Hello volunteers! I’m Chuck Blumenfeld, and I’m extremely pleased to join the Alumni Association as your new Executive Director.

Many of you know me already through my years of involvement as a volunteer at events, on committees and with the Board of Trustees. My service in those capacities, including as alumni association president from 2005-06, gave me “the inside scoop” on the goals and initiatives of the association. Since joining the UWAA on February 5, I’ve been involved in a whirlwind of campus and geographic events, and have learned that there is still much to discover! It’s been a thrill getting to know the staff on a different level, and I look forward to working even more with all our great volunteers.

Spring is a tremendous time to be coming on board. We have an incredible array of events coming up, including our 3rd annual Washington Weekend – our all-campus open house April 26-28. Last year, Washington Weekend drew more than 15,000 people to explore the University’s innovative programs, groundbreaking research, arts venues and more. The University of Washington has become one of the elite institutions of higher learning and exploration, and it belongs to everyone. That’s why we’re so excited to invite you to enjoy departmental tours, demonstrations, lectures and much more. Please mark your calendars for this outstanding event.

The volunteers of the alumni association are a dynamic and dedicated group, and your involvement is one of the factors that drew me to my new position. I’ve had a lifelong relationship with the University through my family, and I received my bachelor’s and law degrees here. I hope in the coming years that we can work together to create even more opportunities for scholarship, lifelong learning, career success, and fun!