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Background

The idea for a comprehensive welcome center for the University has been in the works for over seven years, beginning with early visioning efforts in April 2018. Over the years, the University has explored various site options, ultimately aiming to create a space that serves as both an admissions hub and a welcoming community destination. As the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø continues to grow and evolve, the need for a centralized, visitor-focused space has become increasingly important. The Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center will be a gateway to the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø — this dynamic space will enhance the experience of prospective students, illuminating pathways for our community and visitors, and providing our alumni and neighbors the opportunity to explore the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø’s history, mission and global impact through tours, events and programming.

Location

To understand what the Welcome Center will do and who it will serve, look to where it will be located: The Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center will be built at an iconic intersection of our community, history and culture. The northwest corner of the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø campus in Seattle is one of the University’s most recognized entrances and holds a special place in the hearts of our neighbors and Huskies everywhere.

To the north, University Heights is home to tens of thousands of students. To the west is the vibrant and eclectic University District, a hub for food, arts and entertainment. Here, University Book Store serves as an intellectual cornerstone, as it has for generations of students, faculty and the community.

Building

Key features of the Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center include:

1. An open, inviting and accessible Visitor Center where everyone can begin their ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø journey.
2. A hall with interactive exhibits that tell the story of the three ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø campuses — their histories, values and global impact.
3. AnÌýauditorium and collaborative event spaces that will host admission sessions, alumni gatherings, neighborhood town halls, public lectures, faculty and student panels, author readings and more.
4. A community courtyard designed for events and public engagement.

Budget

The total project budget for the Welcome Center is $61.4 million, with the majority of funding being secured through donor contributions. The ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø and the ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø Alumni Association are jointly committed to bringing this center to life.

Proposed funding