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CWU Alumni Association Announces 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

2022 CWU Distinguished Alumni graphic

The 2022 Distinguished Alumni and 4 Under 40 recipients will be recognized Friday, May 13, in the SURC Ballroom


The Central Washington University Alumni Association is pleased to announce the 11 individuals who have been selected as CWU’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni.

Recipients are selected for their personal accomplishments, professional achievements, community service involvement, and/or contributions made to the university.   

“We are thrilled to honor this year’s outstanding alumni awardees, all of whom have made an impact on their industries, their communities, their alma mater, and the lives of others around the world,” CWU Alumni Association President Andrew Mork said. 

“We look forward to a fantastic evening celebrating their accomplishments in person and back on campus. Congratulations to the 2022 Distinguished Alumni. We look forward to continuing to see the positive impacts you make in your communities in the years ahead. We are proud of you!” 

This year’s recipients are:   

Alumni of the Year 
Julie A. Back (’92)—Senior Vice President and Advisor, Wealthspire Advisors 

Philanthropists of the Year 
Jean (’88) and Joe Adams 

Young Philanthropist of the Year 
Hilary J. Tanneberg (’09)—Senior Manager of Business Assurance, Moss Adams, LLP 

Distinguished Alumni Awards 

College of Arts and Humanities 
Morgan M. Bresett Brown (’75)—Retired Advertising Account Executive and Freelance Musician  

College of Business 
Julie A. Back (’92)—Senior Vice President and Advisor, Wealthspire Advisors 

College of Education and Professional Studies 
Brian A. Clarke (’87)—Managing Member, GEW.LLC Risk Management Solutions; Co-Managing Member, HEILL Safety Solutions 

College of the Sciences 
Edward L. Schneider (’69)—Retired President and CEO, Botanical Research Institute of Texas 

4 Under 40 Leadership Award Recipients 

College of Arts and Humanities 
Amanda J. Bury (’15)—Owner and Sole Proprietor, A. Bury Pottery  

College of Business 
Jacob M. Ozuna (’12)—Sales Manager in Digital Client Success, Microsoft Advertising 

College of Education and Professional Studies 
Andrew J. Graham (’18)—Real Estate Agent, Avalon 24 Real Estate 

College of the Sciences 
Manuel Rodriguez (’05)—Director of Early College Outreach, Central Washington University 

All are welcome to attend the Distinguished Alumni Award ceremony in the SURC Ballroom on Friday, May 13. Space is limited and an RSVP is required

Media Contact: Robin Burck, University Advancement Communications, Robin.Burck@cwu.edu, 509-963-2846