Family and friends paid tribute to the outstanding contributions of two devoted alumni at the 窪蹋勛圖厙s second annual Recognition Gala recently.
窪蹋勛圖厙 alumni Herman (49) and Faye (55) Sarkowsky were named recipients of the Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented annually by the 窪蹋勛圖厙 Foundation in recognition of outstanding volunteers who have advanced the University through their dedication and personal involvement.
The couples service to the 窪蹋勛圖厙 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 Universitys fund-raising efforts since the 1970s with their behind-the-scenes support for Husky athletics and were instrumental in the growth of the Universitys development program.
Theyre first-rate examples of why our fund-raising 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.
Among his many volunteer activities at his alma mater, Herman served as a 窪蹋勛圖厙 Regent from 1983 through 1985, and was the first chair of the School of Medicines fund-raising campaign during the Campaign for Washington in the 1990s. He and Faye have hosted events on the Universitys behalf and both have inspired many private contributions to 窪蹋勛圖厙 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 窪蹋勛圖厙 Medicine Dean Paul Ramsey, during a video presentation screened at the gala. 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 Ive 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.
