In 2001, the Fred Hutchinson Business Alliance announced that the 2001 E. Donnall Thomas Medal of Achievement would be awarded to Dan and Nancy Evans.

The Thomas Medal of Achievement is named after E. Donnall Thomas, M.D., a founding member of the Hutchinson Center who in 1990 received the Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for his pioneering achievements in bone-marrow transplantation, which have saved thousands of lives.

The late Daniel J. Evans, served as both a U.S. Senator and three-term Governor of the State of Washington. The late Former First Lady Nancy Bell Evans worked tirelessly as a civic volunteer to bring energy, grace, and passion to public and nonprofit service.