Danielson, a man The Seattle Times dubbed 鈥渁 quiet hero of health care鈥� whose work helps shape children鈥檚 lives and extends to support an entire community, is known for his humility and modesty. Yet his work has deep roots and broad impact.

鈥淒r. Danielson鈥檚 commitment to the people and communities of Seattle is the embodiment of the UW鈥檚 great public service mission and we are very proud to count him among our alumni,鈥� said President Ana Mari Cauce. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited for him to share his thoughts and wisdom at our 2018 commencement ceremony and grateful for his participation in this special moment in our graduates鈥� lives.鈥�

Born in Boston, Danielson was placed in and then, in his words, rescued from foster care and raised by his single mom in Washington, D.C., and rural Montana. He went on to attend Harvard University and then 91探花to study medicine. He completed his residency at Seattle Children鈥檚 before assuming responsibility for the Odessa Brown Children鈥檚 Clinic in 1999.

鈥淗is work is impressive. His story is impressive,鈥� said Ed Taylor, vice provost and dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs. 鈥淗e鈥檚 a physician but ultimately an educator. His goal is to educate and care in such a way that we are all well, particularly those who need compassion the most.鈥�

Danielson runs the Odessa Brown Children鈥檚 Clinic, a pediatric care center based in the heart of Seattle鈥檚 Central District. Nearly 4 out of 5 patients are on Medicaid and the waiting room often reflects a United Nations-like collection of families, Danielson said.

鈥淒iversity is a super power that makes you better,鈥� he said.

鈥淚 want to inspire people about the power that they have to be important change agents in the world,鈥� Danielson said, reflecting on some of the wisdom he plans to share at commencement. Life is a team sport, he said, adding, 鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing how much you can do to be helpful from whatever position you hold.鈥�

Danielson sits on the boards of a number of organizations, including the Group Health Community Foundation, Equal Start Community Coalition, Health Coalition for Children and Youth, Children鈥檚 Alliance Public Policy Council, United Way of King County, The Washington State Health Exchange Board, and others.

鈥淲here there are families and kids in need, Ben shows up,鈥� Taylor said.

The 91探花鈥檚 143nd聽 ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, June 9, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. President Cauce will officiate.聽An audience of about 40,000 family members and friends is expected, and more than 5,500 of the UW鈥檚 2017-18 academic year graduates in Seattle are projected to attend.

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