Poet, scholar, friend

Lamberton recognized for commitment to service in the Walla Walla Valley

Dan Lamberton, Humanities Program director and professor of English at Walla Walla University, was awarded the 2018 WWU Community Service Award at the 136th annual Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet in December.

The annual award recognizes the outstanding character of WWU faculty for their generosity in service and is presented during a community-wide celebration of the commitment to service of individuals throughout the Walla Walla Valley, including honorees from WWU, Walla Walla Community College, Whitman College, and other local organizations.

Lamberton is known by many in the community for his activities that encourage reading and intellectual reflection. He is a published author and poet and a frequent presenter at academic conferences and workshops. He has served three times on the Washington State Poet Laureate selection committee and twice as a University of Idaho master of fine arts defense panelist. Last year he received the WWU Presidential Award for Excellence in Teaching.

He has served 11 years in various capacities with Humanities Washington, an organization devoted to sparking conversation and critical thinking in communities across the state. He has been a member of the advisory board for Poetry Northwest and is a faculty member with the Red Badge Project at the Walla Walla Public Library, supporting their work to help veterans process their experiences by writing.

As a valued member of the WWU faculty since 1981, Lamberton has been instrumental in bringing several renowned writers to the Walla Walla Valley. He sponsors the WWU student writing publication, The Gadfly, coordinates humanities events, is the Fulbright Program advisor, and has served on a variety of committees.

“We are very fortunate that Dan invests so much of his time and energy in improving our intellectual lives,” said John McVay, WWU president. “He is an enjoyable person and a good friend to many of us. For all that he is and does, we are proud to recognize him with this award.”

Posted Feb. 26, 2019

Photo of Dan Lamberton teaching in the classroom.
Dan Lamberton is a professor of English at Walla Walla University.