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OMA&D Remembers Francisco “Frank” Irigon (’76, ’79)
September 17, 2024
Francisco “Frank” Irigon died Thursday, September 12, 2024, at age 77. He passed away surrounded by his family after living with long-term heart disease. Irigon had many identities. He was a family man, a husband, father and grandfather. He was a veteran, executive director, newspaper founder, community builder and political candidate. He will be remembered by many as an activist,…
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2024 Eastern Washington University Summer Bridge Program
September 14, 2024
September 12-13, 2024 In September, just before classes started at Eastern Washington University, the University of Washington’s GEAR UP RISE UP team of College Navigators traveled to Cheney, WA to join students in the Eastern Washington University Summer Bridge Program. This program allows students to move in early, make friends, meet faculty and staff, and get ready for college before…
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OMA&D Dedicates Room at Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center for the Late Dr. Gabriel E. Gallardo
August 27, 2024
Long-time leader at the UW and within OMA&D, Dr. Gabriel Gallardo passed away on May 11, 2020. On August 22, 2024, we honored his legacy by dedicating a room at the Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (Kelly ECC) in his name. The OMA&D community gathered in the early afternoon at the Kelly ECC for a reception before the dedication…
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GEAR UP Beyond: Launching A New Era of Post-Secondary Success
August 10, 2024
What is it? GEAR UP Achievers launches GEAR UP Beyond, our extended support program designed to guide students after they graduate from high school. Whether a student is starting college this Fall, starting a career, or taking a gap year, we want to ensure that everyone can receive the support they need! In order for students to stay connected, they…
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Thank You – Your Support Made a Difference
May 16, 2024
Last night was an incredible evening! It was wonderful to be in community with so many, and to see in real-time the number of people who made a choice to support OMA&D and our Educational Opportunity Program students through giving. As I said last night, your presence was a welcome reminder that we are not alone in our work.…
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OMA&D Remembers Eddie Ray Walker
January 26, 2024
Eddie Ray Walker passed away on Monday, December 4, 2023. As a lifelong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, especially in relation to Black-centered art and Black artists, Walker has left an indelible mark on the University of Washington. His actions as a student and throughout his life have helped shape the experience of thousands of OMA&D students over…
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Suquamish Tribe Chairman Leonard Forsman to Receive Charles E. Odegaard Award
January 9, 2024
The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has announced Suquamish Tribe Chairman and UW Regent, the Honorable Leonard Forsman ’87, as the next recipient of the Charles E. Odegaard Award. As a long-time advocate for Native rights and civil rights, and the first American Indian appointed to the University of Washington Board of Regents, Forsman will receive…
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Mariama Suwaneh to Receive the Inaugural Spark Award
January 9, 2024
The University of Washington Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity has announced Mariama Suwaneh, ’17, as the inaugural recipient of the OMA&D Spark Award. As an actively engaged student at the UW and an avid community builder since graduation, Suwaneh embodies the diversity, equity and inclusion leadership that inspires young changemakers and exemplifies the spirit of the Charles E. Odegaard award.…
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Taking Back the Dinner: A Celebration of Native Cultures
December 15, 2023
Tuesday, November 21, 2023 was the annual Taking Back the Dinner – a celebration of Native cultures, an opportunity to raise awareness about issues affecting the Native community, and an event to honor rich Native customs and traditions. Organized by First Nations @UW, an undergraduate intertribal registered student organization, the event centered on a deep commitment to community education and…
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Remembering the Legacy of E.J. Brisker
November 15, 2023
Emanual J. (EJ) Brisker Jr., ’70, passed away on September 21, 2023, at the age of 80. The Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity and the University of Washington owe Brisker a debt of gratitude for his activism as a student, and beyond, that led to the establishment of OMA&D and laid the foundation for many of our access programs…