Nobel Prize winner and Husky alumna Mary E. Brunkow to address graduates at UW’s 151st Commencement
Our take
Graduates of the University of Washington, you are in for an inspiring address at the 151st Commencement on Saturday, June 13, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium. This year, we are honored to welcome Mary E. Brunkow, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of ’83 and a recent recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. Brunkow’s groundbreaking research has made significant contributions to our understanding of human health, and her journey from the halls of UW to international acclaim serves as a powerful testament to the impact of education and perseverance. As you prepare to step into a world filled with opportunities and challenges, Brunkow's insights will remind you of the importance of curiosity, community, and resilience. Her story exemplifies what it means to be a Husky—pursuing knowledge with passion while contributing meaningfully to society. In addition to celebrating the accomplishments of the graduating class, this Commencement will highlight the spirit of collaboration and support that defines the UW community. For those interested in learning more about the evolving landscape of our university and its athletic programs, don't miss our article on the upcoming Big Ten matchups for the Washington Huskies men’s basketball team. Prepare to be inspired by Mary E. Brunkow, a true embodiment of the values we cherish at the University of Washington. Your future awaits, and her words may very well light the path ahead.
As the University of Washington prepares to celebrate its 151st Commencement on June 13, the choice of Mary E. Brunkow as the keynote speaker is a momentous occasion for graduates and the broader academic community. Brunkow, a distinguished alumna from the Class of '83 and a recent co-recipient of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, exemplifies what it means to be a successful Husky. Her journey from the university halls to the global stage of scientific achievement serves as an inspiring reminder of the potential that resides within each graduate. In a time when the world grapples with pressing challenges, her presence at the ceremony underscores the critical intersection of education, innovation, and societal impact.
Brunkow's accomplishments are not just a point of pride for the UW community; they resonate with the aspirations of current students who are seeking to carve their own paths in an increasingly complex world. The significance of her address lies in its potential to inspire graduates to view their education as a launchpad for meaningful contributions to society. As students navigate the uncertainties of life after graduation, they can take solace in Brunkow's story, which emphasizes the importance of perseverance, curiosity, and the courage to tackle ambitious goals. This message is particularly relevant in the context of discussions surrounding the future of education and workforce development, as highlighted in articles like Washington Huskies men learn home and away Big Ten opponents and Foes of WA high-earners income tax launch repeal initiative, which explore how institutions and policy shape our collective future.
Moreover, Brunkow's achievements serve as a powerful reminder of the value of community and collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge. Her journey reflects the essence of what it means to be a Husky—one who is not only committed to personal success but also to uplifting others in the process. As graduates step into their next chapters, they will be faced with opportunities to make a difference, whether through innovation, community engagement, or advocacy. This spirit of collective upliftment is essential, especially as graduates enter industries that demand adaptability and resilience. Brunkow's story encourages graduates to forge connections and collaborate with their peers, ultimately enriching their own experiences and those of others.
As UW graduates listen to Brunkow’s address, they should also consider the broader implications of her work and the fields of study she represents. The advancements in physiology and medicine are not just about scientific breakthroughs; they reflect a commitment to improving lives and addressing global health challenges. This perspective is especially pertinent in today's world, where public health, environmental sustainability, and social equity are increasingly at the forefront of national discourse. Graduates are entering a landscape marked by rapid change, and they have the potential to influence these critical areas through their careers and initiatives.
Looking ahead, the question remains: how can today's graduates harness the inspiration from figures like Brunkow to effect real change in their communities and beyond? As they prepare to step into a world filled with both challenges and opportunities, the lessons gleaned from her journey will undoubtedly serve as a guiding light. The true measure of success may not only be in individual accomplishments but in the collective impact they create as they carry the Husky spirit into the future. With Brunkow as a beacon of possibility, it’s clear that the path forward is bright, and the potential for meaningful change is within reach.
Graduates at the University of Washington’s 151st Commencement, scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium, will hear from Mary E. Brunkow, Class of ’83, who shared the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
Brunkow, who studied molecular and cellular biology at the UW, won the Nobel Prize for “groundbreaking discoveries concerning peripheral immune tolerance that prevents the immune system from harming the body.” Brunkow said she plans to inspire graduates to pursue innovations and discoveries that will make an impact around the world.
“I’m honored to be addressing the Class of 2026 at the University of Washington, the place where I discovered the joy of asking hard questions in a community that believes in possibility,” Brunkow said. “At the UW, mentors opened lab doors, curiosity was encouraged and persistence was taught by example. I look forward to celebrating and encouraging the next generation of explorers, creators and changemakers at the institution that sparked my own sense of what a life in science — and service — could be.”
Brunkow shares the Nobel Prize with Frederick J. Ramsdell and Shimon Sakaguchi for their combined research into how the immune system works. Brunkow and Ramsdell conducted research together at Celltech Chiroscience, formerly Darwin Molecular, in Bothell, Washington. They identified a mutation in a gene called Foxp3, which makes mice susceptible to a systemic autoimmune disorder and is manifested by a visible skin condition. Mutations in the human equivalent of the Foxp3 gene are also responsible for IPEX syndrome, which has symptoms including intestinal problems, diabetes and scaly, itchy skin.
Later, Sakaguchi described the role of the wild-type Foxp3 gene in the development of certain white blood cells known as regulatory T cells. These cells, which Sakaguchi discovered, keep other T cells from mistakenly attacking normal tissues. Regulatory T cells also call a ceasefire once the body gets an infection under control.
Together, these discoveries led researchers to develop a concept called “peripheral immune tolerance,” through which the body keeps the immune system in check by avoiding autoimmune responses that can damage healthy tissues. The research field based on this concept holds promise in advancing therapies for cancers and autoimmune diseases, and improving treatments to reduce transplant rejection.
“Mary Brunkow’s groundbreaking work reflects the power of curiosity, persistence and discovery to improve lives around the world,” said UW President Robert J. Jones. “We are proud to count her among the University of Washington’s distinguished alumni and honored to welcome her back to inspire the Class of 2026 as they begin their own journeys of service, leadership and innovation.”
Brunkow is currently a distinguished investigator and senior program manager at the Institute for Systems Biology in Seattle. After graduating from the UW, she went on to earn her doctoral degree from Princeton University in 1991. In addition to being the featured speaker at Commencement, Brunkow also will receive the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award, the highest honor bestowed upon a UW graduate.
Contact Jackson Holtz at jjholtz@uw.edu for more information or to arrange an interview with Brunkow.
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