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The University of Washington has revealed that a forthcoming welcome center on the Seattle campus will be dedicated to President Ana Mari Cauce, who will be stepping down this summer after serving for a decade and returning to the faculty.

The 30,000-square-foot Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center will act as an entrance for prospective and current students, families, alumni, visitors, and the community to gain insight into the University’s mission and contributions. This facility, situated adjacent to the Burke Museum, will be a foundational point and meeting venue for the myriad of individuals who flock to the UW annually, as well as a space for the campus community to host public events and lectures, and connect to the University District, Seattle, and the state of Washington.

“President Cauce has a remarkable history of embracing students, faculty, and the broader community at the University of Washington. By naming the Welcome Center in her honor, we perpetuate her spirit of promoting the public mission of the UW,” stated UW Board of Regents Chair Blaine Tamaki. “We also extend our gratitude to President Cauce for the significant influence she has had on the entire University.”

For close to four decades, Cauce has been a valued UW faculty member and leader. From her beginning in 1986 as an assistant professor of psychology to her past decade as the UW’s 33rd president, she has leveraged her skills and dedication to foster pathways to excellence for the students of Washington while promoting discovery and innovation with global public repercussions. As president, Cauce advocated for the establishment of the Welcome Center, and in honoring her with its name, the UW will link her identity to her enduring legacy.

“This Welcome Center holds immense significance for me. When I first came to the UW nearly four decades ago, I was embraced by this generous community with open arms. This center will convey that message to all — that we are the University for Washington, the nation, and the world,” Cauce expressed.

“It is as straightforward as it is profound,” she added. “No matter who you are or where you come from — the UW extends a warm welcome to you. I feel deeply honored to be part of that continuous narrative.”

The Ana Mari Cauce Welcome Center will act as a centralized hub for information, campus tours, and much more. More than 73,000 students applied to undergraduate programs at UW’s Seattle campus in 2025, and thousands of prospective students and their families explore the campus each year. Additionally, the building will serve as a home for UW’s 600,000 living alumni, offering a gathering area and launch point for community events, public lectures, and additional activities.

Inside the Welcome Center, interactive displays will narrate the story of the UW’s influence on the Puget Sound area, the state of Washington, and the entire globe. By incorporating contributions from all three campuses and UW Medicine facilities, it will showcase the UW’s history, values, and its economic, cultural, and societal impacts on the region, nation, and worldwide. Newly created auditoriums and collaborative event spaces will facilitate orientations for new students, alumni gatherings, town hall meetings, author readings, career networking, and more.

The $61 million endeavor will be primarily financed through philanthropic contributions, with $35 million already acquired.

“Throughout her extensive tenure at the UW, I’ve witnessed Ana Mari working diligently to create connections, share recognition, and elevate everyone surrounding her, all while uniting a global community to embrace the University’s shared mission,” remarked Lisa Simonyi, vice chair of the UW Foundation Board, who has been an essential volunteer in the Welcome Center project. “She has executed her responsibilities with integrity and humility. Charles and I feel incredibly fortunate to know Ana Mari, regard her as a friend, and take part in this fitting homage.”

Lease Crutcher Lewis has been appointed as the general contractor, and the selection of an architect is currently in progress. Construction is anticipated to commence in late 2026 and conclude in 2028.

For additional information, reach out to Victor Balta at [email protected] or 206-543-2580.

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