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OLYMPIA — Two students from The Evergreen State College were honored with the 2024 Student Civic Award Friday, April 19 by the Washington Campus Coalition for the Public Good. This award recognizes the outstanding commitment to civic engagement and service these two students have had and the significant impact they’ve had on Evergreen’s campus and beyond.

The two students, Jocelyn Moreno and Drew Bland are being recognized for their work both on and off Evergreen’s campus.

"Being an award winner is a testament to both Jocelyn and Drew’s hard work and compassion, as well as the positive impact they have had on our campus and in your community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, President of The Evergreen State College. “I am proud of the vital role they have played in creating a better future for Evergreen and everyone whose lives you have impacted."

Jocelyn Moreno is being honored for showing remarkable dedication to community-based learning and action, exemplifying a profound commitment to effecting positive change. Between tirelessly fostering service and collaboration as a leader, intern and work-study participant, Jocelyn is continually bridging the gap between campus and community. Hailing from a Washington Farmworker family, their advocacy extends to Latinx and immigrant learners, demonstrating a passion for inclusive education. Their roles with the Center for Community-Based Learning and Action have notably contributed to initiatives such as Sound Learning in Shelton and Community Schools in Tumwater. Additionally, their internship with Together!, Bilingual Clubhouse and Evergreen’s elementary dual language program underscores their recognition of the importance of native language in education. Co-founding the campus student group La Familia and spearheading the El Camino path of study in Latin American, Latinx and Multilingual education further showcase Jocelyn's impactful leadership.

Drew Bland's receipt of the 2024 Student Civic Leadership Award underscores their exceptional service as a Center for Community Based Learning and Action student-worker at The Basic Needs Center. Drew's steadfast commitment to assisting peers and community members in fulfilling their fundamental human rights aligns with a broader vision of creating a more equitable world. Their integral role at the Campus Food Bank satellite intake processes and food distribution reflects Drew's deep-rooted experience in food justice, cultivated through work on various farms, including their own family farm. Drew's community engagement extends beyond campus borders, encompassing involvement with the Lacey Makerspace and an internship with Evergreen's new Center for Climate Action and Sustainability at the Estuarium, where they facilitate environmental education with school-age students. Notably, Drew's dedication to academic excellence is evident in their rigorous studies in Psychology Capstone: Clinical and Counseling and Applied Learning at the Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County, all while maintaining a commitment to athletic pursuits.

Congratulations to both Jocelyn and Drew for being recognized for their incredible work.

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OLYMPIA – In a landmark effort in bolstering STEM education initiatives, spearheaded by U.S. Senator, Patty Murray, The Evergreen State College has been awarded $2.1 million in funding through the FY24 appropriations bills signed by President Biden on March 9. This significant allocation underscores the federal government's commitment to advancing science education and empowering students to excel in critical fields.

The funding helps build a foundation for Evergreen to continue advancing science education programs, marking a pivotal moment in the institution's commitment to providing students with cutting-edge resources and hands-on learning experiences. With a focus on enhancing STEM offerings, the college will invest in state-of-the-art scientific and computing equipment, facilitating immersive learning opportunities that align with industry demands. 

"At Evergreen, we believe in the power of education to transform lives and drive innovation," said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen President. "This generous funding allows us to build upon our successful STEM curriculum and equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape." 

Central to Evergreen's mission is its dedication to inclusivity and diversity and the college is uniquely positioned to provide STEM education of the highest quality to students from all backgrounds. By investing in updated equipment and resources, Evergreen aims to foster an environment where every student can succeed and contribute meaningfully to the world around them. 

"Our commitment to diversity and equity is at the core of everything we do," added Carmichael. "We are grateful to U.S. Senator Patty Murray for putting forth this appropriation. With this funding, we will further our efforts to ensure that every student has access to top-tier STEM education and the opportunity to pursue rewarding careers in high-demand fields." 

Evergreen's comprehensive STEM curriculum encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including computing, environmental studies, climate change research, geographic information systems, mycological studies, cybersecurity, biomedical research and preparation for advanced healthcare degrees. Additionally, the college is set to launch several STEM-related certificate programs, offering shorter-term options for individuals to secure and advance in their future careers. 

The $2.1 million funding is a milestone in Evergreen's ongoing commitment to excellence in education and innovation. As the college continues pushing the boundaries of STEM education, it remains steadfast in its mission to empower students and drive progress in Washington's economy and beyond. 

For more information about The Evergreen State College, please visit evergreen.edu. 

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OLYMPIA -- The Evergreen State College has received an initial briefing on the findings of the investigation conducted by the Washington State Patrol into the carbon monoxide poisoning death of student Jonathan Rodriguez and the hospitalization of two other students and an Evergreen police officer on Dec. 11, 2023.

According to the briefing, investigators concluded that the tankless water heater recently installed by a contractor in the modular apartment where the tragedy occurred had not been installed according to standard. The WSP also found deficiencies in the college’s training, protocols and response to the carbon monoxide events and the alarm system in campus housing at Evergreen.

In response to the findings, Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen’s president, said:

“Jonathan’s death is a devastating loss. This tragedy has deeply affected our whole Evergreen community, and we will continue to grieve. Our care extends to staff – including student staff – who were there on the day of the tragedy and to students who were injured and who lived nearby.

“We are thankful for the Washington State Patrol’s diligence in conducting a thorough investigation. Their investigation found that lack of training and insufficient protocols for responding to carbon monoxide alarms contributed to this tragic accident. As a result, we are taking numerous steps to ensure our students’ safety – including improving training on incident detection and updating alarm response protocols.”

Carmichael added: “This tragedy is a reminder that every year preventable deaths occur due to carbon monoxide poisoning. We hope others across the country can learn from our situation and redouble their efforts at awareness, education and training.”

A full list of additional measures the college has taken can be found on the college webpage dedicated to communicating updates related to the tragedy: www.evergreen.edu/campustragedy.

Media Inquiries: Please contact Kelly Von Holtz at 360-918-3686 or via email at Kelly.Von_Holtz@evergreen.edu.

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Olympia - The Evergreen State College Unsoeld Seminar Series partnering with the American Chemical Society – Puget Sound Section, is excited to announce an exclusive event featuring New York Times Best-selling author, Sam Kean. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 21, in Lecture Hall 1 in Purce Hall on Evergreen’s Olympia campus. Kean will captivate audiences with a selection of funny, spooky, poignant, and entirely true science stories drawn from his acclaimed books.

Sam Kean is widely celebrated for his ability to blend scientific expertise with storytelling finesse, creating narratives that are both informative and immensely entertaining. Attendees can expect an evening filled with intriguing anecdotes and fascinating insights into the world of science.

After the presentation, there will be a book sale and signing, providing attendees with the opportunity to purchase Kean's books and have them signed by the author.

This event is open to the public, and admission is free. Seating is limited, so early arrival is recommended.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to engage with one of today's most captivating science storytellers. Join us for an evening of laughter, intrigue and enlightenment with Sam Kean at The Evergreen State College.

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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.

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 – 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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At the June Board of Trustees meeting for The Evergreen State College, members voted to approve the 2023-24 college budgets and adjust student costs in response to the prevailing economic climate.

Evergreen leadership proposed these adjustments at the Board’s May meeting.
“Evergreen has long been known for not only its academic excellence but for commitment to inclusive learning and so the decision to increase costs was one that was not taken lightly,” explained Dr. John Carmichael, President of Evergreen.

“We remain dedicated to fostering an inclusive and accessible learning environment,” added the college’s Executive Vice President, Dr. Dexter Gordon. “Even with these cost adjustments, Evergreen remains extremely affordable for our students.”

The board voted to approve the 2023-25 operating, capital, athletics and services and activities budget spending plans as well as  2023-24 tuition and housing, dining and service and activities fees increases. Tuition will increase by 3 percent – the same increase is being requested by the most of other four-year, public institutions in Washington. These increases will help the college adjust to the skyrocketing economic costs associated with food, goods and housing that are affecting people across the nation.

The college has resources for students who may struggle with the adjustments in fees including its Basic Needs Center which offers food, hygiene items and other basic needs at no cost. They also offer appointments to help students apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program better known as SNAP through the state’s Department of Social and Health Services and housing support consultation. 

The college’s Foundation is also amid its first-ever, college-wide fundraising campaign, Forever Green. The campaign has already raised $49.5 million of its $55 million goal to help students with financial resources so Evergreen can continue to put forth the diverse thinkers, doers and voices who can lead the future. 

College leadership is confident that the cost adjustments will enable the institution to navigate the current economic challenges and continue providing an exceptional experience for all students. Evergreen remains true to its interdisciplinary approach to education with its commitment to academic freedom, social justice and sustainability.  

For more information about The Evergreen State College, visit evergreen.edu.

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Commencement for The Evergreen State College’s class of 2023 will take place from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 16. At the time of this release, more than 650 graduates had registered to take part in the ceremony that will be held rain or shine in the middle of Red Square at the college’s Olympia campus. 

This year’s commencement keynote speaker is Evergreen alum, Josh Blue, ’01. Blue’s quick wit and infectious laughter have helped him win competitions such as Last Comic Standing and captivated audiences in clubs and theaters across the nation, but it is his personal journey that truly sets him apart. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Josh is a catalyst for change, using his comedic talent to challenge stereotypes. His ability to find humor in the most unexpected places has made him a comedic sensation and a powerful advocate for disability rights. 

Other commencement speakers include Faculty Speaker, Dawn Pichón Barron (Chowanoke/Choctaw/Mexican-Chihuahua/Euro roots) who is the academic director/faculty of the undergraduate Native Pathways Program; Undergraduate Student Speaker, Onya Robertson and Graduate Student Speaker, Sarah Brady. 

“The Evergreen Class of 2023 have already proven to the world that they are resilient,” said Evergreen President, Dr. John Carmichael. “They have conquered the challenges of a worldwide pandemic while earning their degrees. Now they will go do what Greener grads do – go out into the world equipped with knowledge, resilience and the courage to make the world a better place.”

“I’m so thrilled to watch what is now my second commencement as Executive Vice President,” said Dr. Dexter Gordon. “These graduates all have potential that knows no limits. I challenge them to embrace the unknown, unleash their creativity and let their passion guide them toward a future where their dreams become reality. “

In addition to the main ceremony on Friday, June 16, Evergreen is hosting many distinguished graduation celebrations throughout the week to honor its graduates including graduate program hooding ceremonies, celebrations for graduating students who are veterans, in the Paths of Study Program, Evening and Weekend Studies and Lavender and Multicultural Advising graduations. 

Both Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and Native Pathways Programs will have ceremonies for graduates from those programs on Saturday, June 17. For times and locations of all graduation celebrations, visit the graduation webpage.

Because of the higher-than-normal number of visitors to The Evergreen State College for graduation festivities this week, parking will be free from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 13, 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 16.  

Carpooling and use of Intercity Transit is encouraged. Graduates and their guests are encouraged to park in lots B and C. A shuttle will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take guests from the F Lot to Red Square and again from 3 to 5 p.m. to take people back to their vehicles. 

Motorists traveling on Evergreen Parkway near the college can expect closures to inbound traffic from 2-4 p.m. to allow for guests departing the commencement ceremony. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible. 

From 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 17, Evergreen will host South Puget Sound Community College’s commencement exercises and a brief closure of Evergreen Parkway will again occur shortly after noon to allow for people to leave the campus grounds. 

For more information about The Evergreen State College, please visit its webpage at evergreen.edu. 

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