ELLENSBURG, Wash. - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Dan Jack, Alumni Relations Director. Dan led the Alumni Relations office and the Alumni Association for over 10 years with dignity, competence and a keen sense of mission. He was committed to helping current students, and keeping our graduates, young and old, connected to Central. He had a deep sense of his heritage and was proud of who he was and of his family.

A funeral liturgy will be held for Dan Jack, Central Washington University Alumni Relations executive director, on Monday, April 10, at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's Catholic Church (401 S. Willow) in Ellensburg. Jack, 63, died Thursday, April 6, at his home in Ellensburg.

A graveside service will follow the liturgy at the Holy Cross Cemetery on Dry Creek Road, one-half mile west of Mt. Stuart Elementary. After the services, a memorial lunch will be held back at the church. Jack led the Central Alumni Relations office and the Alumni Association for more than 10 years "with dignity, competence and a keen sense of mission," according to Dr. Paul Baker, CWU vice president for University Relations.

"Dan was a very important part of the University Relations management team and will be tremendously missed," Baker adds. "Dan was committed to both helping current students through scholarships and other programs, while keeping our graduates, young and old, connected to Central."

An Oklahoma native, Jack received his bachelor's degree in education, in 1966, and master's degree in education administration, in 1976, from Oklahoma State University (OSU).

Prior to joining the CWU administration, Jack served as executive director of the New Mexico State University Alumni Association, from 1986 to 1995; and as OSU's associate director of Alumni Relations, from 1980 to 1985, where one of his student workers was country singer Garth Brooks.

He also served as a junior high and high school teacher, coach and principal and was named "Outstanding Educator of America" in 1975.

In addition, Jack was a charter member of the Council of Alumni Association Executives (CAAE).

"He also had a deep sense of his heritage and was always proud of who he was and of his family," Baker points out.

Jack, a member of the Kaw Nation of Oklahoma, was a frequent presenter at Native American events in Ellensburg, across the state and nationwide, including a Lewis and Clark Bicentennial event in Kansas. He spent more than 40 years documenting tribal history including tape recording interviews with tribal elders and members, and developing a personal collection of more than 260 books, over 25 videos and several file cabinets filled with historical documents.

At the time of his death, he was also doing research in preparation for writing a book on the accomplishments of Native American athletes.

In his immediate family, he is survived by his wife, Pat, and son Ryan, 30, who both reside in Ellensburg. Steward and Williams Tribute Center is in charge of arrangements.

The family requests that memorials can be made to the CWU Alumni Association Scholarship, c/o Central Washington University, Office of Alumni Relations, 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA 98926-7507.

Please go here to share your fond memories and stories about Dan.

Contact: Robert Lowery (509-963-1487/fax 509-963-2301/e-mail: loweryr@cwu.edu)