WWU Honors Acclaimed Screenwriter, Leading Demographer, Innovative Creator, Generous Benefactor and Alumni Family with 2026 Alumni Awards
The Foundation for WWU & Alumni is pleased to announce an exceptionally accomplished slate of recipients for the 2026 WWU Alumni Awards. This year’s honorees include an award-winning television creator, nationally recognized leaders in science and interactive media, a deeply impactful educator and benefactor, and a family whose legacy reflects generations of commitment to Western.
“These honorees represent an extraordinary cross-section of achievement, creativity, and service,” said Kim Hill, CEO of the Foundation for WWU & Alumni. “From global influence in entertainment and research to meaningful impact in education and philanthropy, this group reflects the very highest aspirations of a Western education and the strength of our alumni community.”
Join us on Friday, May 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. for the Alumni Awards.
2026 WWU Alumni Award Recipients
Alumni Achievement Award
Dan Erickson (Class of 2007), award-winning screenwriter and creator of Severance
Dan Erickson is the creator of the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series Severance, an award-winning show recognized for its originality, storytelling, and cultural impact. Erickson developed the concept while pursuing his creative work after graduating from Western. His path to success reflects persistence, creativity, and a willingness to pursue bold ideas.
Distinguished Service Award
David A. Swanson (Class of 1972), demographer and expert in population forecasting
David Swanson is an internationally recognized demographer whose work has shaped how governments and researchers understand population change. A leader in small-area population estimation and forecasting, Swanson has contributed extensively to census methodology and demographic research, with a career spanning academia, government, and consulting.
Alumni Humanitarian Award
Lee Whittaker (Class of 1968), educator, innovator, and Methow Valley land donor
Lee Whittaker is an educator and entrepreneur whose career has been defined by innovation, sustainability, and community building. A former physics and math teacher and founder of Nytec, he has dedicated his work to advancing education and problem-solving. His recent gift of more than 170 acres in Washington’s Methow Valley is creating new opportunities for students to engage in hands-on environmental learning.
Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Alison Lührs (Class of 2012), narrative director for Destiny 2
Alison Lührs is a narrative director the video game studio Bungie, where she wrote the story for the globally popular video game Destiny 2. She has also developed stories for well known and highly successful titles, including Baldur’s Gate and multiple properties for Wizards of the Coast. She shapes the storylines experienced by tens of millions of players worldwide. Lührs represents a new generation of alumni making an impact in creative industries.
Alumni Family Award
Nancy Hoff and family
Nancy Hoff and her son Carter and their extended family have demonstrated a deep and lasting commitment to Western Washington University reaching back to the earliest days of the University. A family of educators, their connection to WWU across the generations has been a legacy of involvement, service, and philanthropy.
These recipients will be honored at a special reception on May 15, 2026. The event is supported by proceeds from the Chris Goldsmith WWU Alumni Program Endowment Fund.
To learn more about this year’s awardees, visit https://foundation.wwu.edu/news/alumni-awards-2026-recipients