Give to the UW

Gates Volunteer Service Award guidelines

At the University of Washington’s Annual Recognition Gala, the Gates Volunteer Service Award is presented to a recipient who meets the following criteria:

  • A long-term volunteer commitment to the University of Washington and by their direct involvement have supported the UW through their time, service and philanthropy (Seattle, Bothell and/or Tacoma campus and regional)
  • Their volunteer efforts have encouraged others to similarly support the UW
  • Consider diversity, equity and inclusion as we contribute to the growth of a more equitable UW
  • The following populations are NOT eligible for GVSA consideration:
    • Current member (or a family member of a current member) of the Board of Regents
    • Current officer (or a family member of a current officer) of the UW Foundation Board (i.e., chair, vice chair, immediate past chair, treasurer, secretary, UW Foundation president)
    • Current member (or a family member of a current member) of the Gates Volunteer Service Award Committee
    • Current General Campaign chairs of any active UW campaign
    • A nominee from UW Bothell or UW Tacoma would need to have made a significant contribution on UW Seattle campus as well
  • The GVSA may be awarded to someone who has previously received the UW
    Recognition Award (awarded from 1976 – 2002)
  • The focus of considering the merit of the nominee’s time, service and
    philanthropy is the impact to the University of Washington
  • Nominations are carried forward for one-year and reconsidered along with the
    current year nominations
  • The GVSA honors, recognizes, acknowledges and thanks our greatest volunteers
    in ways that are meaningful to them. It is not intended to be a posthumous
    award
  • The recipient of the GVSA will be announced on the Gala invitation
  • If desired by the recipient, they will also be honored at a UW football game
  • The recipient will be determined by a majority vote of the committee using
    written ballots

Note: These guidelines have been agreed to by members of the Gates Volunteer Service Award Committee (formerly known as the Award & Recognition Committee) at various meetings since 2002.

Nomination form

If you have any questions, please contact louhine@uw.edu.