Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Alumnus Donates $30,000 to the University of Washington to Support Their Diversity Efforts

Los Angeles, October 3, 2013- Alumnus Mr. Kim L. Hunter announces a $30,000 contribution to The University of Washington’s (UW) Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D) to develop the Kim L. Hunter Internship Support Fund. This support fund will enhance OMA&D’s ability to maintain the economic development of underrepresented students who major in Business with an emphasis in marketing, advertising or communications.

“UW has been an important part of my life from the moment I came on to the campus more than three decades ago,” says Hunter. “This thirty thousand dollar contribution represents the thirty years since I left my alma mater and I am honored to make this contribution to the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity to make education available to students who might not be able to afford it.”

OMA&D works to increase diversity on campus and enrich the collegiate experience through programs such as academic counseling services, the Educational Opportunity Program and the Instructional Center. Their programs currently serve more than 13,000 middle and high school students with college preparation and more than 4,900 undergraduate students with academic advising, instructional support or financial aid.  As a result of their efforts, the number of applications received from underrepresented students has increased by 57 percent and UW freshman underrepresented enrollment has increased by 23 percent over the last five years.

“The University of Washington has a long legacy of transforming lives,” said Vice President for Minority Affairs and Vice Provost for Diversity at University of Washington Sheila Edwards Lange. “We have had the opportunity to develop powerful stories of discovery, learning and growth through the support of our loyal alumni leaders. I truly appreciate Kim’s interest and support for the next generation. He walks the walk and we all benefit from that.“

Understanding the invaluable experience gained from internships, Hunter’s support fund will provide students with industry experience and career development. During his time as an undergraduate, Hunter participated in multiple internships with major companies such as IBM, Xerox and Dow Chemical.

This is not the first time Hunter has donated to his alma mater. In 2007, the philanthropist donated $25,000 to the Michael G. Foster School of Business at UW for an Endowed Scholarship fund to benefit students from an underrepresented background pursuing a degree in marketing. Hunter is also a member of the Vice President’s Club, which includes generous alumni and friends who contribute $1,000 or more annually to funds within OMA&D.

Hunter brings more than 30 years of corporate and agency experience in advertising, marketing and public relations. A serial entrepreneur and diversity advocate, he currently manages three separate companies LAGRANT COMMUNICATIONS, an integrated marketing communications firm specializing in multicultural markets; The LAGRANT Foundation, a non profit organization whose mission is to increase the ethnic representation in advertising, marketing and public relations; and KLH & Associates, a multicultural executive search firm. Hunter received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Anthropology from the University of Washington in 1982.

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