Sarkowskys honored for two decades of service to UW
Faye and Herman Sarkowsky
Family and friends paid tribute to the contributions of two alumni at the UW’s Second Annual Recognition Gala Sept. 5 at Suzzallo Library. Herman Sarkowsky, ’49, and Faye Sarkowsky, ’55, were named recipients of the Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented annually by the UW Foundation in recognition of outstanding volunteers who have advanced the University through their dedication and personal involvement.
The couple’s service to the UW spans three decades and a wide range of University programs, including medicine, athletics, business, architecture, arts and sciences, and the Henry Art Gallery. They have been active in the University’s fund-raising efforts since the 1970s with their behind-the-scenes support for Husky athletics and were instrumental in the growth of the University’s development program.
“They’re first-rate examples of why our fund-raising program has become so successful-in at the ground floor, with us every step of the way, and still involved today,” says Marilyn Batt Dunn, ’81, former vice president for development and alumni relations.
Among his many volunteer activities at his alma mater, Herman served as a UW regent from 1983 through 1985, and was the first chair of the School of Medicine’s fund-raising campaign during the Campaign for Washington in the 1990s. He and Faye have hosted events on the University’s behalf and both have inspired many private contributions to UW programs.
“As leaders, Herman and Faye recognized that others would follow if they led by example, which they have always done, and they led by the example of establishing the Sarkowsky Chair in Pediatric Neurology,” said Medicine Dean Paul Ramsey. The chair has enabled the School of Medicine to recruit several new faculty members and enhance a number of other programs in the school.
“Little did I know when I graduated in 1949 that this would happen in 2003,” Herman said while accepting the award. “We thank the University for the opportunity to serve. The years that we have been involved have indeed been a great pleasure to us. I know that I’ve enjoyed every minute. The interest was one of appreciation and love for the opportunity I had to receive a wonderful education, and I know that Faye feels the same way.”