May 8, 2026

Greetings Staff and Faculty of the College of Arts and Sciences,

 

As today wraps up the final week of classes, I want to recognize several of the extraordinary accomplishments and events happening across the College.

 

Yesterday afternoon, we hosted the annual Outstanding Graduates Awards Luncheon. Congratulations to all who were honored, including Katie Acord, Trisha Cates, Monica Deru, Ivy Grover, Annette Harlan, Rayna Januska, David Gunner Kelly, Lily Leman, DJ Lueloff, Kani Miller, and Sean Walker. It was wonderful to hear the thoughtful remarks shared by nominators and the many ways these students have made an impact during their time at UW. We wish all of them the very best as they begin the next chapter of their lives.

 

I also want to give special recognition to Robert Kelly, professor emeritus of anthropology, who has been elected to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in recognition of his distinguished and continuing achievements in original research. This is an extraordinary honor and a significant moment for the university. Professor Kelly is only the second UW faculty member to receive this distinction, joining the late George Frison. We are incredibly proud to see this level of national recognition for a member of the A&S community.

 

Last week, we hosted a successful Board of Visitors meeting that included a number of outstanding student and faculty presentations. It was encouraging to hear the insightful and forward-thinking conversations about the future of the college and the many ways we can continue to strengthen our programs, support our students, staff, and faculty, and build on the excellent work already happening across A&S. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the meeting a productive and meaningful event.

 

We also held the annual College of A&S Awards Banquet last weekend, honoring current faculty, former faculty, and outstanding alumni. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped organize the event. A big thank you to jazz students Trisha Cates, Meade Stubson, Bryce Hebert, and Kai Wolz, who performed at the event. Congratulations again to those who were recognized!

 

In addition, I’m pleased to share that several A&S faculty were well represented among this year’s university award recipients. Anne Stevens received the Laramigo Award, Yan Zhang was honored with the Ellbogen Lifetime Teaching Award, and Barbara Logan and Samantha Vandermeade were recognized with Ellbogen Meritorious Teaching Awards. Congratulations to all four on these well-deserved honors and thank you for the impact you continue to have on our students and community.

 

Last evening I attended the Campus Connections Spring Celebration and I learned from Tara Clapp and Anne Stevens the great work they and their students do for youth who need support in our community. It was uplifting.

 

I hope everyone has a great weekend as we wrap up the spring semester.

 

Sincerely, 

 

J. Scott Turpen