Abbey Pearl DeWeese | At-Large Trustee
Class of 2011, Bachelor of Arts, Women Studies; Bachelor of Science, Public Health
Class of 2014, Juris Doctor, UW School of Law
Why I Serve
When my grandfather retired, he adopted the UW as his home-away-from-home. For over two decades, he attended UW classes via the ACCESS program, which invites retirees to enroll at a nominal fee. As a kid, I would sometimes accompany him and then we would have adventures exploring campus.
As a UW student, an older man in a fluorescent orange jacket would sometimes knock on the sorority’s door asking for me. It became an endearing tradition that it was my grandfather dropping by for lunch.
My grandfather was a role model for lifelong learning. It is a testament to the UW’s outreach that they offer many ways for the public to engage with campus. The UW is truly part of the community.
I witnessed that sense of inclusiveness as a student. I took a School of Public health seminar about homelessness and we studied establishing a tent city on campus. We engaged in classroom instruction as well as hands-on work meeting with unhoused people. We learned that it was often the lack of a social safety net that either caused or contributed to their struggles.
At that time, the administration declined to host a tent city, but years later decided to move forward. By then, I was working as a land use attorney and UW was one of my firm’s clients. I ended up helping secure permits for Tent City 3. It was a gratifying, full-circle moment.
The UW broadened my worldview, sharpened my critical thinking skills, challenged and expanded my beliefs, and taught me how to positively impact my community. I have put those lessons to good use including my work on the UW’s master plan, which will shape campus for decades to come.
Many institutions are currently in a precarious place and under threat. There are questions about what value they bring to society. The UW is of unequalled and unquestionable value not only to students and alumni, but the entire community.
As a Trustee, I will use my voice and platform to advocate for the UW while encouraging others to do the same.
