New skills, expanded professional networks and greater career opportunities were at the heart of University of Washington Continuum College's third annual “Continuum Convenes: Stories of Impact” fundraising luncheon. The event brought together regional business and community leaders, certificate instructors, alumni and supporters to celebrate the transformative power of lifelong learning and raise more than $90,000 for professional certificate program scholarships, marking a record year of philanthropic support for the program.
Led by Continuum Vice Provost Rovy Branon and Chief Advancement Officer Manca Valum, the event highlighted how scholarship support expands access to education for adult learners seeking to advance or change careers. Alumni Amber Gregory and Jermaine Jackson brought that impact to life through their personal stories. Gregory, a graduate of the UW Certificate in Commercial Real Estate, and Jackson, a graduate of the UW Certificate in Audio Production, shared how their programs helped shape their careers. Both credited the caliber of the course content, instructor support and networking with their peers with helping them achieve their personal goals.
Members of the Continuum Council of Advisers, including Christy Johnson and Jesse Johnson, joined UW Foundation Board member Brett Frank-Looney, in encouraging attendees to invest in scholarships for adult learners. Council of Advisers member Tiffany Chancellor and her husband Kam Chancellor, further strengthened that support with a lead gift. Event sponsors Artemis Connection, We. Communications, Mortenson and TDFF LLC covered all event expenses, allowing 100% of pledged donations to directly support scholarships for adult learners.
To learn more about the philanthropic work of Continuum College and the impact of the scholarship program on adult learners, visit: continuum.uw.edu/show-your-support.
A big thanks to UW Continuum College, the instructors, my classmates for the experience the education, and the relationships I took from that program. When you give to scholarships, you help someone who has the drive to learn but needs help making it work while juggling the responsibilities of their life. I was that person. Your support can help another student make that next step, too.
I went back to school because I discovered a skill gap — none of that was part of some carefully designed master plan. And yet, every step brought me exactly to where I needed to be. Today I’m working in business development for one of the nation’s top builders. That’s what makes these fundraising opportunities so important. They create opportunity for someone who may be standing at a crossroads, wondering whether it’s too late to change directions, to learn something new or pursue a different path.
Artemis, we share the same spirit that defines UW Continuum College — a deep love of learning and a belief that growth never stops — for people or for organizations. That’s why we’re so proud to support this work and the mission of making education accessible across a lifetime.
Through scholarships, we are supporting learner journeys and the impact of those journeys on the learners themselves, their families, and their communities. Today has been a remarkable day. My heart is full of gratitude.
Check out more photos from the event!
