AV����

OLYMPIA – AV����’s Willie Unsoeld Seminar Series is excited to announce an exclusive event entitled “March of the Pigments: A Colorful Trek through History,” featuring renowned pigment chemist Dr. Mary Virginia Orna. The event will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, in Lecture Hall 1 in Purce Hall on AV����’s Olympia campus. Dr. Orna will invite the audience to examine the march of the pigments through human history, propelled largely by the concomitant development of chemistry, and the effect they have had on our history.

Orna is a chemist, historian of science and professor emerita of the College of New Rochelle in New York where she taught for 40 years. A pioneer in the field of color and pigment chemistry, she works at the interface of art and archeology, using chemistry tools to investigate them. In 2021, she was awarded the HIST Award for Outstanding Achievement in the History of Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. The author of many books and papers on the subject, Orna’s book titled “March of the Pigments: Color History, Science and Impact” was published in 2022.

After the presentation, there will be a book sale and signing, providing attendees with the opportunity to purchase Orna’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.

OLYMPIA—AV���� is proud to announce increased student enrollment for the fourth consecutive fall.

Despite challenges faced by students nationwide — from financial aid issues to ongoing recovery from the impacts of COVID-19 on learning — AV���� continues to thrive as a beacon of innovation and community. As of Day 10, of the Fall 2024 quarter, AV����’s undergraduate enrollment is up to more than 2500 students, reflecting an 8 percent increase over the previous year’s numbers. The college has seen an especially significant increase in undergraduate enrollment, adding approximately 400 new students to the AV���� community over the past three years.

AV����’s President, Dr. John Carmichael, attributes this success to the college’s unique learning environment and the dedication of its faculty and staff:

“This sustained growth demonstrates the powerful draw of AV����’s interdisciplinary, hands-on learning approach, which empowers students to take ownership of their education and emerge as changemakers in their communities. The AV���� community has worked tirelessly to recover from the challenges of the pandemic and to emerge stronger and more committed than ever to our mission. Our staff and faculty deserve tremendous credit for their resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment to the success of our students.”

Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of AV����, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the role that leadership, collaboration, and creativity have played in sustaining AV����’s growth:

“The consistent increase in enrollment is a testament to the vision and hard work of our faculty, staff and leadership across the Olympia and Tacoma campuses. We have fostered a culture of innovation and inclusivity, which resonates with students looking for an educational experience that prepares them to address real-world challenges. We’re incredibly proud of the AV���� legacy and the continued efforts to nurture the next generation of leaders, innovators, and collaborators.”

AV����’s enrollment growth comes at a time when many institutions are grappling with lower student numbers, particularly as students continue to face challenges with FAFSA, financial aid, and recovering from the educational disruptions caused by the pandemic. Despite these hurdles, AV����’s model — focused on interdisciplinary, experiential learning and fostering a deep sense of community — continues to attract students seeking an education that prepares them to make meaningful contributions to society.

With new students joining AV����’s undergraduate and graduate programs, the college is looking ahead to a bright future, knowing that those who cross the graduation stage will carry AV����’s spirit of change-making and collaboration into their communities and the world.

For more information on AV���� and its unique approach to education, visit www.evergreen.edu.