The June 2008 issue of Columns Magazine featured a memorable story on 100 “famous, fascinating or influential living graduates.” The Department of Communication was impressively represented by 12 alumni from the list of 100. In celebration of the UW’s College of Arts & Sciences’ 150th anniversary, we will feature those Wondrous 12 throughout the year as a reminder of the impressive and often awe-inspiring work our alumni are doing.

Up first is Assunta Ng (MA, 1979), a recent Odegaard Award recipient. Assunta received her undergraduate degree in International Studies and a master’s degree in Speech Communication. She also holds a certificate in teaching. She is the founder and publisher of the Northwest Asian Weekly and the Seattle Chinese Post. The Department of Communication faculty, staff and alumni inducted her into the inaugural class of the Communication Alumni Hall of Fame in 2004 and she was the Department’s Distinguished Alumnus and keynote speaker at the 2005 Graduation Celebration. We asked Assunta a few questions about her UW experience:

1) How did your education prepare you for your career and what were one or two accomplishments that came out of that?

My education taught me the love of writing and speaking. I developed a huge appetite for learning and I became interested in multiple issues and people. I am not to be afraid to ask questions and challenge assumptions. My education also taught me about the importance of free speech and I made a career/living out of that. When someone introduces me not only as a publisher, but as a writer too, I couldn’t be more proud. Many immigrants are successful in America, but few can express themselves well in writing and speaking. The Department of Communication prepared me to speak with force, clarity and confidence even though I speak with an accent.

2) What is your fondest memory from your days as a UW student?

Eating in the dormitory with a large group of friends and walking around the beautiful campus for relaxation, which I still do.

3) Where was your favorite place on campus to study?

Odegaard Library

4) Who is your favorite UW Husky?

Husky Crew

Read more about Assunta Ng in Columns Magazine’s Wondrous 100 >>