future alumni
From Grad to GOLD
Students at the New York Career Trek
Each year, the UW alumni community welcomes a new cohort of graduates into our family. The UWAA is proud to serve as a bridge for our newest alumni as they flip their tassels and move into a special group of alumni: Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLDs).
Navigating the shift from grad to GOLD is one of life’s most challenging transitions, and the UWAA is uniquely placed to help grads land on their feet. It starts long before graduation, with the UWAA’s Student Career Treks and Huskies@Work initiatives — programs designed to help students start thinking about careers and building networks that will last beyond college. As commencement approaches, the UWAA assures students that while they may be leaving their student days behind, a new community is inviting them to stay connected.
Members of the Class of 2018 at the W
Grad Week Activities
UWAA’s Grad Week celebrated student stories, while looking forward to the future. The week started with the UWAA offering grads free doughnuts on Red Square, this time with a new twist — seniors were invited to add their personal thoughts to the Class of 2018 banner and to write thank-you cards to people who inspired them during their time on campus.
The Class of 2018 was offered complimentary photos at the W — this year featuring costumed mascot Harry the Husky and the perennially-popular pup, Dubs. We held similar photo opportunities at the Bothell and Tacoma campuses earlier in the year. Students were invited to download and share their photos on social media.
Raising a glass to the Class of 2018
Growing out of earlier career mixers, Grads & GOLDs Night Out provided more than 100 Huskies the chance to meet and chat in good company, and to walk away with an updated headshot, maybe some new friends and the knowledge that UW alumni are invested in their growth and success.
Commencement Weekend
Grad Toast welcomed the Class of 2018 to the alumni family, marking the start of commencement activities for many. More than 250 graduates raised a glass to their class together to celebrate the completion of their journey towards their degree.
As in years past, the UWAA lent a hand to the Office of Ceremonies by administering the Class of 2018 Gonfalonieres and Guardians of the Gonfalons. This program allows the University to showcase the brightest stars among the graduating seniors, offer a meaningful volunteering opportunity for select alumni, provide important assistance to our partners inside the UW and create a point of connection between graduating seniors and the UW alumni family. Take a moment to read their stories.
Students pick up their Grad Packs at University Book Store
UWAA Membership
Welcoming GOLD alumni is a critical part of building a strong alumni family. That’s why we offer special membership benefits to graduating seniors. With our Grad Pack, the Class of 2018 can become UWAA members at a discounted rate as well receive an official license plate frame and other perks. This year, more than 1,400 new grads signed up for a Grad Pack, with 100 signing on as lifetime members, and more are coming in. We’re also proud to share that 850 of our Grad Pack members also signed up to support the Class of 2018 Senior Class Gift through the Class Act program. By encouraging early giving, the Class Act is a powerful way to create a lifelong habit of philanthropic support for the University.
By building a bridge from Grad to GOLD, the UWAA helps build a lifelong connection between new alumni, the UW and the UW alumni family, creating a broad base of support for the University to last for decades to come.
