The College of Science honors the extraordinary legacy of Warren Washington (’58, ’60), a pioneering climate scientist and one of the university's most distinguished alumni. Washington, who passed away on October 18, 2025, earned degrees in physics and meteorology from Oregon State, laying the foundation for his groundbreaking career.
Washington was first inspired to pursue climate science as a student in the College of Science. Physics professor Fred Decker offered him a weekend job operating a weather radar on top of Marys Peak. This hands-on experience, combined with his education in physics, set the trajectory for Washington’s pioneering work in climate modeling and established the roots of his future achievements in climate science.
A key figure in the development of global climate models, Washington’s contributions revolutionized the field. In the 1960s, he and his team applied the fundamental laws of physics to create computer models that accurately simulated changes in the atmosphere, land and oceans. These models remain foundational to the study of atmospheric science and climate prediction today.
Throughout his career, Washington’s work had a global impact. He served as an advisor to five U.S. presidents, helping shape climate policy at the highest levels. In 2010, he was awarded the National Medal of Science by President Barack Obama, one of the highest honors in his field.
Washington spent his professional life at the National Center for Atmospheric Research, where he became a leading voice in climate science. His models were instrumental in the 2007 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report, which contributed to the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize that year. In recognition of his enduring impact, Washington was co-awarded the 2019 Tyler Prize for Environmental Achievement, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for the Environment,” alongside fellow climate expert Michael Mann.
Among his many accolades, the College of Science recognized him with the 2019 Lifetime Achievement in Science Award, honoring his profound influence on climate science and the distinction he brought to Oregon State University.
In 2020, Washington and his wife, Mary, established an endowed scholarship fund for students pursuing climate studies in the College of Science and the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.
Reflecting on his career, Washington often credited his education at Oregon State for providing him with the tools to succeed. His advice to future scientists was to "keep an open mind about opportunities" – a philosophy that led him to the forefront of climate science and solidified his place as a pioneer in the field.
Warren Washington's remarkable work and the scholarship he established for science students at OSU will continue to shape the future of climate science for many years.
