UW-Bothell contributes to 150 years of excellence| Chancellor’s Column

Over the past 150 years, the University of Washington and the people of the state of Washington have worked together to create one of the most livable, innovative and vibrant areas of the nation. The UW has provided world-class education to generations of leaders, thinkers and doers who have contributed to our state in countless ways. The UW, along with its alumni and friends, shares a concern with the citizens of our state for the well-being of people everywhere and of the planet we all share. That’s what drives our spirit of discovery and desire to keep searching for better, healthier ways to learn, live and work.

By Kenyon S. Chan • November 2, 2011 3:25 pm

Over the past 150 years, the University of Washington and the people of the state of Washington have worked together to create one of the most livable, innovative and vibrant areas of the nation.

The UW has provided world-class education to generations of leaders, thinkers and doers who have contributed to our state in countless ways.  The UW, along with its alumni and friends, shares a concern with the citizens of our state for the well-being of people everywhere and of the planet we all share. That’s what drives our spirit of discovery and desire to keep searching for better, healthier ways to learn, live and work.

Together, we’ve built a region that’s home to some of the brightest, most curious people — people who make a difference in our neighborhoods, our communities and our world. The spirit of discovery that embraces us from every mountaintop, treetop and desktop inspires us to achieve great things.

At UW-Bothell, we are proud to be part of the University of Washington’s great history, and we hope to be a bigger part of the university and state’s future history. This year as the state’s largest branch campus, UW-Bothell welcomed more than 3,700 students with diverse backgrounds, impressive grades and test scores, and a multitude of educational and career goals.   They will learn by doing, and will deepen their analytical and fundamental skills by working together on real-world problems.

Good things are happening here at UW-Bothell despite the continued state budget cuts. Our students did not choose to attend school during these extraordinarily tough economic times; they still deserve a world-class education. That’s why, as society, we need continued investment in higher education so that students who will soon be graduates will drive our economy by finding the next cure for cancer, inventing the next digital technology, or designing the next Boeing aircraft. These students need the support necessary to be the professionals engaged in our community and make it a better place.

As we take a moment to recognize our shared accomplishment of the past 150 years, we look ahead with excitement to what the next 150 years will bring.  On Friday, Nov. 4, join us and celebrate the 150th anniversary of the University of Washington.

Kenyon S. Chan is the University of Washington, Bothell chancellor.