TACOMA – The Evergreen State College's Tacoma Campus celebrates Black History Month, featuring a diverse array of events honoring Black leaders, culture, and scholarship. From February 3rd to February 24th, 2024, the campus will host a series of engaging activities open to students, faculty, staff and the broader community.
The celebration kicks off from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 3rd, with a special event featuring historical Black leaders Emer Dixon, Founder of the Black Panther Party; Khalfani Mwamba, Evergreen Tacoma Alumni; and Larry Gossett, renowned civil rights activist. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with these influential figures and gain insights into their impactful contributions.
Continuing the festivities, from noon to 2 p.m., Saturday, February 10th, Evergreen-Tacoma will host a film screening double feature showcasing "Take Me with U: Gifts from the Elders" and "Cultural Reconnection." These films offer powerful narratives that explore the richness of Black culture and heritage.
The following weekend, from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, February 17 the campus will feature an event spotlighting Evergreen Tacoma Authors. Participants will enjoy readings and book signings by esteemed authors, including Evergreen Tacoma Dean, Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga; Dr. Joye Hardiman; Jean Watley; Anthony Norman; Larry Norman; Antonio Edwards; and N.L. Harper. This event promises to be an inspiring celebration of literary talent within the Evergreen community.
The celebration culminates on Saturday, February 24th, with the Black College Leaders’ Summit from noon to 2 p.m. This summit provides a platform for Black college leaders to connect, share experiences, successes, and challenges and strategize for the future. It serves as an important opportunity to foster collaboration and solidarity among Black leaders in academia.
Located in the heart of Tacoma's Hilltop Neighborhood, Evergreen-Tacoma is renowned for its unique curriculum that empowers students to explore a wide range of subjects, connecting various fields of study to address complex real-world challenges. Beyond academics, the campus fosters a thriving hub of community and social activities, exemplifying an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where diverse perspectives are valued and encouraged.
For more information, please visit www.evergreen.edu/tacoma
OLYMPIA -- The Evergreen State College is excited to announce that its students’ self-guided multimedia walking tours, collectively known as "Olympia's Hidden Histories," has been honored with the 2024 Heritage Award by the Olympia Historical Society - Bigelow House Museum. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding contributions to Olympia's history and "Olympia's Hidden Histories" stands out for its innovative approach in bringing to light the diverse stories of the city's rich history of communities, ecology, and global connections.
“Our students are so honored by this award,” said Zoltán Grossman, Evergreen faculty in Geography and Native Studies. “Olympia’s Hidden Histories is what we hope becomes an invaluable tool for those wanting to learn about our state’s capital city and stories of its distant and recent past.”
The Heritage Award ceremony is scheduled to take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 27 in the Olympia Center located at 222 Columbia St. NW, celebrating individuals, historic places and organizations that have significantly shaped Olympia's rich history.
"Olympia's Hidden Histories" is a collection of self-guided ArcGIS StoryMaps tours accessible on smartphones, tablets, or laptops without needing an app. These tours aim to showcase the untold stories of Steh-Chass (Squaxin), Chinese, and working-class communities, as well as the ecological significance of the Deschutes Estuary.
In winter 2022, students from Evergreen's "American Frontiers" program published four tours focusing on the historic displacement of Indigenous and immigrant communities, salmon, and oysters, and contemporary efforts at natural and cultural restoration.
In winter 2023, the "Taking Back Empire" program added three new tours exploring the Port of Olympia connections to global trade and shipping, militarization, and fossil fuels, encompassing historical narratives and contemporary events.
The walking tours feature original and interactive maps, historical and contemporary photos, audio and video clips, and original charts, graphs, and artwork. The tours are available on any web-linked device without an app download, at https://artforces.org/hiddenhistories.
The involvement of the Squaxin Island Tribe, Olympia Historical Society, the Locke Family Association, and Salmon Defense in the research and writing process, fostered a remarkable connection between academic exploration and community engagement.
The collaboration between Evergreen students and faculty, alongside the "Walls Tell Stories, Olympia" project by Art Forces and the Rachel Corrie Foundation, has resulted in a comprehensive and engaging exploration of local history. Various grants including the Washington Humanities SHARP grant and the Thurston County Heritage Grant supported the joint project.
For more information on, “Olympia’s Hidden Histories,” please contact Zoltán Grossman at grossmaz@evergreen.edu or 360-359-8871.
Note: An update to the information in this press release was sent out on 12/19/23
OLYMPIA – One Evergreen student is dead and two injured with symptoms consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning, after a student residence manager called campus police when not able to contact the students Monday evening, December 11.
An Evergreen police officer performed emergency CPR after breaking down the door around 8:30 pm. Two students were taken to area hospitals. The officer himself was also hospitalized but released this morning, according to Evergreen Police Chief David Brunckhurst.
McLane Black Lake Fire Department promptly responded to the scene and conducted carbon monoxide testing in the impacted areas. Later Monday evening, campus officials contacted all Evergreen students in nearby campus housing to make sure they were safe.
Earlier in the day, a contractor working on campus in an area of housing called the Modular Apartments responded to carbon monoxide alarms, according to campus officials.
An investigation is being led by the Washington State Patrol and further details will be released as they become available.
“This is a tragedy, and we grieve for our students and families,” said Evergreen President John Carmichael. “The safety of students, staff and faculty remain Evergreen’s top priority.”
For information about the Washington State Patrol investigation, contact:
Chris Loftis, Communications Director
Washington State Patrol
(360) 485-3983
At its last meeting of 2023, The Evergreen State College’s Board of Trustees, in an action to incentivize the retention of current college president John Carmichael, voted to extend his contract through June 2027 and to add a deferred compensation component to his compensation.
Board members expressed much appreciation for Carmichael’s successful leadership in achieving significant enrollment growth, expansion of student housing to accommodate more students, broadening of the curriculum, increases in philanthropic contributions, improvements to the college’s finances and numerous upgrades to infrastructure. These and many more successes constitute the motivation of the Board to retain him beyond his current contract June 2025 expiration date.
President Carmichael expressed appreciation to the many in the college he has worked with who have contributed their leadership talents to bringing about these successes. These include executive leadership, faculty, staff and students.
Following the meeting, Board Chair Karen Fraser stated, “It is a pleasure to work with President Carmichael. The Board is exceptionally pleased with his thoughtful leadership style and his many successes that have advanced the college. Students, faculty, staff and the communities served by the college will benefit significantly from his continuing commitment.”
For decades of work to help immigrants build a better future through education, Evergreen’s Center for Community Based Learning and Action Director, Ellen Shortt-Sanchez, was recognized with the “Heart of Gold Award” by Sound Learning, at their annual community meeting on October 26 in Shelton, WA.
Sound Learning, originally known as Mason County Literacy, offers adult education, GED, English and citizenship classes to help students achieve language skills and knowledge essential to their success.
“Sound Learning is such an important partner in the work I do at Evergreen,” said Shortt-Sanchez. “Hosting Evergreen students as volunteers, interns and work-study, this community-based education with adult learners makes a powerful difference in our hometown and in the wider world.”
CCBLA, based at Evergreen’s Olympia campus, links students with local communities and service organizations. Students have a chance to serve the community while earning credits and/or work study benefits. For more information, go to https://www.evergreen.edu/academics/centers-institutes/community-based-learning.
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The Evergreen State College is proud to announce the appointment of Onya Robertson as the Student Member of its Board of Trustees. Onya, a bright, dedicated and ambitious student, brings a wealth of passion and a commitment to student engagement to her new role.
Onya Robertson is currently pursuing a Master's of Public Administration at Evergreen's Tacoma Campus. She completed her undergraduate degree at Evergreen-Tacoma in 2023 and is known for her outgoing and driven personality. With a focus on Public Policy, Onya aspires to attend law school and ultimately serve as a judge.
Born in Pasadena, California, and raised in California's Inland Empire she now resides in Tacoma, Washington, with her two sons, Immanuel (15) and Mycah (12), and her faithful Husky companion, Naga (4).
In her role as a member of the Board of Trustees, Onya is eager to connect with students from both Evergreen campuses and uplift their voices and needs. She stated, "I'd like to empower students at both campuses and in all programs to see each other as comrades. I'd like for both campuses to feel like home to all students, and I'd like to see all events and activities attended by students from both Evergreen campuses. My hope is to end the year with more students than ever before (across programs) feeling included, heard, and seen."
Board of Trustees Chair Karen Fraser expressed her enthusiasm for Onya's appointment, saying, "Onya Robertson brings a fresh and student-centered perspective to our Board of Trustees. We are excited to have her passion and dedication as we work together to enhance the Evergreen experience."
Evergreen President John Carmichael also welcomed Onya to the Board, stating, "Onya's commitment to inclusivity and her determination to strengthen the sense of community among our students align perfectly with Evergreen's values. We look forward to her contributions and insights as we continue to prioritize student success."
For more information about The Evergreen State College's Board of Trustees and its mission, please visit the Board of Trustees webpage
OLYMPIA –The Evergreen State College will welcome trick-or-treaters at its Lord Mansion, located in the heart of Olympia’s historic Capitol neighborhood for its’s second annual Monster Mansion event.
From 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Halloween evening, staff, faculty, and student volunteers will be providing treats to all the ghosts, goblins, and of course, geoducks who venture up to the festively decorated “Monster Mansion.” Throughout the night, there will also be photo opportunities with Speedy, the college’s mascot.
The Lord Mansion aka the Monster Mansion is located at 211 21st Avenue SW in Olympia, just six blocks from the Capitol Campus.
Learn more about Evergreen’s undergrad, graduate and professional studies programs at the event or at www.evergreen.edu
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On its 10th day of classes, The Evergreen State College proudly announces another surge in enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year, marking the second consecutive year of remarkable growth.
This year the college is celebrating a 23% increase in new student enrollment compared to the previous year. Undergraduate enrollment has grown by 11%, representing the most substantial increase since 1980.
"We are thrilled to witness such substantial growth at Evergreen,” said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen president. “This success underscores our commitment to providing a distinctive approach to teaching and learning that adapts to the evolving needs of our students and their families.”
“The sustained growth in enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our staff and faculty,” added Executive Vice President Dr. Dexter Gordon. “They have worked tirelessly to navigate the changing landscape of higher education and our world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment that equips our students with the tools to make a lasting impact in whatever career path they choose.”
Athletic Expansion
In addition to enrollment growth, Evergreen is breaking new ground in athletics. Starting this academic year, the institution now proudly offers men’s and women’s wrestling and cross-country teams, becoming the only four-year college in Washington to have an intercollegiate wrestling program. This expansion is made possible by the generous donation from Evergreen alum Kim Kaufman ('78) and her husband, Jimmy Goldsmith.
Campus Infrastructure Expansion
Anticipating the increase in students on campus, Evergreen added 125 more beds to its on-campus housing over the summer. The comprehensive rehabilitation of Building A has successfully alleviated housing stress for students, enabling them to focus on their education.
William Ward, Chief Administrative Officer for Evergreen, expressed his excitement, stating, “We appreciate the great work of Willdan Consultants, the contractor who designed, led and executed the project in consultation with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services and Evergreen’s dedicated facilities and residential and dining services staff.”
Highlighting First-Generation and Diverse Student Growth
"Evergreen’s first-generation students saw a significant bump this year, adding 68 new students whose parents did not get a four-year degree,” explained Dr. Gordon. “We are welcoming 274 students who are the first in their family to attend college, comprising 30 percent of this year’s new student class. We also have a more diverse student population, with a 6 percent increase over last year for Latinx and Native American/Alaska Native students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of our community and this growth demonstrates that students are finding their place at Evergreen.”
Increased Enrollment from Neighboring Counties and National Recognition
More first-year students direct from high school in neighboring counties across Washington are selecting Evergreen as their college of choice. With an over 40 percent increase, the institution has more than doubled the number of students from Mason County and seen significant increases in Pierce, King and Thurston counties.
Evergreen has received national recognition, ranking No. 20 out of over 600 colleges and universities across the country as a “Best Bang for the Buck College” and No. 4 for a Master’s University. The college was also ranked fourth best out of 613 institutions awarding bachelor's and master’s degrees.
Positive Impact of Return-to-Learn Initiative
Evergreen’s initiative to engage former students to return and complete their degrees is also having a positive impact. In Fall 2021, there were 45 returning Greeners who took advantage of a special incentive scholarship from the The Evergreen State College Foundation. This year that number jumped to 75.
Tacoma Campus Growth
The college's Tacoma Campus is also experiencing significant enrollment growth, especially in the new Early Childhood Education degree program. New student enrollment has increased to 63 from 38 last year on the campus, with nearly half enrolled in this innovative program.
College leaders agree that these increases define the appeal of an Evergreen education, as now more than ever, students are being intentional about where they want to go to college. They are looking for a place that reflects their values, offers hands-on immersive learning and provides evidence that their degree will help them meet their future goals.
For over 50 years, Evergreen has been a place where students can embrace the rigor of learning, engage in challenging innovative ideas and receive unwavering support as they acquire the skills needed to forge their own paths in the world. Evergreen remains dedicated to the legacy of encouraging independent thinkers and empowering future leaders.
For more information about The Evergreen State College, please visit www.evergreen.edu.
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OLYMPIA – Governor Jay Inslee appointed Dr. John Carmichael, President of The Evergreen State College, to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.
The WICHE Commission is comprised of 48 commissioners from 15 Western states and the U.S. Pacific Territories and Freely Associated States. The commission works to expand educational access and excellence for all residents of the West and promotes innovation, cooperation, resource sharing, and sound public policy.
President Carmichael brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role with WICHE. He has served as Evergreen’s President since 2021 and has been on the college’s staff for more than two decades serving in roles ranging from secretary, chief of staff and vice president for finance and operations.
“I am honored to have been appointed by Governor Inslee to represent Washington state and look forward to collaborating with colleagues from across the region to expand access to education so that our students can realize their potential and contribute to the region’s economic and cultural vitality,” said Carmichael.
To learn more about WICHE, visit its website and for more information about Dr. Carmichael and The Evergreen State College, visit evergreen.edu.
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The Evergreen State College Tacoma Campus is excited to announce its upcoming Summer College Tour scheduled from 1-4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 17. This event will provide prospective students with a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to pave the way for rewarding careers in various fields such as:
• Community and Organizational Development
• Law, Justices and Public Policy
• Public Administration and Management
• Environmental Studies and Public Health
• Social and Human Services
• Education and Outreach
• Early Childhood Development
During the tour, attendees can meet staff and faculty members who contribute to Evergreen-Tacoma’s reputation for academic excellence. Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean of the Tacoma Campus, will also be present to share insights about the unique learning environment and the college’s dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive community.
Evergreen-Tacoma is in the heart of the historic Hilltop neighborhood at 1210 6th Avenue. For more information contact Stella Haioulani or Lawrence Norman. For more information about the Tacoma campus, please visit the website.
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