By Ben Johns

On behalf of the School of Marine and Environmental Affairs (SMEA), thank you for your part in making SMEA’s graduate degree program truly special. We are grateful for the many contributions of alumni and supporters to such an incredible legacy. 

Today, we humbly ask you to make a gift in support of SMEA students. Gifts of any amount make a difference in the lives of students and their bright futures. 

At SMEA, we train the next generation of marine and environmental managers, planners and decision-makers. One of our top priorities is attracting and retaining world class students who bring diverse lived experiences and interests in connection to the environment. 

In the words of SMEA alumni Brett Veerhusen, Class of 2014: “SMEA’s flexible curriculum and supportive faculty helped me juggle both my studies and job fighting the proposed Pebble Mine in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Blending academic research with real-world issues at SMEA, including advocacy for fishing communities, provided invaluable skills for my career.” 

One of the best ways to support students is to invest in them. To help grow fellowship support for graduate students in SMEA, we ask that you make a gift today to the School of Marine Affairs Graduate Student Fellowship Fund. Your gift makes an immediate impact on SMEA students and future generations. 

SMEA is uniquely positioned to educate students across disciplines, graduating critical thinkers who are equipped to resolve complex environmental problems and seize opportunities. Student experiences provide invaluable firsthand knowledge on how to navigate and create lasting solutions to environmental problems. 

Together we are making a difference. The school’s 800+ alumni span the globe, working in all levels of government, nonprofit and private sectors in organizations related to the wide spectrum of marine and environmental affairs. 

Thank you for your consideration to make a gift today in support of SMEA students. This is just one of many ways to support the great work being done at SMEA, and our team invites connection of any kind. 

To further explore ways to support SMEA, please contact Ben Johns, Associate Director of Advancement at College of the Environment – email bkj108@uw.edu or call 206.221.0562.