Six decades after he opened his mailbox to find a letter that changed his life, Ron Crockett still carries that piece of paper in his wallet. Dated May 28, 1957, the letter informed Ron that he’d received a scholarship to the University of Washington.
For the son of a mechanic and a riveter, the Thomas W. McCurdy Memorial Scholarship was Ron’s path to a college education. Ron recalls talking with Jim McCurdy after receiving the scholarship, which was named after Jim’s late brother.
“He looked me in the eyes and said, ‘Whenever you get, give back,’” says Ron, who continues to take that advice to heart to this day.
In recognition of the mark that Ron and his wife, Wanda Crockett, have made on the University — including their impassioned support for Husky Athletics — the UW Foundation honored them with the 2017 Gates Volunteer Service Award in recognition of their philanthropy, service and encouragement of others to emulate their generosity.
Congratulations, Crocketts!