Alumni

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an essential tool at Indeed, a global job-matching and hiring platform. Trey Causey (2009) works to ensure that the company's AI promotes equity and fairness. 

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.

After more than 50 years in the classroom, Seattle Public Schools’ longest-serving teacher is retiring from the post she’s held teaching kindergartners at Orca K-8 for almost a half-century. Marletta Iwasyk, 84, started teaching in Seattle at age 28 after she graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Norwegian.

As the war in Sudan unfolded with escalating intensity, its repercussions were felt far beyond the nation’s borders, impacting lives even in distant corners of the globe. For one University of Washington (UW) Seattle graduate student, whose journey was abruptly disrupted by the eruption of conflict, the experience became a harrowing testament to the unpredictability of global events and travel. Meet Yasir Zaidan, whose pursuit of knowledge on port cities led him to Sudan.

Though the economic reality of being a professional musician has long necessitated that they work side jobs, the loss of performance opportunities during the pandemic shutdown made portfolio careers even more necessary for artists. Percussion Studies Chair Bonnie Whiting and alumna Leanna Keith ('17 MM, Woodwinds) are featured in this article from Seattle public radio station KNKX.

E.J. Koh’s debut novel affirms her place among powerful American storytellers. Shawn Wong, professor of English, is mentioned.

The organization that honors Rosa Parks, Elie Wiesel, and Jane Goodall has also celebrated three members of the UW community. Honorees include: neurobiologist Linda B. Buck, ’75; Theodore Roethke, English professor at the UW, 1947-1963; and master glass artist Dale Chihuly, ’65.

If you’re looking for a way to connect your alma mater to Timothée Chalamet, look no further. The star graced screens around the world in the epic films “Dune” and “Dune: Part Two,” which were based on the Hugo Award-winning science fiction novel by former UW student Frank Herbert. Need another tie? Chalamet’s character, Paul Atreides, first appeared on the silver screen in the 1984 version of “Dune.” The actor? Kyle MacLachlan, ’82.

Ada Limón is no stranger to good news. In 2022, she was appointed the 24^th poet laureate of the U.S. Last spring, she was granted a two-year second term. And in October came the announcement that she’d won a MacArthur “genius” grant. Ada Limón, UW School of Drama alumna, is featured.

Identity Unboxed, a podcast created by alums Tiana Cole and Brad Blackburn III, explores the experiences of Black professionals in the Seattle area.

To build a brand—and to fill a room—Ms. Bodnar has played not on her name but on consumers’ desire to do good with their dollars and belong to something bigger than… well, beauty. Call her the Estée Lauder that hustle culture built. Karissa Bodnar, School of Art alumni, is featured.

Lisa Dabek (PhD, Psychology, 1994), senior conservation scientist at the Woodland Park Zoo, studies and protects tree kangaroos in the cloud forests of Papua New Guinea. 

Lokela Alexander Minami (BA, 2010; MA, 2012) turned a lifelong passion for opera into a career that introduces others to the art form.

As a dialect coach, Tré Cotten (MFA, 2017, Acting) has gained national attention for his ability to help actors bring authenticity to their characters. 

Alexa Bednarz (BA, Communication, 2012) turned an idea for environmentally friendly roofing material into Eco-Shelter Inc. Its first manufacturing facility will open in India in 2024.