The University of Washington today announced a major gift that elevates the importance of climate change and secures the legacy of Seattle philanthropist Maggie Walker by creating a namesake deanship for the College of the Environment.
Honoring her life of service and commitment to the UW, in addition to an initial 10-year pledge of more than $400,000 annually, the Maggie Walker Deanship will provide a stable source of discretionary funding for the incoming dean and attract world-class talent to the fill the position. A global search is currently underway to replace Dean Lisa J. Graumlich, who previously announced she is stepping down at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year and has been elected to serve as president-elect of the American Geophysical Union.
“This generous gift to support leadership in the College of the Environment is a fitting legacy for a philanthropist who has made an extraordinary impact in the realm of environmental preservation and sustainability,” said President Ana Mari Cauce. “We are deeply grateful to Maggie Walker for this profoundly personal investment to help ensure a livable future for our planet and the generations who will inhabit it.”
Today’s environmental challenges demand a combination of discovery, leadership and an impactful connection with communities. The Maggie Walker Deanship will contribute to these goals by providing the necessary resources to increase the visibility of the College of the Environment nationally and globally, and support and recruit talented faculty, students and staff.
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