Foundation Launches New Program for Alumni and Friends

When I reflect on the 2014–15 academic and fiscal year, one word comes to mind—wow! I am so proud of Evergreen’s donors who elevated private support to the College to a new level. Donors gave generously and alumni and friends joined a new program of the Foundation, the Associated Alumni and Friends of Evergreen.

The launch of the Association capped off a year of discussions between the College and the Foundation about how an association for alumni could best position Evergreen for future success. One key consideration was the potential to empower alumni and friends to play an advocacy role on behalf of Evergreen. As a private entity, the Foundation can encourage alumni to voice their support for Evergreen in ways that the College, a state entity, cannot.

I am so proud that the Association accomplished Evergreen’s first-ever alumni advocacy campaign with the Washington State Legislature in 2015 and helped the College secure increased funding from the state. Thank you to everyone who contacted their legislators. You made a difference!

Advocacy is just one of five priorities for the Association. As we move beyond our founding year, I am excited to expand our work furthering the other four priorities: mentoring, networking, giving, and storytelling.

You can learn more about the Association and these priorities on our website, evergreen.edu/association. I hope you’ll join us in this brand new endeavor.

Joyce Irvine

Chair, 2014–15 Board of Governors,

The Evergreen State College Foundation