May 16, 2012

Wendy Lustbader
Wendy Lustbader

The UW School of Social Work is pleased to announce that Wendy Lustbader, MSW ’82, has been selected to receive the School of Social Work 2012 Distinguished Alumna Award. The award is presented annually to a School of Social Work graduate who has demonstrated exceptional service, dedication or innovation. Wendy is the 24th recipient of the School’s highest alumni honor, following her selection by a committee that included faculty, emeritus faculty, alumni and former award recipients.

Wendy, an affiliate professor at the School since 2007, teaches foundation and advanced methods practice courses in multigenerational studies. She received the Student Choice Teaching Award in 2009 and 2011. She also served as a field-education instructor for 16 years and garnered the Outstanding Practicum Instructor award in 1990. While Wendy has earned local distinction for her gifted teaching, she has earned national recognition for her compelling essays and books on aging.

She recently authored Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older, which explores what it means to flourish as we grow old. Wendy draws on her deep personal and professional experience to make the case that as we age we gain self-knowledge and the increased capacity to be fully and truly who we are. 

In addition to being a teacher, author and highly sought-after speaker, Wendy is a skilled psychotherapist, working for almost twenty years with disadvantaged elders and other at-risk populations at a Seattle community clinic. Wendy has touched the lives of thousands of family caregivers, seniors, students and health care professionals through her clinical practice, captivating lectures, highly regarded books, and training sessions with working professionals. Her unwavering commitment, passion and vision have enriched the lives of countless older adults and redefined what it means to age in America.

Wendy will receive the distinguished alumna award at the School’s graduation celebration on June 7, 2012 at the Alaska Airlines Arena in the Hec Edmundson Pavilion on the University of Washington campus. A brief reception to honor Wendy will precede the graduation program. For more information please contact Greg Ross at 206-221-7735.