2025 GVSA recipient — Ellen Ferguson, 鈥�78
Showing Up
The 2025 Gates Volunteer Service Award goes to Ellen Ferguson, 鈥�78, for her lifetime of philanthropy, volunteerism and impact across the 黑料吃瓜网, from the Burke Museum to w菨色菨b蕯altx史 鈥� Intellectual House and far beyond.
2024 GVSA recipient — Clyde and Sherrelle Walker
A powerful pair
The Walkers, recipients of the 2024 Gates Volunteer Service Award, bring their unique blend of joy, advocacy and engagement.
2023 GVSA recipient — Dan and Pam Baty
Behind-the-scenes philanthropists
Dan and Pam Baty, recipients of the 2023 Gates Volunteer Service Award, have spent nearly five decades supporting 黑料吃瓜网 programs 鈥� and letting their impact speak for itself.
2022 GVSA recipient — Joanne Montgomery
Shaping the future of nursing
Joanne Montgomery, recipient of the 2022 Gates Volunteer Service Award, spent two decades as a nurse 鈥� and two more ensuring that the 黑料吃瓜网 is at the forefront of the field.
2021 GVSA recipient — Stan Barer
A global vision
Stan Barer, 鈥�63, recipient of the 2021 Gates Volunteer Service Award, used his 黑料吃瓜网 Law degree to help make the world a better place. For more than 50 years, he鈥檚 been doing the same at the University.
2019 GVSA recipient — Lex Gamble
Coast-to-coast Husky
Lex Gamble, recipient of the 2019 Gates Volunteer Service Award, has been a dedicated Husky and 黑料吃瓜网 leader for nearly 60 years 鈥� on campus and from across the country.
Lex, 鈥�59, and Diane Gamble, 鈥�59, may have moved all the way across the country, but they quickly formed a close circle of friends who were also 黑料吃瓜网 alumni. And before long, that circle began to grow.
Lex and Diane had met as 黑料吃瓜网 undergraduates, married a week after graduation and moved to the Northeast. After Lex earned his MBA at Harvard, the pair began their careers in New York 鈥� but they didn鈥檛 forget their 黑料吃瓜网 roots.
It began with a dinner. 鈥淪omeone said, 鈥榃hat do you miss most about the Pacific Northwest, other than actually being there?鈥欌�� Lex recalls. 鈥淲e agreed it was the salmon.鈥� And not just any salmon 鈥� it had to be Pacific salmon, flown in from Pike Place Market, 2,400 miles away.
Thanks to dry ice and cooperative fishmongers, they were soon enjoying authentic Pacific salmon at their Chappaqua home among a small contingent of Huskies. But something was still missing. 鈥淢aybe we could get some more Huskies out here,鈥� someone suggested. So, says Lex, they got in touch with the University to invite alumni in the region to their summer gatherings: 鈥淧eople came from Pennsylvania, Delaware, Vermont. Out of the woods.鈥�
The annual New York Salmon BBQ would become a 黑料吃瓜网 tradition on the East Coast, enduring for more than 40 years at their home (and still going strong at the Greenwich home of Susan Bevan, 鈥�76). But the Gambles鈥� connection to the University didn鈥檛 stop there. Their generous philanthropy, Lex鈥檚 leadership on the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation and Foster School Advisory boards, and his passion for forging strong alumni networks have created a 黑料吃瓜网 legacy that鈥檚 hard to top. Although Diane passed away in 2011, Lex continues to build on the important work they began together.
In recognition of Lex鈥檚 ongoing impact, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored him with the 2019 Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA). Presented annually, the GVSA celebrates those who shape the University鈥檚 trajectory with their philanthropy and service 鈥� and who encourage others to do the same.
Husky roots
Raised in Spokane, Lex was surrounded by Husky spirit: His father and many other relatives attended the 黑料吃瓜网. So when it came time to apply to schools, he says, 鈥淚 only applied to the 黑料吃瓜网, of course. I bleed purple.鈥�
Through his years in Phi Delta Theta and on the 黑料吃瓜网 crew team, Lex built a network of lifelong friends. He also developed his leadership skills as president of the AS黑料吃瓜网, where he met Diane, who was second vice president.
On the move
Though Lex attended graduate school on the East Coast, he was still a Husky at heart. 鈥淚 like to tell people I got my degree from Harvard, but I got my education at the 黑料吃瓜网,鈥� he says.
In 2005 Lex used his industry and 黑料吃瓜网 connections to help launch Dawgs on Wall Street (DOWS), which brings high-caliber speakers to a 黑料吃瓜网 alumni audience in New York City. Speakers have included Bill Gates Sr., 鈥�49, 鈥�50; former Starbucks CEO Orin Smith, 鈥�65; Costco co-founder Jeff Brotman, 鈥�64, 鈥�67; and former Secretary of the Interior and REI CEO Sally Jewell, 鈥�78.
鈥淟ex helped build something that would last,鈥� Foster School Dean Jim Jiambalvo says. 鈥淗e inspired and fostered the next generation of Wall Street volunteer leaders.鈥�
Returning to the 黑料吃瓜网
For more than 20 years, Lex has returned to Seattle frequently for his work on the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board and the Foster School Advisory Board; he chaired the latter during the University鈥檚 last fundraising campaign, helping secure support for leading-edge facilities at the business school. Longtime friend and 黑料吃瓜网 volunteer Artie Buerk, 鈥�58, calls Lex 鈥渢he glue鈥� that keeps people connected to the University from far and wide.
Lex鈥檚 visionary volunteerism was matched by his and Diane鈥檚 inspiring philanthropy. They contributed generously to the new Foster School facilities, 黑料吃瓜网 Rowing, 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine and much more. They also co-chaired multiple reunion gift committees for the Class of 1959, endowing a landscape architecture scholarship and a fund to ensure the enduring health of the Quad鈥檚 iconic cherry trees. Jiambalvo calls the latter the perfect metaphor for the seeds the Gambles鈥� philanthropy has sown 鈥� bringing beauty and joy to the 黑料吃瓜网 for generations to come.
Transitions
Diane passed away in 2011 after a battle with cancer. In more than 50 years together, she and Lex had created a legacy of fellowship, leadership and philanthropy from across the country. In Diane鈥檚 honor, several DOWS hosts funded a memorial bench in her name in the Quad, under the cherry trees she loved.
In 2014, Lex married Ann Marie Vernes, who’d been Diane鈥檚 bridge partner and longtime close friend. It wasn鈥檛 long before Ann Marie adopted the purple and gold. Lex boasts, “Ann Marie is now one of the most dedicated Huskies that I know.”
Purple pride
Lex steps down from the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board this month, but he remains connected to Huskies near and far: He continues his work on the Foster School Advisory Board, and he’s a regular at DOWS events and New York Salmon BBQs (which have inspired similar regional events across the country). And he and Ann Marie fly to Palm Springs every March for the 黑料吃瓜网 Alumni Association鈥檚 Dawg Days in the Desert.
For nearly 60 years, Lex has helped shape the 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 story. For even longer, the 黑料吃瓜网 has been an integral part of his own.
Says Jiambalvo, “Purple pride travels with him wherever he goes.”
2018 GVSA recipient — Jan and Neal Dempsey
Jan and Neal Dempsey, recipients of the 2018 Gates Volunteer Service Award, have supported the 黑料吃瓜网 generously for more than 40 years.
When Neal Dempsey, 鈥�64, gave the 2013 commencement address at the Foster School of Business, he donned the customary cap and gown 鈥� and boxing gloves.
鈥淭he real world is brutal!鈥� he said, punching a cardboard cutout also draped in a cap and gown. 鈥淚t鈥檚 tough. It鈥檚 aggressive. It鈥檚 competitive. And you might not like it. You鈥檝e got to be ready!鈥�
Neal鈥檚 speech was packed with anecdotes illustrating the principles that have long guided him and Jan, his wife of more than five decades: Accept failure, embrace change and give back.
Making a difference
Early in his career, Neal learned those first two principles the hard way, as CEO of two companies that went out of business. After picking up the pieces, reexamining his goals and starting over, he found his calling as a venture capitalist in the Bay Area, where he has flourished. But he didn鈥檛 forget to give back.
For decades, Neal and Jan have made a profound difference at the 黑料吃瓜网 through their philanthropy. Their transformative giving took the Foster School and 黑料吃瓜网 Athletics to new heights, from the cutting-edge facilities they helped build to the world-class professors, coaches and students they helped attract. By serving on numerous boards and committees and teaching a course at the Foster School, Neal also offered his alma mater the gifts of time, vision, leadership and inspiration.
In recognition of the Dempseys鈥� impact, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored them with the 2018 Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA). Presented annually, the GVSA celebrates those who shape the University鈥檚 trajectory with their philanthropy and service 鈥� and who encourage others to do the same.
Boundless energy
鈥淚 guess it started in the late 鈥�80s, when I got a letter from Nancy Jacob鈥� 鈥� then dean of the Foster School 鈥� 鈥渁sking me to join the advisory board,鈥� Neal says. With the characteristic energy that has helped him complete more than 100 marathons, climb mountains and sail around the world, he dove into philanthropic service.
Neal鈥檚 athletic pursuits inspire and inform his professional and philanthropic life, says Jan. They help him recharge and drive him forward. 鈥淗e returns renewed and with new ideas,鈥� she says, 鈥渁nd he moves on with his typical energy, enthusiasm and optimism.鈥�
Since receiving Dean Jacob鈥檚 letter, Neal has brought those defining traits to the 黑料吃瓜网, serving on boards and committees in the Foster School (including three decades on its advisory board) and on the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board of Directors; offering his expertise and mentorship to 黑料吃瓜网 Athletics; taking on important roles in two University campaigns; and providing valuable guidance in dean and president searches.
Transformative gifts
Neal鈥檚 leadership is matched by his and Jan鈥檚 generosity. Their support created the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility, giving student-athletes in football, softball, baseball and soccer a place to train indoors 鈥� and a home for Husky Track and Field to compete. The Dempseys bolstered the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 crew teams with their role in renovating the Conibear Shellhouse, and they brightened fall Saturdays for thousands of fans with their crucial contributions to the renovation of Husky Stadium.
At the Foster School, the Dempseys鈥� philanthropy was essential to the construction of PACCAR and Dempsey halls, the heart of the business school. Drawing inspiration from his startup roots, Neal was a champion and co-founder of what would become the Buerk Center for Entrepreneurship.
鈥淲e built this school to be a real winner, a big program,鈥� says Neal of the Foster School. He鈥檚 also thrilled by the 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 excellence in athletics (anyone who鈥檚 been to a game with him will tell you he鈥檚 an animated fan), but he and Jan are the most motivated by the people whose lives they鈥檙e impacting.
Through scholarships in football, tennis and golf, the Dempseys help student-athletes succeed both inside and outside the classroom. At the Foster School, they have created a fellowship for MBA students and an undergraduate scholarship in entrepreneurship and innovation, and they have endowed positions that help the 黑料吃瓜网 recruit and retain top faculty.
鈥淭he support we give professors helps them do more research and advance their careers 鈥� those who get support are very deserving, and the same goes for the students,鈥� says Neal, who lights up remembering the many students he鈥檚 counseled and mentored.
Go get ’em
Recently he co-taught a class on CEO and board leadership for the Foster School鈥檚 MBA program, traveling from San Francisco to the 黑料吃瓜网 every week during spring quarter.
鈥淚t was exhausting but rewarding,鈥� Neal says. He managed to juggle the class, his full-time job and a commencement speech for the Master of Science in Information Science program.
鈥淚鈥檓 right here,鈥� he says, holding his hand up to just below his eyes to indicate how busy he is. 鈥淏ut I鈥檓 OK with it. That鈥檚 who I am.鈥�
鈥淲hen he was young, Neal was shy,鈥� says Jan. 鈥淗e joined Toastmasters to confront his fear of public speaking. Well, look at him now!鈥�
At the end of Neal鈥檚 boxing-inspired address in 2013, he gave the graduates a directive: 鈥淜eep fighting for yourself, for your family, for your career, for your community and for your world. We鈥檒l all be cheering you on. We鈥檙e your biggest fans. Go get 鈥檈m!鈥�
2017 GVSA recipient — Ron and Wanda Crockett
Building the future
Sixty years ago, Ron Crockett received a scholarship that changed his life. Now he and his wife, Wanda, have been honored with the Gates Volunteer Service Award for their commitment to changing the lives of others.
Ron Crockett carries a letter in his briefcase wherever he goes. Dated May 28, 1957, it came from James G. McCurdy, informing Ron that he had received a scholarship to attend the 黑料吃瓜网.
For the son of a mechanic and a riveter in Renton, the Thomas W. McCurdy Memorial Scholarship was an essential link to higher education. Ron recalls going to Jim McCurdy鈥檚 office on Harbor Island after receiving the scholarship, which was named for McCurdy鈥檚 late brother.
鈥淗e looked me in the eyes and said, 鈥榃henever you get, give back,鈥欌�� says Ron, who took this advice to heart 鈥� and continues to do so six decades later.
Ron later found in his wife, Wanda, a partner who shares his love for transformation, whether it鈥檚 through growing businesses or cheering on their growing grandchildren. Together, they鈥檝e also focused their generosity on creating positive change at the 黑料吃瓜网, which they鈥檝e elevated through support for athletics, engineering, business and beyond.
In recognition of the indelible mark the Crocketts have left on the University, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored them with the 2017 Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA). Presented annually, the GVSA recognizes individuals who give generously through both philanthropy and service, not only shaping the trajectory of the 黑料吃瓜网 but also encouraging others to do the same.
Growing businesses
With the help of the McCurdy Scholarship, Ron earned a degree in mechanical engineering in 1961 and began working at Boeing. Wanda, who moved to Seattle from Othello, Washington, in the late 鈥�60s, joined the company soon after. It wasn鈥檛 long before Ron had an idea for a new business 鈥� and he invited Wanda to join him.
Along with her and three new hires, Ron established the commercial aircraft overhaul facility Air Repair, later named Tramco, in 1970. It eventually grew to 2,500 employees, and when Ron sold it to BFGoodrich in 1988, it was the largest company of its kind in the country.
But true to their nature, the Crocketts kept on building. After launching several more businesses, the couple followed a lifelong passion of Ron鈥檚: They brought live horse racing back to western Washington, opening Emerald Downs in 1996.
Changing lives
All along the way, the Crocketts heeded Jim McCurdy鈥檚 words by giving back 鈥� from funding brain tumor research at Seattle Children鈥檚 to fostering facilities, programs, scholarships and more across the 黑料吃瓜网.
Renovations of Husky Stadium, Hec Edmundson Pavilion, the Conibear Shellhouse and the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility bear the stamp of the Crocketts鈥� support. So do the many student-athletes who train, practice, play and study in those spaces with the help of athletic scholarships the Crocketts have established.
In addition to supporting 黑料吃瓜网 Athletics, the Crocketts have bolstered students and professors in business and engineering. Their generosity also extends to underserved communities in Seattle, making it possible for many local students to attend the 黑料吃瓜网. Shamey Kassim, a sophomore whose parents fled war-torn Somalia, is one of them. With a scholarship from the Crocketts, she is pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. A letter she wrote to the couple echoes Ron鈥檚 relationship with Jim McCurdy: 鈥淚鈥檒l do everything in my power to succeed and to make you proud.鈥�
While Ron and Wanda hesitate to say which of their philanthropic efforts is most meaningful to them, they never lose sight of each individual they鈥檙e helping. 鈥淪cholarships would be right up there,鈥� says Wanda, 鈥渁nd making sure students鈥� needs are met.鈥�
The Crocketts鈥� philanthropy extends well beyond scholarships to true mentorship. In their GVSA nomination letter, Athletic Director Jen Cohen wrote: 鈥淲hether it is advice on course selection, career options or money management, Ron has spent countless hours supporting our current and former student-athletes.鈥�
Among the many talented recipients of Ron鈥檚 guidance is former 黑料吃瓜网 men鈥檚 basketball standout Quincy Pondexter, 鈥�10. In a letter of thanks, Pondexter fondly recalled Ron鈥檚 unyielding focus on succeeding in school.
鈥淚 remember after some of my biggest games as a Husky, he would call and ask what my score was on a sociology assignment or test,鈥� wrote Pondexter. 鈥淏asketball is only for a short time in my life. With the great guidance of Mr. Crockett, I鈥檓 so grateful to know I have the ability to be successful when the ball stops bouncing for me.鈥�
Paying it forward
The Crocketts continue to envision a bright future at the 黑料吃瓜网. Through their ongoing support, Ron鈥檚 service as past chair of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board and as a member of the Tyee Club Executive Committee, and the couple鈥檚 deep belief in the power of education to change lives, they are making that vision a reality.
As a legacy of the one scholarship Ron received 60 years ago, he and Wanda have bestowed 277 scholarships so far 鈥� and their influence keeps growing exponentially. Together they are creating driven, successful graduates who will pay their generosity forward.
In 2003, Ron sent a copy of Jim McCurdy鈥檚 scholarship letter back to its author, hoping to convey the extent of its impact. McCurdy returned the letter with a note at the top: 鈥淩on, this is the most worthy investment in mankind that I have ever made.鈥�
A worthy investment indeed 鈥� one that continues to transform buildings, programs and, most important, the people they serve.
2016 GVSA recipient — Maggie and Doug Walker
Two weeks after they got married in 1972, Maggie and Doug Walker packed up their car and drove from Greenville, South Carolina, to Seattle. They came for adventure and for school 鈥� Doug, for graduate studies in mathematics, and Maggie, for bachelors鈥� degrees in history and communication.
Their student days at the 黑料吃瓜网 were the foundation of a decades-long history of generosity and leadership 鈥� a tradition of inspiration, collaboration and transformation across disciplines.
鈥淟ife is about the synergy of all things,鈥� says Maggie. 鈥淭he beauty of the 黑料吃瓜网 is it鈥檚 all actually here.鈥�
In recognition of the Walkers鈥� tremendous impact, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored them with the 2016 Gates Volunteer Service Award, given annually to individuals who demonstrate a deep commitment to the University through their long-term philanthropy and volunteer leadership.
True to Maggie鈥檚 broad range of interests, she has served on boards across the 黑料吃瓜网, and on committees for all the University鈥檚 major campaigns. She remains deeply involved with numerous schools and colleges, and as a director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board.
While Doug enjoyed a long, fruitful career at WRQ, a software firm he co-founded, he remained an ardent philanthropist and advocate for access to the outdoors and to education.
Tragically, Doug passed away at the beginning of this year. He was a veteran climber with countless summits under his belt. But although he stood atop many mountains, just as important to him were the people he took along with him.
Doug鈥檚 passion for helping others stretched beyond the trail and into the community, dovetailing with the drive and vision of Maggie. Together, they achieved some of their most impactful work at the University. From their creation of eight endowments in the College of Arts & Sciences to their instrumental leadership role in establishing the College of the Environment, they brought members of the 黑料吃瓜网 community together 鈥� and raised it to new heights.
鈥淭here are so many different things that the University is in a position to provide,鈥� says Maggie. 鈥淏ut the synergy between them is a very important part 鈥� not just the pieces.鈥�
2015 GVSA recipient — Jerry and Lyn Grinstein
Jerry and Lyn Grinstein, unwavering supporters of the 黑料吃瓜网 for decades, have attended countless graduation ceremonies, but Lyn says she gets a lump in her throat every time. 鈥淚 think about what a transformational mission this is for so many individuals, but the bigger mission is not for the individual,鈥� she says. 鈥淭he bigger mission is what it does for the community.鈥�
It is the University鈥檚 impact on the community that has inspired the Grinsteins to be such passionate advocates. In recognition of their deep and long-standing commitment to the University, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored them with the 2015 Gates Volunteer Service Award.
Jerry, whose remarkable career has spanned politics, law and business, has proved an invaluable 黑料吃瓜网 leader in many capacities. A co-chair of the University鈥檚 first campaign and a former 黑料吃瓜网 Regent, he has served 鈥� and continues to serve 鈥� on a host of 黑料吃瓜网 boards and committees. He and Lyn both bring their passion and leadership to the 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine Campaign Initiatives Committee. Lyn, a former chair and current director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board, also leads campaign fundraising efforts for the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, and she puts her love of the arts to work as a member of the Henry Art Gallery Advisory Council.
In her tenure as chair of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board, Lyn created the Deep Dive program, which gives volunteer leaders the chance to experience the remarkable things that happen across the University every day.
鈥淒on鈥檛 forget the development of these young minds that鈥檚 going on all around 鈥� you can鈥檛 walk through this campus without feeling it,鈥� says Lyn. 鈥淒on鈥檛 forget the everyday magic.鈥�
Watch the GVSA video
This video is a profile of the Grinsteins聽and highlights their many contributions over the years to the 黑料吃瓜网.
2014 GVSA recipient — Micki and Bob Flowers
鈥淭he 黑料吃瓜网 launched us,鈥� says Micki Flowers, 鈥�73, who met her future husband, Bob, on campus. Her journalism career, which spanned 31 years at KIRO TV, began at The Daily. Bob, 鈥�65, 鈥�68, credits his long career at Washington Mutual to his studies in the Evans School of Public Affairs.
Grateful for the 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 shaping influence in their lives, these Husky sweethearts have since transformed it through their long-term leadership and advocacy. In recognition of their profound impact, the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation has honored Micki and Bob with the 2014 Gates Volunteer Service Award.
The couple devotes tremendous time, talent and energy to programs ranging from Husky sports to the Department of Communication. Fervent champions of graduate education, they have established several fellowships, including an endowment for the ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation.
鈥淚n all their efforts, Micki and Bob recognize the need for graduate fellowships that enhance diversity,鈥� says Jerry Baldasty, senior vice provost for Academic and Student Affairs. 鈥淏ecause of them, the 黑料吃瓜网 increasingly represents the changing nature of American life and culture.鈥�
Micki and Bob were deeply influenced by their families, leaders and role models who put stock in actions rather than words. 鈥淵ou always get more back than you give,鈥� says Micki. 鈥淲e鈥檙e blessed to live in a community that appreciates volunteers, where people are willing to link arms with us.鈥�
2013 GVSA recipient — Jeff and Susan Brotman
Jeffrey, 鈥�64, 鈥�67, and Susan Brotman鈥檚 hard work on behalf of the 黑料吃瓜网 reflects a deeply personal commitment to helping Huskies.
Many nights, Susan burns the midnight oil reviewing reports or strategizing how to bring more volunteers on board at the 黑料吃瓜网, while Jeff does the same across the hall. Jeff and Susan have sacrificed things like television, socializing and sleep in favor of giving back.
They work hard to make the biggest impact on the community. And their commitment has transformed the 黑料吃瓜网. Like the time Jeff, co-founder of Costco Wholesale, rallied the community, raising $1 billion as chair of 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine鈥檚 portion of Campaign 黑料吃瓜网: Creating Futures. Or the leadership Susan brought as chair, vice-chair and director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board over her 20 years of service.
Their shared dedication to service was inherited from their parents. Growing up, both Jeff and Susan were raised with a deep sense of community spirit and sense of civic duty. Jeff鈥檚 folks helped out their Tacoma clothing store鈥檚 employees, covering their tuition in hard times. Susan鈥檚 mom and dad volunteered with the March of Dimes and their community church in Montana, supporting their small town with neighborly care.
Influenced by family tradition, the Brotmans have dedicated their lives to helping others, especially underrepresented students who excel academically, but struggle to afford tuition on their own. Jeff and Susan established several scholarships on campus and in 2000, with the help of Costco鈥檚 co-founder Jim Sinegal, created the . More than a thousand undergraduates at the 黑料吃瓜网 and Seattle University count the Costco Scholarship as a life-changing opportunity to pursue their dreams.
鈥淲ithout a doubt, Jeff is truly an accomplished person, a self-starter with a vision,鈥� says Herb Simon, who served as a 黑料吃瓜网 Regent with Jeff. The two have known each other since they were 10 years old, growing up in the same Tacoma neighborhood. 鈥淟ooking back, Jeff was very comfortable in his skin. People naturally perceived him to be a leader. He was never scared to take a risk, and that鈥檚 something I鈥檝e always respected about Jeff.鈥�
With help from Bill Gates, Sr., Nancy Evans and Laurel Nesholm, Susan took the lead in founding the 黑料吃瓜网 Dinner Series, a unique engagement event that the University had never tried before. 鈥淪he had this brilliant idea that she not only dreamed up, but threw herself into and made it a reality,鈥� says Connie Kravas, 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation president. 鈥淎nd years later, the people who open their homes for these special nights love it. It鈥檚 all thanks to Susan鈥檚 stalwart support of the 黑料吃瓜网 and her extraordinary vision.鈥�
With philanthropy in their DNA, Jeff and Susan have supported dreams at the 黑料吃瓜网 and encouraged others to follow in their footsteps. Whether it鈥檚 the or the , 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine or the , the Brotmans typify the civic glue that brings philanthropy and education together, touching countless lives along the way.
2012 GVSA recipient — Dan and Nancy Evans
Through their distinguished record of service, leadership and generosity, Dan, ’48, ’49, and Nancy Evans have inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps, sometimes quite literally.
With a history of accomplishments on a grand scale, it’s easy to overlook the smaller gestures that Dan and Nancy often make, like the time Dan, at age 81, speed-walked a half-marathon to raise more than $100,000 for student scholarships. Or when both Dan and Nancy laced up their walking shoes to kick off a 50th anniversary run/walk for the Daniel J. Evans School of Public Affairs, attended by more than 300 people last October.
“They lead by example, the example of integrity, honesty and vision,” said Sandra Archibald, dean of the Evans School, renamed in 1999 to honor the former three-term governor and U.S. senator. The Nancy Bell Evans Center on Nonprofits and Philanthropy at the Evans School honors Nancy’s civic contributions. “I have witnessed first-hand how they inspire students, faculty and alumni to be better people, better public servants and better leaders.”
Dan and Nancy have left an indelible mark on the 黑料吃瓜网 and beyond. At the University, they have provided philanthropic support for more than four decades and have held more than a dozen leadership roles. Dan has served two terms on the Board of Regents and as 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation chair. Nancy served on the School of Public Health’s inaugural visiting committee and as honorary chair of the Evans School’s 50th Anniversary Gala. Their thoughtful and collaborative leadership is credited with making big things happen, including the renovation of Husky Stadium and construction of Benaroya Hall. “If they take on an issue, they will follow through until the task is done,” says Judy Runstad ’74, a 2009 recipient of the GVSA with her husband, Jon Runstad ’65. “Dan and Nancy personify this award and what it’s all about, service.” And, in Dan and Nancy’s case, always going the extra mile.
2011 GVSA recipient — Mike and Lynn Garvey
At the 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 Tenth Annual Recognition Gala on September 9, local business and community leaders Mike and Lynn Garvey were named the recipients of the 2011 Gates Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their commitment of sharing their time, expertise and support.
From the Foster School of Business to the Burke Museum, 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine to Law, Arts & Sciences to Athletics, the Garveys have made the 黑料吃瓜网鈥檚 learning and research efforts stronger. They鈥檝e also served in leadership positions on numerous 黑料吃瓜网 boards and committees.
After earning math and law degrees at the 黑料吃瓜网, Mike taught courses at the business school in the 1970s while getting his own law firm started. Since then, Mike has mentored and taught undergraduate, MBA and doctoral students at the Foster School and the law school. Lynn, who also attended the 黑料吃瓜网, has spent decades volunteering for the Arboretum and cheering on her beloved Huskies. Inspired to support research aimed at curing and preventing diseases after losing her sister to cancer, Lynn extended their generosity further by funding the Garvey Cell Imaging Lab and medical research. They also honored the memory of friend and business partner Bob McMillen by making a lead gift that created a professorship in his name.
Whether it鈥檚 students, faculty or community members, few can help but be inspired 鈥� including other University friends. 鈥淢ike and Lynn鈥檚 selfless approach to giving back and working with others is highly compelling and in fact, highly contagious,鈥� said colleague and fellow Foster School volunteer Michael Mondello, president and CEO of SeaBear.
2010 GVSA recipient — Bob and Sally Behnke and John F. Behnke
Bob (鈥�43) and Sally (鈥�44) Behnke and John F. (鈥�50) Behnke have dedicated countless hours serving the 黑料吃瓜网 and strengthening the relationships and connections between the University and its many supporters. Bob and Sally鈥檚 long-standing support has impacted numerous areas of the 黑料吃瓜网, including: the Henry Art Gallery, 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine, Husky Athletics, the Presidents Fund, the Graduate School, Student Life, 黑料吃瓜网 Alumni Association and more. In 1990, Bob and Sally were awarded the first 黑料吃瓜网AA Distinguished Service Award in recognition of their true Husky Commitment.
John Behnke, Bob鈥檚 brother and a longtime community leader, shared the Behnke family devotion to the 黑料吃瓜网 and carved his own legacy of support. Not only was he an ardent supporter of Husky football, John volunteered across the University and was himself a recipient of the 黑料吃瓜网 Alumni Association Distinguished Service Award in 2005 for 30 years of service to the University, including chairing its first annual fund drive in the late 1960s. John also was instrumental in implementing non-discrimination policies in all alumni activities.
2009 GVSA recipient — H. Jon and Judith M. Runstad
Building on a multi-generational affiliation with the University, former 黑料吃瓜网 Regent Jon Runstad (鈥�65) and his wife, Judy (鈥�74), have championed the advancement of real estate education in the College of Built Environments, generously supported the School of Law and provided undying support to the rowing program at the University. Additionally, they鈥檝e dedicated countless hours to serving on or leading several 黑料吃瓜网 committees and boards, making important connections among those who support the 黑料吃瓜网.
黑料吃瓜网 Crew Coach Bob Ernst best sums up the Runstads’ partnership with the 黑料吃瓜网 and its people. “They’re the definition of our community: understated, get the job done and do it first class.”
2007 GVSA recipient — Artie Buerk
Artie Buerk, 鈥�58, graduated from the 黑料吃瓜网 nearly five decades ago, but he never really left; he has dedicated countless hours to serving on or leading 黑料吃瓜网 committees and boards and making important connections among those who support the 黑料吃瓜网.
Buerk is the advisory board chairman of the Michael G. Foster School of Business and an advisory board member of the Information School. He is past president of the 黑料吃瓜网 Alumni Association and a former director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation.
A managing director with the private equity firm Buerk Dale Victor LLC, Buerk has been a generous supporter of the University, most notably the Foster School of Business, where he created the Buerk Leadership Endowment. 鈥淗e is a great leader and he leads in his own style,鈥� says Jim Jiambalvo, dean of the school. 鈥淗is style is based on his passion 鈥� and that鈥檚 networking.鈥�
2006 GVSA recipient — Ellsworth C. “Buster” and Nancy D. Alvord
Moments after Buster and Nancy Alvord received the Gates Volunteer Service Award at the Fifth Annual Recognition Gala Sept. 8, the couple made a surprise announcement that they will help create a Center of Excellence for Neuro-oncology at the University by establishing six new endowed faculty chairs with their family.
This commitment continues the Alvords’ long legacy of dedication to the 黑料吃瓜网, particularly to 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine, where the Alvords serve as members of 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine’s Campaign Cabinet. In addition, Buster serves on the Neurological Surgery Committee. Nancy was a founding director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation and has been a member of the 黑料吃瓜网 Libraries Visiting Committee and the History Visiting Committee.
“Buster and Nancy have come to philanthropy and public service quite naturally,” said 黑料吃瓜网 President Mark A. Emmert. “It’s an obvious outgrowth of what they were taught by their parents and they in turn have taught it to their children and grandchildren.” The Alvords and their family, which includes 13 黑料吃瓜网 Benefactors, have collaborated to create two endowed chairs in Neuropathology and the Harborview Mission of Caring Endowed Fund for Uncompensated Care. They have made many other generous contributions to the 黑料吃瓜网.
2005 GVSA recipient — Anne and Wayne Gittinger
Two of the University’s “quiet leaders,” Anne (’55) and Wayne (’55, ’57) Gittinger, took an unaccustomed moment in the spotlight recently when they were honored with the 2005 Gates Volunteer Service Award.
“These people are the epitome of volunteer service,” said friend Ron Crockett, a sentiment reinforced by Connie Kravas, the 黑料吃瓜网’s vice president for development and alumni relations. “Having people like Anne and Wayne behind you is like having the strongest wind in your sails,” she said.
In addition to their support for athletics and a broad range of 黑料吃瓜网 programs, the Gittingers also have been longtime supporters of the School of Law, where Wayne earned his juris doctor. Their leadership contributed greatly to the success of the Campaign for William H. Gates Hall, and Wayne serves on the school’s Visiting Committee and Dean’s Advisory Board, among other volunteer activities.
2004 GVSA recipient — Donald E. Petersen
Don Petersen began volunteering at the 黑料吃瓜网 in 1979. As National Chair of the Annual Giving Campaign, he created the President’s Fund for Excellence, a University-wide source of discretionary support, and oversaw the quadrupling of private support to the 黑料吃瓜网. In 1987, he co-chaired the Campaign for Washington with John Nordstrom and Gerald Grinstein. Petersen became a founding director and first chair of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation when it was established in 1988 and continued supporting the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation throughout Campaign 黑料吃瓜网: Creating Futures and as a generous donor whose giving has supported faculty, students, various University programs, and the 黑料吃瓜网 campus.
Petersen’s continuing service reflects his deep commitment to education. “He is a great believer in lifelong learning,” said Petersen’s niece Laura Peterson, vice president for international relations at The Boeing Company. “[He believes that] education is an opportunity to help shape lives, and he likes that he can help make a difference. ”
2003 GVSA recipient — Herman and Faye Sarkowsky
Herman (’49) and Faye (’55) Sarkowsky’s service to the 黑料吃瓜网 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 fundraising 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 fundraising program has become so successful,” says Marilyn Batt Dunn, former vice president for development and alumni relations, “In at the ground floor, with us every step of the way, and still involved today.”
Herman served as a 黑料吃瓜网 Regent from 1983 through 1985, and was the first chair of the School of Medicine’s fundraising 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 黑料吃瓜网 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 黑料吃瓜网 Medicine Dean Paul Ramsey.
2002 GVSA recipient — Hunter and Dottie Simpson
Hunter (’49) and Dottie (’82) Simpson, through their outstanding contributions to the 黑料吃瓜网 over the past five decades, have demonstrated extraordinary willingness to volunteer time and assets for the betterment of the 黑料吃瓜网 community.
Their financial gifts to athletics, nursing, medicine, and the new law school have enabled the University to maintain its tradition of excellence and provide students with the resources they need to achieve their highest potential.
Hunter’s leadership as a 黑料吃瓜网 Regent, founding director of the 黑料吃瓜网 Foundation Board, and past president of the 黑料吃瓜网 Alumni Association, and Dottie’s service on the School of Drama Visiting Committee, the Tyee Board, and the local and national chapters of Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS) have had a tremendous impact on the 黑料吃瓜网.