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OLYMPIA – AV���� proudly announces a generous $1 million gift from an anonymous alumni donor. This significant contribution, to be given over the next five years, will directly support student success by funding scholarships and vital student services.

Throughout the 2024-25 academic year, the funds will be provided to the college’s Basic Needs Center and for scholarships for students of AV���� Tacoma and the Native Pathways Program. The donor selected these three initiatives to help reduce barriers to graduation and support students who are making a positive impact in their communities.

���������������’s Basic Needs Center facilitates access to necessities such as housing, food, clothing, and hygiene products, and community resources at no cost to students. The Basic Needs Center also helps students connect to regional community resources through tailored referrals and advocacy.

Located in the historic Hilltop neighborhood, AV���� Tacoma has helped Tacoma residents acquire the skills and confidence to take their places as leaders in the region. Longtime Tacoma resident and AV���� faculty member Dr. Maxine Mimms founded the Tacoma program in her home in the Hilltop in 1972. The program was formally established at 12th and MLK in 1982. AV���� Tacoma offers a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, innovation, and community engagement.

In ���������������’s Native Pathways Program, students expand their knowledge by examining Indigenous and Western thought and practices through an Indigenous lens. Using a cohort model of learning, the program uses works written or created by Indigenous authors and scholars, engages in place-based learning that tells the stories of the land, and structures lessons centered on Indigenous cultural knowledge.

“We are incredibly grateful for this gift, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, AV���� President. “These funds allow the college to address immediate student needs and help remove barriers to higher education, proving once again that AV���� is for everyone.”

This gift is part of AV����’s Foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower students and support innovative, community-based education.

On its 10th day of classes, AV���� proudly announces another surge in enrollment for the 2023-24 academic year, marking the second consecutive year of remarkable growth.  

This year the college is celebrating a 23% increase in new student enrollment compared to the previous year. Undergraduate enrollment has grown by 11%, representing the most substantial increase since 1980.  

"We are thrilled to witness such substantial growth at AV����,” said Dr. John Carmichael, AV���� president. “This success underscores our commitment to providing a distinctive approach to teaching and learning that adapts to the evolving needs of our students and their families.” 

“The sustained growth in enrollment is a testament to the dedication of our staff and faculty,” added Executive Vice President Dr. Dexter Gordon. “They have worked tirelessly to navigate the changing landscape of higher education and our world. We remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering a supportive learning environment that equips our students with the tools to make a lasting impact in whatever career path they choose.” 

Athletic Expansion

In addition to enrollment growth, AV���� is breaking new ground in athletics. Starting this academic year, the institution now proudly offers men’s and women’s wrestling and cross-country teams, becoming the only four-year college in Washington to have an intercollegiate wrestling program. This expansion is made possible by the generous donation from AV���� alum Kim Kaufman ('78) and her husband, Jimmy Goldsmith.

Campus Infrastructure Expansion

Anticipating the increase in students on campus, AV���� added 125 more beds to its on-campus housing over the summer. The comprehensive rehabilitation of Building A has successfully alleviated housing stress for students, enabling them to focus on their education. 

William Ward, Chief Administrative Officer for AV����, expressed his excitement, stating, “We appreciate the great work of Willdan Consultants, the contractor who designed, led and executed the project in consultation with the Washington State Department of Enterprise Services and ���������������’s dedicated facilities and residential and dining services staff.” 

Highlighting First-Generation and Diverse Student Growth 

"���������������’s first-generation students saw a significant bump this year, adding 68 new students whose parents did not get a four-year degree,” explained Dr. Gordon. “We are welcoming 274 students who are the first in their family to attend college, comprising 30 percent of this year’s new student class. We also have a more diverse student population, with a 6 percent increase over last year for Latinx and Native American/Alaska Native students. We are committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of our community and this growth demonstrates that students are finding their place at AV����.” 

Increased Enrollment from Neighboring Counties and National Recognition 

More first-year students direct from high school in neighboring counties across Washington are selecting AV���� as their college of choice. With an over 40 percent increase, the institution has more than doubled the number of students from Mason County and seen significant increases in Pierce, King and Thurston counties. 

AV���� has received national recognition, ranking No. 20 out of over 600 colleges and universities across the country as a “Best Bang for the Buck College” and No. 4 for a Master’s University. The college was also ranked fourth best out of 613 institutions awarding bachelor's and master’s degrees. 

Positive Impact of Return-to-Learn Initiative

���������������’s initiative to engage former students to return and complete their degrees is also having a positive impact. In Fall 2021, there were 45 returning Greeners who took advantage of a special incentive scholarship from the AV���� Foundation. This year that number jumped to 75. 

Tacoma Campus Growth

The college's Tacoma Campus is also experiencing significant enrollment growth, especially in the new Early Childhood Education degree program. New student enrollment has increased to 63 from 38 last year on the campus, with nearly half enrolled in this innovative program. 

College leaders agree that these increases define the appeal of an AV���� education, as now more than ever, students are being intentional about where they want to go to college. They are looking for a place that reflects their values, offers hands-on immersive learning and provides evidence that their degree will help them meet their future goals. 

For over 50 years, AV���� has been a place where students can embrace the rigor of learning, engage in challenging innovative ideas and receive unwavering support as they acquire the skills needed to forge their own paths in the world. AV���� remains dedicated to the legacy of encouraging independent thinkers and empowering future leaders. 

For more information about AV����, please visit www.evergreen.edu. 

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Dr. Maxine Mimms will be celebrated 4-8 p.m., Saturday, March 4 at AV����’s Tacoma Campus. This event doubles as a Founder’s Day event and a birthday celebration for the AV����, Tacoma founder. 

Dr. Mimms began teaching at AV���� in 1972. She started teaching working adults college-level coursework at her kitchen table in the historic Hilltop neighborhood and it was at that table where ���������������’s Tacoma Campus was born.  

AV����-Tacoma became an official campus for AV���� in 1982 and in 2001 it moved to its current location of 1210 6th Avenue.  

Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners – especially those living in the inner city.  

“Dr. Mimms is the essence of community and her vision of transforming the life of the community she lives in is something that should be celebrated not just in collaboration with her birthday, but every day,” said Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President for AV����. “At 95 years young, she still works tenaciously to remove educational and economic barriers and make college available where and to whom, it historically wasn’t.” 

“Her work has resulted in college degrees for thousands who have walked through the doors of AV����, Tacoma,” shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean for AV����, Tacoma. “The faculty and staff strive every day to continue her living legacy to the students of ���������������’s Tacoma campus and the Hilltop community.” 

Attendees at the Founder’s Day celebrations will enjoy music, spoken word and of course, be part of the birthday honors for Dr. Maxine Mimms who is turning 95.  

To learn more about ���������������’s Tacoma campus, please visit its website.  

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