In review

Focus on fall quarter

UWAA plays a significant role in creating inclusive alumni communities that connect UW alumni of all ages with students from all backgrounds — be it a public lecture, sporting event, networking opportunity or arts experience. As you might expect, some of our most meaningful connections take place over the course of Homecoming weekend.

Once a Husky, always a Husky. Twenty-seven engaged Class of ’66 members donated their time, memories and energy as steering committee members for this year’s 50-Year Reunion, playing host to 119 classmates for a full weekend of campus activities.

One of the highlights? Introducing current student scholarship recipients to some of the alumni who have made their University experience possible. As Stephen Edde, a sophomore and pre-business major shared at the Reunion banquet: “I am a first generation college student. I am on my own paying for my education. The Class of 1966 Endowed Scholarship made a quality education attainable. I have had an incredible experience at the UW.”

Because of students like Stephen, the Class of 1966 decided to continue to support and grow the Endowed Scholarship Fund it created in honor of its 25-Year Reunion, with a dedicated fundraising campaign in honor of its 50-Year Reunion. As of November 17, 2016, more than 500 donors had contributed over $1.3 million dollars — further cementing the legacy of Husky generosity the Class of ’66 has personified.

Celebrating diversity and community. A Homecoming tradition for the last 22 years, UWAA once again collaborated with the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the Multicultural Alumni Partnership to present the annual Bridging the Gap Breakfast on Saturday, October 22.

A showcase to recognize alumni and students for their contributions and commitment to diversity in the community, this year’s Bridging the Gap Breakfast honored alumni U.S. Representative Jim McDermott, ’68; The Honorable Lloyd Hara, ’62, ’64; UW professor Lauro Flores; community leader Rev. Samuel B. McKinney and the Muckleshoot Indian Tribal Council. In addition, eight UW students were presented scholarship awards in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement, excellent community service and commitment to diversity. A full list of scholarship recipients and photos from the event can be seen here.

Seattle royalty. UWAA proudly presented six students representing the best of the Husky spirit with the 2016 Homecoming Scholarships. Standouts from an application pool of 123 students, this year’s Homecoming Court’s collective interests included everything from mentorship to philanthropy, Greek life to the performing arts.

In addition to public recognition of their accomplishments at W Day, students received the coveted “big check” at the Homecoming game. Scholarship monies are funded by UWAA membership dues and are just one of the many ways UWAA members give back to current students. Congratulations Homecoming Royalty Kevin Celutska and Allison Chan and Homecoming Court Ivyanne Smith, Josh Bean, Rajdeep Chokar and Aubrey Gower. Read more about them here.

Run with the pack. Homecoming weekend concluded with one of UWAA’s signature events, the annual Dawg Dash presented by Alaska Airlines. This year’s run was one for the record-books, with more than 4,000 alumni, students and friends participating in the 5K walk/run and 10K run through campus. With their registration, Dawg Dashers helped us raise over $25,000 for the University of Washington Alumni Association General Scholarship Fund.

Never forget. UWAA also plays an integral role in honoring the University’s veteran community. This year, we again offered our support in promoting the week-long series of multi-campus events designed to bring past and present UW veterans together.  As an organization, we take special pride in presenting the annual UW Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award. This year’s recipient, Gen. Peter Chiarelli, M.P.A. ’80, U.S. Army was recognized for his service to the country and his lifelong compassionate commitment to soldiers.