On Sunday, May 17, University of Puget Sound will recognize three individuals for their lifelong contributions to their local, regional or global community at the Class of 2015 graduation ceremony.
These honorary degrees will be awarded to Washington Supreme Court Justice Steven C. González, who has geared his career towards providing equal access to the justice system; Carrie Hessler-Radelet, Peace Corps director and public health leader; and Theresa Pan Hosley, who has served the Tacoma community as a leader in building intercultural understanding and reconciliation for more than 20 years.
González has been a member of the Washington Supreme Court since 2012, and has been an advocate for universal access to the justice system. He was recognized with the 2012 Difference Makers Award from the American Bar Association and a Judge of the Year award from the Washington State Bar Association. Prior to his current role, he served for 10 years as a trial judge on the King County Superior Court, hearing criminal, civil, juvenile and family law cases.
Hessler-Radelet, joined the Peace Corps as deputy director in 2010, and officially made director last year.
Hessler-Radelete has more than 20 years of experience and has worked in about 50 countries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Boston University. She will also give the commencement address at gradution this year.
Pan Hosley has served the Tacoma community for more than 20 years in roles that have recognized and valued the city’s ethnic heritage, and that have provided youth with opportunities in education and leadership.
Pan Hosley was the founder and leader of the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation.
This project dedicated about two decades to developing the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park on Schuster Parkway.
“Each year we have the honor of recognizing a handful of individuals whose accomplishments globally, nationally and locally have made an impact in vital areas of public life, and whose lives have met the highest tests of democratic citizenship,” Puget Sound President Ronald Thomas said. “Justice González, Carrie Hessler-Radelet and Theresa Pan Hosley scaled those heights and chose paths where they make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We are immensely proud to have them join our community of esteemed honorees.”
Everyone is welcome to attend the Commencement Ceremony, which will be held in Baker Stadium from 2-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 17. During this ceremony, President Thomas will present González with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree, and Hessler-Radelet and Pan Hosley with honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degrees.
