Mary Howisey leads Alumni Council’s Husky 5K efforts

On Saturday, May 18, more than 1,300 walkers, strollers, joggers and runners will take to the streets of Bothell for the 14th Annual UW Bothell Husky 5k. Since the first race in 2006, proceeds from the Husky 5k have resulted in more than $160,000 for scholarships. Alum Mary Howisey has volunteered every year helping to secure sponsors, rallying people to participate, and managing race-day logistics. For the past two years she has lead the UW Bothell Alumni Council’s 5K efforts in her role as Fundraising and Events Chair.

“It’s been exciting to watch the numbers grow over the years – from fewer than 200 the first year – and now, to see more than six times that at the start line,” says Howisey, “It’s just mind-boggling to think we did that.” Howisey expands on the 5K’s impact in this article.

Howisey has been an invaluable member of the UW Bothell Alumni Council since its inception in 2004. Even before, she helped envision and shape the council into what it is today. Back in 2002, the recent graduate jumped at the chance when Chancellor Warren Buck invited her and several others to create an alumni council. “It was a great way to stay connected and to be able to share the amazing experience I had at UW Bothell with others,” she says. Over the years, she has served in several leadership capacities including Council Chair. Howisey is proud of the council’s impact and many accomplishments, including Alumni Weekend, an expansive annual event which features the Husky 5K, an alumni happy hour, and participation with Bothell Block Party and BrewFest.