year in review
Best of 2017
As 2017 comes to a close, we wanted to pause for a moment and share some of our favorite UW Alumni Association memories — from fun on the field to learning in the classroom and everything in between. Thanks for being a part of our pack!
The Cole Role Model. UWAA named former Husky Marching Band director Bill Cole the first recipient of the Distinguished Teaching Legacy Award in recognition of his profound influence and inspiration on students — long after they left the classroom.
Old school meets new school. Three thousand UW students signed up for business cards, courtesy of the UW Alumni Association. Perfect for UW students navigating the job search process, UWAA business cards made networking easier and were the ideal complement to our job-shadowing program Huskies@Work.
Get your cheer on! Enthusiastic alumni fans joined us in rooting on the Huskies, as well as those “other” local teams, the Mariners and Sounders. And for the second year in a row, the Alaska Airlines Dawg Dash broke attendance records as 4,300 runners braved the brisk winds and early morning start to join us for this fall classic in support of student scholarships.
The more you know. UWAA was proud to partner across all three UW campuses to present more than 50 public lectures. One of our favorites? FOOD: Four Short Talks tapped into our UW talent and provided an insider’s look at the powerful connections created through food.
Paper or digital? Whether you prefer to peruse the magazine delivered to your door or catch up on the latest in its new digital format, Columns Magazine continued to inform, inspire, delight and (occasionally) ignite its loyal readers.
All ages access. 2017 saw an increase in family-friendly programming with our annual Husky Pups Run, movie screenings, family day with the Gym Dawgs, Husky Zoo Day and cultural activities like behind-the-scenes tours at the Pacific Science Center and Seattle Art Museum. We even hosted a college search workshop to help alumni with students in high school navigate that often daunting process! Whatever stage of life you’re in, UWAA has you covered.
1,000. Our new favorite number. When just walking out your front door feels like an act of courage, it’s time for an adventure. That’s why we’re thrilled and proud that so many of our UW Alumni Tours travelers ventured out to see the world. With more than 1,000 reservations to over 53 different excursions, 2017 has been one for the record books.
Have salmon, will host. Equal parts mini-reunion, student send-off and salmon feast, the UWAA hosted Northwest-inspired bbqs across the country, reaching nearly 600 alumni. East Coast or West Coast, this beloved summer tradition keeps Huskies connected no matter where they live.
No whining allowed. Huskies took over Walla Walla for one weekend in the spring. The UWAA’s Walla Walla Wine Weekend painted the town purple and gold, with a Friday night wine reception followed by Saturday tastings at nine wineries — all of which boasted a UW connection.
GOLD Guides to Life. This seminar series dared to teach recent graduates some of the life skills that might have gotten overlooked in the quest for the diploma. Less lecture hall, more a night out with friends, inaugural offerings included interactive classes on networking, budgeting, cooking and beer. Next up — how to tackle taxes.
