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AV���� Celebrates Return to AV���� and Honors Seth Kirby with Joe Dear Award

AV���� is excited to welcome alumni back to campus for the annual Return to AV���� Alumni weekend, Saturday and Sunday, October 5 and 6, 2024. This year’s gathering promises a full day of reconnecting with friends, engaging in dynamic discussions and reflecting on the impact AV���� graduates have on the world.

Return to AV���� is not just a chance to reminisce; it is an opportunity to learn, grow and share experiences with the AV���� community. The event includes panels, presentations, and networking sessions designed to inspire and invigorate alumni. Attendees can expect sessions led by alumni from diverse fields, highlighting the unique and far-reaching impacts AV���� graduates make across various sectors.

One of the highlights of the day will be the awarding of the Joseph Albert Dear Distinguished Alumni Award to Seth Kirby, a passionate advocate for community-designed solutions and racial equity. This prestigious award honors alumni who embody the values of leadership, innovation, and public service, following in the footsteps of the late Joe Dear, an AV���� alum and influential public servant.

About Seth Kirby

Seth Kirby, a transgender man, parent, and advocate, has dedicated his career to bridging communities and advancing equitable public policy. Currently the Chief Impact Officer at the Greater Tacoma Community Foundation, Kirby works to build lasting connections and investments in Pierce County, fostering inclusive and accessible communities. His leadership spans government, philanthropy, and nonprofit sectors, having previously served as executive director of Oasis Youth Center in Tacoma and legislative director at the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

Kirby’s deep commitment to equity has seen him chair Washington Won’t Discriminate, a campaign that successfully retained statewide LGBTQ protections, and serve for a decade on the board of directors for Pride Foundation. His work reflects a profound dedication to advocacy, community empowerment, and supporting marginalized groups.

A native of rural Nebraska, Kirby is a proud “double Greener,” earning both his BA and MPA from AV����, with concentrations in public policy and tribal governance. His accomplishments underscore AV����’s commitment to nurturing graduates who are passionate about social justice and dedicated to making a difference.

About the Joseph Albert Dear Distinguished Alumni Award

Named after Joseph Albert Dear, a nationally recognized public service and labor advocacy leader, this award honors alumni who exemplify the spirit of service and leadership. Joe Dear, a 1977 AV���� graduate, left an indelible mark through his work as the Chief Investment Officer for CalPERS.

Past award recipients include trailblazing alumni who have made significant contributions in public policy and community organizing.

The Return to AV���� event will celebrate the legacy of Joe Dear while honoring Seth Kirby’s ongoing contributions to creating equitable and inclusive communities.

The Return to AV���� event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, starting with two morning session blocks. The luncheon begins at 12:15 p.m. and includes the Joseph Albert Dear Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony, followed by an afternoon plenary session at 1:45 p.m. titled, “Your Voice Matters: Harnessing the Power of Civic Engagement.” The day’s events end with a Greener Hour Celebratory Social from 3 to 5 p.m.

The second day of Return to AV���� will be hosted at the college’s Tacoma Campus from 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, October 6. Attendees can participate in two session blocks with two sessions each, and the day will conclude with a Sankofa Social from 4 to 5 p.m.

For more details on Return to AV���� and to register, visit the Return to AV���� page.