The SMILE program (Science and Math Investigative Learning Experiences) was created at OSU in 1988. SMILE seeks to promote interest in the STEM fields among Oregon's minority and under-served youth, and to encourage these students to attend college, by involving them in science- and math-based extracurricular activities.
Washington, who is from Portland, received a B.S. in physics (1958) and an M.S. degrees in meteorology (1960) from Oregon State. He has spent his entire career at NCAR; through his work there, Washington has become an internationally renowned climate scientist focusing on climate modeling. He was awarded the National Medal of Science in 2010, has served as chair of the National Science Board, and received an honorary doctorate from OSU in 2006. He was also that year’s commencement speaker.