Thank you for investing in the future of the School of Languages, Cultures, and Race. Your generosity creates opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, empowering students, supporting faculty innovation, and enhancing the experiences that define our community.
Because of your support through the Excellence Fund, meaningful progress is happening every day. The accomplishments highlighted in this report reflect the impact of your partnership, and we are grateful for your commitment to our mission.
With sincere appreciation,
GO COUGS!
How your gifts made an impact in 2025-2026:
Built Community and Engagement.
Excellence Funds supported meals, refreshments, and venue costs for the School’s Fall Retreat and Winter Holiday Celebration, creating welcoming spaces for faculty, staff, and graduate students to connect, collaborate, and strengthen relationships. Hosting the retreat at the Floyd Center provided a unique setting that enhanced participation and fostered a sense of community.
Celebrated Student and Faculty Achievements.
Funding supported the SLCR Award Ceremony, including catering, student medals, and prizes for the annual Spanish Creative Writing Contest. These investments recognized academic excellence, encouraged student involvement, and celebrated the accomplishments of the School’s diverse community. Excellence Funds also provided recognition plaques honoring retiring and departing faculty members for their years of dedication and service.
Supported Professional Development.
Conference registration fees enabled faculty and staff to attend professional meetings and events, helping them develop new skills, remain current in their fields, and bring valuable knowledge and perspectives back to the classroom and School community.
Expanded Experiential Learning Opportunities.
Excellence Funds helped make a faculty-led field trip to the Seattle area possible for 28 undergraduate students. By covering transportation, lodging, and admission costs, students were able to engage directly with Asian cultures and histories through visits to museums, cultural centers, gardens, and religious institutions. The experience deepened cultural understanding, strengthened connections to personal heritage for some students, and exposed others to new perspectives that inspired academic and professional interests.
Reduced Financial Barriers for Students.
Scholarships and fellowships provided critical support for students, helping them participate in educational opportunities, focus on their studies, and pursue experiences that enhance their academic and professional growth.
These investments advance the School’s mission by fostering cultural understanding, supporting student success, enhancing experiential learning, promoting professional development, and strengthening community among students, faculty, and staff. Through recognition programs, educational travel, scholarships, and opportunities for engagement, Excellence Funds help create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.