Alumni
March 1, 2016
When compassion was policy
With five children and a sixth on the way, the Nguyen family fled Vietnam. Washington Governor Dan Evans opened the door to a life the family never would have imagined.
Author preserves memory of his great-grandfather, a slave
Carver Gayton, ’60, ’72, ’76, authors a gripping biography of his great-grandfather, Lewis G. Clarke, who escaped slavery and inspired a key character in “Uncle Tom's Cabin.”
December 1, 2015
Restaurateur Renee
She wants to serve the world’s best steak. That’s why chef Renee Erickson, ’95, is now in the ranch business.
Distinguished Alumni Veteran
Grethe Cammermeyer, ’76, ’91, challenged the ban on gays in the military and, eventually, she won.
Northwest at heart
Author Langdon Cook infuses his writing with a message of caring for the environment he calls home.
September 1, 2015
Fearless humanitarian
When disaster strikes, Mercy Corps co-founder Dan O'Neill, ’72, dives in to help.
June 1, 2015
Norm Dicks, retired?
His 36-year career as a Democratic Congressman for Washington’s 6th District may have ended in 2012, but he’s still on the case protecting wildlife and fighting to bolster the economy in his native region.
Career in service
In 1961, when President John F. Kennedy famously said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” Lloyd Hara took it to heart. It’s why he went to graduate school to study public affairs and spent the past 40 years in public service.
I, too, am America
The first time I visited the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama, I was swept with grief. It was the first point during our UW-led Civil Rights pilgrimage where we faced the reality that the price of being black had been paid with innocent lives.
March 1, 2015
Character: Janis Avery
Janis Avery has one mission in life: shoring up support for foster children so they can make the grade in school.
Second act
Ron Simons is having one hell of a second act and he’s got three Tonys, a Drama Desk Award for Best Play, a Drama League Award, and even a prize for best documentary to prove it.
December 1, 2014
Veteran answered the call
For his service, Richard Layton was honored with the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award.
Film buff
Cinema Books owner Stephanie Ogle reintroduces classics, champions new treasures and plays a starring role in celebrating film.
September 1, 2014
Spreading his wheels
Landscape architecture alumnus Steve Durrant is helping Seattle take a big step by unveiling the city’s first bike-sharing program.
June 1, 2014
'Time to flex'
Cristobal J. Alex is out to change the political landscape of the United States as the head of the Latino Victory Project.
A boost behind bars
When Laura Pavlou visits Gig Harbor’s Washington Corrections Center for Women, she sees hope and vitality. Behind the steel gates of the maximum-security prison, it is her mission to nurture potential.
March 1, 2014
Nurse, philanthropist and more
Ekene “Kennie” Amaefule is a former Nurse of the Year at Harborview Medical Center who has single-handedly improved health care, education, social services and access to clean water in her native village of Imo State, Nigeria.
'Silence is a coping mechanism'
Teresa Tamura captures poignant stories of hardship from a World War II relocation center in her book "Minidoka: An American Concentration Camp."
December 1, 2013
Witness to history
For his service during World War II, Charles Matthaei was named the 2013 UW Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award recipient.
Undaunted
June 6, 1966 marked a memorable date in what, retrospectively, was to begin an improbable journey to the University of Washington.