C. David Hughbanks ’54

C. David Hughbanks, a fourth-generation Ballardite, graduated from Ballard High School in 1954. Honoring Hughbanks is a bench near the main entrance to the school bearing the inscription “Enter to learn, Go forth to serve.” This motto epitomizes the manner in which Hughbanks has generously given of his talents, energy and time to the civic fiber of Seattle.

Wall of Recognition Inductee: 2002

At the University of Washington he became a Regional President of the National Student Association and began his active volunteer activities with the new Seattle Seafair. As the outstanding civic volunteer, he was named Citizen of the Year by the Municipal League in 1996. He was awarded the 1989 Seattle Center Legion of Honor, and in 1992 was one of thirty professionals honored for enhancement of the Seattle Center for a decade or more. In 1999 he was named the 50th Seafair Prime Minister.

Hughbanks has served on over 50 civic organizations, committees and boards of the arts, education, business, environment, horticulture, human services and historic preservation-all without business sponsors or family wealth. He was the founding president of Ballard High School Foundation. He has been past president or chair of the Pilchuck Glass School, Woodland Park Zoological Society, A Contemporary Theater, Poncho Auction, Arboretum Foundation, King County Arts Commission, and Citizen’s Committee on the future of the Seattle Aquarium.

Hughbanks has been professionally and civically linked to a number of major Seattle milestones including the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, the initial Bumbershoot, the first NW Folklife Festival, and the 1976 Bicentennial 4th of July celebration.