June 10, 2020
Inspiring messages for the class of 2020
Students gather for the 2019 Husky Experience event hosted by UW Recreation.
The autumn 2019 Intramural flag football champs are all smiles on the turf.
UW Recreation employs over 400 students from all different backgrounds, majors, and levels of job experience in a normal year. These students serve at our front desk welcoming guests, they lifeguard at our pools, referee our intramural games, check out equipment, help us to create marketing materials, and so much more. We depend on them as valued employees every single day.
So it is bittersweet that we reach the end of 2020 and bid some of them farewell. Though we can’t be together in person, we want to take a moment to thank our 64 graduating seniors for all their incredible contributions. Thank you, if you’re reading this. Whether you’ve worked with us for months or years, we are grateful for all that you’ve done to help us to succeed, now and always. You’re special, appreciated, and we couldn’t do it without you.
And, we’d like to wish those seniors who’ve participated in our programming (and those who haven’t!) the very best. Some of our staff have written messages we hope you find inspiring; please find them below along with lists celebrating those student employees that will be graduating.
Administration
Max
Paddles at the ready, students gather on the dock of the Waterfront Activities Center.
“Congratulations certainly are in order for our graduating student staff in Recreation, but that word is not nearly sufficient in light of all that’s happened over the past few months: an abrupt switch to remote academics, an even more abrupt stop to employment opportunities with our department, and a long overdue push to address issues of racism and injustice in society. That’s a lot to handle, and you did it well, and we appreciate you. There really is hope for the future. Congrats to the class of 2020! Mush Huskies!” – Matt Newman, director
Aquatics
Aaliyah, Alyssa, Audrey, Braden, Cooper, Jessica, Jordon, Kera, & Sarah
Students pose during log rolling, a regular part of our Friday Night Activities series.
“What defines us as individuals is not the events that we get to do, but how we handle and define those events. 2020 so far has been a year of adversity and one of great change. I wish I could see you all walk across the UW stage, as I am sure you all do, but I am still proud of our seniors, because they are walking across not just any stage but Life’s great stage. The strength you showed by still following your dreams and earning your degree even with all that is happening is what is important and what will be remembered. Strength and determination is what I hope you take away from your time with us here at UW. That strength, determination and perseverance is what I know you will use to make an impact in this world and make our communities better.” – Joshua Yeager Deekins, aquatics and safety manager
Climbing
Erica, Mick, & Remy
Players congratulate each other this fall after a game of intramural volleyball.
“We are so proud of all of our graduating seniors and I can’t wait to see the heights to which the climb even outside of Crags Climbing Center! Stay in touch, and thank you all for your energy, passion, and positive impact!” – Nathan Page, climbing & wilderness medicine program manager
CIA/Operations
Adely, Assa, Becca, Chisom, Corina, Elizabeth, Forrest, Gol-Dann, Harpreet, Isabelle, Jeffrey, Joseph, Katie, Marcus, Matt, Mikelle, Mikey, Morea, Nick, Owen, Tyler, Yoon, & Zuley
“Operations team, congratulations on graduating! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication. Never stop learning and chase your dreams!” – Chad Yarbrough, operations manager
Creative Team
Alex, Aria, Jeet, Juancho, & Sunya
A student nuzzles up to a pooch at our December De-stress with Dogs event.
“Thank you to my team’s seniors for all their hard work and boundless creativity. Each of you has contributed so much to our department in your own unique way. I wish you much success, and remember, you are without question, ROCK STARS!” – Robin Brooks, manager of marketing and communications
Field Programs and Trips
Alexandra, Jaime, & Kera
Gear Garage
Abby
Golf Range
Albert, Amber, Dan, Joshua, Nathan, & Taylor
Intramurals
A table tennis player focuses on the ball while playing from a wheelchair as a part of our Rec Clubs.
Alam, Ethan, Kaylee, Matt, & Sarah
Mindfulness, Yoga & Meditation
Brittany & Hilton
“Thanks for all of the amazing work and dedication you have all put forth. These are new times that everyone is navigating, stay present, believe in yourself, do the small things that make a huge amount of difference, and trust that you can line up with your dreams and cultivate creativity, health, vitality, and wellness in your life!” – Danny Arguetty, mindfulness manager
Waterfront Activities Center
Austin, Gabe, Joey, Shawn, Zach, & Zach
“Best of luck to all of the graduating seniors! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to UW. Keep your head up and always keep moving forward regardless of the circumstances and difficulties you may face. Go huskies!” – Jeff Palmer, fitness manager
