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05.18.09| Phyllis Washington Receives University of Montana’s Highest Honor
Phyllis J. (Peterson) Washington received an honorary doctorate of education at the 2009 Commencement ceremonies Saturday, May 16, at the Adams Center on the University of Montana Campus.
Washington was nominated for the honorary doctorate by John Lundt, professor and chair of the Department of Educational Leadership in the UM School of Education. In his words, “…Phyllis Washington has clearly made the active support of her alma mater and the field of education her mission in life… I have never encountered anyone who has consistently demonstrated the extraordinary level of dedication to The University of Montana and the School of Education that I have observed in Mrs. Washington.”
A native Montanan, Washington attended Great Falls schools, where she found the inspiration to pursue a career in education. After graduating from UM, she taught second and third grades in Missoula, earning a reputation as an enthusiastic and innovative teacher. Later, Washington progressed to exploring other interests in antiques and interior design. Her current business, Phyllis Washington Antiques, offers educational seminars in Palm Desert, Calif.
Like her husband, Dennis R. Washington, she is an avid supporter and benefactor of education. She served as a UM trustee and later as chair for the record-setting 1990-97 capital campaign. Phyllis also chairs the Dennis & Phyllis Washington Foundation, itself a major supporter of education.
Through the creation of many scholarships and graduate fellowships, the Washingtons make it possible for hundreds of young people to receive a higher education. Additionally they have contributed to UM building and renovation projects, including the Gallagher Building for the School of Business Administration, the historic Prescott House and the Washington-Grizzly Stadium.
Most recently, Phyllis led fundraising efforts and influenced the unique design for the new Phyllis J. Washington Education Center. The center will train teachers in state-of-the-art classrooms that enable distance learning technology.
Roberta Evans, dean of the School of Education, wrote in support of Phyllis Washington’s nomination for the honorary doctorate: “A tireless advocate of our faculty and students, she is the epitome of the gracious supporter – always eager to learn more and dedicated to helping in any way she can. As a result, she is a model for service and altruism for all – and her lessons are those from which all of us can benefit.”
“Not only can we present to the graduates examples of our high expectations of them,” UM President George Dennison said, “we also have the opportunity to recognize outstanding service to the people of Montana as we honor these two excellent candidates with the highest award an academic institution can bestow.”
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