40 Years of Celebration

The longest-standing diversity event held at the University of Washington will soon "celebrate" its 40th anniversary.

On May 19, the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) and the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) will host Celebration, a banquet and scholarship fundraiser honoring the academic excellence of EOP students and champions of diversity. The event will be held at the Husky Union Building Ballroom with a reception beginning at 5:30 p.m. The dinner and program will commence at 6:30 p.m. This year’s reception will feature music by salsa band Son Shaman.

Celebration, underwritten by Wells Fargo, has enjoyed long-standing community and corporate support, so if you have not attended, we would love to have your support. More than 600 community and business patrons attend the event each year. Since Celebration’s inception in 1971, more than 500 EOP scholarships have been funded through donations raised at this event, making it possible for many underrepresented minority, economically disadvantaged and first-generation students to receive support and an education from the University of Washington. On average, 60 scholarships per year are based on funds raised from Celebration.

Highlights of Celebration include scholarship presentations awarded to outstanding EOP students, as well as the presentation of the Charles E. Odegaard Award. This award was established in 1973 to honor an individual or group whose leadership sustains former UW President Charles Odegaard’s work on behalf of diversity at the university and citizens of the state. The Odegaard Award is considered the highest achievement in diversity at UW and this year’s recipient is Nelson Del Rio, ’84.

Celebration has been the signature event to highlight the outstanding achievements, inspiring stories and academic success of EOP students. Registration is available online March 25 through April 28, so make sure to reserve your seat in advance. Ticket prices are $80 for an individual and $300 for a patron ticket that includes two seats and additional recognition. Table sponsorships are also available by contacting Greg Lewis.

Read more about becoming an EOP student sponsor or about Celebration.