Posted by Seattle University Alumni Association on Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 3:51 PM PST

On February 13, President Stephen Sundborg, S.J., the Seattle University Alumni Association and the Alumni Board of Governors announced Seattle University’s 2018 Alumni Award recipients. For the past 33 years, Seattle University has celebrated the Alumni Awards, honoring alumni who exemplify our Jesuit values and excel in the areas of leadership, professional achievement and community service. 

We will celebrate the achievements of these outstanding Seattle University alumni and faculty as part of Reunion Weekend at the 33rd Annual Alumni Awards Celebration on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the Four Seasons Hotel Seattle. 

Alumni of the Year

Jim, ’69, and Jan Dwyer, ’70

Jim, ’69, and Jan Dwyer, ’70, have shown lifelong commitment and leadership to Seattle University. Both served on the Alumni Board of Governors and Board of Regents and Jim served on the Board of Trustees. Jan and Jim have volunteered their time for numerous fundraising campaigns, including chairing the Seattle University Gala, and Jan’s continued support of the Athletics department and women’s basketball team.

University Service Award

Peter Lee, PhD, ’64

Peter Lee, PhD, ’64, is one of Seattle University’s earliest international students and most actively engaged. Lee led the Hong Kong alumni chapter for 17 years. He made the lead contribution and secured the remaining funds for the Asian Studies Program and established the Peter L. Lee Endowed Lectureship in East Asian Culture and Civilization. 

Community Service Award

Bernadette O’Leary, ’97

Bernadette O’Leary, ’97, principal of St. John Catholic School, is described as one of the finest educators and school leaders whose talent and dedication rises to the top. “Bernadette is a woman for others with a clear commitment to social justice,” says Katrina Freeburg, a former colleague. 

Professional Achievement 

Major General Barbara Holcomb, ’87

Major General Barbara (Bonine) Holcomb, ’87, is the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command (MRMC) and Fort Detrick, Md., the first nurse to serve as commander there, and is Chief of the U.S. Army Nurse Corps. She is highly awarded and decorated for her extraordinary career.  

Distinguished Faculty Award

David Madsen, PhD, ’69

Professor David Madsen, PhD, ’69, graduated from Seattle University and then joined the faculty in 1981 as an assistant professor. Associate professor in the history department since 1996, Madsen has directed the University Honors Program, moderates the Naef Scholars and has served as Grand Marshall for 18 years. 

Outstanding Recent Alumna

Shasti Conrad, ’07

Shasti Conrad, ’07, is a dynamic change maker whose work is guided by diversity and inclusion. She was a White House intern under President Barack Obama and then moved to a West Wing job with the senior advisor to the president. As a Princeton Graduate Fellow, she worked with The Malala Fund, traveling with Malala Yousafzai to the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Conrad is the U.S. campaign manager for the 100 Million Campaign. 

Reserve your spot at the 33rd Annual Alumni Awards Celebration on May 4.