Bill Speidel (1912–1988) ‘30
Bill graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in literature. He was first a journalist and then became a publicist. In the 1950s he became passionate about the preservation of Pioneer Square and founded the Underground Tour. He wrote many books, including his most famous, The Sons of the Profits, about early Seattle history. Emmett Watson wrote at the time of his death: “He was many things in this city: preservationist, promoter, writer, historian, entrepreneur, press agent, political operator, adman, lecturer and publisher. Few if any of the Seattle Pioneers, the movers and shakers that he wrote about in a half-dozen historical books, gave as much to this city as the author.”
Larry Gossett ‘63
After leaving Franklin Larry worked as a VISTA volunteer in Harlem, then returned to the University of Washington, where he was one of the founders of the Black Student Union. He fought to eliminate racial discrimination and increase the enrollment of students of color at the university. He became the first supervisor of the Black Student Division in the Office of Minority Affair, then served as the executive director of the Central Area Motivation Project. He was elected to the King County Council in 1993 and in 2012 was appointed chair for a second term. In 2008 the University of Washington Alumni Association named him one of the “Wondrous 100,” one of the most influential UW graduates over the past one hundred years.
Ron Chew ‘71
Ron studied journalism at the University of Washington. He left during his senior year when he was denied the position of editor at the Daily; he won a lawsuit when a white student who had not applied was offered the position. He became editor of the International Examiner covering the covering social concerns and political issues faced by residents in Seattle’s International District. He served as director of Wing Luke Asian Museum from 1991-2008. In 2002 the University of Washington awarded him an honorary BA. Awards include: Ford Foundation’s Leadership for a Changing World Award in 2004 and the American Association of Museums Centennial Honor Roll in 2005. He published his book Remembering Silme Domingo and Gene Viernes: The Legacy of Filipino American Labor Activism in 2012.