University of Washington Alumni Association

The University of Washington Alumni Association (UWAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization whose purpose is to connect alumni with the University of Washington and its mission. Founded in 1889, the same year Washington became a state, only a handful of UW graduates comprised the organization at its inception. Today, the UWAA has approximately 50,000 members worldwide, making it one of the nation's largest alumni associations.

UWAA History

Under the direction of R. Bronsdon "Curly" Harris, who served as director of graduate relations and executive secretary of the alumni association from 1936–1964, the UWAA incorporated as a social-educational, non-profit organization. During that time, a member benefits program was established, awards programs were created, reunions and Homecoming activities were added, and active alumni political lobbying started to support the university's interests.

To help finance its growing role in support of the University of Washington, the UWAA began aggressive member recruitment programs in the mid-1980s when membership totaled less than 30,000. Today, nearly a third of the school's living graduates are members, making it one of the largest alumni associations in the nation. More than 50,000 members engage the alumni community through social, learning, athletic and volunteer activities.

Events and Programs

The UWAA serves the University of Washington through programs, events and...
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