The Samuel E. Kelly Ethnic Cultural Center (ECC)  is designed to empower and support historically marginalized students on the University of Washington’s campus. The ECC’s roots can be traced to the Black Student Union’s historic 1968 sit-in in University President Charles’ Odegaard’s office. Students entered Odegaard’s office and refused to leave until specific demands (which had previously been ignored by the administration) were met. In response to the sit-in, the University agreed to establish and fund the Special Educational Opportunity Program (SEOP), and the Ethnic Cultural Center/Theater. 

The original ECC building, which opened in 1972 was designed by Ben McAdoo, the first African American architect, with a practice, in Washington state. SEOP still exists today as the Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity (OMA&D), which provides support to underrepresented students at the University. The ECC operated out of its original structure for nearly four decades before being demolished in 2011 to make way for a larger building. When the new ECC opened its doors in 2013, it was re-named for the late Samuel E. Kelly, who served as the UW’s first vice president for minority affairs from 1970 to 1976.

Today, the Kelly ECC serves students of color at the UW by hosting events, supporting more than 120 ECC-affiliated RSOs, and offering space for students to hang out, study, and relax. 

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