Alice Rooney ’43

After graduating from Ballard High, Alice Rooney majored in English/Creative Writing at the University of Washington. Her major served her well in her early career as a radio station copy writer and subsequently as an editor and publisher of newsletters for various agencies. But Rooney is best known for her energetic support of the arts as both a professional and a volunteer.

From 1960-1980 Rooney was the Executive Director of Allied Arts of Seattle and the Allied Arts Foundation. Under her leadership as Director, Allied Arts established the Northwest Writers’ Conference, the Seattle Repertory Theatre and 1 percent for Arts ordinance in Seattle. The organization also lobbied for the preservation of Pike Place Market and other historic buildings such as the Olympic Hotel, and was responsible for the creation of Occidental Park in Pioneer Square.

Rooney was also the first director of the Washington State Arts Commission from 1965-1967. After leaving Allied Arts, she served, from 1980-1990, as Director of the Pilchuck Glass School, one of the premier glass arts schools in the country. She also was a member of the King County Arts Commission from 1983-1988.

Rooney most recently served as Executive Director of the Glass Arts Society from 1990-1996, and on the Boards of the Ballard High School Foundation, Pratt Fine Arts Center and Allied Arts.

In recognition of her dedicated service, Rooney received numerous awards, including: Lifetime Achievement Award, Glass Arts Society; Cultural Achievement Award, King County Arts Commission; and Women of Achievement—-, Women in Communications Matrix Table.

Rooney was instrumental as co-chair of the Visual Arts Committee for the Ballard High School Foundation, and in securing a fine collection of artwork for Ballard High School.

Rooney passed away in March 2019.