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Message from the Vice President and Vice Provost – Fall 2014 eNews

Sheila Edwards Lange“Oh the Places You’ll Go” was the theme for this year’s OMA&D Welcome Daze, our annual orientation event for incoming freshmen and transfer students. It is also the title of a very famous Dr. Seuss book which happens to be one of my favorites.

What a fitting sentiment to share with this group of Huskies as they prepare to embark on a new chapter in their lives. These students have done outstanding work to get to the University of Washington and now that they are here, we encourage them to engage with the boundless opportunities that are available both inside and outside of the classroom.

Through research, study abroad, internships, student organizations and community service projects they will discover the skills and potential to become global citizens, critical thinkers and leaders. They will come away from their time at the UW with much more than a diploma. This Husky Experience was recently featured in our fall issue of Viewpoint Magazine. If you missed the print version, but sure to take a look at it online.eNews-fall-2014

We also want our new students to know that they are not alone during their Husky Experience. OMA&D programs, advisors and staff are here to support them along the way. Our vision is that everyone will have access to a meaningful and transformative educational experience at the UW.

Faculty members are a large part of this support network for students and we are delighted to welcome those new to the UW who are engaged in diversity-related research, teaching or service. Each fall we also recognize similar UW faculty who have recently earned the distinction of tenure. I hope you will take some time to learn more about them and what they bring to our campus communities in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma.

This time of year is exciting because we get to see many of you, our alumni and friends, during UW Homecoming festivities. The 20th annual Multicultural Alumni Partnership Bridging the Gap Breakfast will take place Sat., Oct. 25, at the Husky Union Building. Later that day, we will host The Weekend, our popular tailgate gathering in The Zone held in conjunction with the football game. Tickets are going fast, so be sure to reserve yours early.

That week we will also host the Instructional Center (IC) Reunion Mixer at the Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center, Oct. 23. This event is so special because it marks the first time we will bring together alumni who utilized the IC, as well as the tutors and instructors who have made the center a “home away from home” for so many years. We hope you will join us to reminisce, celebrate, reconnect and learn how to get involved in some exciting efforts taking place during the coming year.

In each issue of eNews we take time to acknowledge friends and alumni who have recently passed away. Sadly we lost Luther Carr and Abner Thomas this past summer. Luther, who played football for both the UW and NFL, had a strong history of giving back to the Seattle community. Abner, a long-time athletic department employee, served as a special assistant and mentor to UW football players for three decades. Both will be greatly missed and we continue to hold their families in our thoughts.

We also continue to be grateful for your generosity. Our alumni and friends make it possible for OMA&D to provide educational opportunity and access for students. We always enjoy hearing from you so be sure to fill out the OMA&D Alumni Connect Form to share what is happening in your world.

Sincerely,

Sheila Edwards Lange
Vice President for Minority Affairs
Vice Provost for Diversity