Each year, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 undergraduate and graduate students from the UW Bothell, Seattle and Tacoma campuses in all areas of study who are making the most of their time at the UW. This year, 2 of them are graduating students with a minor in Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies.
These students actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future. Through their passion, leadership and commitment, they inspire all of us to shape our own Husky Experience.
Get to know a little more about our 2 standouts this year.
Han Edward So Eckelberg
- B.A.: American Ethnic Studies; B.A.: Art (Photo/Media). Minors in Diversity; Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies
"I am the son of a Hong Kong immigrant and a third-generation German American born and raised in South Seattle. My neighborhood’s cultural diversity fostered my passion for the arts, advocacy for the community, and pride in my heritage. During my four years at UW, I deeply valued the opportunities I had to use my creative skills to serve and benefit American ethnic communities and organizations on the local, state, and national level."
Read more about Han and his creative art works on his website Eckel Tech.
Toelau Ronalei Gasetoto
- B.A.: Education, Communities and Organizations; B.A.: American Ethnic Studies. Minor Oceania and Pacific Islander Studies
"Our ancestors planted the seeds so that we can inherit the shade. Talofa. I am a proud daughter to parents who migrated here from American Samoa. As a Pacific Islander, I’m finding ways to transform my research to center Pasifika knowledge and intellect. My Husky Experience carries the resilience, respect, and responsibility that my ancestors and family continue to teach/guide me with. O le agaga fa’afetai tele i o’u aiga uo ma e ua masani mo le lagolagoina o la’u taumafaiga."
Watch Toelau's presentation from this year's Undergraduate Research Symposium as part of a Burke Museum research family on Bridging Pacific Islander Culture with Education.