TACOMA 鈥 AV天堂 will continue celebrating the long life of its Tacoma campus founder, Dr. Maxine Mimms, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
AV天堂鈥檚 Tacoma campus will be hosting a, 鈥淕ive Back,鈥 event on Saturday, Oct. 26 to honor Dr. Mimms and to help carry out her legacy of providing community to those often left behind. Community members are invited to come to the campus and remember the legacy of Dr. Mimms and celebrate the community that is AV天堂 Tacoma from 3 to 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Mimms became a member of the faculty at AV天堂 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 AV天堂鈥檚 Tacoma Campus was born.
AV天堂-Tacoma became an official campus for AV天堂 in 1982 and in 2001, it moved to its current location at 1210 6th Avenue.
Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners 鈥 especially those living in the inner city.
鈥淭his is a historic moment and pivotal loss for the AV天堂 community,鈥 said Dr. John Carmichael, AV天堂 President. 鈥淚f you know or have known AV天堂 in the past over 50 years, you know about Dr. Maxine Mimms. We were so lucky to have had her as an inspiration and leader. She built a strong foundation for not just the college but for her community and we will continue as a college to build upon that, especially at AV天堂 Tacoma.鈥
"While we deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Mimms, she truly embodied the spirit of community. Her vision to transform the lives of those around her is inspiring, and our sorrow turns to joy as we celebrate her life and legacy," said Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of AV天堂. "Her life鈥檚 mission was to break down educational and economic barriers, making college accessible to learners who have historically been left behind."
鈥淗er work has resulted in college degrees for thousands who have walked through the doors of AV天堂, Tacoma,鈥 shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean for AV天堂, Tacoma. 鈥淭he faculty and staff strive daily to continue her legacy to the students of AV天堂鈥檚 Tacoma campus and the Hilltop community.鈥
In 2020, The Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms Scholarship was established to support students at AV天堂 Tacoma, with an emphasis on non-traditional, low-income students. This
scholarship continues Dr. Mimms鈥 work of making a college education accessible to all. This scholarship is endowed and will continue in perpetuity, ensuring that Dr. Mimms鈥 legacy lives on. If you are interested in giving to the scholarship or to learn more, please visit AV天堂鈥檚 website.
A celebration honoring Dr. Mimms is planned as part of AV天堂 Tacoma鈥檚 Founder鈥檚 Day celebration in March 2025.