Congratulations Graduates!
Evans School Convocation 2025
We invite you to join the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance in celebrating the graduating Class of 2025 at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 (PDT) at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion or online!
Convocation Program
12:00 p.m.
Graduates Report
Graduates report to the southeast corner of Alaska Airlines Arena at HecEd Pavilion for line up. Doors open for guests.
1:00 p.m.
Convocation
Processional, opening remarks from Dean Jodi Sandfort, convocation address, student addresses, presentation of student awards, presentation of graduates, recessional.
After Ceremony
Reception
Graduates, guests, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate with light refreshments after the ceremony in the concourse area.
Convocation Speakers
Dean Jodi Sandfort
Jodi Sandfort joined the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance as dean in January 2021. Her scholarly work focuses on improving the implementation of social policy, particularly those policies designed to support low-income children and their families. Dean Sandfort brings a background in human-centered design that is helping the school to center community voice in policy and implementation.
Dr. Brent Jones
Dr. Brent Jones, who is dedicated to making sure all students thrive by transforming organizational culture and redesigning PreK-12 systems and supports, is the outgoing Superintendent for Seattle Public Schools. Dr. Jones has deep community roots and is a proud product of Seattle Public Schools and the University of Washington. He has earned master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Education Administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He enjoys spending time with family, working out, making creative projects, and doing random acts of kindness.
Student Speakers
Isaac Sederbaum
Ph.D. Graduate Speaker
Megan Utemei
EMPA Graduate Speaker
Josie Jackson
MPA Graduate Speaker
Ceremony Information
Tickets are not required to attend.
Driving
The Evans School Convocation will take place at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion.
We recommend that guests park in lot E-18. Guests who need accessible parking should park in lot E-17 or E-19.
Parking permits are required. If you have not already purchased a parking permit, they can be purchased at a gatehouse. Space may be limited.
Public Transportation
You can plan your trip to Alaska Airlines Arena using public transportation within King, Pierce, or Snohomish counties using Metro’s Trip Planner. The University of Washington Link light rail station is located a few minutes walk from venue.
Accessibility accommodations are available for guests.
There will be plenty of seating, which is first come, first serve. Wheelchair and accessible seating is located on the concourse/entrance level. Lookout for the “Accessible Seating” signage. Each wheelchair/ADA seat is paired with a seat for a second guest.
Assistive listening devices will be available for pick-up at the ‘Accessibility Table’ in the main concourse.
For additional information or accommodations, please contact evansuw@uw.edu.
No bags are allowed. Alcohol (even if it’s a gift), balloons, glitter bombs, and confetti are not allowed in the venue.
For additional information or questions, please contact evansuw@uw.edu.
Our informal reception will take place in arena’s concourse immediately after the ceremony. It will end by 3:30 p.m.
Grad Images will take photographs as each graduate crosses the stage to shake hands with the Dean. Graduate will also be photographed as they approach and/or exit the stage.
After graduation, graduates may order their graduation photographs online through the Grad Images website by entering their name, school, and graduating year or by calling 800-261-2576.
For all other questions, please contact us at evansuw@uw.edu.
UW Commencement will take place on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at Husky Stadium.