In late November, the School of Social Work, together with Partners for Our Children honored Representative Ruth Kagi for nearly 20 years of public service in the Washington state legislature. During the celebration, Dean Eddie Uehara announced the Ruth Kagi Scholarship, named to honor Kagi’s untiring commitment to children and families in Washington state.
Kagi is a close friend and partner of the School of Social Work. In 2007, she used her impressive legislative skills to help establish Partners for Our Children. As chair of the House Early Learning and Human Services Committee, she worked to reform drug sentencing laws, expand early learning opportunities for children, and help ensure the success of foster youth
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 and School of Social Work collaborators. In a prepared statement, UW President Ana Mari Cauce noted Kagi’s unwavering commitment to science and rigor. “Central to all of her work is a deep understanding of using evidence-based research to inform public policy,” said Cauce.
Ms. Kagi was surprised and deeply honored by the student scholarship in her name, and she plans to continue her life-long work to improve the health and well-being of underserved children in our state.
