The University of Washington has honored James DeLong with the 2013 UW Distinguished Contributions to Lifelong Learning award. The awards committee cited his many years of leadership at the School of Social Work, where he supported educational access for working adults and other nontraditional students as part of the Extended Degree Program. The Extended Degree Program makes it possible for many working professionals to earn their degrees with evening and weekend classes.
Under DeLong's leadership, the program's reach and scope were greatly expanded to include diverse groups of experienced and engaged social workers practicing in urban and rural settings. DeLong attributes his success to the hard work of the faculty and staff who supported him over the decades. "While I was fortunate to have a pivotal role in access for nontraditional students," he says, "I see this award as a celebration of the School's collective accomplishments."
DeLong and other UW award winners will be honored at an awards ceremony on Thursday, June 13 at 3:30 p.m. in Meany Hall Auditorium, followed by a reception in the lobby. Both the ceremony and reception are open to all.