in early October of 2025.

2025 awardees

Distinguished Staff Award

Established in 1997, the Distinguished Staff Award honors outstanding staff members who contribute to the missions of their units and the University, respond creatively to challenges,

maintain the highest standards in their work, establish productive relationships with colleagues, and promote a respectful and supportive workplace. This year, awardees are being honored in the following categories: career achievement; collaboration; diversity, equity and inclusion; impact; and innovation.

Career Achievement

Leula Amaha, UW Facilities

Collaboration

Lara Muffley, Genome Sciences, School of Medicine; Brotman Baty Institute for Precision Medicine

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

MEDEX Northwest Admissions and Student Services Team

Tove Blake, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine
Roxana Palma-Orantes, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine
Kalee Lynn Warnimont, MEDEX Northwest PA Program, School of Medicine

Impact

Benjamin Hornburg, Chemical Engineering

Innovation

Colin Gioia Connors, Scandinavian Studies

David B. Thorud Leadership Award

The David B. Thorud Leadership Award is given to one UW faculty member and one staff member who demonstrate exceptional abilities to lead, serve, inspire and collaborate. First bestowed in 2006, the award is named in honor of David B. Thorud, who served the University in leadership positions for 25 years.

Munira Khalil, Chemistry
Margaret Shepherd, Executive Office of the President and Provost

Distinguished Librarian Award

Established in 2008, the Distinguished Librarian Award recognizes excellence in librarianship, especially as it benefits the academic community through teaching, research, learning and innovative approaches to practice.

Stephanie Lamson, Preservation Services

Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award

Since 1970, this award has honored a UW Alumni Association group or member who positively impacts both the Alumni Association and the larger University of Washington community.

Brad McDavid, UW Athletic Bands (ret.)

Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award

This award is given to a faculty or staff retiree for the quality of the individual’s contributions, after retirement, in service to the community locally, regionally, nationally or internationally.

Jill Morrison McKinstry, University Libraries

Distinguished Teaching Award

Recipients of the Distinguished Teaching Award are chosen based on a variety of criteria, including mastery of subject matter, new ideas in course and curriculum design, enthusiasm and innovation in the teaching process, ability to engage students both inside and outside the classroom, and ability to inspire creative, original thinking in students.

Martine De Cock, School of Engineering & Technology, UW Tacoma
Keri DeGroot, Occupational Therapy, School of Medicine
Jasmine Jamillah Mahmoud, School of Drama
Laura W. McGarrity, Linguistics
Bryan White, Biological Sciences, UW Bothell

Brotherhood Initiative Instructional Team

Kandi Bauman, Brotherhood Initiative
Joe Lott, Educational Foundations, Leadership and Policy
Paul Metellus, Brotherhood Initiative
Siamak Vossoughi, Brotherhood Initiative
Ling Yeh, Brotherhood Initiative

CSE 121, 122 & 123 Launch Team

Kasey Champion, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Elba Garza, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Miya Natsuhara, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Hunter Schafer, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering
Brett Wortzman, Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering

Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award

Created in 2017, this award celebrates the legacy of transformational teaching. It honors a UW teacher, living or not, who influenced and inspired students long after they left the classroom.

J’May Bertrand Rivara, School of Social Work

Excellence in Teaching Award

Presented since 1983, this award recognizes two graduate teaching assistants who demonstrate outstanding skills in the classroom.

Sourojit Ghosh, Human Centered Design & Engineering
Robert James Swan, School of Environmental and Forest Sciences

Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award

This award is given to a full-time UW faculty member who has taught for at least two years in innovative non-degree programs sponsored by the University and designed for professional development, personal interest or career redirection.

Jason Daniel-Ulloa, Health Systems and Population Health; Global Health

University Faculty Lecture Award

Since 1976, this award has honored current or emeritus faculty whose research, scholarship or art is widely recognized by their peers and whose achievements have had a substantial impact on their profession and society. The recipient of this award delivers the annual University Faculty Lecture to share their creativity and scholarship with the greater UW community.

Douglas E. Wood, Surgery, School of Medicine

Excellence in Global Engagement

This award honors a UW community member whose teaching, research or community-building activities connect UW students, faculty and staff to global communities locally, nationally and internationally — establishing the honoree as a leader in global engagement. The award alternates each year between faculty and staff honorees.

Anu Taranath, English; Comparative History of Ideas

Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award

The Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award recognizes a faculty member who excels at the intense one-on-one teaching that is the hallmark of graduate study. First bestowed in 1999, the award honors the memory of Marsha L. Landolt, who served as dean of the Graduate School from 1996 to 2004.

Hannah C. Wiley, Dance

Outstanding Public Service Award

Since 1980, this award has recognized exceptional achievement in public service by a faculty or staff member.

Vadym Provozyuk, UW Information Technology

Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award

This award is bestowed on a graduate and veteran who has made a positive impact through community service and civic engagement.

Dana Curtis Covey, ’84, School of Medicine; U.S. Navy (ret.)

President’s Medal

Since 1932, the UW president has awarded a medal to the graduating senior who achieved the most distinguished academic record at the University for that year. In 2004, the president began awarding the medal to two graduating seniors: one who has completed at least three-fourths of their degree requirements at the UW, and one who entered the University with at least 60 transfer credits from a Washington community college.

Kerry L. Petit, Medical Anthropology & Global Health; Anthropology of Globalization
Gloria Shen, Neuroscience

Special Recognition

In lieu of the annual Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus award, this year, we honor our University’s 33rd president as she completes her final year in office. Since being selected for the role in 2015, she has had a transformative impact on the University of Washington.

Ana Mari Cauce, President, University of Washington

UW-IT CIO Andreas Bohman Awarded 2025 SeattleCIO ORBIE Award

University of Washington Information Technology Chief Information Officer Andreas Bohman has been named the recipient of the 2025 SeattleCIO ORBIE® Award in the Corporate category.

The ORBIE Awards honor Chief Information Officers who have demonstrated excellence in technology leadership. Since 1998, the ORBIE has recognized CIOs who exhibit exceptional leadership, drive impactful innovation, and demonstrate a clear vision that inspires others to reach their potential. The award celebrates technology leaders who build strong relationships with business partners, contribute meaningfully to their communities, and help shape the next generation of executives.

Winners are selected through a rigorous, independent peer-review process led by prior ORBIE recipients. Evaluation criteria include leadership and management effectiveness, the business value created through technology innovation, and active engagement in both industry and community initiatives. Since its inception, the ORBIE Awards have recognized more than 5,000 finalists and honored over 800 CIOs across the country.

In support of Bohman’s nomination, University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce wrote:

“Whether through his efforts in enhancing and maturing the University’s cybersecurity infrastructure, or his implementation of Workday across our entire campus, his work reaches across teams, units, and the entire University community. All members of our campus — students, faculty, staff and community — have benefited from his efforts. He has also been a leader in innovation, advancing the understanding and implementation of AI across the University, which is critical, timely and ongoing work.”

Bohman’s leadership exemplifies the University’s commitment to trusted solutions, innovation with global impact, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment.

New Year, New Space: UW teams moving to University District Station Building

UDSB building exterior

Starting in January, several UW teams will relocate to the new 266,000-square-foot University District Station Building (UDSB), situated above the Sound Transit station at NE 45th St. and Brooklyn Ave. NE.

Teams moving to UDSB include:

UWHR: Floors 2 & 3

Floor 2: POD training and Labor Relations negotiations rooms
Floor 3: Campus HR Operations & Services, Compensation, Employee Experience, HR Benefits, Analytics & Info Systems, HR Policy & Workforce Strategy, Labor Relations, Office of the VP for UWHR, Total Talent Management

Compliance and Risk Services: Floor 4

Civil Rights Investigation Office, Office of Public Records and Open Public Meetings

Finance, Planning & Budgeting: Floors 4 and 5

Floor 4: Procurement Services, Travel Office, University Business Services
Floor 5: Banking & Accounting Operations, Budget, Planning & Operations, Enterprise Business Solutions, Equipment Inventory Office, Finance & Budget Strategy, Financial Accounting, Grant & Contract Accounting, Institutional Analytics & Decision Support, Management Accounting & Analysis, Policy, Planning & State Operations, Sponsored Programs Finance, Treasury, University Controller’s Office

Environmental Health & Safety: Floor 6

Administration, Employee Health Center, Environmental Public Health, Fire & Building Safety, Research Safety, Respirator Fit Testing, Safety Training, Workplace Health & Safety

Internal Audit: Floor 6

The University District Station Building will be a secured building, with visitors required to check in at the Welcome Desk, staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. While office addresses will change, phone numbers and email addresses will stay the same. Updated campus mailbox numbers will be posted on forms and websites for departments as needed.

Leadership profile developed for UW presidential search

UW community input on the desired characteristics and qualities of the next UW President has been incorporated into a new leadership profile, which is now available on the Presidential Search website.

“Since July, the Presidential Search Advisory Committee (PSAC) has been receiving input into the characteristics and qualities desired in the next UW President, as well as the opportunities and challenges before the University of Washington,” said David Zeeck, UW Regent and chair of the Presidential Search Advisory Committee. “We listened and learned a lot from everyone who participated. I’d like to thank personally everyone who came to a public listening session, filled out our survey or reached out with advice and nominations.”

The leadership profile includes a list of attributes for the ideal presidential candidate, as well as key institutional priorities and background about the structure, accomplishments and current leadership at the UW.

While the open listening sessions have concluded, the PSAC is still accepting nominations via uwsearch@uw.edu.

Visit uw.edu/presidentialsearch to see the presidential leadership profile and learn more about the presidential search process, timeline and next steps.

Plan ahead: UW vs. UCLA on Nov. 15

Football home games always bring a lot of traffic to campus as excited fans make their way to Husky Stadium by bus, rail, van, car and boat. The challenges of managing all that traffic increase when the game is on a weekday instead of a Saturday, as is the case for the upcoming UCLA game, which starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.

With a later start time and the increased popularity of telecommuting, congestion isn’t expected to be as great as in the past, but here are some things to be aware of:

Everyone coming to campus on Friday, Nov. 15, whether for the game, for classes or for work, is encouraged to use green means of transportation that day: light rail, bus, shuttles, biking, carpools or walking.
Staff are encouraged to take advantage of public transportation options using their fully subsidized U-PASS.

Parking permit holders will receive separate emails directing them where to park on Nov. 15, but the general plan is as follows:

East campus parking lots (E1, E12, E20, E17, E15, E8, E9, &TG/IMA) will be closed to regular parking beginning at 10 a.m. with permit holders accommodated in other campus garages and lots.
Stadium Parking Garage, Padelford, N25, N24, & C12 will begin opening for football parking permits at 1:00 p.m.
South Campus Garage, Central Plaza Garage, C10, & Portage Bay will begin opening to football parking at 1 p.m. and be fully open at 3 p.m.

There will be special parking arrangements made for hospital second shift workers.

For more information on getting to the game on Nov. 15, or to buy tickets, please see GoHuskies.com.

Update on Title IX regulations at the UW

A temporary injunction preventing the federal government from enforcing the 2024 Title IX regulations has been expanded to include the University of Washington. At present, 14 states and hundreds of individual schools, colleges and universities in states across the nation are included in the injunction, which effectively prevents the Department of Education’s 2024 Title IX regulations from taking effect in those states and at those schools as planned on August 1. Additional rulings are expected this week to clarify the scope of the injunction.

The new regulations expand protections for LGBTQIA+ students and would have required more faculty, staff and student employees to report sex discrimination and sex-based harassment to the Title IX Office.

In response to the injunction, the UW will pause any changes to Executive Orders or the Student Conduct Code and maintain current policies and grievance procedures, which are compliant with the 2020 Title IX regulations. The University will proceed with operational improvements that are informed by best practices and supported by both the 2020 and 2024 regulations, and will remain poised to implement the 2024 regulations when or if the injunction is lifted. 

“While the current regulatory landscape is uncertain and evolving, these developments do not diminish our responsibility nor limit our ability to prevent and address sex discrimination and sex-based harassment,” said Title IX Coordinator Valery Richardson. “More importantly, it does not change our commitment to maintaining a community that is free from discrimination, harassment and violence.”

If you want to learn more about the existing UW resources available to students and employees who are impacted by sexual harassment, relationship violence, stalking and sexual assault, visit the Survivor Resources page.

For more information, you can visit the Office of the Title IX Coordinator website.

Exploring the UW’s Impact: New Faculty’s Thousand-Mile Tour of Washington

By Sarah J. Hemminger

The University of Washington’s Faculty Field Tour — a bus trip spanning five days and more than 1,000 miles — allows new UW faculty members to share their unique perspectives and connect with Washington state’s diverse communities, natural wonders and vital heritage.

On the morning of June 10, 30 UW faculty members started the tour from the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture in Seattle, with the common goal of learning more about the UW’s positive impact across the state, while experiencing the regions that some of the University’s students come from.

“If you are a new UW faculty member, this opportunity cannot and should not be passed up! I would argue that this is just as important as other discipline- and institution-specific training you may get or need for your role. The week was life-changing, and many moments will forever be etched in my memory.”

Jenny Robinsonassistant professor, mechanical engineering; endowed chair, women’s sports medicine and lifetime fitness, orthopaedics and sports medicine

Day one of the tour was spent traveling around Tacoma, Olympia, Mount St. Helens and Vancouver, Washington. In Olympia, the group met with Lt. Gov. Denny Heck. Following Olympia, the group set forth to Mount St. Helens. And to finish off day one in Vancouver, faculty members heard from Michael Spencer, the Ballmer endowed dean of the School of Social Work, whose current work includes the integration of Native Hawaiian healers into primary care and addressing food insecurity among Native Hawaiians.

“As a UW alumna, I had lived in Washington state before, but I didn’t realize how much I was missing out on,” said Diana Ceballos, assistant professor of environmental and occupational health sciences in the School of Public Health. “This trip gave me a new perspective on the immensity, diversity and beauty of not just the places, but also the people. Connecting with new faculty members from all over the UW system was incredibly inspiring. I had never before had the honor of talking to a group of faculty with such diverse backgrounds.”

The following day, faculty members visited the Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic — one of the largest community health centers in the nation. In collaboration with the UW, the clinic provides comprehensive medical, dental and social services to local agricultural workers. Later in the week, new faculty members also had the opportunity to take in greater Spokane and learn about the UW School of Medicine – Gonzaga University Health Partnership.

Additional stops on the tour included the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO), Grand Coulee Dam, the Colville Reservation, the North Cascades and more.

“The Faculty Field Tour pushed me to reflect on my personal value structure as it relates to how I interact with students, colleagues and patients,” said Gabe Sarah, associate dean for student affairs in the School of Medicine and associate professor of pediatric anesthesiology and medicine. “It challenged me to revisit preconceived perceptions of the UW and the state of Washington and its multifaceted, diverse population of incredible citizens. Exploring the natural wonder of our state was astonishing — I never fully appreciated the myriad landscapes that exist in this beautiful home of ours until this trip.”

“Our relationship with the state is really reciprocal. We learn from the state, we teach, and we have impact in the state of Washington, and so it’s really a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know the place that we care about and that we teach about,” said Ed Taylor, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs in an Apple Valley News Now interview about the tour.

“The UW Faculty Field Tour wasn’t just an itinerary — it was a transformative experience that showcased the power of education to unite, inspire, innovate and propel us toward a brighter, more connected future.”

Léonard Boussiouxassistant professor, information systems and operations management

In a recent op-ed in the Spokesman-Review, Hilary Godwin, dean of the School of Public Health, along with André Ritter, dean of the School of Dentistry, explained how the Faculty Field Tour highlights the UW’s impact on promoting better health in the Spokane region.

“The UW is home to world-changing research and lifesaving patient care. But core to our mission is educating students so that they can then go out and have a positive impact on their families and communities,” they wrote. “That spirit of public service is what unites us, and we’re so pleased that our newest class of professors will have the opportunity to see firsthand the impact they — and the students they educate — can have.”

“We like to say that the UW is the University for Washington — a reflection of our role as a public university, dedicated to serving the people of our state,” Godwin and Ritter wrote. “One of the goals of this tour is to emphasize this mission to the newest members of the faculty, so along the route they connect with local alumni and some of the UW’s many local, state and tribal partners.”

To learn more about the Faculty Field Tour, visit uw.edu/externalaffairs/faculty-field-tour.

See more photos from the tour below.

Awards of Excellence recognizes our community’s impact

Hundreds of UW colleagues, family and friends celebrated the recipients of this year’s Awards of Excellence on Thursday, June 6, 2024.

The following is based on remarks made by President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost and Executive Vice President Tricia Serio at the 54th annual event.

2024 Awards of Excellence Recipients

Distinguished Staff Award for Career Achievement: Martha Walsh (she/her), Managing Editor, Journal of Japanese Studies, and Senior Program Associate, Japan Studies Program, Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies

Over the course of more than four decades, Martha’s exceptional competence, efficiency, good judgment and organizational ability have propelled the Journal of Japanese Studies (JJS) to become the leading journal in the field of Japanese Studies and our Japanese Studies program one of top ten in the nation. Thanks to her leadership, not only was the JJS website updated with inclusive language, but the JJS editorial board has recruited the most diverse and impressive group of trustees in its history.

Distinguished Staff Award for Collaboration: Carly C. Johnson (she/her), Program Coordinator, Office of Community Partnerships, UW Tacoma

Carly’s collaborative spirit has been invaluable in creating transparent and inclusive hiring practices for the Office of Community Partnerships, helping attract diverse applicant pools of student employees. Her contributions have had far-reaching impacts on student employees, her colleagues and the community partners that UW Tacoma serves. Her work created opportunities for meaningful interactions among students, faculty, staff and community members in service of a more vibrant and inclusive campus culture.

Distinguished Staff Award for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Lalitha Subramanian (she/her), Program Management Director, Continuum College

Lalitha has helped to measurably expand accessibility across the college. Her colleagues credit her expertise, gained over 20 years of experience, for helping to make everything from the unit’s websites to its online coursework more equitable and accessible. Her outstanding work and leadership has enabled the college to evolve its educational offerings, adopt new technologies with accessibility standards, and design learner-driven digital educational offerings that meet the needs of a dynamic global marketplace.

Distinguished Staff Award for impact: Hospitalized or Ambulatory Adults with Respiratory Viral Infections (HAARVI) Study Team

- - - - Anna Elias-Warren (she/her), Graduate Research Assistant, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW Medicine
      - Nicholas M. Franko (he/him), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Kristen Huden (she/her), Research Scientist I, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Megan Kemp (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Jennifer Logue (she/her), Manager of Program Operations, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Ariana Magedson (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Dylan McDonald (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Helen Nguyen (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine
      - Kino Watanabe (she/her), Research Coordinator, Allergy and Infectious Diseases, UW School of Medicine

- This collaborative, innovative team of research coordinators and scientists is responsible for expanding our understanding – and mitigating the impact – of the COVID pandemic. They led one of the earliest and most successful research studies on the immune response to the novel corona virus, with far-reaching impact. Their work even contributed to the development of COVID-19 antibody tests, and embodies our mission of discovery and innovation in service of healthy people and communities.

Distinguished Staff Award for innovation: Michele Park (she/they), Registered Nurse, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Washington Medical Center

Michelle is a leader who supports the NICU healthcare team with innovative solutions that help the department be more efficient and accessible. She not only developed the NICU webpage into a rich resource for staff, but also restructured her discharge coordinator role to more smoothly and successfully discharge premature infants. This invaluable service to patients and families, during one of the most important and often stressful times of their lives, reflects her deep commitment to patient care.

David B. Thorud Leadership Award (faculty): Angad Singh (he/him), Associate Chief Medical Information Officer, UW Medicine

Angad has earned the deep admiration of his colleagues for his creativity, skill, persistence and compassion, both as a caregiver and for his problem-solving approach to every hurdle. Faced with the challenge of a complex electronic medical record system, he didn’t just learn the system, he became an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor in Biomedical Informatics and Medical education, and now teaches others to become experts in this critical information infrastructure to better serve patients’ needs.

David B. Thorud Leadership Award (staff): LeAnne Wiles (she/her), Executive Director, First Year Programs and Strategic Initiatives, Student Academic Services, Undergraduate Academic Affairs

LeAnne’s colleagues praise her sense of personal responsibility to her students, describing her as an outstanding example of leadership, professionalism and commitment – the kind of person who makes the UW a great place to work. Through her leadership of First Year Programs, she has had enormous impact on the first-year experiences of countless Huskies, engaging partners across every unit to create a stellar first year experience for over 7,000 students every year.

Distinguished Librarian Award: Anne-Marie Davis (she/her), Collections Coordinator, Odegaard Undergraduate Library, and Anthropology Liaison Librarian, University Libraries

Anne-Marie’s colleagues describe her as the epitome of a superb librarian, and they are deeply grateful for the breadth and depth of her knowledge and skills. She is a brilliant and resourceful partner to classroom instructors, helping to secure vital teaching and learning materials with ingenuity and enthusiasm. Her deep expertise, collaborative approach and support for faculty has contributed immeasurably to the success of both researchers and students, as well as the UW’s public mission.

Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award: Louise W. Little (she/her), ’81, English and Psychology; Chief Executive Officer, University Bookstore (retired)

Louise’ legacy at the UW is exceptional, and deeply rooted. From her earliest days as a student employee, to eventually serving as book store’s CEO for the last decade, her 42-year career has embodied the values and principles of alumni advocacy and engagement. She has been instrumental in the development of the Welcome Center vision, and has made invaluable contributions to the broader UW community and in support of UW students.

Distinguished Retiree Excellence in Community Service Award: Sharon L. Thayer (she/her), Social Worker, Harborview Medical Center (retired)

After nearly 30 years of service as a social worker at Harborview Medical Center, Sharon Thayer has dedicated countless volunteer hours in her retirement to the UW Medicine Comfort Care Quilt Program, providing custom-made, lovingly crafted quilts for UW Medicine patients receiving end-of-life treatment. These beautiful creations provide comfort to patients and their families at a difficult time, and Sharon’s tireless efforts have made the program a success, and even inspired similar programs at other hospitals.

Distinguished Teaching Award: M. Aziz (they/them), Assistant Professor, American Ethnic Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

In their history classes, M helps students engage the complexities of race, gender and culture through conventional media like interviews, film and music, as well as through more unconventional media like capoeira [kaa-puh-weh-ruh] and graffiti. In their “Martial Arts and Social Justice” class, M prompts students to explore liberation movements through their intersection with karate and self-defense. Students learn not only by reading about how social movements used martial arts, but by choreographing self-defense moves that signify social justice values.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Colleen F. Craig (she/her), Teaching Professor, Chemistry, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

A central theme in Colleen’s work has been unlearning her initial approaches to teaching and replacing them with evidence-based practices that scale to the large general chemistry courses she teaches. Instead of relying on long lectures when teaching large classes, Colleen has designed scaffolded learning activities and systems of support that help her students construct their own understanding of complex course material, explore new ideas and learn from their mistakes.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Alison J. Crowe (she/her), Teaching Professor, Biology, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Alison’s contributions to teaching excellence in her field and at the UW are many. In addition to her significant record of service and mentorship, Alison co-founded the UW’s Biology Education Research Group, which has produced studies that advance evidence-based pedagogies in biology classrooms. She also helped formalize a co-teaching practice for new assistant professors in the Department of Biology. Her teaching normalizes mistake-making as a critical part of the learning process and centers inclusive practices that have helped democratize and connect science education at the UW to social justice issues.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Raissa DeSmet (she/her), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, UW Bothell

Raissa’s distinguished teaching is characterized by an evolving pedagogical approach centered on harm reduction and care. Her interdisciplinary commitment extends to the Burke Museum, where she innovates curriculum development with anti-racist and decolonized approaches, leaving a lasting impact on students and the broader public. Her teaching fosters inclusive environments, prioritizes emotional well-being and cultivates critical inquiry.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Louisa Mackenzie (they/them or she/her), Associate Professor, Comparative History of Ideas, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Louisa’s teaching practice centers responsiveness, compassion and collaboration. Their “high-engagement-high-feedback” assignments systematically move students toward learning goals while also allowing students to bring their whole selves to the course material and each other. Their service as vice chair of the Faculty Senate and as a member of Advisory Council to the Provost’s Future of Teaching and Learning working group is advancing their commitment to ensure the UW is as recognized for teaching as it is for research.

Distinguished Teaching Award: Emma J. Rose (she/her), Associate Professor, Culture, Arts and Communication, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma

Emma’s scholarly focus on human-centered design and inclusivity informs her student-centered approach to teaching. She co-creates rubrics with students and structures her assignments to encourage students to bring their interests, literacies and expertise into her classes. In addition to designing courses, assignments and activities that foster deep reflection and critical inquiry, Emma strongly advocates for the transformative learning experience of undergraduate research.

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams: Digital Learning User Experience (DLUX) Project Team, UW Tacoma

- - Darcy A. Janzen (she/her), Director, Office of Digital Learning, Academic Affairs, UW Tacoma
  - Chris Lott (he/him/they), Learning Designer, Office of Digital Learning, Academic Affairs, UW Tacoma
  - Emma J. Rose (she/her), Associate Professor, Culture, Arts and Communication, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma
  - Libi Sundermann (she/her), Teaching Professor, Politics, Philosophy and Public Affairs, School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, UW Tacoma
Using a human-centered design process, the DLUX team trained undergraduate student researchers in 2023 to conduct usability studies on faculty members’ digital teaching materials. Student researchers used the UW Digital Learning Alliance’s hybrid/online learning rubric as the basis of their evaluation and provided feedback that helped faculty improve their teaching in digital environments. In addition to advancing evidence-based teaching, the collaborations strengthened engagement between students and faculty members. The team is exploring ways to scale the DLUX project to meet the needs of faculty on all three campuses.

Distinguished Teaching Award for Teams: Marine Geoscience Education, Oceanographic Discovery, Undergraduate Collaboration (GEODUC) Scholars Program Team, Seattle campus
- - Jane Dolliver (she/her), Program Manager, College of the Environment
  - Jose M. Guzman (he/him), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences & Marine Biology, College of the Environment
  - Kerry-Ann Naish (she/her), Professor, School of Aquatic and Fishery Sciences & Marine Biology, College of the Environment
  - Mikelle Nuwer (she/her), Associate Teaching Professor, School of Oceanography, College of the Environment
  - LuAnne Thompson (she/her), Professor, School of Oceanography, College of the Environment

The GEODUC program bolsters the recruitment, retention and graduation of underrepresented groups in the marine sciences by reaching out to and mentoring community college transfer students. Each cohort of students begin the program with an immersive field experience in the summer and continue with weekly seminars throughout the academic year. This NSF-funded teaching model uses place-based learning — a powerful pedagogical approach that engages students with local issues, allowing them to advance their understanding of a topic or discipline by observing the direct impact of their work.

Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award: Shauna K. Elbers (she/her), Associate Professor, Policy Studies, School of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences, UW Bothell

Shauna’s passion for research and addressing health disparities has inspired many of her students to pursue careers through which they can change legal, health-care and political systems that create barriers. She believes in her students and their potential — teaching them essential skills such as how to analyze data and encouraging them to join research projects that impact their own communities. One former student notes: “Dr. Elbers is an exemplary mentor, leader and sponsor. I am grateful to have had the honor and privilege to be her student.”

Excellence in Teaching Award: Carly Gray (she/her), Doctoral Candidate, Psychology, College of Arts & Sciences, Seattle campus

Carly’s colleagues in the Department of Psychology praise her leadership in the implementation of inclusive teaching practices, exemplified through the standards-based grading scheme she developed for her courses. This scheme helps shift her students’ focus from earning points to the actual learning and application of concepts. Carly also has worked to advance teaching excellence as a member of the department’s Championing Inclusive Pedagogy group, through which she helped colleagues improve the equity and inclusiveness of their courses.

Excellence in Teaching Award: Eric Villiers (he/him), Doctoral Candidate, Theatre History & Performance Studies, School of Drama, Seattle campus

Eric’s broad teaching experience includes serving as a teaching assistant in Introduction to Drama classes and as the instructor of record in online, in-person and study abroad courses. His students and peers praise his ability to facilitate rich conversations around difficult topics in the theater context. Eric’s work as a peer mentor and generous listener has helped his fellow graduate students advance their own teaching practices by meeting students where they are and encouraging them to use their personal experiences as a foundation for learning.

The Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning Award: David M. La Fazia (he/him), Lecturer, Research Scientist, School of Social Work, Seattle campus

With his commitment to inclusivity and genuine concern for students, David is a highly sought after mentor in the classroom and in the field as he inspires students to become researchers and clinical practitioners. As director of the UW Gerontology Certificate Program, David helps nurses, family members and others expand their knowledge of the aging process so they can better serve older adults. “David invests generously of himself,” one colleague writes, “and he challenges each student to stretch their learning throughout their lifetime.”

The University Faculty Lecture Award: Kate Starbird (she/her), Associate Professor, Human Centered Design & Engineering, College of Engineering, Seattle campus

Kate’s groundbreaking research has made her the leading academic and public voice on one of our most pressing societal issues – the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Her work shows how misinformation — especially that related to elections and the pandemic – erodes trust in institutions and even information itself. To address disinformation campaigns in real time, she has developed rapid response frameworks. Kate’s research and advocacy is pertinent to many global concerns including climate, public health, democracy, social justice and education. We look forward to Kate’s lecture in 2025.

Excellence in Global Engagement: Courtney Kroll (she/her), Associate Director, Study Abroad, Office of Global Affairs, UW Tacoma

With a belief in the power of cross-cultural learning and engagement, Courtney not only works to ensure students from diverse backgrounds are aware of study abroad opportunities, she secures the resources so they can participate. Supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of State, Courtney is piloting a new study abroad program for Native American students that builds on their cultural backgrounds and knowledge. Courtney’s nomination highlights her nuanced understanding of issues of equity, social justice and intersectional identities.

Marsha L. Landolt Distinguished Graduate Mentor Award: Grace John-Stewart (she/her), Professor, Global Health, Epidemiology, Medicine & Pediatrics, Seattle campus

Grace has had unparalleled success in mentoring graduate students, post-doctoral trainees, and junior faculty from around the world. Over the years, she has recruited and mentored a diverse group of 135 graduate students, many of whom have earned NIH fellowships and prestigious awards for their research. Because of her highly effective, responsive approach to mentorship, her own mentees tend to take up her style and become good mentors in their own right – which further magnifies Grace’s impact.

Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award: John R. Hess (he/him), ’72, School of Medicine; Colonel, U.S. Army Medical Corps (retired); Professor, Laboratory Medicine & Pathology, School of Medicine

Throughout his distinguished military and medical careers, John has served communities and patients tirelessly, with a particular focus on treating the critically ill. His leadership in the field of hematology has helped countless patients. He embodies our University’s mission of public service, from serving as Senior Surgeon and Clinical Director for the U.S. Public Health Services, to the Director of Health for the Government of American Samoa and in his current role as medical director of the Harborview Transfusion Service.

President’s Medal: Nathan Loutsis, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science International Security, Minors in Public Policy and Leadership

Nathan is passionate about civil service, and was recently elected to the Kenmore City Council, making him the youngest public official in King County. At the UW, he has thrived in and out of the classroom, conducting political science research, as president of the UWPD Cadet program and of the UW chapter of the Mortar Board National Honor Society, and in the Husky Marching Band. Next fall, he will pursue a Master of Public Administration degree at the Evans School.

President’s Medal: Tuan Trung Vu, Bachelor of Science in Biology: Physiology, Minors in Microbiology and Human Rights

As a transfer student from Bellevue College, Tuan developed a passion for medicine when he experienced the life-saving work of caregivers firsthand. His interest in medicine drew him to the UW where he earned a position in the Moltke Lab conducting immunology research. He even found time to participate in a study abroad program in Greece and conduct anthropological research as part of his human rights minor. After graduation, he plans to pursue medical school.

The Alumna Summa Laude Dignatus Award: Art Wolfe (he/him), ’75, Fine Arts and Art Education; Photographer, Art Wolfe, Inc.

Since leaving the UW, Art has become one of the world’s most celebrated and influential nature photographers. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including Nature’s Best Photographer of the Year, the North American Nature Photography Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Photographic Society of America’s Progress Medal and the Alfred Eisenstaedt Magazine Photography Award. To understand his impact, you only have to look at the phenomenal images he has created while photographing some of most remote and stunning parts of the globe.

He is also deeply committed to educating the next generation of photographers, leading photographic tours, teaching seminars and workshops and as an instructor for the Phase One Digital Artists Series. Art’s enormous contributions to the art world — and to expanding appreciation for the magnificent beauty and variety of our natural world — is a great public service, and we are deeply proud of all he has accomplished.

UW announces 2024 Awards of Excellence recipients

The UW is delighted to announce the recipients of the 54th annual University of Washington Awards of Excellence! The awards honor outstanding alumni, faculty, staff, students and retirees who contribute to the richness and diversity of our University community.

The awardees will be honored at a ceremony in Meany Hall at 3:30 p.m. on June 6. The program includes a one-hour ceremony hosted by President Ana Mari Cauce and Provost Tricia Serio, followed by a reception with hors d’oeuvres, desserts and a chance to connect and celebrate with your team members and the rest of the UW community.

All are welcome to attend. Please invite your colleagues, friends and family!

Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus

Art Wolfe (he/him), ’75, Fine Arts and Art Education; Photographer, Art Wolfe, Inc.