The University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It is a membership organization for alumni and friends, as it does not require one to be a graduate, of the University of Washington. It's mission statement is as follows: "We reach, connect and celebrate alumni and friends of the the University of Washington to build lifelong relationships, and to support the University's mission. It is the oldest alumni association on the West Coast.[1]
| UW Alumni Association | |
|---|---|
| Established | 1889 |
| Type | 501(c)(3) |
| President | Sue Wilson Williams. '73 |
| Director | Paul Rucker, '95, '02 |
| Location | Seattle, WA |
| Colors | Purple and Gold |
| Mascot | Huskies |
| Affiliations | University of Washington |
| Website | UWAA Home Page |
Contents |
In 1889 a small group of alumni founded the University of Washington Alumni Association, this was the same year that Washington entered the Union as the 42nd state.[2]
Under the direction of R. Bronsdon "Curly" Harris, who served as director of graduate relations and executive secretary of the alumni association from 1936–1964, the UWAA incorporated as a social-educational, non-profit organization. During that time, a member benefits program was established, awards programs were created, reunions and Homecoming activities were added, and active alumni political lobbying started to support the university's interests.
Tracy King became director of the association in 1979, and began helping the membership expand from the then-current level of 15,000.[3] To help finance its growing role in support of the University of Washington, the UWAA began aggressive member recruitment programs in the mid-1980s when membership totaled less than 30,000. Today, nearly a third of the school's living graduates are members, making it one of the largest alumni associations in the nation. More than 50,000 members engage the alumni community through social, learning, athletic and volunteer activities.
The UWAA serves the University of Washington through programs, events and services targeted at alumni and friends. Many of these activities are produced in partnership with various units and departments on campus and range from exhibits and open houses to lectures and group travel opportunities. The UWAA and its partners raise approximately $50,000 each year for student scholarships.[4]
UWAA signature events:
The UWAA signature programs:
UW hosts around 35 tours every year for alumni and friends of the University of Washington. These tours reach a wide variety of countries spanning across every continent, as well as partners with different travel operators so that they are able to offer land-based travel, cruises & even an around-the-world trip on a private plane.[5]
UW Alumni Association has a collection of lectures they hosted available for free on iTunes.[6]
UW Alumni Association co-hosts several lecture series annually. These include the Graduate School Public Lectures Series,[7] the History Lecture Series & the Seattle Arts & Lectures - SAL U series.[8]
The UW Alumni Association connects graduates and friends of the University of Washington in many ways. The best way to take advantage of all the UW offers alumni is to join the UWAA. More than 50,000 people have already joined and are making the UW stronger through their support of the alumni association. Member dues support Columns magazine as well as the myriad UWAA events and programs that connect alumni and raise money for student scholarship.[9]
The UWAA produces two publications: Columns, the University of Washington Alumni Magazine,[3] which is distributed quarterly to more than 200,000 households,[10] and Viewpoints Magazine, the University of Washington Diversity Publication, which is distributed bi-annually to approximately 30,000 individuals.[11]
Launched in 2010, UW Impact is a civic advocacy initiative organized by the private, independent, non-profit UW Alumni Association. Its purpose is to increase awareness and understanding of the value and impact of higher education and specifically the University of Washington. UW Impact provides opportunities for alumni and friends to take action in support of the University of Washington and higher education in general. It is funded by the UWAA and not at public expense. It does not represent the views of the university.[12][13][14]
Led by Executive Director Paul Rucker, ’95, ’02,[15] approximately 30 staff members provide support for UWAA members and alumni across the world.
The UWAA is governed by a 25-member Board of Trustees, including a six-member Executive Committee (President, Past President, President-Elect, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary). Susan Wilson Williams, '73, is the current president and will be until July 31, 2012.