washington was named among ebony magazine's 100 most influential black americans in 1974, 1975 and 1976. he was named by the jackson daily news panel as one of the twelve most influential mississippians during the decade of the 70's. washington hosted president george w. bush as keynote speaker for alcorn's 118th commencement exercises in 1989. he received the man of the year award, the southern region outstanding achievement award, the distinguished educator's award, the distinguished service award, and the southern region leadership award from alpha phi alpha fraternity. he was also selected as man of the year in education in 1981 by total living for fifty plus.