Luminary Award
The Luminary Award recognizes alumni who serve as aspirational examples for others through their accomplishments in the areas of leadership, discovery, progress, and service. Alumni who have demonstrated exceptional achievement in their professions or in the areas of service and philanthropy at least 15 years from graduation are eligible for this award. These alumni truly light the way for those looking to extend the benefit of the university beyond the borders of campus.
Luminary Award 2024 Recipients

Melissa Amundson ’99
UW Majors: Molecular Biology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Victor Barnett ’82
UW Major: Communication Arts
Founder and CEO, Running Rebels

Ross Freedman ’97
UW Major: Information Systems
Cofounder, Origin

Amed Khan ’91
UW Majors: International Relations, Political Science
President, Amed Khan Foundation

Robin Wall Kimmerer MS’78, PhD’83
UW Majors: Botany and Forestry
Author
Distinguished Teaching Professor and Director, Center for Native Peoples and the Environment, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Liz Lefkofsky ’91
UW Major: Sociology
President, Lefkofsky Family Foundation

Petar Ostojic MS’05
UW Major: Mechanical Engineering
CEO, Neptuno Pumps
Executive Director, Center of Innovation and Circular Economy
Creator and Host, Revolución Circular Podcast