The Graduate School
G-1 Communications Building
Box 353770
Seattle, Washington 98195-3770
Phone: 206.543.5900
Fax: 206.685.3234
Series History
The Graduate School administers three endowments that fund the public lecture series:
- Walker Ames Fund
- Jessie and John Danz Fund
- Mary Ann and John D. Mangels Fund
The University of Washington Walker-Ames Fund was established in 1936 by a bequest from the estates of Maud Walker-Ames and Edwin Gardner Ames. Since 1936, the fund has been used to bring many outstanding scholars in the academic profession to the University of Washington campus. These scholars present public lectures about their respective fields of expertise and also work with groups of graduate students during their stay.
John Danz, veteran motion picture theatre owner and philanthropist of the Pacific Northwest, and his wife, Jessie, made a gift to the University of Washington in 1961. This gift was used to establish the John Danz Fund. This fund, an enduring benefit to the University and the state, brings to the University of Washington campus and Seattle community lecturers of national and international reputation. Specifically, the gift is intended to enable the University of Washington to bring 'distinguished scholars who have concerned themselves with the impact of science and philosophy on man's perception of a rational universe.'
The Mary Ann and John D. Mangels Endowed Lecture Series was established in 1990 to honor the retirement of John D. Mangels, former chairman and CEO at Security Pacific Bank of Washington (now Bank of America). Administered by the Graduate Opportunities and Minority Achievement Program (GO-MAP), The Mangels Lectureship, in cooperation with academic departments and programs, brings to the UW campus minority scholars or individuals whose work focuses on issues of diversity, from a variety of fields for the benefit of minority students, the campus community, and the general public.
The Graduate School and the University of Washington are very proud to offer the UW and Puget Sound community access to some of the most brilliant minds in our country and our world. Without the support of these endowments, this simply could not be achieved.