Bruce Worthington has come up with a novel way to support Graceland. This 1988 GU graduate is a Principal Software Development Lead with software giant Microsoft. Like other high-tech firms, Microsoft rewards employees with bonuses for patents they develop for the company. This money, Bruce said, "is a benefit of working for a high-tech company." He also said it is money he does not expect at the beginning of each year.
So, he has started giving it to Graceland. This has been a banner year for him, with five patents filed so far in 2008. And, the great thing is that Microsoft matches his gift as part of a matching-gift program some companies participate in with Graceland. It is a unique (but not too unique) way Bruce can give back to his alma mater. "The thing is," he said, "there are a lot of people out there in my position, working for high-tech firms. I would like to challenge my peers, my friends and fellow alumni from Graceland, to consider this kind of giving opportunity."
Bruce, your friends at Graceland can't thank you enough for your thoughtful and creative generosity. We are proud to have such successful alumni who keep "the Hill" and our current students in mind when deciding where to share their good fortune. We will put your continuing gifts to good use, Bruce.
After Graceland, Bruce went on to earn his Masters and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. He has been with Microsoft for 10 years now. He works primarily with Microsoft Windows Server, striving to improve system throughout and make power consumption more efficient - "keeping performance up and power down," he said.
Bruce's wife, Janet (Ward) Worthington, a 1981 GU graduate, is a valued member of Graceland's Board of Trustees. She is retired after a 25-year career in Student Affairs Administration at the University of Washington, the University of Texas and the University of Michigan, as well as several other universities, including Graceland, where she began her career. Bruce and Janet live in Redmond, WA.
