Jim Hinz | In-state Trustee
Class of 1975, Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration
Why I Serve
I was born and raised in Spokane and became the first person in my family to earn a university degree. I greatly benefited from mentors who provided guidance and the extra boost I needed.
Support came from many and sometimes unexpected sources. During my senior year, Tom Foley, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives and a Spokane native, visited my high school. He was a UW alumnus and connected with me upon learning about my UW aspirations. He offered to write me a letter of recommendation, which arrived in the mail shortly thereafter.
I appreciate how he assisted my UW acceptance and the example he set of how much one person can positively impact others. That contributes to my enduring dedication to mentoring younger people.
As I pursued a degree in business administration at the UW, I worked for my dad during the summers. It was a perfect blend of classroom learning and hands-on implementation. I personally understand the benefit of real-world experience and want to ensure today’s students have similar opportunities.
I have volunteered with UWAA’s Spokane Center for over 20 years. For a long time, it was just a handful of us meeting casually, divvying up phone lists, and calling alumni. Now, there is a formal office, social media campaigns, and staffing. Our passion remains the same, though.
As a Trustee, I want to focus on reaching recent graduates. They often feel too busy, but I believe it is possible to create accessible pathways for everyone to participate.
