Gates Volunteer Service Award

Neal and his wife, Jan Dempsey, are proud recipients of the Gates Volunteer Service Award and have supported the UW generously for over 40 years.

When Neal Dempsey, ’64, gave the 2013 commencement address at the Foster School of Business, he donned the customary cap and gown — and boxing gloves.

“The real world is brutal!” he said, punching a cardboard cutout also draped in a cap and gown. “It’s tough. It’s aggressive. It’s competitive. And you might not like it. You’ve got to be ready!”

Neal’s speech was packed with anecdotes illustrating the principles that have long guided him and Jan, his wife of more than five decades: Accept failure, embrace change and give back.

Watch the Speech Here

When Neal Dempsey, ’64, gave the 2013 commencement address at the Foster School of Business, he donned the customary cap and gown — and boxing gloves.

“The real world is brutal!” he said, punching a cardboard cutout also draped in a cap and gown. “It’s tough. It’s aggressive. It’s competitive. And you might not like it. You’ve got to be ready!”

Neal’s speech was packed with anecdotes illustrating the principles that have long guided him and Jan, his wife of more than five decades: Accept failure, embrace change and give back.

Watch the Speech Here

Making a Difference

Early in his career, Neal learned those first two principles—accepting failure and embracing change—the hard way as the CEO of two companies that went out of business. But after picking up the pieces, reexamining his goals, and starting over, he found his calling as a venture capitalist in the Bay Area.

Here, he flourished—and he’s never forgotten to give back.

For decades, Neal and Jan have made a profound difference at the University of Washington through their philanthropy. Their generosity has taken the Foster School and UW Athletics to new heights—from the cutting-edge facilities they helped build to the world-class professors, coaches, and students they have helped attract. By serving on numerous boards and committees and teaching a course at the Foster School, Neal takes pride in offering his alma mater the gifts of time, vision, leadership, and inspiration.

In recognition of the Dempseys’ impact, the UW Foundation has honored them with the 2018 Gates Volunteer Service Award (GVSA). The GVSA is presented annually and celebrates individuals who contribute to shaping the university’s trajectory with their philanthropy and service—while also encouraging others to do the same.

Driven to Give

Neal’s athletic pursuits and love of adventure inspire and inform his professional and philanthropic life, always recharging and driving him forward.

Neal and Jan’s support has created the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility: giving student-athletes in football, softball, baseball, and soccer a place to train indoors, as well as a home for Husky Track and Field to compete. The Dempseys bolstered the men’s and women’s crew teams with their role in renovating the Conibear Shellhouse, and thousands of fans regularly enjoy the renewed Husky Stadium thanks to their crucial contributions to its renovation.

Neal continually shares his time and experience with the UW through serving on boards and committees in the Foster School (including three decades on its advisory board) and on the UW Foundation Board of Directors, offering mentorship to UW Athletics, taking on significant roles in university campaigns, and providing valuable guidance in dean and president searches.

Aspiring to Inspire

Neal’s athletic pursuits and love of adventure inspire and inform his professional and philanthropic life, always recharging and driving him forward.

Neal and Jan’s support has created the Dempsey Indoor Practice Facility: giving student-athletes in football, softball, baseball, and soccer a place to train indoors, as well as a home for Husky Track and Field to compete. The Dempseys bolstered the men’s and women’s crew teams with their role in renovating the Conibear Shellhouse, and thousands of fans regularly enjoy the renewed Husky Stadium thanks to their crucial contributions to its renovation.

Neal continually shares his time and experience with the UW through serving on boards and committees in the Foster School (including three decades on its advisory board) and on the UW Foundation Board of Directors, offering mentorship to UW Athletics, taking on significant roles in university campaigns, and providing valuable guidance in dean and president searches.

More about Neal and his Mentorship

More about the Gates Volunteer Service Award

The Gates Volunteer Service Award is presented annually by the University of Washington and the UW Foundation to recognize and honor individuals whose long-term volunteer efforts of time, service and philanthropy have encouraged others to similarly support the University of Washington.

Recipients of the Gates Volunteer Service Award exemplify the highest standards of service to the University of Washington, modeled by the singular vision and generosity of the William H. Gates family, whose volunteer service, commitment of time, and philanthropy continue to advance the work of the UW in profound and enduring ways. Read more about the Gates family’s support of the University of Washington.

First presented in 2002, the award follows the tradition of the long-standing UW Recognition Award, initiated in 1976. It is one of the most distinguished accolades bestowed by the UW.