Steven Holl has been awarded the 2012 Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus Award from the University of Washington. The annual award is designated for an outstanding alumnus or alumna, distinguished for service and achievement since graduation from the University of Washington. The award is given for a lifetime record of achievement.
Since its inception in 1938, more than sixty alumni who personify the University’s tradition of excellence have received this award, which is the highest honor the University bestows. The list includes Nobel Prize winners, internationally-recognized scientists, artists, business leaders, educators and many other important figures.
Steven Holl is the fourth graduate of the architecture school to receive the award, which has previously gone to Welton D. Becket, Minoru Yamasaki, and George Nakashima.
About the award, Steven Holl said, “I am extremely grateful to receive this important recognition. This deep honor provokes me to reflect on the importance of two inspirational teachers I had at the University of Washington during my years there: Professor Hermann Pundt and Professor Astra Zarina. Excellent teachers are the most important aspect of a great University. Both Professors Pundt and Zarina shared a passion for the humanities in an architect’s education. I would call architecture the great bridge between the sciences and the Humanities. I deeply appreciate my years at the University of Washington studying philosophy, poetry, art, science and fusing them with architecture!”
The Alumnus Summa Laude Dignatus award will be presented on June 7th, 2012 as part of the University’s Awards of Excellence ceremony.