Congratulations Husky 100: Students Making an Impact with UW Libraries
Established in 2015, the Husky 100 recognizes 100 outstanding undergraduate, graduate and professional students each year from all three UW campuses who are making the most of their time at the UW. This recognition celebrates UW students who 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.
The 2026 Husky 100 class includes two amazing students who have made significant contributions to UW impact and student success through their work with UW Libraries.
Leo Freedman, ‘26
Leo Freedman will graduate this spring with Bachelor of Arts degrees in Ethnomusicology and International Studies and a minor in Environmental Studies. Leo works in the UW Libraries’ Ethnomusicology Archives. Throughout his time working with the Archives, Freedman led the restructuring of the Archives’ physical space, increased access to fragile archival materials, and developed social media campaigns to promote the Archives.
“I use global research, music and sound to connect the UW to the world, while connecting its own communities from within. From Brazil to Greenland to India, my experience navigating challenges faced by international communities has prepared me to support my communities at home with enthusiasm and humility. Music often serves as a powerful tool for fostering belonging and uplifting voices, whether through research into music-based memory care, the creation of place-based soundscapes, stewarding the UW Ethnomusicology Archives, or performing in the U District with my band.” – Leo Freedman
“What distinguishes Leo is his rare ability to integrate scholarship, leadership, creativity, and service into a coherent and deeply impactful UW experience. Many students excel in one area; he consistently bridges disciplines and communities in ways that extend the University’s mission far beyond campus. His academic work in ethnomusicology and international studies is exceptional, but what truly sets him apart is how he applies his learning to real-world contexts—locally and globally.”
John Vallier
Curator, Ethnomusicology Archives, University Libraries; Adjunct Assistant Professor, Comparative History of Ideas; Faculty Affiliate, Ethnomusicology Program, School of Music
In addition to his work with the Ethnomusicology Archives, Leo has led innovative projects around music-based memory care, international policy research, and created artistic soundscapes. Beyond his own research, he has dedicated much of his Husky experience to using music as a tool for community connection through performances, radio programming, and also working to build an inclusive, internationally diverse fraternity community.
Freedman is currently working on prototyping a product where individuals in late-stage dementia receive personalized soundscapes that document the sounds of their hometown, “bringing a sense of reassurance and reconnection with their identity.”
While considering graduate programs in international studies, Freedman’s future goals center on a career in marketing and/or communications for a business, NGO, or nonprofit oriented around cooperative international aid and development.
Junseo Park, ‘26
Junseo is an interdisciplinary honors student graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate and two minor degrees in Entrepreneurship and Architecture.
Throughout his Huksy experience, Junseo has built an extensive network via his participation in, and high-impact contributions to, numerous professional and student organizations on and off campus including
ASUW, the UW Real Estate Club, the Entrepreneurship & Venture Capital Club , Urban Land Institute, NAIOP-WA Corenet Global. UW Korean Student Association, UW Center for Korea Studies among others.
“When I first arrived at the University of Washington as a first-generation immigrant, I did not have a clear roadmap or the networks that often guide students toward opportunity. Through classes, mentors and leadership experiences across campus, I gradually discovered that the work that matters most to me is creating spaces and systems that connect people and expand opportunity for others. Those experiences taught me resilience, communication and empathy, and ultimately shaped my path toward venture investing, where I hope to support people and ideas that create lasting impact.” – Junseo Park
While interning at the start-up JIGO, he helped launch an AI-enabled commercial real estate platform. In 2025, Junseo was awarded the Mary Gates Leadership Scholarship for demonstrating innovation, cross-cultural engagement and impact on campus community-building while working at the UW Tateuchi East Asia Library. Collaborating with staff and students, he established the Manhwa (Korean Graphic Novel) Café, a collaborative pop-up space developed in partnership with the Libraries, Korean Student Association and Associated Students of the University of Washington (ASUW) that celebrates East Asian graphic literature.
“Junseo demonstrated remarkable initiative and leadership through the Graphic Novel Café, transforming an underutilized strength of our collection into an engaging, student-centered experience. His thoughtful collaboration, adaptability, and persistence ensured the project’s success and lasting impact on our community.”
Hyokyoung Yi,
Director of the Tateuchi East Asia Library; Korea Studies Librarian
After graduation, Junseo plans to continue working at GIGR, a San Francisco-based startup where he is currently building an AI-enabled ad generation and automation pipeline.
Read the full profile of Jenseo Park on the BSRE blog.