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  • EOP Alumnae Lauren J. King (Muscogee) Selected as Judge, U.S. District Court, Western Washington

    November 4, 2024

    OMA&D Congratulates EOP Alumnae Lauren J. King (Muscogee) on her selection as a federal judge to the U.S. District Court, Western Washington. Judge King is the first Native American appointed to the court in Washington state, and only one of four American Indian federal judges in the country. Read more about her selection from the Washington State Bar Association. King…

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  • Washington MESA Day

    October 21, 2024

    Per our mission, Washington MESA provides enrichment and access to students across the state to increase representation of historically under-represented students of color and women in STEM fields. Over the course of a year, students from current MESA programs participate in fun, hands-on learning activities and mini-projects in pairs or small groups—all gearing up for a day of competition with…

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  • UW GEAR UP Programs Celebrated National GEAR UP Week

    September 30, 2024

    The GEAR UP Achievers & GEAR UP RISE UP programs announced their participation in National GEAR UP Week 2024 from September 23rd – 29th. This week commemorated the continuing success of Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP), a college access program providing students and families the support and resources they need for college success. This year…

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  • OMA&D Remembers Francisco “Frank” Irigon (’76, ’79)

    September 17, 2024

    Francisco “Frank” Irigon died Thursday, September 12, 2024, at age 77. He passed away surrounded by his family after living with long-term heart disease. Irigon had many identities. He was a family man, a husband, father and grandfather. He was a veteran, executive director, newspaper founder, community builder and political candidate. He will be remembered by many as an activist,…

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  • GEAR UP Beyond: Launching A New Era of Post-Secondary Success

    August 10, 2024

    What is it? GEAR UP Achievers launches GEAR UP Beyond, our extended support program designed to guide students after they graduate from high school. Whether a student is starting college this Fall, starting a career, or taking a gap year, we want to ensure that everyone can receive the support they need! In order for students to stay connected, they…

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  • Thank You – Your Support Made a Difference

    May 16, 2024

      Last night was an incredible evening! It was wonderful to be in community with so many, and to see in real-time the number of people who made a choice to support OMA&D and our Educational Opportunity Program students through giving. As I said last night, your presence was a welcome reminder that we are not alone in our work.…

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  • OMA&D Remembers Eddie Ray Walker

    January 26, 2024

    Eddie Walker

      Eddie Ray Walker passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. As a lifelong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in relation to Black-centered art and Black artists, Walker has left an indelible mark on the University of Washington. His actions as a student and throughout his life have helped shape the experience of thousands of OMA&D students over…

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  • Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman to Receive Charles E. Odegaard Award

    January 9, 2024

    The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has announced Suquamish Tribe Chairman and UW Regent, the Honorable Leonard Forsman ’87, as the next recipient of the Charles E. Odegaard Award. As a long-time advocate for Native rights and civil rights, and the first American Indian appointed to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Forsman will receive…

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  • Mariama Suwaneh to Receive the Inaugural Spark Award

    January 9, 2024

    The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has announced Mariama Suwaneh, ’17, as the inaugural recipient of the OMA&D Spark Award. As an actively engaged student at the UW and an avid community builder since graduation, Suwaneh embodies the diversity, equity and inclusion leadership that inspires young changemakers and exemplifies the spirit of the Charles E. Odegaard award.…

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  • Taking Back the Dinner: A Celebration of Native Cultures

    December 15, 2023

    Tuesday, November 21, 2023 was the annual Taking Back the Dinner – a celebration of Native cultures, an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting the Native community, and an event to honor rich Native customs and traditions. Organized by First Nations @UW, an undergraduate intertribal registered student organization, the event centered on a deep commitment to community education and…

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