Seattle University Announces 2027 Alumni Award Winners and Athletics Hall of Fame Inductees

Seattle University has named its 2027 Alumni Award winners, recognizing a group of graduates for their leadership and service across diverse fields ranging from professional baseball to healthcare equity.

The university announced the recipients, which include new inductees into the Athletics Hall of Fame, as part of its annual tradition of honoring alumni who align with Jesuit values. These individuals will be celebrated at the 40th Annual Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, February 26, 2027, at the Pigott Atrium and Auditorium, Seattle University reported.

The honors span several categories of achievement, highlighting the university’s impact on both the local Seattle community and the global professional landscape. The selection process identified leaders in business, theology, nursing, and athletics, reflecting a broad spectrum of institutional influence.

Leadership in service and education

Ruth Tressel, ’84, has been named Alumna of the Year for her lifelong commitment to the university’s mission. A graduate of Harvard Law and the school’s first Truman Scholar, Tressel has focused much of her career on expanding educational opportunities for underserved students through organizations like Rainier Scholars and University Prep.

Her service to the institution includes 11 years on the Board of Regents and a concluding term on the Board of Trustees this year. Tressel has also provided advisory support to the Sundborg Center for Community Engagement and various academic boards.

“First and foremost, Ruth Tressel cares deeply about people. She sees education as a major tool for helping people improve their lives and giving them the tools to likewise help others. You see her caring and her heart through both her actions and longstanding dedication,” one of Tressel’s nominators said. Trustees. One

In the realm of professional achievement, James (Jim) Lyons, ’80, ’95 MPA, is receiving recognition for a 41-year career in higher education. Lyons, who will conclude his career in January, spent 39 of those years within Catholic institutions, including Seattle University, the University of Portland, and Santa Clara University.

During his 12 years of leadership at Santa Clara, Lyons oversaw a significant expansion in university fundraising, which grew from approximately $34 million to $100 million. He also led the $1 billion Innovating with a Mission campaign and secured $280 million in financial aid and scholarships.

Tamica Gant advocates for underserved populations through Abundance Health LLC

The Community Service Award goes to Tamica Gant, ’15, a registered nurse who has spent a decade advocating for underserved populations. Gant founded Abundance Health LLC, a private-duty nursing company that provides culturally responsive care throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Her company holds three contracts with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to support private-duty nursing and assistance with WA Cares applications. Gant also leads the BIPOC Health and Wellness Fair to connect individuals with essential health screenings.

Mirya Muñoz-Roach, ’07, received the Jesuit Mission Award for her work with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Seattle/King County, where she serves as CEO and Executive Director. She was also instrumental in founding Centro Rendu, a program supporting Latino immigrant families.

Muñoz-Roach’s work reaches more than 1,700 individuals annually through Centro Rendu and thousands more through the broader Society of St. Vincent de Paul. In 2025, she was honored with the papal Pro Ecclesia et Pontifices medal for her two decades of service to low-income communities.

Success in business and athletics

The university also recognized recent professional milestones and athletic excellence. Iram Jafry, ’17 MBA, was named Outstanding Recent Alumna for her work in the artificial intelligence sector. Jafry is currently building an AI operating system at AI Finder, aimed at helping organizations govern AI responsibly.

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Richard Wood, ’99, received the University Service Award for his role in developing the Redhawk Fund. Under his guidance, the student-managed investment fund grew from $250,000 to $1.6 million in assets. Wood serves as the chair of the Albers Finance Department Advisory Board and is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of First Hill Partners.

The Athletics Hall of Fame welcomes two new members: Janson Junk and Alexis Montgomery, ’18. Junk, a former Redhawks pitcher, reached the major leagues in 2021 and currently serves as a starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins.

“Janson entered the Redhawks program in 2014 as a local walk‑on pitching prospect. Over three years he developed at an impressive pace, transforming himself into a legitimate professional prospect,” said Mike Gibson, ’79, a Seattle University Hall of Famer.

Montgomery’s athletic career is marked by her leadership during the 2017-18 season, when she helped the women’s basketball team reach its first NCAA Tournament appearance. She ranks among the top players in program history for points, rebounds, and assists.

“Alexis Montgomery is one of the premier players to ever suit up for the Seattle University women’s basketball program,” said Sue Verduin, ’83, a Seattle University Hall of Famer.

The 2027 award recipients represent a cross-section of the university’s alumni network, from professional sports to specialized healthcare and academic administration.