Two years ago this month, we gathered in Spokane to announce a new partnership between Gonzaga University and the University of Washington. Its mission: improve the health and well-being of people throughout Eastern Washington and beyond.
Presidential Blog
A difficult Saturday
Saturday was a very difficult day for our campus. Many in our University community, including me, were saddened and frustrated by the precautionary cancellation of events due to safety concerns related to the Patriot Prayer rally, including events related to Black History Month. I understand why it would appear to some that these events were sacrificed to host a group that many associate with racist views that stand counter to our university values. I am writing today to explain the logic of my decision making.
Through civil debate, we can tackle difficult issues (Updated)
This week, UWPD obtained credible information that groups from outside the UW community are planning to join the event with the intent to instigate violence. For the safety of campus visitors and others not associated with the events, several organizations have cancelled or postponed their campus events that day and access to Red Square will be limited. Your safety is important to us and we are taking precautions to ensure the Patriot Prayer event unfolds as peacefully as possible. However, I encourage you to avoid Red Square, and the surrounding area from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday to ensure your own personal safety.
A healthy future depends on healthy global partnerships
Today, I had the pleasure and privilege of addressing the Times Higher Education Asia Universities Summit, held this year in Shenzhen, China and hosted by Southern University of Science and Technology, or SUSTech. The theme of this year’s gathering was “Connecting cities, changing the world,” which underscores how important global connections are and will be to the better future we all have a stake in. This was my second year addressing the summit and it was a powerful reminder that making connections and forming partnerships across cities, continents and cultures is what the world urgently needs. Addressing challenges — like climate change, disease, and terrorism — that transcend borders, disciplines and sectors can only be accomplished collaboratively. In my talk, I focused on the power of partnerships and the special role that universities can and must play in tackling these issues. Full text of my remarks here.
A President’s Circle for the future
Today, The President’s Club becomes The President’s Circle, a name change that reflects an inclusive and broad community of people who act as a catalyst for progress and who amplify the UW’s impact by acting together. With this change, we open a new chapter in the UW’s philanthropic history as we engage the next generation of donors who will help lead our institution in the decades to come.
Through service, we honor Martin Luther King’s legacy
This week, join your colleagues on our campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma as we come together to remember how King served our nation and our world and honor his sacrifice by answering his call to service. This Monday, I hope you will seek a way, whether donating your time and talent or simply in a moment of quiet reflection, to keep working toward the just and loving world that King dreamed of.
Remembering the humanity at the heart of DACA
Since the decision last fall to end protections for the recipients of the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals – the Dreamers – the lives of the more than 800,000 young people affected by the program have been thrown into uncertainty and fear. The Dreamers are young people who were brought to this country as children. The United States is their home; they have grown up here, and it is short-sighted to exclude these hard-working contributors from our society.
Welcoming Mark Richards as next UW Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
It is my great pleasure to announce that Dr. Mark Richards has accepted the position of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, effective July 1. I am thrilled he will join our community and look forward to working closely with him to advance our teaching, research and service mission across all of our campuses.
The UW honors dear friend and supporter, Floyd Jones
I was deeply saddened today to learn of the passing of Floyd Jones, a dear friend, alumnus and tireless supporter of the University of Washington. Floyd embodied the notion that philanthropy can change lives and make the world a better place. Throughout his years of giving to the UW and across our region, Floyd was always motivated by a deep and joyful commitment to lifting others up.
UW student-athletes make us proud on and off the field
This Saturday, the Huskies will face the Penn State Nittany Lions at the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, AZ, capping an exciting, 10-2 season for our football team. I’m proud of the team, and proud of all the UW’s student-athletes, who demonstrate again and again how sportsmanship, athleticism, teamwork and drive contribute to their inspiring and outstanding Husky experiences.