Family and friends paid tribute to the outstanding contributions of two devoted alumni at the UW鈥檚 second annual Recognition Gala recently.
91探花alumni Herman (鈥�49) and Faye (鈥�55) Sarkowsky were named recipients of the Gates Volunteer Service Award, presented annually by the 91探花Foundation in recognition of outstanding volunteers who have advanced the University through their dedication and personal involvement.
The couple鈥檚 service to the 91探花spans three decades and a wide range of University programs, including medicine, athletics, business, architecture, arts and sciences, and the Henry Art Gallery. They have been active in the University鈥檚 fund-raising efforts since the 1970s with their behind-the-scenes support for Husky athletics and were instrumental in the growth of the University鈥檚 development program.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e first-rate examples of why our fund-raising program has become so successful,鈥� says Marilyn Batt Dunn, former vice president for development and alumni relations, 鈥渋n at the ground floor, with us every step of the way, and still involved today.鈥�
Among his many volunteer activities at his alma mater, Herman served as a 91探花Regent from 1983 through 1985, and was the first chair of the School of Medicine鈥檚 fund-raising campaign during the Campaign for Washington in the 1990s. He and Faye have hosted events on the University鈥檚 behalf and both have inspired many private contributions to 91探花programs.
鈥淎s leaders, Herman and Faye recognized that others would follow if they led by example, which they have always done, and they led by the example of establishing the Sarkowsky Chair in Pediatric Neurology,鈥� said 91探花Medicine Dean Paul Ramsey, during a video presentation screened at the gala. The chair has enabled the School of Medicine to recruit several new faculty members and enhance a number of other programs in the school.
鈥淟ittle did I know when I graduated in 1949 that this would happen in 2003,鈥� Herman said while accepting the award. 鈥淲e thank the University for the opportunity to serve. The years that we have been involved have indeed been a great pleasure to us. I know that I鈥檝e enjoyed every minute. The interest was one of appreciation and love for the opportunity I had to receive a wonderful education, and I know that Faye feels the same way.鈥�