On Thursday, April 23, the University of Washington Bothell community will celebrate the return of Husky Giving Day, an annual, UW-wide celebration of philanthropy. 

This year’s theme — “Powered by You” — highlights how collective generosity transforms the UW Bothell experience for students by supporting interactive learning opportunities, student well-being and regional impact. 

Investing in the Husky experience 

Leading this year’s Husky Giving Day efforts is Guillermo Madera Perez, a member of UW Bothell’s fundraising team. Perez said donations support students in various ways they need to thrive inside and outside the classroom. 

“Many students work multiple jobs during college while earning their degrees,” he said. “Some students have emergencies that could put their studies in jeopardy. Others need extra support services to be their best selves.” 

Perez emphasized that donor support can help students overcome barriers to learning and fully embrace the opportunities in front of them during college. 

On Husky Giving Day, donors can choose a specific program or school to support, with general gifts going toward the UW Bothell Fund. This fund supports a broad range of student-centered priorities such as the Husky Pantry, Alumni Endowed Scholarship, connected learning, student diversity services and student affairs, as well as campus projects that enhance the overall student experience. These flexible funds also allow campus leaders to respond quickly to emerging student needs and priorities.

Students supporting students 

Husky Giving Day is about more than fundraising. It brings together alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents and friends to celebrate the impact of philanthropy and a shared belief in the power of education. 

During the Philanthro-party on the campus Plaza at noon, students can choose how UW Bothell should distribute funds raised across various campus initiatives. 

In previous years, they have been most enthusiastic about supporting the Husky Pantry, a source for free food and essentials, as well as the Office of Connected learning, which manages experiential learning programs. 

Graduating students will also have the option to support the 2026 Senior Class Gift, this year benefitting the UW Bothell Student Emergency Fund. The fund, chosen by the Associated Students of UW Bothell, helps students facing financial emergencies that could affect their learning. 

Student success is powered by  you 

As Husky Giving Day 2026 approaches, the message is clear — student opportunity at UW Bothell is powered by the people who believe in supporting student success. Every gift, at every level, helps create a campus where students can make the most of their education. 

The positive impact of giving is illustrated by alumni Brianna Fero. While a student, she spoke about her time at UW Bothell and the meaningful impact of philanthropic support she received. 

“As a first-generation student, I’ve paid my own way through both undergrad and grad school,” Fero said. “I’ve worked late nights, skipped meals and learned to stretch every dollar. There’s always been that constant hum in the background — the financial stress that never lets you fully exhale. 

“When I received a scholarship, that hum went quiet for the first time,” she said. “It gave me something I didn’t think I would ever have: space. Space to think. Space to focus. Space to give my whole self to my work.”

With a sense of freedom, Fero applied — and was chosen — to serve as the graduate student Commencement speaker when she received her Master of Arts in Policy Studies in June 2025. 

On April 23, the UW Bothell community is invited to join together once again to invest in students and in the future of the region they will serve. Powered by you, that future is full of possibility. 

Make a gift now to the UW Bothell Fund and support our community for Husky Giving Day.