Nearly 200 people filled the Bastyr University Dining Commons on, November 3, 2012, for the school’s annual Founders’ Day Gala. The event celebrated those who have made a positive difference in the world of natural medicine, while at the same time honoring those who helped make the school what it is today. This year’s gala raised a record totaling more than $150,000 for scholarships and priority needs of the University.
Now in its sixth year, the gala recognized one person with the Mission Award and four people with Founders’ Awards, which are named for University founders and awarded to Bastyr students, employees, alumni and friends for outstanding professional achievement and service to the University.
Jeffrey S. Bland, PhD, FACN, FACB, received the 2012 Mission Award for his more than 25 years of work in the natural medicine field. The Founders Award winners were:
- Joshua Goldenberg, ND candidate (’13) — Les Griffith, ND, Student Award
- Beth DiDomenico, ND (’98) — Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., ND, Alumnus/a Award
- Carol Duke (former Bastyr director of financial aid; posthumously awarded) — William A. Mitchell, Jr., ND, Service Merit Award
- Dawn Lawlor, ND candidate (’13) — Sheila Quinn Service to Society Award
Additionally, Patricia Bragg received the President’s Citation for Exemplary Service.
“Our Mission and Founders’ Awards winners have shown the same determination and dedication to the vision set forth by our University’s framers,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. “As the role of health care changes in this country and throughout the world, the paths they now pave are just as crucial as our founders’ role in shaping the health and well-being of our global community.”
Guests were treated to a gourmet gluten-free meal from Bastyr University Director of Food Services Jim Watkins and his staff as well as live music and a moving video highlighting the importance of natural medicine. This year’s gala was emceed once again by KIRO-TV News Anchor Angela Russell.
Local sponsors for the event included Barlean’s Organic Oils (Ferndale), BioGenesis Nutraceuticals Inc. (Mill Creek), Metagenics Inc. (Gig Harbor), Natural Factors (Everett), CollinsWoermann and US Bank (Seattle).