University of Washington Notable Alumni

Ranked amongst the top 100 global universities, the University of Washington remains one of the most competitive and oldest universities in the USA’s West Coast. The university has three campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma with over 54,000 students graduating every year. From Business to Engineering to studying Medicine, it offers a number of programmes both in online and offline mode for students to participate and learn. The university is also famous for its close-knit alumni network spread across the world with 7 Nobel Prize winners, 88 National Academy of Sciences scholars and 101 American Academy of Arts and Sciences! In this blog, we will look at the University of Washington notable alumni from around the world.

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University of Washington Notable Alumni

From American Academy of Arts and Sciences winners to Nobel Laureates, Oscar Winners, Pulitzer Prize winners to CEOs, the achievements of University of Washington notable alumni are truly awe-inspiring. Let’s look at the personalities associated with this fine academic powerhouse and find out where they are today and their achievements- 

• David Thouless, Nobel Prize for Physics
• Linda B. Buck, Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine 
• Leland H. Hartwell, Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine 
• Edmond Henri Fischer, Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine
• Edwin G. Krebs, Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine 
• E. Donnall Thomas, Nobel Prize for Physiology and Medicine 
• Hans Georg Dehmelt, Nobel Prize for Physics
• Bill Gates Sr., Attorney
• Rainn Wilson, Actor
• Bruce Lee, American Martial Artist and Actor
• Markelle Fultz, American Professional Basketball Player
• Matisse Thybulle, Australian Professional Basketball Player
• Robin DiAngelo, Author
• Joel McHale,Italian-American Actor
• Anna Faris, American Actress
• Kristin Hannah, Writer
• Dan Jørgensen, Member of the Danish Folketing
• Kenny G, American Saxophonist
• Dyan Cannon, American Actress
• Stanley Ann Dunham, American Anthropologist

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Top 5 Members of the University of Washington Alumni Network

Bill Gates Sr.

Bill Gates Sr. was the prominent attorney and founder of the famous law firm Shidler McBroom & Gates based out in the USA. Bill Gates Sr. has been an integral part of the legal and humanitarian circuit in the USA as a lawyer and philanthropist. He has served as president of Seattle King County and Washington State Bar associations. He is a prominent member of the University of Washington Notable Alumni network. He studied law at the University of Washington and was the recipient of the University of Washington School of Law Distinguished Alumnus. 

Linda B. Buck

Linda B. Buck is an accomplished American biologist and scientist. In 2004, she received the Nobel Prize for her contribution to the field of Physiology and Medicine. The scientist studied psychology at the University of Washington and has remained a prominent member of its notable alumni network. At the age of 28, the young scientist went on to pursue a BSc in immunology and her work on olfactory systems won her first Nobel Prize. The biologist works at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle and is an Affiliate Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Washington, Seattle.

Rainn Wilson

Better known as Dwight Schrute from the mega-famous American sitcom, The Office. Rainn Wilson is an accomplished actor, director, producer and writer as well as a prominent member of the University of Washington notable alumni. The actor studied Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Washington and has appeared in various famous Hollywood movies such Star Trek: Discovery, Six Feet Under, The Meg and voice actor for Lex Luthor in the DC Animated Movie Universe. Rainn Wilson is also a prominent theatre actor who has been nominated for awards like Helen Hayes Awards and Emmy Awards for his performance in The Office.

Bruce Lee

Bruce Lee remains one of the most famous actors and Martial artists trainers in the world. He was the founder of Jeet Kune Do and is considered one of the most popular and influential figures in Hollywood. Bruce Lee is the Alma Mater of the University of Washington and a notable member of its alumni network. At the University, the actor studied dramatic arts, philosophy, psychology and took up various other subjects. The actor has appeared in over 20 films like Fists of Fury, the Way of the Dragon, Game of Death and The Big Boss. 

Stanley Ann Dunham

Stanley Ann Dunham is a celebrated American anthropologist and a reputed member of the University of Washington Notable Alumni network. She worked extensively in economic anthropology and her work focused on rural development in the country of Indonesia. Stanley Ann Durham was the mother of America’s first black President and enrolled at the University of Washington as a student of anthropology in the same year as giving birth to her first son, Barack Obama. Her contributions to the field of economic anthropology, rural development and the development of microfinance models continue to impact the field. 

University of Washington notable alumni members are celebrated across the world for their contribution to society and excellence in their respective fields. Its members belong to diverse fields like acting, anthropology, business, law, politics, physics, immunology, sports and writers. If you are planning to study at the University of Washington then reach out to us at Leverage Edu and we will help you at every step of your study abroad application!