Welcome to UW NewsLinks, a free, monthly e-newsletter for alumni and friends about the University of Washington. Prepared by the editors of Columns, it features the same mix of campus news and features as the alumni magazine but also provides links to fascinating (and unusual) UW-related Web sites and a monthly trivia contest. If you do not wish to receive UW NewsLinks or want to change your contact information, see details at the bottom of this e-mail about updating your preferences.

Contents

In This Issue

UW Announces Plans for New College of the Environment
On May 14, the UW released plans for an innovative new College of the Environment, which would combine six existing colleges and would focus on oceans, the atmosphere and forests. The college may open as early as Fall 2009 with nearly 100 faculty members and a $60 million annual budget. Read more...

As Applicant Numbers Soar, Freshman Class of Unprecedented Strength
The UW received a record 20,000 freshman applications this year, and sent out a record 8,000 rejection letters. A demographic phenomenon—the baby boom echo—will continue to produce increases in the size of the applicant pool for the next five years or so before leveling off. While these big numbers mean that some highly qualified applicants are being turned away, they also mean a freshman class of unprecedented strength. Current confirmed freshmen have an average SAT score of over 1,200 and a GPA of 3.72. Read more...

UW Students Mobilize to Help Chinese Earthquake Victims
The dust was still settling from the devastating May 12 earthquake in China's Sichuan Province when a group of UW students, faculty and friends based in the region launched an organization to help its victims. China Earthquake Aid recently received non-profit status in the state of Washington, and is accepting donations through the UW's Foundation for International Understanding Through Students (FIUTS) and the UW Combined Fund Drive (UWCFD). Read more...

Researchers Turn Study of Proteins Into Cool Computer Game
Who knew that folding proteins could be so much fun? A new computer game designed by UW faculty and students, "foldit," challenges players to fold proteins in ways that make them more chemically stable. Described as "three-dimensional Tetris," the game was a big hit in trials—and the best players were often non-scientists. Read more...

Sky Writing: A Photo Gallery of UW Signage Going Up on the Former Safeco Tower

Cure for the Summertime Blues: UW Summer Career Fair
Up to 80 employers will gather in the HUB East Ballroom to discuss positions appropriate for UW students and recent graduates. The on-site UWAA Resource Center will be available exclusively to alumni who are UWAA members. Read more...

Coming in Columns: The 100th Anniversary Issue
What do you, Rick Steves, the DJ from Blue Scholars and the guy who wiped out smallpox have in common? A UW diploma, that's what. June 2008 marks the 100th anniversary of the UW's alumni magazine, and in celebration the editors of Columns have singled out 100 extraordinary UW graduates. Look for them in the special commemorative issue, which will be hitting mailboxes later this week.

LinkFest

Off-beat and/or outstanding UW-related links:

June 2008 UW NewsLinks Trivia Contest

The UW Tower on 45th St., which the University acquired from Safeco in 2006 and is currently moving into, came furnished: Safeco allowed the UW to keep all of the furniture in the building. About how much money did this save the University?

1. $550,000
2. $1.3 million
3. $2 million
4. $6 million
5. $9 million

Answer this month's question

Last Month's Answer
In last month’s trivia question,  we asked in what year the UW Daily acquired its current name and became a daily publication.

Trivia Contest Rules

About UW NewsLinks

UW NewsLinks is a free, monthly e-newsletter for alumni and friends about the University of Washington. Prepared by the editors of Columns, it features the same mix of campus news and features but also provides links to fascinating (and unusual) UW-related Web sites and a monthly trivia contest.

Photo credits - Members of China Earthquake Aid and citizens of Chengdu: Photo courtesy of China Earthquake Aid. UW Tower Photo: by UW Photography.

Contact Us

UW Alumni Association
1415 NE 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206-543-0540 or 1-800-AUW-ALUM or
uwalumni@u.washington.edu

Statements and quotes do not necessarily represent the official position of the University of Washington or the UW Alumni Association. Use of this list by commercial organizations is prohibited by the State of Washington.