Dean Eddie Uehara announced that the School of Social Work has created a scholarship to honor Representative Ruth Kagi, who served nearly two decades in the Washington state legislature. The Ruth Kagi Scholarship is a three-year term scholarship for social work graduate students who focus on social change through public policy
For more than a decade, Kagi has been a close friend and partner of the School of Social Work. In 2007, she used her legislative skills to help establish Partners for Our Children, a research and 
innovation center at the School that provides decision-makers with critical child welfare data and information. As chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, Kagi worked to reform drug sentencing laws, expand early learning opportunities for children, and help ensure the success of foster youth.
At the Nov. 27 event to recognize Kagi’s legislative achievements, Dean Uehara acknowledged her long-standing commitment to the children and families of Washington state and applauded her steadfast partnership with the School of Social Work.
Kagi’s legacy of improved opportunities for children will continue for decades to come, said Adam Cornell, Snohomish County’s prosecutor-elect, a sentiment echoed by the other guest speakers who included Kagi’s former legislative aides, David Beard and Lydia Lippold-Gelb, and School of Social Work Associate Dean Ben deHaan.
In a prepared statement, UW President Ana Mari Cauce noted Kagi’s unrelenting focus on science and rigor. “Central to all of her work is a deep understanding of using evidence-based research to inform public policy,” said Cauce. "Her partnership with the University has been truly invaluable."
At the event, Kagi expressed gratitude and delight in having a student scholarship in her name, and plans to continue her life-long work to improve the health and well-being of underserved children in our state.