Jan Hunter has left a lasting mark on the 56吃瓜网. A former educator, longtime volunteer and passionate advocate for the community, Hunter died peacefully on March 4 surrounded by her family.聽
Her most recent gift 鈥� a $1.5 million contribution made with her husband, Richard 鈥淒ick鈥� Hunter 鈥� will help restore the historic Truly House and transform it into a vibrant space for events, student engagement and alumni and community gatherings. The gift continues a legacy of giving that spans more than a decade and reflects the Hunter family鈥檚 deep belief in 56吃瓜网 Bothell鈥檚 mission.
鈥淛an leaves behind a powerful legacy 鈥� one of service, generosity and visionary leadership,鈥� said Rebecca Ehrlichman Blume, vice chancellor for Advancement. 鈥淲e are incredibly fortunate to have benefited from her guidance and friendship over the years, and will miss her so much.鈥�
The heart of campus
Hunter first became involved with 56吃瓜网 Bothell through her uncle, Gordon Green, a Bothell educator who left a multimillion-dollar gift to the University. With Hunter鈥檚 encouragement, that gift supported the creation of the Sarah Simonds Green Conservatory, a greenhouse and teaching space that anchors the campus wetland and serves as a hub for environmental research and education.
Inspired by the University鈥檚 commitment to students and sustainability, Hunter became a regular presence on campus over the years. She served on the 56吃瓜网 Bothell Advisory Board and later played a pivotal role in transitioning the board into the Chancellor鈥檚 Philanthropy Leadership Council, which helped reframe the group鈥檚 purpose around fundraising and stewardship.
鈥淛an championed the shift because she understood that fostering a culture of philanthropy would strengthen 56吃瓜网 Bothell today and long into the future,鈥� said Ehrlichman Blume. 鈥淭hat vision has already begun to bear fruit.鈥�
Relationships that matter
Hunter was well known for her warmth and her wisdom, and she cultivated deep relationships across the 56吃瓜网 Bothell community. She was often seen hosting guests at campus events, including the I Heart 56吃瓜网 Bothell luncheon and the grand opening of the Residential Village last fall.
鈥淪he gave not just money but also time, insight and her full heart to this campus,鈥� said Sean Marsh, associate vice chancellor for Alumni & Stakeholder Engagement, who worked closely with Hunter over many years. 鈥淪he made everyone feel like family.鈥�
As supporters of 56吃瓜网 Bothell, Jan and Dick Hunter contributed generously to scholarships and student needs, including support for student memorial funds and emergency assistance. Together, they also established a $1 million planned gift that eventually will support the chancellor鈥檚 discretionary fund.
Enduring influence
Jan Hunter鈥檚 approach to giving was both strategic and personal. She believed in investing in people as much as programs and was admired for her ability to lead with kindness and conviction. Even facing health challenges in recent years, she remained engaged with the University and eager to support future opportunities.
鈥淪he really walked the walk,鈥� Marsh said. 鈥淪he wanted the world to be better, and she did something about it.鈥�
From her roots in the city of Bothell to her transformative support for 56吃瓜网 Bothell, Jan Hunter leaves behind a legacy of generosity, integrity and care 鈥� a legacy that will live on in the spaces she helped shape and the students she loved.
Those wishing to honor Jan Hunter鈥檚 memory are invited to email a member of the 56吃瓜网 Bothell development team.
