Michael Castillano, assistant vice president for the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity during the 1970’s and early 80’s, passed away on Dec. 6, at the age of 78.
Castillano was appointed to the assistant vice president role by Samuel E. Kelly in 1975 after serving as the first director of OMA’s Asian and Poverty Division from 1970-74 and the director of the Asian Division of the Economically Disadvantaged Student Division. He was known as a strong advocate for students of color and the Filipino community at the UW, and remained with OMA (then known as the Office of Minority Affairs) until 1982.
Following his tenure at the UW, Castillano worked as the food and beverage buyer for Ivar Haglund’s restaurants from 1982-84. He later returned to higher education, serving as the director of development at Seattle Central Community College (1984-1992) and assistant dean at South Seattle Community College (1992-2000).
Even in retirement, Castillano spent another 10 years tutoring students at North Seattle Community College.
A funeral service was held on Jan. 7, 2017. Castillano is remembered by friends and family on the “In Memory of Michael E. Castillano” Facebook page.