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In October of 2005, Teshome and his 35-member team were
part of the national immunization campaign that reached 16 million
children.
His dedication to the polio eradication effort
led “Time” magazine to honor him last November as one of 10 global health heroes at the Time Global Health Summit,which pulls
together public health experts and policy setters to address the world’s critical health issues.
Other humanitarian projects include arranging delivery of ambulances to
his home country, providing low-cost housing for the poor and
establishing micro-credit programs to help families become
self-sufficient. In 2004–05, he was one of the leaders of a
comprehensive plan to bring safe water to the most critical areas of
Ethiopia.
"As a student, Ezra was concerned about the human condition, and how he
could help to improve it," says Davidson Dodd,
who has been teaching at
Highline for 36 years and had Teshome in one of his political science
courses.
"He wasn’t grandiose about his
commitment. He was simply appreciative of his good fortune and hoped
that others could have the opportunities he had been blessed with."
"What is so impressive about Ezra is how positive he has stayed, and how active he continues to be. He is fueled by energy, compassion, and I
believe a strong religious faith."
Learn more about
Started in 1990, the
Distinguished Alumni Award honors former Highline students who have made
significant contributions through community service, noteworthy
professional achievement and/or recognized leadership. Former Seattle
Mayor Norm Rice, who attended Highline in 1968–69, was the first
recipient of the award. Last year’s winners were Larry Blackstock, a
local television industry veteran, and Maurice Sabado, a science and
technology pioneer.
If you need more information,
please email the Foundation at
foundation@highline.edu. | 
