Husky 509
509 Round Up
A quick review of Central and Eastern Washington activities
Spotlight on research. On April 9, Dr. Christine MacDonald spoke in Spokane about the long-term mental effects of short-term brain injuries. Many news stories have reported on the increasing rate of suicide among military veterans and high-school, collegiate and professional athletes. Over the past decade, researchers have been focusing on the links between mental health, PTSD and traumatic brain injury.
Dr. MacDonald, associate professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery, the James and Gaye Pigott Endowed Chair at the UW School of Medicine and research director of the Sports Institute at UW Medicine, is an expert in advanced MRI method and the application of these imaging methods to concussions and traumatic brain injury. Over the course of her lecture, Dr. MacDonald shared how her research has provided further insight into changes in the brain following injury. This event was presented by the UW School of Medicine and Gonzaga University as part of the continuing Next Generation Medicine lecture series. Missed the lecture? You can watch it online.
The perfect weekend getaway. Over 100 Huskies from across the state traveled to Walla Walla April 26–27 for the UWAA’s Walla Walla Wine Weekend. The weekend kicked off Friday evening with a wine reception in the historic Gesa Power House Theatre and guest remarks from UW School of Pharmacy Dean Sean D. Sullivan and former Miami Dolphin Damon Huard, ’95, who partnered with teammate Dan Marino to create Passing Time Winery.
The culinary fun continued Saturday with a regional wine tour that included tastings at Husky-owned and operated tasting rooms. Many thanks to Browne Family Vineyards, Cardaretta Wine, Dunham Cellars, Elephant Seven Winery, Otis Kenyon Wine, Passing Time Winery, Seven Hills Winery, Spring Valley Vineyard and Tempus Cellars for hosting all of our thirsty Dawgs!
Husky for Life! On May 9, (5/09) the UW Alumni Association celebrated its second annual 509 Day. Emails and social media encouraged alumni and friends east of the Cascades to claim their purple pride. More than 800 UW fans signed up to receive a retro-inspired UW banner — destined to land in homes in early June.
In addition, more than 100 Huskies gathered at one of three Husky Socials planned for the day in Spokane, Yakima and the Tri-Cities. These casual happy hours began at 5:09 (naturally) and were full of food, drink and Husky hospitality — even inflatable Airy made an appearance! Many thanks to the UW Spokane Center staff; Karen Sullivan, ‘78, ’87 and Fourth Base Pizza & Sports Bar; and the crew at Bale Breaker Brewing Co., as well as Voice of the Huskies, Tony Castricone for lending their support for our new favorite holiday. Plans are already underway for next year’s celebrations.
Welcome to the pack. For the second year in a row, newly accepted students in the 509 region were encouraged to share their excitement about becoming Dawgs by displaying a New Husky, #UWFamily yard sign. Know a new Husky who didn’t receive a sign? Contact Stephanie Fleisher at smf186@uw.edu.
