Congratulations to our graduating Class of 2022, especially Aaron, Gabby, and Payton! We also welcome back and congratulate the Classes of 2020 and 2021. #LuxSit
Thank you, Aaron, Gabby, Payton, and Meshell for serving as GPSS officers this past summer and academic year as we transitioned back to activity on our Seattle campus. I will continue the work of amplifying the voices and experiences of the graduate and professional students at the University of Washington, building community, and advocating for the eradication of inequities.
To all the incoming and returning graduate and professional students for the 2022-2023 academic year, I want to say:
Come as you are.
You belong here.
You are enough.
GPSS Officers (Our terms begin on June 21)
A.J. Balatico, President
Davon Thomas, VP Internal Affairs
Joel Anderson, VP External Affairs
Van Mai, VP Finance
Marty Varela, VP Equity and Inclusion
Jack Flesher, VP Administration
June Update
Happy Pride Month. Pride Month is a nationally recognized designation for June to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities.
Have a reflective Juneteenth. Juneteenth is a federal holiday in the U.S. to honor the emancipation of enslaved African Americans. In Washington, it is a state and university holiday observed on Monday, June 20 this year.
For the graduate students teaching, researching, and taking classes this summer quarter, I wish you the best of luck as you pursue new knowledge, skills, and community at this great university. The GPSS officers will be in the office in HUB 314 starting June 21.
Website Hiring: Lastly, information will be forthcoming on the hiring of two graduate student web developers this summer ($30/hour for 12 weeks) to create a new GPSS website that will help us reach out and interact with our graduate and professional student community in the Fall.
If you have questions about your program or community’s representation in the Senate or would like to reach out to our new officers or schedule appointments, please contact A.J. (he/him) at gpsspres@uw.edu.
Cheers,
A.J. Balatico
GPSS President ’22-‘23
Learning Sciences and Human Development Ph.D. Candidate | College of Education