Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe of Bothell was a recipient of the 2014 Legacy Award from the University of Washington Bothell on Monday.

“As a former school board member and a longtime senator, Rosemary has been a leader in education in Washington for over thirty years,” said Senate Democrats leader Sen. Sharon Nelson. “In that time, she has fought some tough fights and faced hard choices, but she always has done it with a kind heart and an open mind. I am happy to congratulate her on this well-deserved honor.”

McAuliffe has served in the state Senate for over 20 years, where she has been a champion of education reform and leading advocate for education funding. She has also been one of the Senate’s strongest leaders on increasing access to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for Washington’s students.

McAuliffe was instrumental in advocating for the opening of UW Bothell back in the early 1990s, as well as helping the University secure funding to open Discovery Hall in June – its first new building in a decade. The building will accommodate 1,000 students whose focus is STEM education.

McAuliffe is the ranking member on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee, and serves on the Higher Education Committee.

Other recipients of the 2014 Legacy Award are Snohomish County Deputy Executive Mark Ericks and Congressman Derek Kilmer. The ceremony will be held Saturday, May 17.