Bringing together the Community in Support of Student Success
Recap of UW Bothell’s (un)GALA 2024
On April 25th, the University of Washington Bothell School of Business and University Advancement hosted the ninth annual (un)GALA to raise funds for student success. The Winemakers Reserve in Woodinville set the stage for over 120 attendees, including students, alumni, faculty, and community members, all united in their commitment to advancing education and opportunity. Guided by Albert Jalso, Vice President of Russell Investments and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, the (un)GALA successfully inspired the School of Business community through vividly illustrating the tangible impact of every dollar donated. Thanks to the dedicated support of our community, an incredible $100,000 was raised!
A special highlight of the night was the Mentorship EDGE mentor/mentee duo Karishma Sharma ‘14 and Angelina Ly, a graduating senior in business administration, who both gave speeches. Karishma’s presence alongside her mentee Angelina Ly demonstrated the profound connections developed through Mentorship EDGE. Both Karishma and Angelina spoke of how this program greatly influenced them and their ability to grow professionally. Karishma attributed her flourishing career at Microsoft in part to her formative years at UW Bothell. Her heartfelt narrative emphasized the critical importance of investing in scholarships, field trips, and club activities to enrich the educational journey and pave the way for future triumphs.
Angelina took the stage next and inspired the audience at the (un)GALA, by sharing her business story and the profound impact of the support on her educational journey. With eloquence and fervor, Angelina illuminated the transformative impact of scholarships in shaping her academic and personal growth. Her testimony stirred emotions among attendees, serving as a testament to the untapped potential within every UW Bothell student. Angelina’s story demonstrated the pivotal role of philanthropy and community backing in empowering students to chase their dreams and realize their full potential.
The festivities continued with a lively auction, offering an eclectic array of items and experiences generously donated by community members. From luxurious getaways and husky football tickets to exclusive dining opportunities and local experiences, the auction ignited spirited bidding wars, fueled by the generosity and commitment of all involved. The carnival-style wine wheel and blinking rings further enlivened the atmosphere, adding an element of fun and excitement to the event while raising additional funds in support to student success.
The unwavering support of 20 named sponsors played a pivotal role in making the (un)GALA a resounding triumph, showing the spirit of community and collaboration at UW Bothell Business School. Behind the scenes, the dedicated efforts of the UW Bothell Advancement Office ensured flawless organization and execution, ensuring a memorable and impactful experience for all attendees.
As the evening drew to a close, a palpable sense of pride and optimism permeated the air, lifted by the knowledge that collective efforts had made a tangible difference in the lives of UW Bothell students. With this year’s (un)GALA standing as a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and partnership, the UW Bothell School of Business eagerly anticipates continuing its mission of fostering student success and academic excellence.