Opportunities to Engage and Reflect
Our 2025–2026 academic theme, "Public College, Public Good", invites us to reflect on the role of public institutions in defending and expanding the public good amid rising global authoritarianism.
Throughout the year, we encourage our community to engage in events that spark dialogue and inspire action in response to today’s most pressing challenges.
Public Events
Public Event
Global Responsibilities of Higher Education in Uncertain Times
Monday, October 6th, 2025
6 - 8 pm in COM Recital Hall
Shalini Randeria, President and Rector Emerita, Central European University
Presented by the Cal Anderson Memorial Lecture Series and the Olympia World Affairs Council
In turbulent times of wars, pandemics, and climate change, what role should higher education play in fostering responsibility and resilience? This evening session features Dr. Shalini Randeria, President and Rector Emerita of Central European University, to explore these ideas.
"Global Responsibilities..." Event Registration
Registration for Washington State Educators
Are you a Washington State Educator who would like to earn clock hours? You can earn 2 clock hours by attending this talk and a one-hour seminar directly after. Register to take advantage of this unique opportunity. Questions? Contact deans@evergreen.edu
"Global Responsibilities..." WA Educators Event Registration
Public Event
What is Truth?: Journalism, Podcasting, and Nuanced Storytelling in the Pacific Northwest
Friday, September 26, 2025
6:30 - 8 pm in COM Recital Hall
Maleeha Syed, KUOW and Sara Bernard, Cascade PBS
Presented by the Cal Anderson Memorial Lecture Series and the Olympia World Affairs Council
Join local public media journalists and podcast producers Maleeha Syed from KUOW and Sara Bernard from Cascade PBS for this public lecture on truth, nuance, and the idea of “objectivity” in journalism through the lens of local audio storytelling.
Academic Addresses
Public College, Public Good, Public Service
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Noon - 1:30 pm in the Longhouse
Laura VerMeulen, the House of Welcome and Public Service Centers Staff
s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ: 30 Years as a Public Service Center Supporting Indigenous Artists
Laura VerMeulen (Tlingit and Haida), Director of the House of Welcome, will talk on the critical role that s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ the House of Welcome has played in Indigenous artistic development, including the revitalization of Coast Salish art. One of Evergreen’s first public service centers and the first Longhouse built on a public campus in the United States, the House of Welcome was built in collaboration with Northwest Tribes to advance Indigenous visual cultures.
Public Service and Experiential Learning Panel
Following the talk, staff from other Public Service Centers at Evergreen will host a panel discussion on how students can work with the public service centers to turn their interests into action, including opportunities in internships and study abroad.
Academic Address
Radical Promises: A Faculty Conversation about Public Education
Wednesday, December 3, 2025
1 - 2 pm in Purce Hall 4
Dr. Brad Proctor, Dr. Stacey Davis, and Dr. Dexter Gordon, moderated by Dr. Pauline Yu
Join an interactive conversation about Evergreen’s place in the history and landscape of public higher education in the U.S. and abroad. Brad Proctor, faculty in U.S. history, Stacey Davis, faculty in European history, and Executive Vice President Dexter Gordon, scholar of African American rhetoric and education, will host a discussion moderated by Pauline Yu, faculty in marine science.
Academic Address
Public Media, Public Good: Aiming for Truth in Audio Storytelling
Saturday, September 27, 2025
10 - 11 am in the Costantino Recreation Center
Maleeha Syed, KUOW and Sara Bernard, Cascade PBS
Local public media journalists and podcast producers Maleeha Syed from KUOW and Sara Bernard from Cascade PBS will lead a discussion about facts versus opinions, misinformation and disinformation, and the meaning of public media through the lens of local audio storytelling in this required Orientation session.
Accommodations
At Evergreen, we aim to ensure that everyone, including those with disabilities, can fully participate in our events and services. If you require accommodations, please submit your request to deans@evergreen.edu at least 10 business days before the event date.