Return to Evergreen - Olympia Schedule

How do we achieve climate justice in a climate-changed world? What are the impacts on marginalized and minoritized communities? How is Indigenous Knowledge shaping the future of climate mitigation?

Join the conversation with John Hopkins, adjunct faculty member of the Master in Public Administration Tribal Governance Program, and Evergreen alumni experts in climate and Tribal relations as they discuss these critical questions and more. You’ll tackle climate change locally and globally, hear from Tribal representatives actively working towards climate justice, discover how de-colonizing our approach to climate change can lead to collective liberation, and learn how to awaken change in your community.

Session Highlights

• Greener Insights: Ideate with Evergreen alumni combating climate change through innovative approaches that have led to success and who are turning failures into opportunities.
• Decolonizing Climate Action: Explore how decolonizing our approach to climate change can lead to collective liberation and promote equity and justice for all.
• Coalescing Communities of Change: Learn strategies for mobilizing communities of change, empowering collective action for a just and sustainable future while honoring Tribal communities and knowledge.

Facilitator

John Hopkins, Adjunct Faculty
Master in Public Administration Program

Alumni Speakers

Aaron Jones ’14, MPA ’23
Interim Natural & Cultural Resources Director at The Tulalip Tribes

Candace Penn ’13, MPA ’22
Climate Change Specialist at The Squaxin Island Tribe's Natural Resources Department

Claire Kerwin MES ’23
Habitat at Home Coordinator at Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

Emily Washines MPA ’10
Scholar and Policy Professional 

Is marriage worth it? In American culture, for generations, the ‘American dream’ and standard has always been: you grow up, go to college, get married, and have children. But, is this idea, and ideal, worth it anymore? In a 2024 Pew Research Center survey, 39 percent of registered U.S. voters say, “society is better off if people make marriage and having children a priority,” and a majority say society is “just as well off if people have priorities other than marriage and children.”

Faculty Emerita, Stephanie Coontz, a renowned historian and author, will be examining these themes and more in this exciting seminar session. Join Stephanie as she shares her latest work on contemporary families and the challenges facing couples – both different-sex and same-sex – who are trying to combine work and family life in egalitarian ways, which will be featured in her upcoming book: For Better AND Worse: The Problematic Past and Challenging Future of Marriage.

Session Highlights

• Historical Perspectives: An in-depth look at how marriage has evolved over centuries and significant shifts that have shaped its current form.
• Contemporary Challenges: Delve into the difficulties modern couples encounter as they strive for equality in their relationships and society.
• Exclusive Preview: A sneak peek into Stephanie's upcoming book, "For Better AND Worse: The Problematic Past and Challenging Future of Marriage,” launching in 2025.

Facilitator

Stephanie Coontz
Faculty Emerita, Author, Historian, and Director of Research and Public Education at the Council on Contemporary Families.

Evergreen alumni, like you, have made lasting impressions. Through your impact, you have made the world a better place, and we want to honor your hard work! Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at the Organic Farm with Beth Leimbach ’94 and current students who will teach you eco-friendly printing techniques, like floral hammering, that transform delicate petals into stunning pieces of art.

During this workshop, you'll design unique prints on scarves, bandannas, and cards, capturing the beauty of flowers in a way that will last for years to come. Whether you're an art enthusiast or seeking a creative outlet, this session is a great chance to connect with nature, learn with Greeners, develop new skills, and make lasting impressions. Comfortable shoes and clothing recommended for this workshop.

Session Highlights

• Floral Foraging: Enjoy an adventure through the fields as you forage flowers for your impressionistic creations while learning about growing techniques and flower identification.
• Art Making: Immerse yourself in creativity as you transform delicate petals into works of art with flower hammering.
• Meet Current Students: Share experiences with the next generation of Evergreen talent.

Registration

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before October 4 for this impressionistic experience!

Register for Petals & Pigments

Facilitator

Beth Leimbach ’94
Organic Farm Manager

Student Speakers 

Maya Ried and Laura Reusche 

Immerse yourself in Evergreen’s forested campus with faculty member Dylan Fischer and current research student, Seth Townsend ’25, as they take you on a tour of the Evergreen Forest Reserve. As you walk amongst the moss, sword ferns, and towering trees, you’ll enjoy immersive learning and getting your hands dirty measuring tree water uptake, carbon cycling, and ecological change through time using permanent forest plots. You'll gain new insights into the importance of Pacific Northwest forests, how carbon plays a pivotal role in forest ecology, and the latest research from Greeners and programs utilizing the Forest Reserve.

Session Highlights

• Lessons from the Past, Visions for the Future: Engage with our experts as they reflect on the historical significance of our forests, their impact on the climate, and what Greeners are doing now to provide a foundation for future forest science students.
• The Great Outdoors: Enjoy Evergreen’s beloved forest as you walk along the Sustainable Agriculture Lab Trail! Casual attire preferred and bring some comfortable walking shoes that you don’t mind getting dusty or muddy.
• Forest Memento: Take home an “Evergreen Ecological Monitoring Network” plot marker, and information about accessing data and staying involved.

Facilitators

Dylan Fischer
Faculty Member, Ecology

Seth Townsend ’25
Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow 2023 

“No one else should be able to tell you who you are; that’s for you to decide…Man and woman are two of many – stars in a constellation that do not compete but amplify one another’s shine.”
- Alok Vaid-Menon

Evergreen has a long history of supporting the LGBTQQIA+ community and that is evidenced by our many amazing queer and trans alumni! Join us as we build upon this incredible network with a dynamic intersectional discussion featuring LGBTQQIA+ alumni and Evergreen staff who will share their memories of Evergreen from a queer lens as well as stories of resilience and the tools that have empowered them on their journeys after Evergreen. You’ll have the opportunity to share your journey, tools and resources that have supported you, connect with other attendees, and participate in a collaborative activity to send messages of support to Evergreen’s current Trans and Queer community as they make their own path towards graduation and beyond!

Session Highlights

• Personal Stories of Resilience: Hear from LGBTQQIA+ alumni, Evergreen staff, and attendees as they share memories of their time at Evergreen and powerful narratives about overcoming challenges and embracing their identities.
• Resources for Thriving: Discover and contribute to sharing key tools, strategies, and resources that can help folks, and yourself, navigate and thrive.
• Community Building: Send messages of support and care to Evergreen’s current LGBTQQIA+ students and expand your network of Queer and Trans Greeners!

Facilitators

Emily Pieper ’09, MPA ’18
Associate Dean of Holistic Advising

Golden Sather
Trans and Queer Initiatives Coordinator

Step into a world of vibrant traditions and rich heritage with this extraordinary experience at Evergreen’s  s'gʷi gʷi ʔ altxʷ - House of Welcome Cultural Center. Join Evergreen alumnus and owner of Bougie Alutiiq, Jessica Towns-Camara ’03 (Sugpiaq/Alutiiq, Yup’ik, Scotch-Irish) as she teaches you how to make beaded bracelets in the Alutiiq style – Jessica will be demonstrating an older Alutiiq pattern in this workshop. Through jewelry, Jessica builds connections with her Sugpiaq homeland in Alaska, honoring the strength and resilient spirit of her Alutiiq ancestors. This workshop goes beyond creativity – it’s a connection to Northwest Indigenous knowledge, arts, and culture.

Session Highlights

• Learn, Grow, Discover: This workshop is not just about creating; it's an opportunity for personal growth and learning. As you create your bracelet, you’ll dive deeper into Indigenous history, arts, and culture.
• Beading Cherished Memories: Create a personalized piece of artwork you’ll cherish for years to come, honoring Alutiiq and Northwestern tribes.
• Meaningfully Contribute: Reflect on Indigenous culture, and your own, as you come together in community and understanding with fellow workshop attendees.

Registration

Spaces are limited, so reserve your spot before October 4 for this incredible experience!

Register for the Alutiiq Bracelet Workshop

Facilitator

Jessica Towns-Camara ’03
Owner of Bougie Alutiiq, Organizer for PNW Alutiiq Culture Camp

It’s election season for many of us both here in the United States and across the world, and many are wondering why civic engagement is important and if their voices are even being heard. Well, we saved a seat just for you for an enlightening roundtable discussion exploring the transformative power of civic engagement and why your voice matters.

Facilitated by Evergreen’s Director of Government Relations, Sandra Kaiser, this plenary will delve into how active participation in civic life empowers individuals to become stewards of change, fostering resilient and vibrant communities. You’ll join Evergreen alumni, elected officials, and public service leaders sharing their insights, perspectives, and more!

Session Highlights

• First-Hand Insights: Glean from the personal journeys of elected officials and the pivotal moments that inspired their dedication to public service.
• Effective Solutions: Learn practical and proven ways to engage and mobilize your community, driving meaningful change and fostering a sense of collective responsibility.
• Fostering Civic Responsibility: Discover the critical role of civic engagement in building resilient communities, and how individuals can become proactive stewards of change through active participation in civic life.

Facilitator

Sandy Kaiser
Director of Government Relations, The Evergreen State College  

Speakers

Dontae Payne ’18, MPA ’20
Mayor of Olympia

Teresa Mosqueda MPA ’06
King County Councilmember

Dani Madrone ’11, MPA ’16
Olympia City Councilmember

Megan Matthews MPA ’19
Director of Washington State’s Office of Equity

Andrew Barkis
Washington State House of Representatives, 2nd Legislative District