Author Archives: R.J. Burt

First Traveling Seminar of 2014 a Full House

Posted on by
Reply
Alumni Seminar

Alumni, friends and facilitators packed the seminar circle for the Portland Traveling Seminar (photo: Bob Haft)

Evergreen Alumni Programs launched the 2014 Traveling Seminar series in Portland, OR on January 23 with a full-house discussion titled “Capturing Life Once and Forever: Why People Photograph.”

Faculty member Bob Haft teamed up with photographer Chris Rauschenberg ’73 to explore the art, history, technology and the philosophy of photography. The group talked about why photographs are powerful, why millions of people are compelled to take photographs, and the role of photography in a culture, a society, a community, a family.

The next Traveling Seminar takes place in Seattle, Friday, March 14 at the Washington Athletic Club. Information and registration on Evergreen’s Alumni Programs web page.

Greener and Dad Team Up to Boost Hiring of Disabled Job Seekers

Posted on by
1
366ql.AuSt.38

Andy Jacobson (right) with father Lawerence. (Photo: Steve Bloom, Olympian Staff Photographer)

Not so long ago, a young person just out of college could usually get a start in the working world if willing to take anything, work hard, show up on time and be friendly. That first job can lay the foundation for building professional credibility and valuable networks. Bad economic times with high unemployment can make that first job illusive, especially if the applicant has disabilities.

Andy Jacobson ’12 has an Evergreen Bachelor degree with a focus on statistics and environmental science. He’s been energetically applying for jobs, is willing to take anything, is smart, trustworthy, dependable and has a great smile. So far, he has not had a single interview.

In true Greener style, Andy and his father, Lawrence, have upped the ante, hoping to give qualified job seekers with disabilities better access to state jobs. The result to-date is a bill, sponsored in both houses of the Washington State Legislature, called the “state employment disability parity act.”  Read the full article in The Olympian.

Brittany Gray Thriving in Class and on the Basketball Court

Posted on by
Reply

Brittanyx

At age 15, Brittany Gray was on top of the high school basketball world in Washington State. The Bainbridge High School sophomore had been recruited to prestigious Gonzaga University as part of the women’s basketball program and was, according to her coach, “one of the best rebounders the state has ever seen.” Then Brittany walked away from it all.

Five years later, she is back in the game and back in the classroom – at Evergreen.

Read the story in The Olympian.

 

 

Joselynn Engstrom ’99: Life Really is a Circus

Posted on by
Reply
future_list_jocelyn_engstrom_mike_hipple_600

Joselynn Tokashiki Engstrom ’99

Note: You can read the full article in  City Arts.

Six days a week, Joselynn Tokashiki Engstrom can be found training at the School of Acrobatics & New Circus Arts in Georgetown—often hanging from a trapeze.

“I’ve never done anything that takes so much strength and concentration,” she says.

About 14 months ago, Engstrom and her artistic partner Terry Crane founded the Acrobatic Conundrum, a circus troupe that creates accessible, narrative shows that mix acrobatics, dance and theatre. From the beginning, she says, “We wanted to tell a story, we didn’t want it to be plug-and-play vaudeville.”

 Read the full article.

Salimatou Pratt ’13: Putting Theory into Practice at the EPA

Posted on by
2

 

SalimatouPrattRead with Greener pride this blog post by Salimatou Pratt ’13, now an intern at the Environmental Protection Agency in Washington D.C. The post is published in Greenversations: The EPA’s blog about our world.

If you’re like me, talking about environmental issues is normal, especially around the dinner table with family and friends. Coming from Conakry, Guinea, and learning about how I may have been exposed to toxicity from local industries while growing up, has intensified my desire to be part of the bigger environmental discussion. Interning in EPA’s Office of Public Engagement has given me a unique perspective on how the agency connects with communities, both nationally and internationally.  Continue reading →

Luke Bradford ’02 – Making His Mark on the Washington Wine Scene

Posted on by
Reply
index

Luke Bradford, ’02, owner of Cor Cellars winery in south-central Washington.

Luke Bradford, ’02, owner of Cor Cellars winery in south-central Washington.

Nestled in south-central Washington near the Oregon border, Cor Cellars winery, owned by Luke Bradford ’02, has been named Winery of the Year by the seattlepi.com’s  “Blue Collar Wine Guy.”

The writer traces Luke’s story from his early years growing up on a dairy farm in Pennsylvania, to his high school years in Park City, Utah, then to Evergreen. Mid-way through his college career, Luke traveled to Italy where he fell in love with wine and viticulture. His final years at Evergreen focused on chemistry and business, preparing him for his career as a maker of outstanding wines. Read the full article at seattlepi.com.

Filmmaker Bryan Smith ’97 Kicks Off 2014 “National Geographic Live” Speaker Series

Posted on by
Reply
1117650-BryanSmith_100710

Filmmaker Bryan Smith ’97 visits Olympia as National Geographic speaker

Award-winning filmmaker Bryan Smith ’97 is living an Evergreen-powered dream, capturing the world on film for National Geographic. In January, he returns to Olympia as part of the 2014 National Geographic Live speaker series to talk about his globe-trotting career. Guaranteed, there will be lots of Greeners in the audience to welcome Bryan back, celebrate his success and maybe even sing an impromptu chorus of The Geoduck Fight Song.

When: Jan. 10 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Where: The Washington Center for Preforming Arts, 512 Washington St. SE, Olympia.

Read the full story in the Olympian.

Alumna Elise Zelechowski – Deconstructing Chicago for the Greater Good

Posted on by
Reply
Elise_ZelechowskiPhoto

Chicago’s “Garbage Guru” credits Evergreen with preparing her for social justice work.

Elise Zelechowski studied French philosophy at Evergreen. Now she’s known as a  “garbage guru.” Qu’est-ce que c’est? No, this is not a galliphobic slur; it’s the career path Elise has followed since leaving Evergreen.

In a recent interview, Elise describes how she found her calling as Executive Director of ReBuilding Exchange, a Chicago-based organization promoting the reclamation of used building materials that would otherwise wind up in landfills.

“I went to Evergreen,” she explained. “Going to school there you can’t leave without being pretty well-rounded as an environmentalist, a feminist, a social justice advocate. And then I lived in France and I was really taken by how the city of Paris functions in terms of food infrastructure, transit infrastructure, small business and recycling.”

Read the full story at occupy.com to learn how Elise has expanded her work in sustainable deconstruction and waste management to address issues of poverty, the criminal justice system, housing, and employment. You can also view Elise’s inspirational TED talk.

How did The Evergreen Mind hear about Elise? She “facebooked” us! You can share your news too. Check out all Evergreen’s social media connections including our new LinkedIn page.

 

Can Humanity Think Its Way to a Better Future?

Posted on by
Reply
Picture1

ONE BIG BRAIN: Can humanity think its way to a better future?

On February 21, 2014, Evergreen will host a film screening and panel discussion to explore the existence of a “noosphere” (pronounced “No-a-sphere”), a planetary field of unified consciousness that forms a layer around planet Earth, just as does our atmosphere. The event will highlight the Noosphere Endowment at Evergreen that supports faculty-student collaborative projects unifying artistic, scientific, and spiritual elements that promote the advent of a worldwide culture of peace. Adam Leveen Sher ’02 and his parents Gerson and Marjorie Sher established this endowed award to assist future generations of Evergreen students.

Here is a preview of the film that will be shown prior to the panel discussion:

Following the screening, a panel of faculty members and alumni will consider the concept of a noosphere that can act in specified ways upon our biosphere.

One of the sources of research on the noosphere is The Global Consciousness Project, an international, multidisciplinary collaboration of scientists and engineers. This organization, operating under the auspices of Princeton University, collects and examines data “to discover subtle correlations that reflect the presence and activity of consciousness in the world . . .When human consciousness becomes coherent and synchronized, the behavior of random systems may change.” 

Event information:

One Big Brain: Can Humanity Think Its Way to a Better Future?
Date:        Friday, February 21, 2014
Time:       1:00 to 3:00 pm
Location: On campus in the Longhouse Education and Culture Center

There is no charge for this event and it is open to the public.Contributions to the Noosphere Endowment are gratefully received.

Seating is limited. Faculty members who wish to bring their students should reserve seats by contacting R.J. Burt in the Office of Alumni Programs by February 15.