Inspired by the mission of the UW Center for Human Rights and its accomplishments under the leadership of Dr. Angelina Snodgrass Godoy, the Bill Ferris and Marsha Donaldson Human Rights Fund was established in 2025 to support students at the Center for Human Rights engaged in work related to refugees, immigrants, and internally displaced persons.

Marsha Donaldson and Bill Ferris. Photo credit/ Bill Ferris.

Bill and Marsha spent most of their professional lives at the University of Washington—and it is where their story together began, meeting on Bill’s first day of work in 1991. They married in 1994.

Bill’s 32-year career at UW included a series of leadership roles in finance and administration. After retiring in 2022, he continued his engagement with the University by serving on the Board of the UW Retirement Association.

Marsha’s UW career in administration began in 1990 and spanned 26 years. Through her work, she saw firsthand the profound and lasting impact scholarships have on both students and donors.

Together, Bill and Marsha are honored to support a fund that reflects the importance of the University of Washington in their lives, uplifts student scholarship, and embodies their shared commitment to human rights.

Candidates for this award are selected internally.