Alumni Weekend Gets Rave Reviews

It’s always good to come home. That sentiment could easily be shared by the more than 400 alumni of color and friends of diversity who took part in The Weekend—a series of exciting events hosted by the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) in conjunction with last year's annual Homecoming festivities, Oct. 23-25. (See photos from last year's event.)

A complimentary Alumni Mixer at Hotel Deca kicked off the three-day celebration. Attendees enjoyed an opportunity to reconnect with fellow alumni, snack on appetizers and let loose on the dance floor with tunes provided by DJ Uncle Guy.

Homecoming Day activities began with the 15th annual Multicultural Alumni Partnership (MAP) Breakfast at the Husky Union Building (HUB) Ballroom. The scholarship fundraiser included the popular Silent Auction Marketplace, which featured hotel packages, artwork and Husky memorabilia up for bid.

The main event was of course the OMA&D pre-game tailgate prior to the Huskies’ big contest with Pac-10 rival Oregon. Tailgaters were treated to food provided by the Wing Dome, Elliot’s Oyster House and Metropolitan Grill, as well as a chance to hang out in The Zone. A raffle was held for a Silver Reef Casino overnight and massage package, an autographed T-shirt from UW head football coach Steve Sarkisian and two tickets to a 2009 Husky Football game. Alumni and friends of diversity were also able to take advantage of a discounted ticket rate for seats together in the west end zone.

Capping off The Weekend was the UW Alumni Brunch on Sunday morning at Ivar’s Salmon House, giving old friends one last chance to spend together. The three-day event was a great success and enjoyed by all who attended.

Keep an eye out for upcoming information on The Weekend 2010, to be held in conjunction with UW’s Homecoming, Oct. 15-17. We’d love to see you there! For questions or to become involved with the 2010 planning committee, please contact OMA&D.

Photos by Ian Gonzales