June 27, 2002
Corporations putting money into diversity
A benefit dinner at Chateau Ste. Michelle July 18 demonstrates growing corporate interest in promoting diversity in higher education.
The event features Linda Ronstadt and the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. Proceeds will support the Chateau Ste. Michelle Scholarship Fund, which helps outstanding minority students attend the University of Washington and Washington State University.
Intensified corporate involvement in promoting diversity at the UW began two years ago, when the first Costco Scholarship Fund Breakfast raised enough money to support 91 Diversity Scholarship offers to prospective UW students for the freshman class of 2001 — outstanding students from underrepresented minority groups. Of the 91, 73 accepted an offer to attend — a stunning 80 percent, nearly twice what would have been expected without the scholarship funds, officials say.
Last year, funds from the second Costco breakfast yielded scholarships for 70 prospective students — and 61 accepted those offers.
The Diversity Scholars Program was created to help the University achieve the goal of educating the full range of the state’s citizens. It is part of an intensive effort that includes: outreach and recruitment; admissions procedures that help the institution to create a student body with varied life experiences; and scholarships and financial aid that help recruit and support talented students.
The success of the breakfast fund-raisers and the scholarship program has set in motion a chain of events in the corporate community. Chateau Ste. Michelle has committed to an annual high-profile fund raising event to benefit the Diversity Scholars Program. In addition, Safeco is partnering with the Seattle Mariners to hold an event at Safeco Field in the coming academic year.
“The scholarship enables hard-working students to continue their education,” said Ted Baseler, president of Chateau Ste. Michele. “Our program helps students facing financial obstacles attain their dreams of higher education and in the process makes Washington State and America stronger.”
The Chateau Ste. Michelle event will be at the winery’s 87-acre estate in Woodinville with wine tasting and appetizers beginning at 5 p.m. Dinner is served at 6 p.m., followed by the concert in the winery’s outdoor amphitheater. Levels of sponsorship begin at $500.
“Two years ago, members of the Board of Regents felt it was time to take decisive action to demonstrate their sustained commitment to diversity,” President Richard L. McCormick said. “In authorizing the Diversity Scholars Program, they filled in a crucial missing piece in the UW’s efforts to enroll underrepresented minority students. The Regents have also found many creative ways to engage individually with the diversity effort. Their commitments stretch well beyond their formal responsibilities, and their enthusiasm is generating exciting new successes and significant new energy. We are grateful.”
For more information about the Chateau Ste. Michelle Scholarship event, contact Kelly Heitlauf at 425-415-3243 or kelly_heitlauf@stimson-lane.com, or visit www.ste-michelle.com.
