Sen. Rosemary McAuliffe, D-Bothell, has been awarded the 2014 Legacy Award from the University of Washington in Bothell.

McAuliffe will receive the award for being instrumental in advocating for the opening of UW Bothell, back in the early 1990’s, and for her continued support of the institution throughout her legislative career. Most recently, McAuliffe advocated for and secured funding to develop Discovery Hall, a new Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) building. Discovery Hall which opens in June will accommodate 1,000 additional students and it will be the first building to be constructed at the Bothell campus in more than 10 years.

“STEM education opportunities lead to high-demand jobs that are increasingly necessary in the 21st century and provide family wage positions that are already becoming available in Washington State,” McAuliffe said.

The ranking member on the Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee and a member of the Higher Education Committee, McAuliffe has been a lifelong advocate for STEM and hands-on learning experiences.

“Discovery Hall will provide opportunities for a whole new generation of students to work on creative and innovative projects that impact the state of Washington and beyond,” McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe will be presented with the Legacy Award at a special ceremony May 17. Other recipients of the 2014 Legacy Award are Snohomish County Deputy Executive Mark Ericks and Congressman Derek Kilmer.

“It has been a privilege to watch this campus grow and thrive over the past 24 years,” McAuliffe said.