Marvin Oliver, ’73, UW professor emeritus and renowned sculptor and printmaker, received the University of Washington’s Charles E. Odegaard Award and several outstanding student scholarship recipients were recognized at the 49th annual Celebration held at the Husky Union Building Ballroom, May 15.
Over 400 community members, alumni, donors, partners, faculty and staff attended the dinner and scholarship fundraiser hosted by the UW Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) and the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Thanks to their support, over $365,000 was raised to benefit scholarships for underrepresented minority, economically disadvantaged and first-generation students.
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The student scholars recognized were celebrated for their contributions on campus and in the community, while achieving academic excellence. Top honors went to President’s Achievement Award winner Alexis Rodriguez-Pantaleon and Wells Fargo Vice President’s Award winner Asia Tamaami.
Also acknowledged as recognition scholars were Zian Bustamante (Gary D. Kimura Family Scholar), Alfred Ern Escorpiso (Educational Opportunity Program Scholar), Briana Gutierrez (QFC Scholar), Waheeda Hakim (Lydia A. Gonzales Scholar), Cecilia Hoffman (Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Scholar), Alejandro Huante (Bank of America Scholar), Kyle Johnson (William P. and Ruth Gerberding/Early Identification Program Scholar), Destiny Julye (University of Washington Athletic Scholar), Bao Nguyen (Dr. Millie Russell Scholar), Miracle Okoli (Murray, Pitre, Baker, Rosebaugh Scholar), Ximena Perez (Del Rio Global Citizens Scholar), Amber Torell (Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program Legacy Scholar), and Caleb Yates (Robert T. and Nancy J. Knight Scholar).
Established in 1973, the Odegaard Award honors a member of the community whose leadership sustains the former UW president’s distinguished work on behalf of diversity. It is regarded as the highest achievement in diversity at the university.
Through his artwork, teaching and community collaborations, Oliver (Quinault/Isleta-Pueblo) has greatly influenced the development and recognition of American Indian contemporary fine art, both locally and across the world. His career spans 40 years and his works have been installed at the UW, throughout the state of Washington, the United States, Canada, Japan and Italy. Oliver also donates his artwork to support UW and community organizations, and has a longtime commitment to the success of American Indian and Alaska Native students.
Alumna Angela King, ’95, a former recipient of the President’s Achievement Award herself, served as the program emcee once again.
Celebration also featured remarks from UW President Ana Mari Cauce, OMA&D Vice President and University Diversity Officer Rickey Hall, FEOP Board President Barbara Lord MacLean and student Ximena Perez. Laura Michalek served as the fundraising auctioneer for the third-straight year.
2019 Celebration Photo Gallery
Photos by Tara Brown Photography