As it should be, students were the driving force behind Bastyr University’s 2011 Founders’ Day Gala — an event uniting past, present and future leaders in the natural health arts and sciences.
Not only did dozens work tirelessly behind the scenes to successfully put on one of the University’s marquee celebrations, but several students also took to the stage and screen to highlight the mission of those who grew Bastyr into the leading academic center it is today.
In its fifth year, the gala recognized four people with Founders’ Awards, given for outstanding professional achievement and service to the University:
- Pragati B. Patel, ND Candidate ('13) - Les Griffith, ND, Student Award
- Sarah Acosta Smith, ND ('06) - William A. Mitchell, Jr., ND, Service Merit Award
- Ryan D. Bradley, ND ('03), MPH -Joseph E. Pizzorno, Jr., ND, Alumnus/a Award
- BreAnna M. Waliser, ND Candidate ('12) - Sheila Quinn Service to Society Award
Catherine Parker, LAc ('05), received the university’s most prestigious honor, the Mission Award, awarded for her work as an acupuncturist, community volunteer and philanthropist.
“Our Mission and Founders’ Awards winners have shown true dedication to the vision set forth by our University’s framers,” said Bastyr University President Daniel K. Church, PhD. “The paths they now pave are just as crucial as our founders’ role in shaping the health and well-being of our global community.”
This year’s gala was held Nov. 5 and emceed by KIRO-7’s Angela Russell. The event also raised more than $110,000 for scholarships and priority needs of the University, in part because of an unprecedented matching donation by the Board of Trustees.
About Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located near Seattle, Washington, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture & Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego, California, in fall 2012, becoming the state’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.
