On Jul. 18, 2006, the Fred Hutchinson Business Alliance announced that the E. Donnall Thomas Medal of Achievement would be awarded to Alaska Airlines.

Since its inception in 1995, the Thomas Award built upon on a tradition of collaboration between local and regional business leaders and the Hutchinson Center. Business leadership helps the Hutchinson Center reach beyond its immediate support network by creating connections between the Center and business communities throughout the Northwest and the world.

The Thomas Medal honors those who have dedicated their lives to excellence. It is presented each year by Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center to a local business or leader distinguished by the kind of inspirational vision, dedication and leadership for which E. Donnall Thomas, M.D., is renowned. Thomas, won the 1990 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine for his pioneering work in bone-marrow transplantation.