During the 2026 Graduation Celebration, the School of Art + Art History + Design recognized graduating students whose outstanding achievements were honored through awards from the University of Washington, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the School. Congratulations to all of this year's award recipients.
University of Washington Awards
President's Medal
The University of Washington President's Medal recognizes two graduating seniors with the most distinguished academic records of the year.
Recipient: Tom McAlister (BA, Art – 3D4M)
Link to President's Medal announcement.
Husky 100
The Husky 100 recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students across the University of Washington's three campuses who are making a positive impact through leadership, scholarship, and service.
Recipients: Emily Hao (BDes, Visual Communication Design; BS, Informatics; minor in Art History), Lee Hardisty (BDes, Visual Communication Design; minor in Urban Ecological Design), McKinley Smith (Master of Design 2027)
Link to Husky 100 announcement.
Bonderman Fellowship
The Bonderman Fellowship supports independent international travel that encourages students to broaden their perspectives through immersive cultural experiences.
Recipients: Kat Lew (BDes, Industrial Design), Tom McAlister (BA, Art – 3D4M)
Link to Bonderman Fellowship announcement.
College of Arts & Sciences Award
Dean's Medal
The College of Arts & Sciences Dean's Medal recognizes exceptional graduating students nominated by departments across the College's four academic divisions.
Recipient: Emily Hao (BDes, Visual Communication Design)
Link to Dean's Medal announcement.
School of Art + Art History + Design Awards
Parnassus Graduating with Excellence Award
The Parnassus Graduating with Excellence Award honors undergraduate students who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, creative excellence, and exceptional contributions to the School.
Recipients: Robert Cruz Gomez Jr. (BA, Art: Photo/Media), Aanya Vashisht (BA, Art History), Lee Hardisty (BDes, Visual Communication Design)
de Cillia Graduating with Excellence Award
Established through the generosity of alumni Grace and Ben de Cillia, this award recognizes graduate students for their academic accomplishments, commitment to research, and excellence in their field of study.
Recipient: Ryan Walters (MFA, Painting + Printmaking), Li-Yuan Chiou (Master of Design)
de Cillia Teaching with Excellence Award
The de Cillia Teaching with Excellence Award honors graduate students whose outstanding teaching and mentorship have made significant contributions to the School's educational mission.
Recipient: Chave Pichardo (MFA, New Genres)
Natalie Malone Memorial Award
Established in 2006, the Natalie Malone Memorial Award honors a graduating Visual Communication Design student who exemplifies dedication to their work, passion for design, generosity of spirit, and a commitment to supporting others.
Recipient: Emily Hao (BDes, Visual Communication Design)
Congratulations to all of our 2026 award recipients. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for the many contributions they have made to the School of Art + Art History + Design community.