2018 – Seattle, WA

Sunshine in Seattle!

The sun was shining and Johan Hurtig PhD03 and Per Liljenberg F91, PhD96 had arranged a fantastic program for the Memorial Day weekend in Seattle. It all kicked off with the awarding of three U.S. Friends of Chalmers scholarships for the Masters program. Next was “Club Emil” with pea soup, pancakes, and punch.

The Friday program started with five very interesting presentations at the University of Washington plus a picnic lunch in the sun. In the afternoon, a yellow school bus (they are not designed for tall people) took us to the Boeing factory in Everett. The size of everything at Boeing is truly mind blowing. It has to be seen to be believed. Dinner was in a large brewpub and a food truck serving Peruvian sandwiches. Just remember 3 out of 5 is very hot if you see them again.

Saturday’s program started with a guided tour of the astounding Bill and Melinda Gates Discovery Center and Foundation. Per made a presentation about his work and gave us a tour of the buildings (I think we saw the internet) and appreciate the excellent work they are doing. The afternoon was sightseeing in Seattle; Pike Place, Space Needle, Chihuly glass, plus more. The Gasque for about 60 guests was in Seattle’s Swedish Club, with a great view of the city. Sunday morning’s annual meeting (with an earthquake shaking the table, free of charge! ) saw the election of Markus Sandholm I-09 as chairman for USA-Canada. The preliminary locations for next year’s events are the New York or Boston area. Many stayed for more wonderful Seattle sightseeing (best view ever, from little Kerry Park!). Some visited the long awaited stunning new Nordic Museum in the lively Ballard area. Many early Scandinavians settled here and it was also the location for the seafood restaurant where we had our Sunday dinner looking out to the fishing harbour.

See you all next year,

Urban Ziegler, V79