May 3, 2001

Contact: Annie Johnson (509-963-3468/fax 509-963-2301/e-mailJohnsAnn@cwu.edu)

Ellensburg, WA - Dr. Kenneth Hammond, who retired in 1997 after a distinguished 41-year career in education, will receive the Eastern Washington University (EWU) Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2001.

Hammond, who taught geography and land studies at Central Washington University from 1962 to 1997, earned a bachelor’s degree in education and geography from EWU in 1956. He added a master’s degree in natural resources from Oregon State University in 1960 and a Ph.D. in resource conservation from the University of Michigan in 1969.

“Ken Hammond is so very deserving (of the award),” Terry Flynn, EWU director of alumni relations, says. “Our alumni association saw in him a career of dedicated service to students and education, and we are proud to call him one of our own.” Hammond, who will receive the award at the EWU commencement Saturday, June 16, says, “I am honored at this recognition.”

Dr. James Brooks, who served as CWU president from 1961-78, nominated Hammond for the honor. In his letter of nomination, Brooks noted that Hammond is best known for his excellent teaching and work with students, many of whom he remains in contact.

At Central, Hammond coordinated a seven-year, $1.46 million graduate program, funded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, designed to strengthen Native American management of natural and cultural resources. He also penned the book “A Beginner’s Guide to Research in Public Environmental Policy,” served as co-director of an Association of American Geographers project to develop the “Sourcebook on the Environment” and collaborated on “United States Public Policy: A Geographical View.”

Hammond was named CWU’s Distinguished Teaching Professor in 1981 and Phi Kappa Phi Scholar of the Year in 1993. In addition, he was honored for his outstanding, long-term service to the Northwest Scientific Association with an exclusive honorary life membership to the organization in 1997.

In retirement, he continues his service to the state as a member of the technical panel for the Washington State Salmon Recovery Funding Board after serving for many years on the board of the Yakima Watershed Council.

Hammond, a native of Kettle Falls, was raised on the north half of the Colville Reservation in northeastern Washington, attending a one-room schoolhouse as a child, graduating as his high school valedictorian. He said it was a pure accident that he even attended college, crediting a visit from a college recruiter to his school with pushing him toward higher education.

* * *