The start of every academic year at the University of Washington is unique and exciting in its own way, but in all of our University’s 160-year history, we have never had an autumn quarter like this one. I expect we are all feeling a mixture of both anxiety and excitement about the transition back to shared spaces and experiences.
Presidential Blog
Twenty years after 9/11, let’s keep finding strength in each other
What we learned from 9/11 – to be guided not by fear, but by knowledge and understanding, and that we are stronger together – will forever be a part of who we are, and how we can choose to respond when the unimaginable occurs.
The benefits – and safety – of in-person learning and working
Guest blogger Hilary Godwin, Dean of the School of Public Health, provides a public health perspective on why she is confident that we can and should safely return to work and school in person this fall.
In the face of suffering, we must care for each other
Large-scale tragedies cause pain, fear and suffering not just locally, but globally. We may feel helpless in the face of such large-scale disasters, but we can start by caring for those in our community who need support.
We stand with the Dreamers
Although a new court ruling throws the DACA program into question, we continue to stand with the Dreamers,
New partnership has potential to transform cancer care in the PNW
I’m incredibly pleased that UW Medicine, Fred Hutch and Seattle Children’s are exploring a new way to bring our organizations together to accelerate the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Celebrating Pride – the progress and the work ahead
I’ve seen transformative change in the liberation of LGBTQ+ people, and knowing that change of this magnitude is possible, I am even more committed to continuing the work of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to live and thrive as their authentic selves.
Disturbing allegations of racism within UWPD
It was deeply disturbing to our whole community to read media reports about how several Black UWPD officers experienced racism within the department. This kind of behavior amongst our staff will not be tolerated or excused.
On Juneteenth, we honor the past and act for the future
This Saturday, we will honor Juneteenth, a commemoration of the day when news of the Civil War’s end – and the cessation of chattel slavery in the United States – at last reached enslaved people in Texas. Honoring Juneteenth is just one step in reckoning with and redressing historical and ongoing systemic racism, inequity and injustice.
Congratulations and thank you to our 2021 Awards of Excellence winners
This year’s Awards of Excellence recipients have distinguished themselves beyond all expectations, and we are deeply grateful for all the ways they make our community better.