Where in the World is Cara Mathison?
By Professor Billie J. Swalla, Director of FHL
Most of us met Cara Mathison when Friday Harbor Labs (FHL) moved from the Vice Provost for Research’s office to the newly formed College of the Environment in 2010. Has it really only been five years? It seems much longer that we’ve been listening to Cara’s sage advice and learning how to form long, solid relationships with our FHL supporters.
Cara in Florida with Bill Nye the Science Guy (left) and Roni Avissar (right), her new Dean and helicopter pilot. Source: Twitter
Cara Mathison began a new, prestigious position as the Associate Dean of Advancement at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Atmospheric and Marine Science in August. We are all so happy for Cara, but were dismayed to see her leave the University of Washington. Cara has been tireless in promoting FHL on the Seattle campus and to potential UW/FHL donors, and has worked to strengthen the ties of FHL and the College of the Environment. She was wonderful to work with, as she gently reminded Rachel and me of things that were left undone and nudged us to start planning early for the next event. Cara taught us that fundraising should be fun. I learned so many things from Cara and will always hear her voice if I am hesitating to do something bold. “What’s the worst that can happen?” she used to say, with a shrug. Cara epitomizes the new UW slogan “Be Boundless!!”
Therefore, a group of FHL faculty, friends and supporters gathered on Friday, June 26th at the Director’s house for a bittersweet send off to Cara Mathison and her family. Since then, we’ve heard briefly from Cara that she was enjoying her new position and she sent this wonderful photo of herself, her new boss, the Dean of the Rosenstiel School of Atmospheric and Marine Science, and Bill Nye the Science guy. Now, how’s that for cool? Cara, we miss you and your infectious laugh and can-do attitude!!
We hope that someday soon San Juan Island will be a destination for Cara and then we’ll have an excuse to toast to her once again…..until then if you are in Miami and looking for a helicopter ride……
