The University of Washington Celebrates 150 Years of Academic Excellence, Innovation and Community Partnerships

SEATTLE, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Washington kicked off its 150th anniversary year today by showcasing a series of events and activities that honor the past and look toward the future. The College of Arts & Sciences, the first college established at the UW, will also celebrate its 150th anniversary.

University president Michael Young, Washington Governor Chris Gregoire and Seattle Mayor Michael McGinn addressed alumni, faculty and community leaders at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle, the original site of the Territorial University of Washington, to kick off a year of celebration and to rededicate themselves to future partnerships that will benefit all citizens of the state.

One of the oldest universities on the West Coast, the UW has graduated hundreds of thousands of students, led critical research discoveries, and was recently ranked 16th best university in the world by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.

"Today marks the start of a year-long celebration of the rich history of the UW and its growth from humble roots to become one of the world's great research universities," said Michael Young, president of the University of Washington. "Over the past 150 years, the University has provided a quality education to generations of students, playing a significant role not only in the growth and prosperity of our state and region, but in affecting lives across the nation and around the world. We are tremendously excited about the future and the contributions this university can make to people's lives at home and across the globe."

The UW will commemorate its 150th year with a series of events throughout the year designed to bring the community together in celebration. Events include W Day on November 4, 2011, HuskyFest in April 2012, the College of Arts & Sciences Timeless Awards in May 2012, as well as lecture series throughout the year that feature prominent scientists, authors and public figures sponsored by the UW's Graduate School in partnership with the UW Alumni Association.

The UW also unveiled a new website, www.uw.edu/150 which will be an online celebration of the university's 15 decades and a place for alumni and the community to share their memories of the UW. The website includes an interactive, user-generated timeline of events and photos from past decades, stories of discoveries and innovations from the UW, and a media center with images, news and contacts. The College of Arts & Sciences also shared its 150th website (www.artsci.washington.edu/150) with an interactive map emphasizing the impact the College has made around the world.

"The UW has been and will continue to be a key partner in our state's economic growth," Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "Not only does the UW help drive our state's innovation economy, its graduates make up some of the world's best scientists and engineers. As we celebrate the UW's first 150 years of achievement, we know its best days are to come and the innovative spirit of its students and educators will continue to define and change our world."

The UW's 150th anniversary celebration is sponsored by T-Mobile and Microsoft Corporation. The Seattle Times and KING-TV are media partners.

SOURCE The University of Washington