Friends, supporters, alumni and students — an entire community — joined together on Nov. 19 for the University of Washington Bothell’s I ❤ UW Bothell Luncheon.
This annual fundraiser both celebrates students and highlights how we can best support them.
More than 360 attendees this year raised more than $252,000, which will be directed to essential student programs such as scholarships and the critical aid funds that help students who have financial emergencies or require temporary assistance to meet basic needs.
Showcasing student successes
Stories about how students thrive during their UW Bothell Husky experience were central to the event. Some of those experiences were on display at a “pre-party” before the main program as multiple students from campus clubs met with attendees to showcase their projects and passions.
Students also participated during the luncheon’s main program. The Vietnamese Student Association wowed the crowd with a traditional fan dance performance. Numerous student voices were showcased via video.
And ASUWB president Adan Rodriguez offered remarks about his personal experiences at UW Bothell as well as what he has learned about other students while serving as a member of student government.
“A few years ago, when I started at UW Bothell, if you had told me one day I would be student government president, I would have said I didn’t believe you,” Rodriguez said. “But since then, I’ve grown from a once-shy student into a confident leader.”
Given the small community feel on campus, he added, he found opportunities he wouldn’t have at a larger university. “I know it would have been impossible [to become ASUWB president] without the opportunities and support I received at UW Bothell.”
Sharing diverse campus perspectives
Vice Chancellor for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Caroline Titan and Chancellor Kristin G. Esterberg also offered compelling perspectives on the UW Bothell Husky Experience.
Titan described campus-wide work to develop student, faculty and staff skills in having “conversations across difference” through both the Constructive Dialogue program that started in 2021. She also reported on The Pluralism Project that launched this academic year to teach students how to be community bridge builders.
“I am so proud that for our students, a UW Bothell degree not only carries the high academic reputation of the UW but also conveys to their future employers that this individual is particularly skilled in dialogue that breaks down divisions, in relationship building that humanizes ‘the other’ and in collective action towards a common good that makes our communities better for all.”
Chancellor Esterberg underlined the importance of her role representing and advocating for UW Bothell during these trying times, including the attacks on higher education. She also reminded everyone in the room that UW Bothell can be a source of hope even in times that feel dark.
“Let me offer my promise to you, as chancellor of this great campus, with unequivocal clarity: UW Bothell has always existed to provide a diverse student body with access to an amazing UW education…to work with and in service to our region and our communities … and to encourage dialogue across all differences, recognizing the full humanity of everyone.
“And we will not falter from this mission.”
Making an impact through philanthropy
To close the event, Vice Chancellor for Advancement Rebecca Blume spoke about the critical impact of philanthropy at UW Bothell, emphasizing that a student’s experiences inside and outside the classroom can be sidetracked for any number of reasons.
“Hard work and intelligence don’t mean much when you’re in a financial emergency,” she said. “Too many students are at risk of leaving college — and not meeting their potential — through no fault of their own.”
Thanks to supporters of the UW Bothell community, she added, we can ensure that more students have the help they need.
Join others who have already made a difference. Support students facing unexpected emergencies by giving to the UW Bothell Student Emergency Fund.
