Ed Lazowska needs to clear more room in the trophy case.
The University of Washington professor emeritus — a longtime computer science educator, researcher and fixture in Seattle’s tech community — has been honored with the 2026 Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award, UW Magazine reported this week.
The recognition adds to a hefty list of accomplishments and accolades Lazowska has earned over a nearly five-decade run at the UW. Past honors include the Outstanding Public Service Award, the David B. Thorud Leadership Award and the CSE Undergraduate Teaching Award.
And not to be outdone, he was also Geek of the Year at the 2017 GeekWire Awards!
“University faculty have many roles, but first and foremost we’re educators,” Lazowska told GeekWire via email on Thursday. “Being recognized by alumni for long-term impact is the greatest imaginable honor.”
Among those offering praise for Lazowska in their award nominations were two Seattle tech veterans.
“I’ve watched in awe as Ed’s leadership transformed UW CSE into the powerhouse it is today,” Robert Short, a 1986 UW graduate and longtime Microsoft exec, said in his nomination of Lazowska, according to UW Magazine. “He provided the driving force and focus on attracting and growing the absolute best faculty and on creating enduring partnerships across the university and the region.”
“I am a better leader, engineer and Husky because of Ed’s impact in my life,” wrote nominator Patrick Jenny, a 1986 and 1991 grad who spent 18 years at F5 Networks.
Lazowska joined the UW faculty in 1977 and rose through the ranks to become the first Computer Science & Engineering faculty member elected to the National Academy of Engineering and the first fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
His research and teaching focused on the design, implementation and analysis of computing and communication systems as well as the techniques and technologies of data-intensive discovery.
Lazowska was the inaugural holder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Chair at the Paul G. Allen School of Comoputer Science & Engineering. He has served as a board member or technical advisor for a number of companies, venture firms, and tech-oriented civic organizations, currently including the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence (Ai2), Madrona Venture Group, and Pioneer Square Labs.
“When I joined the University of Washington, Microsoft was 12 kids in Albuquerque,” Lazowska said. “The Allen School and the region have come a long way since then, together. It’s been a great ride, and it’s going to continue — advances in computer science are central to the modern world, and education in computer science is essential for everyone.”
Previously: After 48 years at UW, Ed Lazowska reflects on computer science, education, AI, and what’s next
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