On August 20, the Evans in Government affinity group gathered at Métier Brewing Co. for our Summer Happy Hour, a casual but meaningful opportunity to connect, share stories, and enjoy time together in community. 

The atmosphere was warm and lively, with Evans alumni from across the decades. Recent graduates mingled alongside alumni from as far back as the class of 1973. These multigenerational connections are what make gatherings like this so special. In small conversations over pints, we found common ground in both our current challenges and shared histories. 

At one point, we even ran into other Evans alumni who happened to be meeting at the brewery at the same time. It was an unexpected but fitting reminder of how wide-reaching and deeply connected our community really is. 

As conversations unfolded, we traded stories about the rise of AI in our professional worlds, the excitement of summer events at Marymoor Park, and the hustle of balancing personal and professional life. We also found time to reflect on memories from the Evans School, reminders of the shared experiences that continue to link us long after graduation. 

These moments, small but powerful, are what community looks like. They remind us that we are not alone in navigating the complexities of public service. Evans is more than a school; it is a place where connection and support extend far beyond the classroom. 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event. Your presence and your stories made it a wonderful evening. 

The Evans in Government affinity group exists to build these kinds of connections year-round. Through social gatherings, professional development opportunities, and conversations about the issues shaping our communities, we aim to support one another in our public service journeys. 

If you would like to join the Evans in Government network, please reach out to Justyn Jacobs at justynj@uw.edu. We would love to welcome you into the community.