As part of its ongoing Continuum Convenes: Stories of Impact series, UW Continuum College recently gathered supporters for its second annual fundraising luncheon supporting certificate scholarships for adult learners.
Rovy Branon greets guests ahead of the inspirational afternoon.
Last week, members of the UW Continuum College community came together at the Washington Athletic Club for an afternoon of purpose and inspiration. Nearly 100 attendees filled the room — alumni, community partners, faculty and friends — united by a shared belief in the power of education to open doors and transform lives.
The event, part of the Continuum Convenes: Stories of Impact series, underscored Continuum’s mission to expand the reach and impact of the University of Washington by creating accessible learning pathways for adult learners. Through professional certificates, degree-completion programs and lifelong learning opportunities, Continuum helps learners gain skills, advance careers and redefine what’s possible at any stage of life.
“Today we find ourselves in a time of transition — in work, society and even here at Continuum College,” said Vice Provost Rovy Branon in his opening remarks. “This moment calls us to see transition as opportunity — to meet the world where it’s at by expanding access to lifelong learning through innovative, inclusive and flexible educational opportunities.”
This year’s program centered on Stories of Impact — personal accounts from UW certificate alums that highlight how education changes lives. From Tiffany Chancellor’s reflections on the generational power of learning to Clarissa Suarez’s story of perseverance and mobility, the luncheon celebrated the real-world impact of community support.
Education as Legacy: Tiffany Chancellor’s Story
Actress, model and entrepreneur Tiffany Chancellor reflected on her own educational journey at UW and the generational power of learning. She shared that growing up in a single-parent household, valuing education and earning a degree were highly encouraged. Books and learning materials filled Chancellor’s childhood, creating an environment rich in education. Watching her mother return to school and earn a degree in her 30s showed Chancellor the power of perseverance and inspired her own educational journey — and her commitment to helping others do the same.
Chancellor, who completed the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership certificate in 2020, said, “I grew up with the privilege of knowing the importance of education and experiencing the benefits of education, particularly higher education.” Chancellor then went on to say, “Knowing what’s at stake when education is not accessible is why I joined the council of advisors for Continuum College,” and added, “I was given a gift of knowledge through Continuum, and because of that, I want to help pay it forward.”
Education for Mobility: Clarissa Suarez’s Story
Guests also heard from Clarissa Suarez, a first-generation college student whose journey captured the heart of Continuum’s mission. Seeking to advance her career, Suarez completed a UW Certificate in Paralegal Studies with help from a scholarship.
“This scholarship changed my life. It opened new opportunities and experiences where I gained the confidence to take the next step and find a new position because I knew I was prepared to do so,” Suarez said.
The experience proved transformative. Suarez gained the professional skills to advance in her field with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, a role in which she’s having a direct impact on the community and paving the way toward her ultimate career aspiration: becoming a federal judge.
Expanding Access: The UW Certificate Scholarship Program
Jesse Johnson speaks about the power of collective action and community support.
A central focus of the luncheon was raising funds for UW Certificate Scholarships. Since its inception eight years ago, the program has awarded more than 200 scholarships, often covering up to 80% of tuition costs for eligible UW Professional & Continuing Education programs. These scholarships help reduce the financial burden for adult learners to gain industry-recognized credentials that translate directly into opportunity.
Jesse Johnson, a UW alum and director of outreach & community engagement at the Office of the Washington State Treasurer, invoked the importance of community support and encouragement when people need them most.
“I encourage you to think about how you personally arrived at this moment today and the people in your life who made an impact,” Johnson said to Convene guests. “Today we have the power to do something transformational and change the trajectory of what’s possible in someone’s life.”
Johnson and Continuum Chief Advancement Officer Manca Valum then invited guests to raise their paddles to pledge gifts for student support. With energy and enthusiasm, guests collectively pledged more than $50,000 during the luncheon. Sponsors — including Artemis Connection, We., Perkins Coie, Dana Frank, and The Frank-Looney Family — covered all event costs, so that every dollar raised could directly fund student support.
Continuing the Journey to Possibility
We also celebrated a gift from Tiffany and Kam Chancellor to launch a Continuum College pilot project in collaboration with a local nonprofit organization serving single-parent families in South King County who are transitioning from homelessness.
As the program concluded, Branon left attendees with a message of gratitude and inspiration, reminding them that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transformation. He encouraged continued partnership to make learning not only accessible but truly possible for every learner, emphasizing that while financial support is vital, so too is joining the conversation to address critical issues ahead.
“Your financial support is essential and we appreciate it. However, just as important is your collective thinking around the table with us as we tackle the challenges of affordability, access and the evolving needs of learners in higher education. Thank you for being with us on this important journey,” Branon said.