Recognizing our retirees, Husky style

Posted on May 5, 2014April 15, 2019

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

Posted on March 28, 2014April 15, 2019

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.

The Red Cross: Call 800-733-2767 to donate or text “RedCross” to 90999 and $10 will be charged to your phone bill.
The Washington State Combined Fund Drive has launched a special campaign to help victims.
The Mudslide Info and Relief Effort Facebook page updates needs in real time for the rescuers, people and animals affected.
Arlington Food Bank (accepting donations of food and money)
Arlington Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation

UW president joins Economic Development Commission

Posted on March 13, 2013April 15, 2019

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.”

Video: HuskyFest kick-off celebration

Posted on April 22, 2012April 15, 2019

Update on Metro service cuts and the UW

Posted on July 21, 2011April 15, 2019

President Young has sent a letter to members of the King County Council and the King County executive that paints a very clear picture of what proposed cuts to Metro service would mean to UW commuters. UW officials said the impacts would be significant, whether those commuters rely on Metro service today or they drive or bike on the roadways around the UW that will become increasingly congested with these cuts.

Read his letter

Responding to the disasters in Japan

Posted on March 18, 2011April 15, 2019

Dear Members of the UW Community:

The widespread devastation wrought by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan has deeply touched and saddened our UW community. Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as they grapple with the aftermath of these tragic events.

Fortunately, all UW students and faculty who were in Japan when the earthquake struck on March 11 have been accounted for and are unharmed. Since then, on March 16, the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning for Japan, strongly urging U.S. citizens to defer travel to Japan and those in Japan to consider departing. The UW Office of Global Affairs has cancelled all International Programs and Exchanges programs in Japan effective immediately and is working to assist the 17 UW students who are still in Japan to depart.

While we are relieved that our students and faculty who were in Japan when the earthquake occurred are safe, we are also mindful that there is a staggering number of people who are not. Thousands of lives have been lost, and thousands of others are injured, homeless, or missing. The nuclear crisis has added even more anxiety and urgency to what was already an all but unfathomable situation. We have more than 200 students from Japan, and it is hard to imagine how much concern they in particular must feel for their family, friends, and loved ones in their home country.

Many of you have inquired about ways in which you can help the international relief efforts being mounted in Japan. I hope you will take a moment to view this list of organizations that are accepting donations for disaster relief and contribute in any way you can to help those in need.

We will continue to update you on news about the disaster in Japan and its effects on our UW community.

Sincerely,

Image of Phyllis Wise's signature