You’re invited to join GIX leaders, MSTI faculty, and fellow alumni of the UW Master of Science in Technology Innovation program for the third annual MSTI Alumni Reunion Weekend! Graduates of all MSTI cohorts are invited to attend, reconnect with one another, and learn what’s new since you graduated. We’ll also recognize the recipients of this year’s Alumni Impact Award.
Join us: Friday-Saturday, May 15-16, 2026
As you may know, GIX is moving out of the Steve Ballmer Building and into its new home in Redmond on the Microsoft campus this summer. We hope you can join us for one last hurrah in our Spring District building, the original home of GIX and the MSTI program!
Event Schedule & Details
Friday, May 15
4:00 – 7:00 PM GIX Open House + Happy Hour
Join us as we kick off the weekend with fellow alumni and faculty in your old stomping grounds for networking, food and beverages, hands-on activities and demos in the GIX Prototyping Labs (aka Makerspace). Also, meet current students and learn about their latest projects.
This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy one final farewell in the GIX Steve Ballmer Building before our move to the Microsoft campus. Pay a visit to your favorite classroom and enjoy the Prototyping Labs one last time while mingling with fellow graduates.
Tickets are $25 per person. Plus-ones are welcome. Complimentary parking is available in the GIX parking garage by scanning the QR code in the registration confirmation email.
Saturday, May 16
5:00 – 9:00 PM Reunion Celebration Dinner at the Archer Hotel Redmond
The main event of the weekend! The Reunion Celebration Dinner includes a cocktail hour, delicious dinner and beverages, remarks from GIX Executive Director & CEO Sean Carr, the presentation of the MSTI Alumni Impact Award, and more.
Tickets are $75 per person. Plus-ones are welcome. Cocktail attire is encouraged. Complimentary parking is included.
MSTI Alumni Impact Award
Each year, a different cohort is invited to nominate one of their peers who they believe embodies the spirit of the MSTI by making an impact in the world – or in their own community. This year we will award a member of Cohort 3 (class of 2020) and Cohort 4 (class of 2021), and they will be honored at the Reunion Celebration Dinner on May 16. We invite Cohort 3 and Cohort 4 to nominate a peer for the Alumni Impact Award by Mar. 27.
Reunion Giving
Reunion Weekend draws alumni from every cohort and from around the world to celebrate their experiences at GIX, renew and deepen ties to the faculty and the GIX community, and reflect on what GIX means to them. Reunion giving allows cohorts to align philanthropy to impact the future of the GIX and honor its legacy of excellence.
Accomodations
Looking for a place to stay? Here are some excellent local lodging options:
Archer Hotel Redmond
Location of the Reunion Celebration Dinner!
Use this link to receive our discounted rate of $209 per night ($239 without link)
7200 164th Avenue NE Redmond, 98052
Hotel 116
Located closest to GIX
$150+ per night
625 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, 98004
Hilton Bellevue
$250+ per night
300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue, 98004
Join us at Reunions
To learn more about the Alumni Reunion Weekend, please reach out:
Taryn Echert
Assistant Director of Engagement
Global Innovation Exchange
University of Washington
