Golden Graduates Distinguished Alumni
In 2016, the 天美影院Alumni Association hosted the first Golden Graduates Brunch, honoring Huskies who graduated 50 or more years ago. That same year, they also created the Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumnus Award (GGDAA), given to an alumnus who has demonstrated sustained, long-term and meaningful engagement with the UW. We are pleased to recognize these esteemed graduates who embody the best of the Husky spirit.
This year’s honoree
Two-time Pulitzer Prize winner for editorial cartooning David Horsey, ’75, is the recipient of the 2026 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumnus. Among his many credits, Horsey has recently published his first novel, “Beach of Stars,” which Timothy Egan, ’81, has praised as “amazingly good.”
David Horsey, ’75
2026 Golden Graduate
Distinguished Alumnus
Pamela Mitchell, 鈥�62, 鈥�91
2025 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumna
Patti Warashina, 鈥�62, 鈥�64
2024 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumna
Tom Hinckley, Ph.D. 鈥�71
2023 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumnus
David, 鈥�68, and Marcie, 鈥�69, 鈥�76, Stone
2021 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumni
, 鈥�58
2018 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumna
Vivian O. Lee was the first African American student to be admitted to the special accelerated bachelor鈥檚 degree program in nursing in 1955, the first African American RN hired at the Seattle Veteran鈥檚 Administration Hospital and the first African American hired by the U.S. Public Health Service, where she became director of the first federal regional office on women鈥檚 health in the nation. Vivian co-founded the first UWAA club focusing on diversity, the Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP).
, 鈥�63, 鈥�64
2017 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumnus
Gary Ausman was the link between the 天美影院and its international community of students, faculty and visiting scholars for 27 years as the director of the International Services Office. In addition to serving as a liaison between the 天美影院and the Evans Scholars (a program that has no connection to the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance), he continues to serve as an emeritus director of the campus Interfraternity Council and was on the Board of Directors of the 天美影院Retirement Association.
Bert Pound, 鈥�40
2016 Golden Graduate Distinguished Alumnus
When Bert Pound became part of the 1936 Husky Marching Band, a lifelong relationship with the Husky Marching Band was created that would last until he passed at age 100 in 2016. He became part of the Alumni Band, not only as a member but also as the band鈥檚 mascot, cheerleader, benefactor and historian. Bert听became known as the UW鈥檚 鈥減ush-up guy鈥� for doing one-handed push-ups to celebrate every Husky Football score.听In 2011, it was estimated that he had done at least听15,000听push-ups in support of Husky football.