University of Washington Alumni Association
Encyclopedia
The University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is a membership organization for alumni and friends, as it does not require one to be a graduate, of the University of Washington. It's mission statement is as follows: "We reach, connect and celebrate alumni and friends of the the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
to build lifelong relationships, and to support the University's mission. It is the oldest alumni association on the West Coast.
UWAA History
Under the direction of R. Bronsdon "Curly" Harris, who served as director of graduate relations and executive secretary of the alumni association from 1936–1964, the UWAA incorporated as a social-educational, non-profit organization. During that time, a member benefits program was established, awards programs were created, reunions and HomecomingHomecoming
Homecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
activities were added, and active alumni political lobbying started to support the university's interests.
Tracy King became director of the association in 1979, and began helping the membership expand from the then-current level of 15,000. To help finance its growing role in support of the University of Washington
University of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
, the UWAA began aggressive member recruitment programs in the mid-1980s when membership totaled less than 30,000. Today, nearly a third of the school's living graduates are members, making it one of the largest alumni associations in the nation. More than 50,000 members engage the alumni community through social, learning, athletic and volunteer activities.
Events and Programs
The UWAA serves the University of WashingtonUniversity of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
through programs, events and services targeted at alumni and friends. Many of these activities are produced in partnership with various units and departments on campus and range from exhibits and open houses to lectures and group travel opportunities. The UWAA and its partners raise approximately $50,000 each year for student scholarships.
UWAA signature events:
Homecoming
- HomecomingHomecomingHomecoming is the tradition of welcoming back alumni of a school. It most commonly refers to a tradition in many universities, colleges and high schools in North America...
festivities kick off each year with the annual Dawg Dash 10K run and 5K walk that weaves its way through the UW's Seattle campus. Also included in the Homecoming celebration is a 50-year class reunion, and the Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) Bridging the Gap Breakfast that celebrates diversity at the UW and in the community.
Husky Happy Hours
- Alumni and friends who live outside the Seattle metropolitan area are invited to meet and greet fellow Huskies at local bars and restaurants throughout the year. As part of the UWAA's geographic program, Husky Happy Hours connect alumni to the UW's powerful network of alumni.
Washington Warm Ups
- Alumni and friends who follow the Husky football team on the road are invited to party before the games with the UW Alumni Association and dedicated Husky fans. Washington Warm Ups are the official pre-game parties of the Washington Huskies and take place three hours before kick off. Each event includes food, drink, prizes and plenty of Husky spirit.
Viewing Parties
- Gather with fellow Huskies to watch football and men's basketball games at a local bar or restaurant. As part of the UWAA's geographic program, volunteer organizers help set up viewing parties in advance of big games, including the Husky football team's nationally televised games and men's basketball team's NCAA TournamentNCAA Men's Division I Basketball ChampionshipThe NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball...
contests.
The UWAA signature programs:
UW Alumni Tours
UW hosts around 35 tours every year for alumni and friends of the University of Washington. These tours reach a wide variety of countries spanning across every continent, as well as partners with different travel operators so that they are able to offer land-based travel, cruises & even an around-the-world trip on a private plane.Online Learning
UW Alumni Association has a collection of lectures they hosted available for free on iTunes.Lecture Series
UW Alumni Association co-hosts several lecture series annually. These include the Graduate School Public Lectures Series, the History Lecture Series & the Seattle Arts & Lectures - SAL U series.Membership
The UW Alumni Association connects graduates and friends of the University of WashingtonUniversity of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
in many ways. The best way to take advantage of all the UW offers alumni is to join the UWAA. More than 50,000 people have already joined and are making the UW stronger through their support of the alumni association. Member dues support Columns magazine as well as the myriad UWAA events and programs that connect alumni and raise money for student scholarship.
Publications
The UWAA produces two publications: Columns, the University of Washington Alumni Magazine, which is distributed quarterly to more than 200,000 households, and Viewpoints Magazine, the University of Washington Diversity Publication, which is distributed bi-annually to approximately 30,000 individuals.UW Impact
Launched in 2010, UW Impact is a civic advocacy initiative organized by the private, independent, non-profit UW Alumni Association. Its purpose is to increase awareness and understanding of the value and impact of higher education and specifically the University of WashingtonUniversity of Washington
University of Washington is a public research university, founded in 1861 in Seattle, Washington, United States. The UW is the largest university in the Northwest and the oldest public university on the West Coast. The university has three campuses, with its largest campus in the University...
. UW Impact provides opportunities for alumni and friends to take action in support of the University of Washington and higher education in general. It is funded by the UWAA and not at public expense. It does not represent the views of the university.
Leadership and staff
Led by Executive Director Paul Rucker, ’95, ’02, approximately 30 staff members provide support for UWAA members and alumni across the world.The UWAA is governed by a 25-member Board of Trustees, including a six-member Executive Committee (President, Past President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary). Susan Wilson Williams, '73, is the current president and will be until July 31, 2012.
External links
- UWAA Home Page | http://www.washington.edu/alumni/
- Columns Magazine | http://www.washington.edu/alumni/columns/
- Viewpoints Magazine | http://www.washington.edu/alumni/publications/viewpoints/
- UWImpact.org | http://www.uwimpact.org/