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Presidential Blog

Category: Community

With Bob Santos’ passing, we’ve lost a giant

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I had the opportunity to first get to know Bob Santos – known as “Uncle Bob” to so many he advocated for – when I chaired the UW’s Department of American Ethnic Studies. It was a tough time for the department, and our first meeting was marked by mutual skepticism. But it ended with mutual respect. Integrity and valor are the two words that first come to mind when I think of him. Through Bob’s leadership, advocacy and mentorship, the cause of civil rights and social justice has been advanced, and the lives of countless members of our community, especially Asian Pacific Islanders, have been improved.

We’ve truly lost a giant.

 

Seattle Times remembrance: ‘Uncle Bob’ Santos, legendary civil-rights activist, dies at 82

A historic day for the UW and Native Tribes of our region

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As one of the world’s greatest public universities, the University of Washington is committed to cultivating our culture of diversity. The opening yesterday of wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House (wash-LEB-alt) marked a historic day for both the University of Washington and the Native Tribes of our region.

This building is the culmination of a decades-long dream to create a gathering place in honor of our region’s First Nations. The Intellectual House — as well as much of the UW campus — rests on the sacred ground of the Duwamish Tribe’s first home and will serve as a meeting place for indigenous people from the Northwest, the U.S. and around the world. It will also be a campus home for academic offerings led by our American Indian Studies Department, strengthening our teaching, research and student recruitment.

I was deeply honored to meet the elected leaders of our region’s tribal governments and to see the outpouring of support and enthusiasm for this special place.

After the cedar ribbon-cutting, wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House hosted another important event — a Tribal Leadership Summit — at which I affirmed our commitment to honor this partnership, see through priorities such as the construction of phase two of this longhouse-style facility, and to holding annual meetings with the elected leaders of the tribes.

To deepen the University’s engagement with tribal governments in Washington state, I have also asked the Office of External Affairs to support the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity on three new initiatives in the upcoming year:

  1. Re-establish government to government training for senior leadership at the University as called for in the 1989 Centennial Accord.
  2. Work with our Vice Provost for Innovation to conduct a workshop on innovation and entrepreneurship for interested tribal members.
  3. Investigate the potential of partnering with tribal governments and the state Community Economic Revitalization Board (CERB) to pursue high-priority economic development projects for Washington tribes.

A strong connection with leaders from across the region is essential to the UW’s ability to effectively fulfill our public promise to educate, serve, and provide research and economic opportunities for all of Washington’s citizens. Please join me in supporting this essential work on behalf of all whom we serve.

We have so much opportunity to work toward these and other initiatives that will benefit the greater community and beyond. Together, the possibilities are limitless.

Sincerely,

Ana Mari

Photo of the entrance to the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House
The entrance to the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House Photo: Photo by Kathryn Sauber
Photo of tribal elder
Tribal elders Photo: Photo courtesy of Carmen Español/Capital Projects Office
Photo of tribal drummers
Tribal drummers Photo: Photo by Janae Davis
Photo of Ana Mari Cauce at a tribal meeting
Interim President Ana Mari Cauce gives opening remarks prior to the the cedar ribbon-cutting at the wǝɫǝbʔaltxʷ – Intellectual House. Photo: Photo courtesy of Carmen Español/Capital Projects Office

 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the UW

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On Monday we honor the work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a day of reflection and service. It is right to do so — always, and especially now.

Challenging cultural currents envelop the United States and countries abroad: racial and ethnic tensions, questions of bias and justice, heart-rending violence, and patterns of equality and inequality are as central today — albeit often different in form — as in the 1950s and 1960s of Dr. King. In this environment, we believe it is imperative for the University of Washington to step into, and not away from, our values of honest inquiry, careful analysis and essential — and often difficult — conversations.

We, as a community, are doing just this. In recent weeks our faculty, students and staff have held forums on policing and racial minorities, on media coverage of race and racial groups, and on legal and institutional responsibilities. Several faculty are planning “teach-ins” for the first week of February, our nation’s Black History Month. Faculty and staff across a number of academic units are helping to found a new Center for Communication, Difference and Equity that blends research, leadership development and community partnerships.

In two months, the world will commemorate the 50th anniversary of marches in Selma, Alabama, that spurred the landmark Voting Rights Act. A dozen faculty, students and staff will travel with UW alumni and others from Seattle on a weeklong civil rights pilgrimage, which will culminate with an international gathering at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. In 1965, after marchers reached the Alabama capitol in Montgomery, Dr. King invoked the continuing push for equal opportunity and justice, asking “How long?” He answered with some of his most inspiring words: “Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.”

We are not bystanders in this mission: As one of the world’s foremost public universities, we must help the moral arc to bend. We do so in what we research, how and who we teach, and what we challenge our students to achieve. We do so in serving our communities as leaders, partners and citizens of Seattle and the world. On this day of reflection and service recognizing the profound work of Dr. King, there are numerous ways to engage with our communities. But as a lifelong journey, let us all commit to move the universe toward justice.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young, President
Ana Mari Cauce, Provost & Executive Vice President

UW Professional and Continuing Education — access for all

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A restless passion for serving the citizens of Washington state has inspired the UW’s mission for more than 150 years, and our continuing education program — known as UW Professional & Continuing Education (UWPCE) — has been a huge contributor to our success. Since UWPCE’s inception in 1912, its goal has remained the same: to increase access to education with programs for everyone.

From humble beginnings over a century ago, UWPCE has evolved to offer a great diversity of programs designed for “nontraditional” learners of all kinds, including children, adults, working professionals and seniors. In 1912, UWPCE served 48 students. Today, nearly 50,000 nontraditional students participate annually in its programs, more than doubling the UW’s current footprint at home and around the globe. Classes covering timely and timeless topics are offered at flexible and convenient times, enabling lifelong learners to keep pace with the present while learning from the past and preparing for future challenges.

All UWPCE programs are overseen by the vice provost for UW Educational Outreach (UWEO), and starting in mid-October Rovy Branon will take the helm. Rovy comes to the UW from the University of Wisconsin–Extension, where he served as associate dean of online learning and technology within the university extension’s Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning. He succeeds recently retired Vice Provost David Szatmary, whose innovative leadership during his 30-year career at the University helped UWEO rise to national prominence.

To aid the community’s quest for learning, the UW offers continuing education opportunities in addition to those managed by UWPCE. These include Access, a program that allows Washington state residents over age 60 to audit regular classes on a space-available basis; the Experimental College, run by ASUW; and specialized professional training programs for those in select business, dental, legal, medical, nursing and other fields, administered by individual schools, colleges and departments.

The UW has a proud history of providing the wider community access to education, and we will continue to develop more boundless ways to serve students. We look forward to sharing our passion for education, no matter when, where or how Huskies prefer to learn.

Here is an up-to-date listing of UWPCE-managed, fee-based programs:

President Young on the SPU shooting

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Dear members of the University of Washington Community:

Another tragic shooting occurred today, this time much closer to home at our neighbor, Seattle Pacific University. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to those who were shot, to their families and friends, and to the entire Seattle Pacific University community. We can only imagine the shock and horror they experienced today at the hands of an individual bent on destructive and violent acts.

Based on the news reports that have been forthcoming, the perpetrator is in custody and the incident at SPU is under control. Any occurrence like this raises concerns for the safety of the entire community, especially such a close-knit community as a college or university. I know everyone is especially vigilant at a time like this and rightly so. Again, I want to remind everyone that we have resources on campus where people can go to report any incident or event that causes discomfort or concern: http://uw.edu/safecampus/

Please be wary and look out for each other. Together, we are our best protection.

Sincerely,

Michael K. Young

Recognizing our retirees, Husky style

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Call it a commencement of a different sort.

Earlier this week, we honored this year’s “class” of UW retirees, faculty and staff members who have retired in the past year. Each of our retirees has been an essential contributor to making this University an outstanding place. And between the 475 people honored in this diverse group, they have collectively served the University for a combined total of 10,276 years. Now, that’s dedication to the Husky Nation!

The UW continues to be committed to our retirees. We urge them to continue their involvement with the UW community with opportunities for engagement through our new UW Encore Initiative. Encore.org has provided a grant to the UW Retirement Association to lead the way. Our first campus Encore workshop recently concluded (with an attendance of more than 70 — and a waiting list!). The UW is the first university in the country to support the creation of this initiative to all of our constituents, including retirees.

We are deeply grateful for the careers our faculty and staff have dedicated to the UW, sustaining and adding to the excellence of this institution. On behalf of the UW, thank you to all of our retirees in the “class” of 2014.

Photo from May 12, 2014, UW retiree reception
President Michael K. Young greets guests during the UW retiree reception. Photo: M Levin/U of Washington

The tragedy in Oso hits home for Huskies

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Every day the news from the mudslide zone in Oso gets worse as rescue workers dig through the muck and debris to find those still missing in the tragedy. The loss this community is facing is unfathomable. And with more than 300 UW faculty, staff, students and alumni in the area, the loss to the Oso community is also a great loss to our own.

If you would like to lend your support to our friends and neighbors in Snohomish County, we’ve put together the following list of organizations to which you can make a contribution. Please continue to keep the people of Oso and the surrounding area in your thoughts and in your hearts.

UW president joins Economic Development Commission

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The Economic Development Commission was created by Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council to examine Seattle’s ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

“The University of Washington is deeply interested in training our students to meet and to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the future. At the same time, we are fully committed to moving the incredible research done at the University into the market and into our communities where it can improve lives,” said Michael Young, president, University of Washington. “For the University to maintain its capacity as an engine for economic stimulation and growth, we need the right environment and partners. The City of Seattle’s Economic Development Commission can support just such an ecosystem, and we are very excited to participate.”

Read more about the Economic Development Commission