About Celebration
The University of Washington’s Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D) and the Friends of the Educational Opportunity Program (FEOP) Board of Trustees invite you to the 54th Annual Celebration. Each year, corporate leaders, philanthropists, Tribal Nations, students, and community members come together to honor leadership in diversity, equity and inclusion and recognize students for their academic excellence. Scroll down to learn more!
The evening begins with a social reception featuring live music, followed by a seated dinner and an inspirational awards program including presentation of the Charles E. Odegaard Award and the OMA&D Spark Award. OMA&D’s Recognition Scholars will also be honored for their academic achievements. Attendees will have the opportunity to support student success through a live auction and “Raise the Paddle” program. All funds raised at Celebration ensure that first-generation, low-income, and underrepresented students have the support and resources they need to achieve their academic goals.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- REGISTER HERE. Advance tickets are required; space is limited.
- Registration deadline is May 15, 2025
OMA&D’s Annual Celebration Gala is supported by the Friends of Educational Opportunity Program (FEOP) Board of Trustees. For more information about the FEOP Board, please reach Crissi Mora at morac@uw.edu.
For more information, please reach us at celebration@uw.edu or (206) 543.0994. To request disability accommodation, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 (voice), 206-543-6452 (TTY), 206-685-7264 (fax), or dso@uw.edu. The University of Washington makes every effort to honor disability accommodation requests. Requests can be responded to most effectively if received as far in advance of the event as possible.
2025 RECOGNITION SCHOLARS
Meet our 2025 Recognition Scholars to learn more about their academic journey and aspirations!
Recognition Awards
As the UW’s signature event to support diversity, equity and inclusion, Celebration showcases inspiring community leadership, academic excellence and our remarkable students. Here we create connections within our community of corporate partners, individuals, philanthropists, sovereign nations and with our students. By recognizing the Charles E. Odegaard Award and OMA&D Spark Award recipients, we honor inspirational community members who are examples to us all.
2025 Charles E. Odegaard Award
The Charles E. Odegaard Award recognizes this year’s recipient Angela King ’94, for her leadership advancing the former UW President Odegaard’s distinguished work on behalf of diversity, equity and inclusion at the UW and in community.
2025 OMA&D Spark Award
The Spark Award recognizes this year’s recipient Diana Betancourt Macias ’17 ’20 for her contributions in diversity, equity and inclusion during their time as a UW student and post-graduation.
Funds raised at OMA&D’s Annual Celebration support the Educational Opportunity Program expands access and opportunity for academic excellence. Learn more about OMA&D’s Educational Opportunity Program.