Alumni and Friends Showcase Support with Increased Giving at Annual Event

(Olympia, Wash.)—Attendees at The Evergreen State College’s recent Art of Living gala–including nearly 250 college alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends of the college–marked their support for and confidence in the college and its students with a remarkable night of giving. The final tally, totaling more than $125,000, set a new fundraising record for the annual event and reflected an impressive 25% increase over the prior year.

“Through the strong engagement and generosity of Evergreen’s friends and family with their patronage, not only can we maintain, but we can expand Evergreen’s programs to support our students. We do this by funding scholarships and unique learning opportunities,” said Keri Carkeek ‘92. “It is so exciting to see this event grow from year to year with others aligned with us in support of increasing the access to the amazing educational opportunity Evergreen has to offer,” she continued. Carkeek, an Evergreen alumna who has worked for Intel for the past 19 years, joined the The Evergreen State College Foundation Board of Governors in 2010 and, now serving as Board Chair, was extensively involved in planning the event.

The Evergreen State College Foundation provides more than $500,000 in scholarships a year to students who might not be able to complete their education without financial assistance. Eddie Parnel, a senior at Evergreen who was once incarcerated, says that the scholarship he received encouraged him to press on. “The Evergreen State College seems to… foster this idea that anything is possible,” said Parnel. “When I arrived two years ago, I was a career criminal. And in about three months I’m going to be a scientist. That’s… the magic of Evergreen.”

To find out more about The Evergreen State College or future opportunities to channel your time, money or talent to the advancement of the college and its students, visit http://www.evergreen.edu/give or call (360) 867-6300 to be added to the mailing list for future events.

Photo: Evergreen senior and scholarship recipient Eddie Parnel appeals to supporters of The Evergreen State College Foundation at Art of Living on February 20.