March 23, 2025
UW President honors life and impact of Rep. Frank Chopp
University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce issued this statement following the passing of Rep. Frank Chopp, former speaker of the Washington House and a 1975 UW graduate:
Rep. Frank Chopp dedicated his life to public service and to improving the lives of all Washingtonians. Many thousands of students have been able to pursue a degree thanks to his leadership in expanding access to higher education, including in high-demand fields critical for our state’s economic prosperity. The Workforce Education Investment Act and expansion of the Washington College Grant are both landmark achievements for our state’s students.
Rep. Chopp was also dedicated to improving our state’s health care system, including mental health services. His advocacy for UW Medicine has enabled us to serve countless more patients, including through the Center for Behavioral Health and Learning.
Rep. Chopp left our state a heathier, more prosperous place and that will stand as his enduring legacy. I was proud to work with him these past many years and our University is proud to count him among our accomplished alumni. The UW community joins his family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our state’s foremost public servants.
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