Commencement

OLYMPIA – The Evergreen State College is proud to announce its upcoming commencement celebrations, honoring the hard work and achievements of the Class of 2024.

The main commencement event begins at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 14 on Red Square at the Olympia Campus, rain or shine. All are welcome and no tickets are required.

In addition to the main ceremony on Friday, Evergreen is hosting many graduation celebrations throughout this week to celebrate the class of 2024 including graduate program hooding ceremonies, celebrations for graduating students who are veterans, in the Paths of Study Program, Lavender and Multicultural Advising graduations.

Muckleshoot Tribal Councilmember, Virginia Cross has been named this year’s Public Official of the Year. She will be honored at the Master of Public Administration hooding ceremony at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 13 at Evergreen’s House of Welcome.

Each year, the MPA program makes this award to leaders in state, local or Tribal governments or those who work in nonprofits. Cross is being honored for exemplifying the program’s motto of, “Be the Change.” For over four decades, Cross’ service in such roles as Councilmember and chairperson of the Muckleshoot Tribe and as the Director of Native Education Programs for the Auburn School district has directly benefitted students, Muckleshoot citizens and the Puget Sound region.

Both Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and Native Pathways Programs will have ceremonies for graduates from those programs on Saturday, June 15.

Because of the higher-than-normal number of visitors to The Evergreen State College for graduation festivities, parking will be free from 4 to 9 p.m. June 11-13 and from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, June 14.

Carpooling and use of Intercity Transit is encouraged. Graduates and guests driving to campus are encouraged to park in lots B and C. A shuttle will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take guests from F lot to Red Square and again from 3 to 5 p.m. to return people to their vehicles.

Motorists traveling on Evergreen Parkway near the college can expect closures to inbound traffic from 2 to 4 p.m. to allow for guests departing the commencement ceremony. Expect delays and take alternative routes if possible.

For more information about The Evergreen State College graduation celebrations visit the webpage and to learn more about the college visit www.evergreen.edu.

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Commencement for The Evergreen State College’s class of 2023 will take place from 1-3 p.m. Friday, June 16. At the time of this release, more than 650 graduates had registered to take part in the ceremony that will be held rain or shine in the middle of Red Square at the college’s Olympia campus. 

This year’s commencement keynote speaker is Evergreen alum, Josh Blue, ’01. Blue’s quick wit and infectious laughter have helped him win competitions such as Last Comic Standing and captivated audiences in clubs and theaters across the nation, but it is his personal journey that truly sets him apart. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Josh is a catalyst for change, using his comedic talent to challenge stereotypes. His ability to find humor in the most unexpected places has made him a comedic sensation and a powerful advocate for disability rights. 

Other commencement speakers include Faculty Speaker, Dawn Pichón Barron (Chowanoke/Choctaw/Mexican-Chihuahua/Euro roots) who is the academic director/faculty of the undergraduate Native Pathways Program; Undergraduate Student Speaker, Onya Robertson and Graduate Student Speaker, Sarah Brady. 

“The Evergreen Class of 2023 have already proven to the world that they are resilient,” said Evergreen President, Dr. John Carmichael. “They have conquered the challenges of a worldwide pandemic while earning their degrees. Now they will go do what Greener grads do – go out into the world equipped with knowledge, resilience and the courage to make the world a better place.”

“I’m so thrilled to watch what is now my second commencement as Executive Vice President,” said Dr. Dexter Gordon. “These graduates all have potential that knows no limits. I challenge them to embrace the unknown, unleash their creativity and let their passion guide them toward a future where their dreams become reality. “

In addition to the main ceremony on Friday, June 16, Evergreen is hosting many distinguished graduation celebrations throughout the week to honor its graduates including graduate program hooding ceremonies, celebrations for graduating students who are veterans, in the Paths of Study Program, Evening and Weekend Studies and Lavender and Multicultural Advising graduations. 

Both Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and Native Pathways Programs will have ceremonies for graduates from those programs on Saturday, June 17. For times and locations of all graduation celebrations, visit the graduation webpage.

Because of the higher-than-normal number of visitors to The Evergreen State College for graduation festivities this week, parking will be free from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, June 13, 14 and 15 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, June 16.  

Carpooling and use of Intercity Transit is encouraged. Graduates and their guests are encouraged to park in lots B and C. A shuttle will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to take guests from the F Lot to Red Square and again from 3 to 5 p.m. to take people back to their vehicles. 

Motorists traveling on Evergreen Parkway near the college can expect closures to inbound traffic from 2-4 p.m. to allow for guests departing the commencement ceremony. Expect delays and avoid the area if possible. 

From 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, June 17, Evergreen will host South Puget Sound Community College’s commencement exercises and a brief closure of Evergreen Parkway will again occur shortly after noon to allow for people to leave the campus grounds. 

For more information about The Evergreen State College, please visit its webpage at evergreen.edu. 

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