January 13, 2015

Washington state Legislature to celebrate Daniel J. Evans Jan. 14

The Washington state Legislature will pause to honor Daniel J. Evans on Jan. 14, marking 50 years, plus a day, since he was sworn in for the first of three terms as Washington state governor, on Jan. 13, 1965. Evans also will address the Senate.

Evans began his office-holding career as a member of the Washington state House of Representatives from 1956 to 1965. He served as governor until 1977, then became president of The Evergreen State College. When Sen. Henry M. Jackson died in 1983, Evans was appointed in his place, and served in the U.S. Senate until 1989. In 1993, then-Gov. Mike Lowry appointed Evans to the UW Board of Regents, where he served until 2005.

The UW’s Graduate School of Public Affairs took on his name, becoming the Evans School for Public Affairs, in 1999. Evans School alumni will hold a reception for Evans Wednesday evening at the governor’s mansion.

Calling the former governor’s service “lifelong and remarkable,” Evans School Dean Sandra J. Archibald said, “Dan’s connections to the University of Washington are broad and deep, including his involvement with the Evans School, where he and his incredible partner, Nancy, serve on the advisory board. Their guidance and wisdom to me and our leadership have been invaluable.”

Sen. Linda Evans Parlette, R-Wenatchee, and Sen. Karen Fraser, D-Thurston County, are co-sponsoring a Senate resolution honoring Dan and Nancy Evans for their lifelong public service.