Edmond Lapine and his mother Sami Kopelman at his graduation in 2008

Edmond Lapine ’08 was among the 36 people who died in a fire at the Ghost Ship warehouse in Oakland on Dec. 2, 2016, where friends were gathered for a night of music and fun.

Now, fellow musicians and alumni are coming together to help fund a scholarship in Edmond’s name that will provide financial impetus for anyone deserving of a college education, but lacking financial assistance. Calvin Johnson ’85, is a musician, cultural icon, and founder of Olympia’s K Records, where Lapine had interned.

“I really liked him,” says Johnson. “He had a gentle nature, a love of music, and was a snappy dresser. His death was a shock to many here in Olympia. When his mother started the endowment fund for the Edmond William Lapine II Scholarship at The Evergreen State College I wanted to help raise the funds as a tribute to this delightful person who left us much too soon.”

Read more about how Edmond’s friends and family continue to celebrate his life, and join us on November 4th at Return to Evergreen for a special benefit concert for the Edmond Lapine II Scholarship.

“I dream of changing the world. Evergreen has helped me become the kind of person who stands a chance to turn that imagined world into a reality.”

Chelsea Rabourn ’17 – Student and scholarship recipient

Alumni, community partners, and friends of Evergreen gathered at the Hotel Murano in Tacoma on March 4 to celebrate the power of higher education. This year’s Art of Giving Gala and Auction raised a record $200,000, surpassing the goal of $155,000. The Art of Giving is The Evergreen State College Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser, benefiting scholarships and educational opportunities for Evergreen students across Olympia, Tacoma, and Western Washington.

President George Bridges speaks at Art of Giving on March 4, 2017.

Since 1976, the Foundation has supported student scholarships by raising private gifts from remarkable and generous donors. While individual tuition and public funds maintain the college, private gifts provide an additional margin of excellence through donor-funded scholarships, fellowships, program endowments, and other opportunities that enrich the Evergreen experience.

Learn more about the event here.

I recently had the opportunity to interview Evergreen graduate Sean Lynch ’15, the Youth Programs Coordinator for CIELO in Olympia. This nonprofit organization has provided health and educational resources to the underserved Spanish-speaking community in the Puget Sound area for over 20 years.

Sean helping a student work on his reading skills.

Andrew: How did Evergreen influence the work you are doing at CIELO?

Sean: Evergreen had a huge impact on me; the small classes and collaborative learning environment allowed us to share ideas as well as build relationships. Out in the world, being able to interact and build relationships is key. Evergreen’s approach to education also gave my professors the opportunity to get to know me, examine my learning style, and meet my needs.

Andrew: What were the challenges you faced when you arrived at CIELO, and how had Evergreen prepared you for those challenges?

Sean: The biggest challenge was getting people together to work towards common goals. Evergreen prepared me for this challenge by not only promoting collaborative learning, but by preparing me to work independently as well. It’s a balance.

Sean promoting CIELO.

Andrew: The world of nonprofit work can be very demanding, any advice for current or future Greeners who are interested in pursuing this type of work?

Sean: Expect challenges and don’t be afraid to work through them. Don’t shy away from road blocks and challenges because that is how you’re going to learn and adapt. And most importantly, be yourself. Don’t ever be afraid to be you because people value that.

Andrew: What’s your best CIELO memory?

Sean: My best memory was last year’s winter potluck. It was amazing to see how many students and their families attended. I had the opportunity to speak and thank them for all of their hard work and effort. Afterwards they were all coming up to me and thanking me, it was cool to see that mutual respect we have for each other. The relationships here are mutual as we learn and grow together.

Sean leading the Homework Club.