The Evergreen State College has been planning a June 1 learning and celebration event for alumni and the community called Return to Evergreen.  The College announced today that the event has been postponed until fall 2013.

“Return to Evergreen gives alumni and other participants a chance to engage with each other, the College and current students, share their experiences, expertise and successes and enjoy a day on campus,” explained Evergreen spokesperson Todd Sprague.  “Unfortunately, representatives of the Student Support Services Exempt Staff bargaining unit, with whom the college is currently negotiating a first contract, and supporters of the Washington Federation of State Employees have communicated plans to engage in labor actions related to and/or during the planned event.

“It’s our sense that the uncertainties caused by these union communications and potential actions could pose challenges for both staffing and seminar participation that could negatively impact the event experience for participants.  Because the college does not want alumni or other guests to travel to campus with the intent of participating, only to have those plans obstructed by the union, the event is being postponed until fall 2013.

“While registrants will be contacted directly, some elements of the event were open to the general public and we want people to know that it has been postponed.”

Sprague noted that the college’s annual Science Carnival – showcasing the work of Evergreen science students and bringing youngsters and other visitors from around the region to share in science presentations and activities – will continue on May 31 and June 1 as scheduled.  For more information on the Science Carnival, visit www.evergreen.edu/sciencecarnival/.