The School of Marine and Environmental Affairs hosted its biennial Community Reception on November 22 at the Silver Cloud Inn, bringing together students, alumni, faculty, partners, and supporters for an evening of connection and celebration. The evening began with conversation, reconnecting, and building new relationships across the SMEA community.

Midway through the Evening, guests gathered for a short program featuring remarks from Dan Hull, Chair of the SMEA Director’s Council, Steve Metruck, Executive Director of the Port of Seattle and SMEA Professor of Practice, and SMEA Director and Professor Nives Dolšak.

Dan Hull opened by welcoming attendees and celebrating the strength of the SMEA network across generations, from current students to long-established alumni. He emphasised how these connections continue to open doors across the blue economy and in every corner of marine and environmental affairs.

Steve Metruck offered insight into the Port of Seattle’s role in supporting tens of thousands of regional jobs and shaping how future of marine transportation, logistics and coastal management. He spoke about the importance of preparing emerging leaders for the challenges ahead and expressed his excitement to serve as a Professor of Practice at SMEA.

Director Nives Dolšak closed with gratitude for the Director’s Council and the College of the Environment’s advancement team, who help sustain opportunities such as this event for SMEA. She highlighted SMEA’s vibrant student cohorts, the school’s world-class faculty and several ways community members can stay involved with the program, from collaborating on capstones to mentoring students to supporting the Graduate Student Fellowship Fund.

Inspired by the speaker’s remarks, nearly 100 students, faculty, and community members returned to the reception along with Interim Dean of the College of the Environment Joel Thornton. They engaged in lively conversations, forged new connections, and celebrated the shared mission that unites the SMEA community.