Kady Dendramis

A lifelong gymnast, Kady Dendramis will be one of 100 faculty, staff and students tackling the 2007 Seattle Half Marathon as a member of the new Graduate Students First Team. Kady is well on her way toward earning a Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry at UW. And, her commitment to science runs in the family: both of her parents are chemists. "I've always wanted to run a half marathon, and it's for a good cause," Kady said. Along with her fellow runners and walkers, Kady expects to push herself hard to win support for graduate students.

Make a gift to the Graduate Students First Challenge Fund today.

When you contribute to a graduate student's future, you're creating futures for all of us.

The Graduate Students First Challenge Fund provides need-based support to UW graduate students in all disciplines, ensuring talented young people reach their potential regardless of economic background.

Thanks to over $100,000 raised for this endowment from loyal friends and alumni, the University's Students First Initiative has contributed an additional $50,000 in matching funds. You can continue this successful run by making a gift!

Gifts of every size can make a difference

Think of any problem facing our society: homelessness, autism, HIV/AIDS, climate change, the sub-prime lending crisis, melting polar ice caps. Right now a UW graduate student is working to solve that problem. Independently and in collaboration with faculty partners, masters and doctoral students pursue research that benefits us all. Our nation’s well being and competitiveness depends on the vitality of advanced training in all fields – the arts and humanities, as well as the physical, life, and social sciences.

Read about the team's run!

The UW faculty knows how vital graduate students are to the mission of the university. Sociology professor Bob Crutchfield cares so much that in November 2007 he ran the Seattle Half Marathon to raise money for this challenge fund. He rallied a team of 100 faculty, students, alumni and friends to tackle the race with him. Your gift builds on the efforts of the dedicated Graduate Students First team. Help us get every matching dollar possible for this important fund before the June 30th deadline by making a gift!

Create your own Students First endowed fund

Individuals or like-minded groups can also create their own Students First endowed fellowship fund with a single or combined gift of $100,000 (minimum) named in honor of the donor(s) or someone they wish to honor. If you would like more information on creating a Students First endowed fund benefiting graduate students, please contact Erika Kreger, (206) 685-0662.