In review
Thanks for the Memories
Every year, UWAA hosts hundreds of events and programs designed to bring our members and the UW community at-large together. December’s arrival on the calendar ushers in a crop of yearly retrospectives and best-of listings, and we’re as happy to join in on the fun.
The hard part? Narrowing down our list to ten favorites — in no particular order. Let us know if we missed any of your favorite UWAA moments. And in the meantime, thanks for being a part of our pack.
1. Huskies were heard. UW Impact, UWAA’s legislative advocacy program surveyed members to find out what issues mattered to them. At the top of the list: increasing access and affordability for Washington students and encouraging the state to prioritize investment in higher education. We’ve got our marching orders.
2. Inspiring numbers During 2016, UWAA partnered to present 50 public lectures, reaching more than 25,000 patrons. Interested in learning outside of the classroom? UW Alumni Tours guided more than 800 travelers to 50 tour destinations around the world. Our favorite feedback from both groups: please do more.
3. Warm welcomes Before picking up their diplomas, 2,000 graduating seniors from the Class of 2016 decided they needed a UWAA membership card in their wallets and joined.
4. Huskies@work Produced by UWAA, this new, one-day job shadowing program made networking easy and painless for undergrads. Launched in May and repeated in November, more than 300 students were paired with Seattle-area alumni for a-day-in-the-life glimpse at how local Huskies are putting their hard earned degrees to work. From Bertha to Microsoft, dentist offices to breweries, the experience earned rave reviews from alumni and students alike. Expect numbers to grow in Spring 2017.
5. NW flavor Equal parts mini-reunion, student send-off and salmon feast, UWAA hosted Northwest-inspired bbqs across the country, reaching nearly 600 alumni. East Coast or West Coast, this beloved summer tradition continues to keep Huskies connected no matter where they live.
6. A Block Party like no other We tried something new and organized a road trip-worthy arts festival in the Yakima Valley. The Mighty Tieton Block Party brought old and new friends together as they explored all this small town had to offer from installations and artist demonstrations to conversations and art-making. Anyone up for a return trip?
7. Hold your paddles high! Daniel James Brown’s wildly successful book “The Boys in the Boat,” chronicled the story of the UW men’s crew team that overcame monumental odds to win the gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Inspired by the story, PBS created an American Experience documentary, “The Boys of ‘36” that premiered this summer just in time for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. More than 1,000 UWAA life members and KCTS-9 supporters joined us at Meany Hall for a preview screening and panel discussion that featured legendary UW rowers and coaches.
8. For Washington, For the World On Friday, Oct. 21, UWAA members, alumni and friends were on campus to celebrate the launch of the University’s most expansive philanthropic campaign in history at Together. This spectacular multimedia experience shared UW’s storied past and promising future through light, sound and story. Watch a highlight video.
9. Homecoming happiness UWAA played a significant role in welcoming back alumni over the course of Homecoming weekend. We hosted the Class of 1966’s Reunion activities; partnered with OMAD to promote the annual MAP Breakfast; presented student scholarships to this year’s Homecoming Royalty, and produced everyone’s favorite fun run, Dawg Dash presented by Alaska Airlines.
10. Veteran’s appreciation We are honored to support the week-long series of multi-campus events designed to bring past and present UW veterans together. This year, UWAA presented its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Veteran Award to Gen. Peter Chiarelli, M.P.A. ’80, U.S. Army.
This list goes to eleven.
Last but certainly not least, we couldn’t let an annual round-up go by without reminding members about our award-winning Columns magazine. Delivered to 250,000+ homes each quarter and available online, UWAA’s signature publication is packed with in-depth articles, alumni profiles and information about upcoming events and programming open to the UW community. Stay connected and read your Columns!
