Husky 509

Eastern Washington Huskies join UW leadership

Several Eastern Washington Huskies have been chosen as UW leaders. Join us in welcoming these Dawgs, serving on the UW Board of Regents — the governing body responsible for supervising, coordinating, managing and regulating the university — and the UWAA Board of Trustees — responsible for managing UWAA affairs and setting its tone and direction.

UW Board of Regents

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Blaine Tamaki, ’79

Tamaki has been a trial lawyer for 35 years. Among his cases, he has represented more than 300 Native American children who were sexually abused in religious residential schools throughout the Northwest as well as handling cases involving public safety and protection of foster children.

He served as vice president of the Washington State Association of Justice and received the Washington State Trial Lawyer of the Year award in 2012.

“Blaine’s deep roots at UW, strong community ties and lifelong experience and passion for equality will make him an effective and dedicated regent. His work on behalf of vulnerable children and his commitment to voting rights are just two areas where he has worked tirelessly for all Washingtonians,” Inslee said in a news release announcing the appointment.

Tamaki has taken active roles in increasing representation of Latinos to elected office in Yakima, including founding the Latino Vote Project. He also served on the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs under Gov. Dan Evans.

The 10-member board manages the university. Tamaki will complete the term of former regent Pat Shanahan, which ends in September 2022.

(from the Yakima Herald, 10/4/17)

UWAA Board of Trustees

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Joe Forest, ’00

Forest is the owner of Tempus Cellars in Walla Walla, Washington. The small, family-owned business produces 1,500 cases annually and recently expanded by opening a second tasting room in downtown Spokane. His winemaking was inspired and influenced both by his father and fellow UW alumni. Tempus Cellars follows old traditions including extensive barrel aging a to produce premium wines with fruit sourced from the Columbia Valley. Tempus Cellars has earned prestigious recognition from numerous national associations and publications.

Forest served on the Walla Walla Valley Wine Alliance’s Board of Directors and chaired the membership committee. He lives in Walla Walla with his wife, also a proud UW graduate, and their two children.

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Barbara Guzman, ’04, ’06 

Guzman grew up in a small town in North Central Washington and had only ever visited Seattle twice. In her own words, “I applied to UW because I wanted a challenge and to step away from my comfort zone. As a first-generation college student, I took the opportunity very seriously as I was often plagued by imposter syndrome. I showed up 30 minutes early for my first-ever class. Of course, no one was there at 8 a.m.!

“One of the best learning moments for me though happened outside the classroom. The students and staff I met while at UW helped me to question but also to strengthen my ideas and perspectives. Conversations in class and in open spaces like the HUB challenged the status quo in my home area. This, along with my academic studies, helped me discover my identity as a strong Latina individual.

“Mentorship was also a notable and formative piece of support for me. As a work-study student, I had the extreme privileged to work in the Education Opportunity Program office for four years, where I had almost daily encouragement and love from the staff. Thanks to these caring individuals, I learned about graduate school and, before I knew it, became an Evans alum.

“UW is different today than when I was a student. But as a trustee, I hope to continue connecting with the diverse UW alumnus so they know they remain a part of this community. Come back and connect in different ways. Donate your time or encourage a prospective student. We welcome people contributing in whatever unique way they have to offer.”

The UWAA looks forward to working with our new leaders to enhance the alumni experience for all. Learn more about UWAA leadership here.