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EVERGREEN 71 IS AN ODE TO ALL THINGS BIG AND SMALL AT THE EVERGREEN STATE COLLEGE!
Since the first day of class in 1971, Greeners have charted their own courses, created their marks on culture, and built a better world, one interdisciplinary connection at time. For the moment, COVID-19 has rolled in like a typical Puget Sound fog and limited physical access to campus. So in lieu of The Evergreen Magazine this year, we wanted to remember all the things that make Evergreen special. And we look forward to seeing you here in person, for the first time or the thousandth, someday soon.
ever 71 green Note: this list has no special order! Start from wherever you want, just as our students have since ‘71.
01. THE OLYMPIA CAMPUS
A magical forest that doubles as a living laboratory, direct beach access to the deep blue Puget Sound (#15), no shortage of cute woodland creatures, and state-of-the-art facilities among it all. You’ll be inspired to learn when you’re surrounded by beauty like this.
02. THE FACULTY
Yes, they’re passionate, creative, and super smart, but most importantly: they know your name and what you’re working on. They’ll be there to brainstorm ideas for your next project with you or help you out when you get stuck. They’re astounding humans and they’re here to help you find your path.
03. THE WELCOME WOMAN Crafted by master carvers from the Skokomish and Makah tribes (and recently refurbished in our own carving studio (#7, #66), she’s been welcoming new students to the Evergreen community for over 35 years.
04. ADMISSIONS
Fresh out of high school? Transfer student? Veteran? Returning adult learner? Just looking to dip in your toes? We’re ready for you. We read every application front to back and help you make the right decision. You don’t even need to give us your test scores, because we care about who you are and where you want to go in life, not just how good you are at a test.
05. DRAGONS! (AND OTHER CAMPUS MURALS)
Painted by some of the very first students at Evergreen, the dragon mural in the library building stairwell colorfully twists its way up four stories with cross-cultural poetry and imagery, culminating in an unforgettable nuclear firebird near the top floor (intense, right?). It’s one of many stunning pieces of art you’ll run into on campus.
06. GRADUATION
Graduation is a momentous, tremendous, astounding, overwhelming, tear-jerking day! The past and the future mix together in a discombobulating soup of emotions you’ll never forget. Trumpets and horns blare, world-renowned thinkers deliver their wisdom, and familiar faces beam with pride as they watch you take your next steps into the world. Go, Geoducks, go!
07. THE INDIGENOUS ARTS CAMPUS
A powerful site of cultural education, reconnection, and community, the Indigenous Arts Campus has the s’gwi gwi ʔ altxw “House of Welcome” (also known as the Longhouse), alongside state-of-the-art fiber arts and carving studios used for traditional and contemporary Native arts.
08. GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Programs in teaching, public administration, and environmental science—all taught in classic Evergreen style. That means handson experiences, brilliant faculty, and flexible options. Plus, in 2020 the prestigious Washington Monthly ranked us #2 among national colleges that grant masters degrees, so that’s cool.
09. OLYMPIA, THE CITY
Also known as the “Decidedly Different”city, and Washington state’s capital. Home to a buzzing local arts and music scene, Greenerowned businesses, beautiful parks, bike trails, and solid restaurant options, Olympia’s handcrafted vibe will win you over.
10. THE EVERGREEN FRAMEWORK
Also known as the Five Foci of Learning. Basically: the way we do things here. Interdisciplinary study Study a range of subjects in a single program organized around a theme. Varied disciplines + real-world situations = building creative solutions to complex problems. Collaborative learning Forge a learning community with shared goals to develop new knowledge, gain new skills, and deepen your understanding of the subject at hand. Together. Learning across significant differences Learn to work together and hold respect for people of every background—and to expect the same from others. Personal engagement Develop critical reasoning skills to examine and refine your beliefs. Get support in expressing and acting on your values. Linking theory with practical applications Apply your studies beyond the classroom. Test and build on theoretical knowledge with real experiences in the world.
11. FIRST PEOPLES MULTICULTURAL, TRANS, AND QUEER SUPPORT SERVICES
Build community with people who get you! Peer and professional advisors are here for you. Navigate college together, have space for developing your identity, and build advocacy and allyship skills. Bring your whole self to Evergreen.
12. SPEEDY THE GEODUCK
Topping lists of “weirdest mascots” since the 70’s. Speedy reminds us who we are: independent and hard-working thinkers and doers who aren’t afraid to dig deep and embrace the unusual.
13. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION!
You’d be hard-pressed to plant a college in a better spot anywhere. Forest? That’s our house. Mountains? Our front porch. Pacific Ocean? Our backyard. Seattle and Portland? Perfect day trip distances. Whatever adventure you’re looking for, you won’t need to go far.
14. WEEK 10
The final week of each quarter is a thrilling time to be alive! Film screenings, paper presentations, performances and recitals, and ILC students (#19) crawling out of the woodwork to show the world what they’ve made. And don’t forget the potlucks (#51)!
15. PUGET SOUND
Got an aquatic mind? We’re sandwiched between two inlets of the majestic Puget Sound, with direct beach access from campus! Great for doing marine biology or practicing your sea lion call.
16. UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH
; Epiphany? Check. ; Hypothesis? Check. ; Field work? Check. ; Lab analysis? Check. ; Paper written, peer-reviewed, and published? Check. ; Career launched? Check. ; All done as an undergrad (with a little help from your faculty)? Check.
17. THE LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES
A way to share the weight among us all, to untangle yourself from chronic falsehoods, to challenge the harm you find in the world, to name the stars you discover, and to pursue a purposeful life, relentlessly.
18. THE WRITING CENTER
A cozy place to work on your writing with a trained fellow student. Bring your academic, professional, or creative writing—whether you’re brainstorming, drafting, revising, editing, or proofreading, they’ll help your words and ideas sing.
19. INDEPENDENT LEARNING CONTRACTS (ILCS)
Part of what makes Evergreen a haven for fresh ideas and new perspectives. Got a brilliant project idea you wish you could earn credit for? We say, go for it! All you need is a vision, a plan, and a faculty supervisor and you’ve got yourself the space and time you need to build it. Great for career-launching portfolio projects and probing the great unknown.
20. LIGHT LOUNGE
Pacific NorthWET weather zapping your energy? Visit the light lounge to re-illuminate your mind anytime you need it. The therapeutic lightboxes and comfy chairs will leave you feeling as good as new.
21. AMAZING CLUBS
What do gaming, rock climbing, Humans vs. Zombies, and aquaponics have in common? They all have student clubs you can join! Got a niche interest that doesn’t have a club yet? All it takes is one idea and four students to start your own.
22. GATEWAYS FOR INCARCERATED YOUTH
A program in which Evergreen students and incarcerated youth learn together for the full academic year. Since 1996, the program has helped over 1,000 incarcerated youth unlock their potential in society.
23. PAUL STAMETS, MYCOLOGIST
Celebrity mushroom scientist, Star Trek character, inventor of paradigm-shifting, mushroom-based technologies, class of ‘79. It was on Evergreen’s scanning electron microscope that he discovered the beautiful, invisible, and complex world of mycelium. Plus, he’s just a really fungi. (Sorry, Paul).
24. PROCESSION OF THE SPECIES
Olympia’s (#9) annual fantastic bombastic celebration of life on Earth! Started by Greeners in 1995, it’s a much-loved community tradition that brings everyone together to witness the spectacle of life. A brief list of some things you could be: • Moss • Marionberry • Panda • Peacock • Giant forest hog • Camel • Slug • Praying mantis • Plankton • Human!
25. VISITING
For most students, the first visit to campus is when it all clicks into place. Schedule a visit and you’ll see all the things in this book come to life before your eyes: the trees, the curriculum, the freedom, the people, your future.
26. INTERNSHIPS, GALORE!
From the Washington State Legislature to grass-roots organizations like GRuB (#59), Greeners can be found interning everywhere near and far. With robust support for independent learning, it’s easy to make an internship central to your time at Evergreen.
27. MOVE-IN DAY
To be on the border between two worlds! A whirlwind of putting new names to new faces, discovering your first campus secrets, and finding out your super-cool RA is also into that band.
28. MOUNT RAINIER
Mount Rainier, also known as Tahoma, is a constant splendor in the distance and features regularly in Evergreen field trips. On a clear day, it feels like you could reach out and grab it. Rent some snowshoes from The Outdoor Program (#68) and you can!
29. SLACKLINING: INVENTED AT EVERGREEN? Rumor has it the sport of slacklining (a kind of tight-rope walking that tests balance, coordination, and core strength) was invented on Evergreen’s Red Square in 1979 by two student rock climbers. Still a popular pastime on campus— especially on beautiful spring days!
30. THE SCIENCE CARNIVAL
When Greener geologists, astronomers, entomologists, mycologists, chemists, mathematicians and more create a veritable big bang of STEM celebration! Mind-blowing projects on display for the whole campus, community, and busloads of local school kids.
31. THE MOTTO
Omnia Extares! It means “Let it all hang out!” What is “it,” you ask? Your creativity, your inspiration, your dreams for the future. It means to be yourself, fearlessly.
32. THE CLOCK TOWER
What can we say? It’s big, it’s iconic, and it reminds us to never stop moving forward.
33. NARRATIVE EVALUATIONS
Imagine your teacher helped you prepare for your goals and then wrote to the world about the skills you gained in their class. That’s how we do it here. Our narrative evaluation system is based on supportive, human connections with your dreams in mind. And psst: students also write evaluations of their faculty, because education is a two-way street.
34. THE COOPER POINT JOURNAL
Student-run and keeping up with the buzzing world of Evergreen since 1971. Current events, college news, artist spotlights, alumni interviews, investigations, op-eds, reviews, and even the funnies—it’s all there!
35. OUR TRANSFERFRIENDLY POLICIES
Already got credits? You should get credit for that. We’re not interested in setting you back—talk to our admissions (#4) team about transferring the credits you’ve already earned at another college. We think you’ll like what you hear.
36. MEDIA LOAN
Lights, cameras… free access to amazing media equipment! Whether you’re making field recordings of the local birds or going on a road trip to film a documentary, Media Loan’s got you covered. They’ll even teach you how to use the equipment!
37. PURCE HALL
A stylish hub for playing with stylish ideas. Named after former Evergreen President Les Purce. Four bright lecture halls, welcoming classrooms, a comfy lounge area, and a tendency to inspire brilliance.
38. THE INTERDISCIPLINARY CURRICULUM
A historian, a poet, and a geologist all walk into a classroom. Then they work together to create a mind-blowing, hands-on educational experience that changes how their students think about the world forever. The curriculum is the heart of this place. It evolves to reflect the times, it inspires creative and critical thinking across disciplines, and it ensures nobody walks away without discovering new connections in the world.
39. OUR ALUMNI
They’re like students, but graduated. Some of them create enduring cultural landmarks, lead forward-thinking state institutions, and build new paradigms of medical thought. All of them continue the work they began at Evergreen of connecting the world together.
40. VETERANS RESOURCE CENTER
Bridge the gap between military and student life. Use your veteran’s benefits, connect with knowledgeable staff who will help you succeed, and have a campus base to call home.
41. AMAZING, EASY-TO-GET-INTO MEDIA LABS
• Photoland: State-of-the-art photography resources for state-of-the-art photographers. Or go back in time in the black & white film darkroom. • Animation studios: Practically sacred ground at Evergreen, what with all our famous alumni animators. Cutting-edge 2D and 3D studios with expert faculty to guide you. • CCAM: The Center for Creative and Applied Media. Also known as a professional television studio. For you. To use. Free. • Recording studios: We have a knack for attracting brilliant musical minds (#49). Become one of them in our top-of-theline digital and analog recording studios. • Multimedia lab: A lab where you can work in, well, multiple media. A cozy and relaxing place to make your magic.
42. THE TACOMA PROGRAM
In the historically Black Hilltop neighborhood, the Evergreen Tacoma program is an urban campus built on the values of reciprocity, inclusivity, civility, and hospitality. Started by the visionary Dr. Maxine Mimms at her kitchen table in 1972, it’s a close-knit teaching and learning community whose motto is: enter to learn, depart to serve.
43. THE ORGANIC FARM
Welcome, farmers! Part working organic farm, part learning laboratory. No better place to get hands-on with sustainable agriculture, botanical studies, and learning with a passionate team. Students even run a farm stand spring through fall!
44. AFFORDABILITY
You should graduate ready for the future and as unburdened by debt as possible. Honestly. On top of our low tuition, we encourage all students to go after scholarships (#46), tuition awards, and financial aid so you’re ready to take on the world as soon as you get that degree.
45. CENTER FOR COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING AND ACTION (CCBLA)
A community whose purpose is, well, building a better community. Your one-stop-shop for getting involved with local organizations, discovering your own strengths and interests, adding some great resume bullet points, and helping others along the way.
46. SCHOLARSHIPS
What can scholarships help you do? Let you work less at your day job. Fly across the country for conferences. Achieve success as a first-generation college student. The list goes on. Tons of Greeners win scholarships that help them stay in school. The Writing Center (#18) will even help you write your applications!
47. GEODUCK FIGHT SONG
Written by archivist Malcolm Stilson in 1971. We like to let it speak for itself: Go, Geoducks go, Through the mud and the sand, let’s go. Siphon high, squirt it out, swivel all about, let it all hang out. Go, Geoducks go, Stretch your necks when the tide is low Siphon high, squirt it out, swivel all about, let it all hang out.
48. ART GALLERIES
Like everywhere else on campus, art galleries double as a learning hub. The Evergreen Gallery features work from diverse cultures and media and puts on a student showcase at the end of each year. Another great spot is the Student Equity & Arts Lounge (SEAL)—run by students, for students!
49. THE MUSIC SCENE
Evergreen and Olympia have long been home to a legendary music ecosystem. In our DNA: grunge superstars like Nirvana, rapper Macklemore, Sleater-Kinney, Bikini Kill, singer-songwriter Mirah, drone pioneers Earth, and countless experimental groups that will change the way your ears work. Constantly evolving to this day.
50. THE ETHOS OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Eyes on the future! We consistently rank highly in innovation (#1 in the West by U.S. News & World Report, 2021!) thanks to our culture of independent, supportive learning. Students learn to think creatively, critically, and get to test their inventive ideas against reality while they’re here.
53. AN ENDURING OBSESSION WITH MUSHROOMS
The fascination with mushrooms runs strong here. Browsing the catalog, you’ll always find a program about them. Browsing the woods, you’ll always find a student picking them. We even have the Mike Beug Scholarship created by Paul Stamets (#23), a financial award for students with a passion for mycology.
51. POTLUCKS
We have a healthy tradition of breaking bread together. Connecting with people over delicious, homemade meals at the beginning or end of a program is common practice and helps us relate to each other across differences. Also where many Greeners learn to love kale.
54. AWESOME STUDENT JOBS
52. KAOS COMMUNITY RADIO
One of the coolest places on campus to get a student job (#54) or volunteer. Become a DJ and spread the music you love, get your start in broadcast engineering, or be a music director and network with labels. As part of the music scene (#49), there’s tons of amazing history at KAOS. (There’s also the fabled Crypt in the basement where they keep all the really cool music).
From tutoring your fellow students (#18, #57) to doing construction with Residential and Dining Services (RAD), getting an on-campus job is a great way to meet new friends and add to your resume while earning some money on the side. Check with the student employment office to see what’s available.
55. BRUTALIST ARCHITECTURE
Brutalism is the style of architecture used for most buildings on campus. Defined by unmissable slabs of concrete, Evergreen’s seminar, lab, library, and student housing structures definitely make an impression— especially when contrasted with the thousand acres of wilderness they call home.
56. PATHS OF STUDY
Want a little help charting your way through the curriculum? Check out Paths of Study to see if there’s one for you. They’re an option to help you find a reliable theme for your studies while you’re here. Current Paths of Study include: • Culture, Text, and Language in World Societies • Environmental Studies • Food and Agriculture • Integrated Biology and Chemistry • Latinx, Latin American Studies, and ELL Education (El Camino) • Literary Arts and Studies • Mathematical, Physical, and Computer Sciences • Media Arts and Studies • Native American and Indigenous Programs • Political Economy, Global Studies, and Environmental Justice • Visual Arts
57. THE QUASR (QUANTITATIVE AND SYMBOLIC REASONING CENTER)
Your one-stop-shop for help with all things STEM. Student tutors will help you (compassionately!) with your homework in calculus, physics, geology, music, or chemistry—just to name a few. Dispelling math anxiety one day at a time.
58. THE CRC (COSTANTINO RECREATION CENTER)
The spacious home of Greener fitness. Countless sports and recreation clubs call the CRC home along with basketball, volleyball, and soccer teams. Also has indoor and outdoor climbing facilities for all skill levels, regular fitness and yoga classes, and boundless encouragement to get in whatever shape you want!
59. GRUB (GARDEN-RAISED BOUNTY)
A local non-profit founded by Greeners Blue Peetz ‘95 and Kim Gaffi ‘97. Centered on food justice, community agriculture, and site of countless ILCs (#19). Among other things, they build backyard gardens, help veterans transition to civilian life, and grow food for those in need. Growing healthy food, people, and community since 1993.
60. SEMINAR
There’s nothing like the Evergreen seminar. Every program dedicates time to free (and structured), honest discussion. Whether you’re in computer science or creative writing, it’s a mind-expanding practice that compels everyone to think a little differently and to really learn from other perspectives.
61. DANIEL J. EVANS LIBRARY
It’s easier to ask what the library doesn’t have. Check out resources for your research project, stream movies with your student login, commune with rare books, browse the extensive board game collection, get help from friendly librarians… the list goes on!
63. EVENING & WEEKEND STUDIES
We’re known for being flexible. If you can’t do daytime programs, we’ve got you covered with an amazing selection of evening and weekend courses you can mix and match all the way to your degree.
62. JUNETEENTH
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States as an institution and a community is a powerful thing. With food, music, and stories we affirm the dignity of Black Greeners and reaffirm our collective commitment to racial justice in the world.
64. THE FLAMING EGGPLANT
The coolest student-run café this side of the Cascades. With a focus on sustainable food systems, cooperative leadership, business management, and killer tunes, it’s a hub for everyone on campus. Be warned: once you taste the garlic aioli, there’s no going back.
65. OLYMPIA FILM SOCIETY
Film aficionados rejoice! Housed in the historic Capitol Theater in downtown Olympia, OFS brings brilliant films, music, and art to the public. They have a 24/7 stream-from-home service and tons of volunteer opportunities for eager Greeners.
66. CRAFTING STUDIOS
Like to think through your hands? Our crafting studios are amazing spaces to bring your designs to life or to get started with your first crafting practice! • Carving studio • Letterpress and printmaking studio • Fiber arts studio • Ceramics studio
68. THE OUTDOOR PROGRAM
We’re stationed in one of the best places to get outside anywhere in the world, so of course we have a program to help you do it in style! TOP gives you access to regional hiking and camping trips, themed climbing nights in the climbing room, and a well-stocked, fourseason equipment rental center.
69. EASTER EGGS IN THE CAMPUS WOODS
Random research stations, ancient tree houses, intriguing sculptures, an abundance of woodland creatures, and… yeti pups? The Evergreen forest is full of confounding, enchanting mysteries at every turn.
67. SEM II ROOFTOP HANGOUTS
Sometimes you just need an elevated perspective. The SEM II building provides. Great for lunch with friends, seminars (#60), and late-night stargazing.
70. THE WINTER TREELIGHTING CEREMONY
Layer up and get your warm drink of choice, we’re changing seasons together on Red Square! The winter tree-lighting ceremony is a good time for all. Friends, refreshments, ambiance, and wholesome vibes.
71. THE STUDENTS!
It’s impossible to describe the passion, energy, and creativity of Evergreen’s student body. They’re diverse and brilliant, critical and visionary, and most importantly, they create a culture of compassionate collaboration the likes of which you’ve never experienced before. Go Greeners!
evergreen.edu/71 Editors: Sandra Kaiser and Amanda Walker Writer: Matt Turner Designer: Kurt Lorenz Photographer: Shauna Bittle Printing: Consolidated Press, Seattle, WA With thanks to The Wellesley 100 for inspiration. -----The Evergreen State College has been accredited continuously by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities since receiving initial accreditation in 1974. The Commission most recently reaffirmed Evergreen’s accreditation in 2019. The Evergreen State College is committed to providing equal opportunity in education, employment, membership and contracts. Evergreen expressly prohibits discrimination in all student-related programming and activities on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, breastfeeding mother status, use of a trained service animal, veteran status, or citizenship status. For inquiries concerning college non-discrimination policies, or to report discrimination, contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Officer, (360) 867-5371, evergreen.edu/equalopportunity. For inquiries concerning sexual harassment or misconduct, contact the Title IX Coordinator, (360) 867-5224, evergreen.edu/titleix. Religious Observance: Students are entitled to up to two days of excused absences per academic year for holidays for reasons of faith or conscience or for organized activities conducted under the auspices of a religious denomination, church, or religious organization. Learn more about this policy at evergreen.edu/policy/ religious-observance. Disclaimer: Academic calendars are subject to change without notice. The Evergreen State College reserves the right to revise or change rules, charges, fees, schedules, courses, programs, degree requirements, and any other regulations affecting students whenever considered necessary or desirable.The college reserves the right to cancel any offering because of insufficient enrollment or funding and to phase out any program. Registration by students signifies their agreement to comply with all current and future regulations of the college. Changes become effective when Evergreen so determines and apply to prospective students as well as those currently enrolled.
2700 Evergreen Parkway NW Olympia, WA 98505
evergreen.edu/71