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Presidential Blog

A great public resource requires real public investment

The fulfillment of the UW’s public mission requires public investment, and it requires a commitment by our state’s lawmakers to maintaining the excellence of the UW for the benefit of our students, patients and communities. Now, as the Washington state House and Senate near a compromise budget for the coming biennium, I again urge them to consider how the UW is critical to the health and prosperity of people across our state.

Celebrating the life of Vikram Jandhyala

On May 9, we’ll come together as a community to celebrate the life and impact of Vikram Jandhyala. Vikram was so many things: a scholar and innovator, mentor and entrepreneur, friend and colleague, son and father.

I hope you’ll join me in remembering this remarkable man and his many contributions to our University, region and world.

Celebrating the life of Vikram Jandhyala
Thursday, May 9, 2019
4 p.m.
The HUB Ballroom

Creating a more welcoming working and learning environment at the UW

The University plans to undertake a university-wide climate survey to examine the learning and working experiences of our students, faculty and staff on our three campuses. This survey is a critical tool for gathering information and perspective about our community’s lived experiences to understand what fosters – and impedes – the sense of belonging that is so necessary to thrive and succeed. In the coming months, you will hear more about this confidential survey, which will take place from October 8 to November 8, 2019. Students, faculty, and staff across all three campuses will be invited to participate.

Attack on Christchurch mosques is an attack on values we ALL share

Today we join the global community in grief and sympathy for the victims of the attacks on the Al Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, one of Seattle’s sister cities. This despicable act of terror aimed at Muslims is an assault on the values honored by ALL people of good faith: love, peace, friendship and awareness of our shared humanity.

Mourning the loss of Vikram Jandhyala

This has been a difficult quarter for our community. We’ve experienced several heartbreaking losses, including some recent tragic losses in our student community. Some of these losses have been private, and some well-known, and all are profoundly felt by the family and friends left behind. I’m deeply saddened to report another loss for our community. Vikram Jandhyala, UW vice president for innovation strategy, has died by suicide.

Snow disruptions

This past week, Mother Nature reminded us who is in charge — giving Seattle our largest snowfall in 70 years. And she’s still at it. With more snow in the forecast, we expect continued fluidity this week in campus operations. Sign up for UW Alert and see emergency.uw.edu for the most current information as we continue to evaluate conditions for tomorrow.