Seattle music heritage night at the University of Washington football game on Sept. 7, had an extra special meaning for the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the Instructional Center (IC).
An active and dynamic voice for raising awareness and advocating for numerous causes at home and abroad, Pearl Jam lead guitarist Mike McCready performed the National Anthem in support of the IC prior to the Huskies’ Pac-12 opener with California.
In addition to his philanthropic work, McCready has deep connections to the UW. His grandfather – Roy McCready – was an associate professor of general engineering at the UW from 1961-1966. McCready’s mother and father – Louise Wiepke and Roy McCready – met at the UW as undergraduate students (1960-64). And his father also went on to receive a master’s degree from Washington (1971-72).
OMA&D Vice President Rickey Hall had the opportunity to meet with McCready at sound check prior to the game. McCready was joined by friend and UW alumnus Patrick Chinn who is also a supporter of the IC.
For over 40 years, OMA&D’s Instructional Center has been a national model for providing academic instruction and tutoring for thousands of underrepresented minority, first-generation and economically disadvantaged students affiliated with OMA&D programs. Its unique and proven blend of services creates a sense of community and paves the way to the university’s most competitive majors, and ultimately, graduation and successful careers. Learn more about the work being done through the IC.
Photo Gallery (click on photos to enlarge)
Photos by Erin Rowley, OMA&D Communications Director and Joe Nicholson, Red Box Pictures