Alumni

Recent Alumni News

At the University of Washington, student-athletes like Ben Shortt, Kieran Joyce, and Ewan Morrow exemplify the powerful synergy between athletics and academics. Ben Shortt, a member of the UW Rowing Team, finds that the perseverance and work ethic developed through rigorous training translate directly to his studies in economics. "Economics isn’t a simple subject," Ben notes, highlighting how his experience on the water helps him tackle complex academic challenges with resilience. Kieran Joyce… Read more
As we enjoy the summer months and reflect on the past year, I am reminded of the profound impact that the University of Washington's Department of Economics has had on my life and career. It's been more than three decades since I walked across the graduation stage, and my journey from a student with a BA in Economics to a seasoned professional has been deeply intertwined with the department. For many of us, our time at UW was transformative—shaping our perspectives, our careers, and our… Read more
On Tuesday, June 4th, 2024, the Department of Economics honored over 200 undergraduate and PhD degree recipients, in a spectacular occasion, at the Husky Union Building Ballroom, at the University of Washington. The festivities were presided over by Chair Eric Zivot, and the Department of Economics Faculty. Many thanks to Brian Langstraat (’90) – recently retired CEO of Parametric – who delivered an inspiring keynote address. Mr. Langstraat was also honored as the Read more
  Mr. Langstraat retired in 2023 as CEO of Parametric, a Seattle-based global quantitative investment management firm and subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Investment Management.  Brian joined Parametric in 1990 and served as CEO from 2001 to the end of 2023 when he transitioned to his current advisory role.  During Brian’s tenure as CEO, Parametric’s Assets under Management (AUM) increased from $2 Billion to $475 Billion across equity, fixed income, and… Read more
The Economics Undergraduate Board (EUB) Mixer, held in the HUB on May 7, 2024, was a resounding success. Over 40 undergraduate economics students attended, engaging with 16 professionals from our alumni and mentor community. The event fostered connections, allowing students to gain insights and advice for their academic and career paths. Participants praised the mixer for its enriching discussions and networking opportunities. 
Washington State recently named Dave Reich as the new Executive Director and Chief Economist for the Economic and Revenue Forecast Council. Reich holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Washington.  Reich was the former Chief Economist for King County and worked previously in the private sector as a consultant. 
Governor Jay Inslee's appointed David Schumacher to the University of Washington Board of Regents. Armed with both bachelor's and master's degrees in economics from the University of Washington, Schumacher's deep academic roots intertwine with his extensive experience in management, budgeting, and public policy, providing a solid foundation for his role. His tenure as the director of Washington's Office of Financial Management, coupled with his prior roles in state service and the private… Read more
As the Department of Economics, we embrace the spirit of philanthropy on Husky Giving Day 2024, uniting with alumni, students, faculty, and friends to make a profound impact. This year, our focus remains on empowering student success, driving innovation, and enhancing the Husky experience. From scholarships that alleviate financial burdens to funding for groundbreaking research, every contribution propels us toward a brighter future for our students and our community. Together on April 4th, let… Read more
The Paul Heyne Seminar, organized by the Economics Undergraduate Board (EUB), celebrates the impactful legacy of the late Paul Heyne in undergraduate economics education. This quarterly lecture series serves as a platform for faculty members to delve into diverse economic topics, echoing Heyne's commitment to inspiring students and fostering intellectual curiosity. Recent seminars, such as Isabelle Cohen's examination of technology's role in tax compliance in Pakistan, highlight the series'… Read more
In a recent New York Times op-ed, UW graduate student Ryan Cummings, a former economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers, alongside Brian Deese and Jonathan Gruber from M.I.T., discusses the fiscal and healthcare implications of revolutionary weight-loss drugs.  Highlighting the potential of these drugs to address America's… Read more
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