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.
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.