Created in 1999 by the ICW Board of Directors, this award is named in honor of a director and a founder of Independent Colleges of Washington, Stanley O. McNaughton. This award recognizes companies, legislators, and leaders that have demonstrated passion for and commitment to Washington’s independent colleges and universities.

McNaughton was an outstanding community leader, deeply respected by all who knew him for his strong convictions and commitments. He was a consummate leader in the community and advocate for independent higher education and other organizations dedicated to preparing young people for meaningful lives and careers. His vision laid the foundation for ICW in 1952 and he remained an advocate for the organization’s mission until his death in 1998.

Over the 45 years he was involved with independent colleges, McNaughton kept the organization focused on its mission and, serving as an example, was a generous contributor personally and professionally through PEMCO. There have been few people with such a strong passion for the work of the independent colleges and universities.

2011 Senator Steve Conway (D - 29 South Tacoma)

Pictured: PLU President Loren Anderson, Senator Steve Conway, ICW President and CEO Violet Boyer, and ICW Board Vice-Chair Rodney Proctor.

Senator Steve Conway has been a strong supporter for Washington’s independent institutions of higher education.  Conway was a key advocate in 2011 for allowing students at independent colleges to retain vital financial aid through the State Need Grant program.  He was also the prime sponsor of a 2006 law providing limited property tax relief to non-profit colleges and universities. Press Release (PDF)

2010 Anderson Foundation
The Anderson Foundation began contributing to ICW in 1962 with its first gift of $100. The Foundation continues its support of independent higher education in Washington state, with gifts for student scholarships totaling over $700,000. 

2009 Mike Hewett, State Senator (R - Walla Walla)
A longtime supporter of independent education, Sen. Hewitt demonstrated strong leadership and support for students by being the key voice in a successful effort in 2009 to turn back a proposal to freeze financial aid for students attending private colleges.

2008 The Wollenberg Foundation
For 49 years, the Wollenberg Foundation has provided much needed resources to help students choose an independent college.

2007 Bob Craves
Craves, a passionate advocate for students, managed contributions at Costco, led the HEC Board, and started the College Success Foundation, taking each organization to new focus on student access to college.

2006 Alaska Airlines
For 28 years, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air has provided cash and in-kind gifts of tickets to ICW. Total giving over that time has surpassed $1.7 million, and helped colleges in recruitment and fundraising efforts.

2005 Margarita Prentice, State Senator (D - Renton)
Prentice’s strong student-focused priority in higher education and outspoken support for the needs of low-income students, resulted in the State Need Grant program saw a $70 million increase.

2004 Fluke Corporation
Fluke has given cash and new equipment for the research laboratories on ICW campuses for more than 40 years, totaling more than $2.1 million.

2003 Dino Rossi, State Senator (R - Sammamish)
Rossi increased student aid to keep the doors of college open for the most needy and vigorously fought proposals that would have hurt the independence of the colleges.

2002 PACCAR Inc
PACCAR, ICW’s first donor, with its first gift of $5,000, has contributed more than $2 million for general operating needs and special programs.

2001 Ken Jacobsen, State Senator (D - Seattle)
Jacobsen’s advocacy for students helped create the Educational Opportunity Grant program and several other student aid programs.

2000 The Boeing Company
From their first gift of $12,000 in 1955, Boeing contributed more than $9 million to ICW for general operating needs for the independent colleges.

1999 Tom Huff, State Representative (R - Gig Harbor)
Huff’s commitment to providing opportunity and choice resulted in a 66 percent increase in student aid funding.