CWU ALUMNI ASSOCIATION NAMES 2006 AWARD RECIPIENTS

October 19, 2006

Ellensburg, Wash. - The Central Washington University Alumni Association will honor six recipients with Distinguished Alumni, Special Achievement and Outstanding Service awards during the 2006 Homecoming Banquet on Friday, Nov. 3, in Tunstall Hall on the Ellensburg campus. The event begins with a reception at 5:30 p.m. with the banquet following at 6 p.m.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is awarded annually to CWU graduates of 20 years or more who are recognized for achievement in his or her professional field and have made a positive contribution to society. This year's four Distinguished Alumni Awards recipients are:

• Randy Baseler, vice president for marketing for The Boeing Co.;
• Debra Prigge, CWU education professor and one of the region's premiere special education educators;
• King County Executive Ron Sims; and
• Michele Weir, regarded as one of the leading figures in vocal jazz education.

The Special Achievement Award is presented to CWU graduates of 20 years or less who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their professional field.

The 2006 recipient is Dr. David Wain Coon, who has made a rapid rise to the top of his chosen profession. After serving as vice president at Cascadia Community College and vice president/dean of students at the Art Institute of Seattle, in 2005 Coon was named president of Evergreen Valley College in San Jose, Calif.

The Outstanding Service Award is presented periodically to a CWU alumnus whose special service was not in his or her degree field, to a special friend of CWU or non-CWU alumnus who has provided special service to CWU or the Alumni Association.

The 2006 recipient is Gail Jones, for CWU director of alumni affairs. Jones was instrumental in establishing the university's office of alumni relations and is remembered for her boundless energy and outgoing personality.

Tickets for the 2006 Homecoming Banquet $20 and are available by calling the CWU Alumni Association office at 1-877-846-2287 or 509-963-2752.

Contact Jim Armstrong (509-963-2885/fax 509-963-3460/e-mail: armstroj@gwmail.cwu.edu)