Left: Student Beau Lonnquist with donor Lisa Hoffman / Middle: Student Marianne Esnaurrizar with Professor Buddy Ratner / Right: Student Joshua Huber with Professor and Chair Princess Imoukhuede
UW Bioengineering is grateful to have many generous donors who provide scholarships and fellowships to our talented students. Their support empowers our scholars to expand their research and grow their expertise.
The College of Engineering recently hosted its annual Scholar Donor Celebration Luncheon to honor the achievements of students from all Engineering departments, including Bioengineering, and to thank the generous donors who make their success possible. Benefactors are paired with the recipients of their funds and learn about their remarkable accomplishments and inspiring plans for the future.
The event drew registrations from approximately 150 donors, 150 students and 50 staff, making it the largest expected College of Engineering celebration luncheon. Although attendance was impacted by a Western Washington windstorm, those present enjoyed a vibrant program.
College of Engineering Dean and Bioengineering Professor, Nancy Albritton, delivered opening and closing remarks. A video highlighted the transformative impact of donor support, and two featured students shared personal stories about how these contributions have enriched their educational journeys.
Several Bioengineering students and their donors were celebrated at the event. Lisa Hoffman, representing the Hoffman Endowed Fund for Student Scholars established by her late father, Allan Hoffman, honored Beau Lonnquist, a senior studying bioengineering and data science. Professor Buddy Ratner, who co-founded the Ratner/Cromer Endowment, recognized senior Marianne Esnaurrizar. Additionally, Bioengineering Chair Princess Imoukhuede acknowledged Joshua Huber and June Ricks, senior and junior undergraduates respectively, who are recipients of the Madame Erzeng Yang Endowed Fund created by Jody Li who was unable to attend the event.
This event showcased the powerful connection between donor generosity and student success, celebrating a shared commitment to advancing innovation and excellence in engineering.