Skip to content

Update on the UW’s preparations related to the novel coronavirus

Today public health officials announced that the first death in the United States attributed to the novel coronavirus has occurred in King County. I write today to ensure you are aware of how the University is working with public health officials to be as prepared as possible to protect the health of the UW community.

Mourning the loss of Vikram Jandhyala

This has been a difficult quarter for our community. We’ve experienced several heartbreaking losses, including some recent tragic losses in our student community. Some of these losses have been private, and some well-known, and all are profoundly felt by the family and friends left behind. I’m deeply saddened to report another loss for our community. Vikram Jandhyala, UW vice president for innovation strategy, has died by suicide.

A tragic accident and a loss to our community *UPDATED*

We are all in shock and sadness over the death of a UW student after a tragic fall on the Seattle campus yesterday. I have spoken with the student’s father and my heart is with her grieving family and friends and all who knew her. This was a tragic accident, one that is felt very personally by me and all the UW staff who work to keep our campus safe, every day.

Honoring King’s legacy on our journey toward a more equitable world

This Monday, classes and the day-to-day business of the University of Washington will pause in annual remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr. He remains an enduring example of how one person can change the world. Although countless individuals — both famous and unsung — participated in the American civil rights movement, he provided the spark that ignited the movement. His life and work are the irrefutable proof that a lone voice can raise a chorus, a single step can inspire thousands to march, and unyielding resistance to injustice can be the foundation for lasting change.