The month of June signals the end of the academic year at the University of Washington Bothell, and, for graduating students, the beginning of a new chapter. Festivities begin with a Graduating Seniors & Families Celebration on Friday, June 2, in advance of Commencement Weekend on June 10 and 11.
It is also a time when former students — now alumni — gather to reminisce, renew friendships and reengage with the campus community during Alumni Weekend.
This year, current students will also be in the spotlight during the inaugural Academic Showcase that celebrates their scholarship, research and creative practice.
Recognizing research and capstones
The showcase on Friday, June 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will feature poster presentations at the North Creek Events Center and more than 25 oral presentations in classrooms across campus. Research and capstone topics range from art and philosophy to health and well-being, science and the environment to race and immigration.
According to Carolyn Brennan, assistant vice chancellor for the Office of Sponsored Research and the Office of Connected Learning, the interdisciplinary event will be a dynamic gathering of student scholars, thinkers and performers.
“The students have put a lot of work into these offerings and are eager to share them with their peers, collaborators, faculty and community partners across disciplinary borders,” she said. “The showcase is open to the public, so we invite our greater Bothell community to stop by and see the exceptional work being done right in their backyard.”
A first-time event, the showcase was developed to recognize students’ distinguished achievements, to encourage a spirit of diversity, equity and inclusion, and to provide an opportunity for students to network with faculty, staff and administrators.
Reconnecting and racing for good
After an alumni gathering on the evening of Friday, June 2, the UW Bothell Alumni Council presents the 18th annual Husky 5k on Saturday, June 3, beginning at 9 a.m. The wheelchair-accessible course starts and finishes on campus, with a scenic loop that passes through downtown Bothell. While the main race is for all ages, there’s a special Pups & Cubs 1k for kids 12 and under.
“The 5k is one of my favorite alumni events of the year,” said Jessica Newkirk, associate director of alumni engagement. “It brings our campus community — past, present and future — together with people who love and support UW Bothell. Everyone comes ready to have a good time. It really puts the ‘fun’ in ‘fundraiser.’”
Entry fees for the race support the UW Bothell Alumni Scholarship, a fund that provides tuition assistance to undergraduate, graduate and certificate students. Over the years, more than $225,000 has been raised to help students stay in school.
Scholarship recipient Marlene Manzo (Society, Ethics & Human Behavior ’14) said that receiving the scholarship made her believe she could take chances, and that the courage and confidence she gained as a result allowed her to pursue many opportunities.
“UW Bothell has done so much for me. I look forward to the day I can give back.”
Relaxing with regional favorites
After crossing the finish line, race participants can enjoy refreshments, enter to win prizes and engage in activities such as face painting and getting photos with Dubs, the University of Washington mascot before heading to the Bothell Block Party & BrewFest in downtown Bothell.
Co-sponsored in part by the Bothell Kenmore Chamber and the UW Alumni Association, this annual event for people ages 21 and over features top bands from across the Northwest, more than 20 local and regional breweries, wineries and cideries, and popular food trucks.
“The UW Bothell Alumni Weekend is for everyone,” said Newkirk. “It is a weekend of connection and celebration of the people of UW Bothell and our larger community. Please join us and let us celebrate you.”
If you have questions about Alumni Weekend, email UW Bothell’s Office of Alumni Engagement at uwbalumn@uw.edu. For disability accommodation, email Disability Resources for Students at uwbdrs@uw.edu.
