University of Washington President Mark Emmert has been singled out to receive the "2008 Community Hero Award" from the Northwest Dollars for Scholars organization.

Mark Emmert (PI photo/Dan Delong)

Emmert is receiving the award because of the UW's Husky Promise scholarship program, which allows low-income students to attend the university without paying tuition.

Here's a statement from Northwest Dollars for Scholars:

"Emmert has presided over the University of Washington since 2004 and has shown his commitment to access to higher education for all the state's citizens. Under his leadership last year the University established the Husky Promise program, guaranteeing qualified Washington state students from modest- and low-income families that they can attend the UW without paying any tuition. This fall, more than 5,500 students-about 20 percent of all undergraduates-are benefiting from the Husky Promise program."

Emmert will be officially honored at a "Light the Fire for Education" reception Thursday evening.