Sauerkraut and Social Justice: It’s Got to be Evergreen

Posted on September 19, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Just one month away, Return to Evergreen is ready to host alumni and community members with workshops, seminars, music, tours, and more.

No plans yet for October 19? Here’s a sneak preview of some of the things you will miss if you don’t attend this year’s Return to Evergreen:

The Revolution Will Not Be Pasteurized
A fermentation workshop with Sash Sunday ’09 of OlyKraut, Melissa Barker ’00, Organic Farm Instructional Technician and faculty member David Muehleisen. Come to the beautiful Organic Farmhouse to learn and practice the basics of making home-scale sauerkraut and hear the story of some of the trials, tribulations and tricks of starting and operating a small processed-food business.

Humor and Human Rights
Seriously? Is there a place for humor when we speak of human rights? Is there a place for lightheartedness in the face of atrocity? Jane Korman sparked controversy in 2010 when she posted on YouTube a video of her father, Adolek Kohn, dancing with his grandchildren at Auschwitz, Dachau, and the Lodz ghetto. Adolek Kohn survived the Holocaust; half a century later the family returned to Poland to dance to Gloria Gaynor’s disco hit “I Will Survive” (Some view the dance as a triumph, while others find it tasteless or worse.

This seminar will consider the conditions under which comedy and humor might have a role to play in the way we think about human rights. This counterintuitive approach should help us locate the limits of how “human rights” function as a legal concept, a moral language, and a cultural practice. We will watch a short film, discuss it, and explore how the language of human rights does or does not help us make sense of ethics, politics, and justice.

Evergreen Faculty Member Emerita Betty Kutter

The (Phage) World Comes to Evergreen
Having just hosted the 20th Biennial Evergreen International Phage Meeting, with attendees from 37 countries, Evergreen Faculty Member Emerita Betty Kutter will highlight cutting-edge Phage applications in the areas of human health and food safety. The seemingly miraculous, bacteria-eating virus is sometimes called the “Tinker Toy” of biotechnology because it can be used in combination with other elements to effect seemingly impossible health benefits. Whether your are a former student of Betty’s or have never before heard of Phage, you’ll be amazed and inspired. Don’t miss this session.

Watch for program updates in the MIND or get the whole story right now on the website.

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Big Surprise! Evergreen #2 On List of Colleges Offering “Weird” Courses

Posted on September 6, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Editor’s Note: Take a look at the original story, The 7 Weirdest College Courses You Can Take,” in “Made Man,” a self-proclaimed “men’s portal that includes content from a variety of web properties,”

Columbia College has “Zombies In Popular Media.” Cornell University has a course called “Gossip.” University of Victoria, BC offers “The Science of Batman.” In the number two slot on this list of seven weird college courses is Evergreen’s program, “Looking at Animals.” Here’s the synopsis:

Illustrating the Evergreen Program “Looking at Animals.”

This course is how we look at and understand animals. The course contains lectures, readings, and seminars about how animals are portrayed in film, literature, and art. You’ll learn about the portrayal of animals throughout art and media history. You’ll then go through workshops where you’ll develop skills in 2D art, such as drawings or paintings, and 2D animation. The major project associated with the course has you combining your work in the studio with library research on exploring a particular animal or topic within the larger theme of the course.

Really? What’s so weird about that? What’s so weird about any of these programs? The Evergreen Mind chooses to interpret the word “weird” in this context as a back-handed compliment; pop-culture code for innovative, interdisciplinary teaching and learning.

On the other hand …

“Gossip?”
“In this graduate course, you’ll explore the philosophical traditions in which gossip has been devalued, as well as how it’s been recently reevaluated by theorists such as …”

Yeah, this actually does sound a bit weird.

Biophysicist Betty Kutter Invited the World to Evergreen – And It Came

Posted on September 5, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Question: Why did almost 200 scientists, researchers, physicians and educators from all over the world travel to Olympia,Washington this summer?

Evergreen Faculty Member Emerita Betty Kutter

Answer: Because Betty Kutter invited them.

Earlier this month, August 4th through 9th, many of the world’s foremost experts on Bacteriophage (Phage), a virus that eats harmful bacteria, converged on the Evergreen campus to talk, share research and think critically about Phage. At the center of this discussion, now and for the past 50 years, is Evergreen Faculty Member Emerita Betty Kutter. Betty has devoted her life to learning and evangelizing about Phage, ever since a scientific mentor said to her many years ago “when we understand phage, we will understand the essence of life.”

Here are highlights of 20th Biennial Evergreen International Phage Meeting:

“Today in the Phage World, this is the place to be. ”

one of the conference speakers.

Breaking Glass Ceilings: Monica Alexander ’13

Posted on September 1, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Monica Alexander ’13 (3rd from left) First African-American Woman Sergeant in Washington State Patrol, Promoted to Lieutenant.

It’s been a busy year for Monica Hunter-Alexander ’13. Until a couple weeks ago, she was the first African American woman to achieve the rank of sergeant in the Washington State Patrol (WSP). On June 14, Monica walked across a stage on Red Square to accept her degree from the Evergreen State College. And on July 16, the WSP promoted her to the rank of lieutenant. The ceremony was held on August 8th and Monica had the pleasure of sharing the official recognition with her husband, Johnny Alexander, who had received the rank of lieutenant earlier in the year.

Monica found an academic home in Evergreen’s Tacoma Program, located in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma.Of her student life, Monica summarized:

“My Evergreen Tacoma experience was exceptional. I felt like I attended class with family. We argued passionately, cried collectively and supported each other whole-heartedly. We encouraged each other and respected each other’s goals and aspirations.”

Monica has received numerous honors and awards including the Educational Excellence Award from the Washington State Traffic Safety Commission. She was a familiar – and popular – face on KOMO-TV’s traffic report. In 2003, Monica was inducted into the Tacoma African American History Museum for her service to the community and her work with the WSP.

Monica’s life path thus far – her evident commitment to community, social justice and life-long learning – exemplifies the motto of the Evergreen’s Tacoma Program: “Enter to learn, depart to serve.”

Always A Happy Day: 2013-14 Jackie Robinson Scholars Honored

Posted on August 31, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Left to right: Felix Braffith accepting “the big check” for Maxwell Hanckel, Doneesha Brown, President Les Purce and Mariners President Chuck Armstrong

Evergreen students Doneesha Brown and Maxwell Hanckel received public “congratulations” last Tuesday as this year’s Jackie Robinson Scholarship recipients. The ceremony took place, as is traditional, at Seattle’s Safeco Field just prior to a Mariners game.

Evergreen has awarded 48 Jackie Robinson scholarships, starting in 1987, thanks to the philanthropy of then-faculty member Patrick Hill. A much beloved teacher, philosopher, writer and story-teller, Patrick endowed the scholarship as a tribute to his parents, immigrants who valued education highly but never, themselves, went to college, and who were devoted Jackie Robinson/Brooklyn Dodgers fans.

Read the full story.

Just a bit about Patrick Hill:

Patrick died in 2008 just weeks after being awarded Faculty Emeritus status upon retirement. Here is one of many laudatory statements from former students listed on RateMyProfessor: Patrick Hill was the best teacher I ever had. He was a strong leader, yet had a gentle way, and was inspirational to the nines. He was encouraging and supportive, understanding and yet could light a fire under you. He is the reason I am a teacher. Often I ask myself “What would Patrick do?” An amazing mentor and man! Life changing absolutely!

Return to Evergreen Program Updates

Posted on August 27, 2013 by R.J. Burt

There will be something for everyone at Evergreen, October 19, 2013

Program Updates and Highlights:

Longhouse Education & Cultural Center
Join this tour to the Longhouse’s new carving studio where a drum making workshop will be in progress.

Annual Alumni Meeting
Alumni and Students (future alumni), come hear about “Alumni Circles” and join the discussion about staying engaged with your alma mater.

Athletics – Go Geoducks!
Head to the soccer field at 1 pm for women’s soccer. Later in the afternoon, Greeners who are alumni of the men’s and women’s basketball team take the court for the Annual Alumni Basketball games to be played on the new Art Costantino gymnasium floor. Were you a team member? Sign up to play: Female athletes contact Monica Heuer. Male athletes contact Arvin Mosley.

See the full schedule: Return to Evergreen.
Register Today.
Special Rate for Students and Recently Graduated (2008-2013) Alumni.

Stay tuned for more updates.

Bagpipes on Red Square: Martin Brendecke ’14

Posted on August 14, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Martin Brendecke ’14 busking on Red Square.

Editor’s note: The sound of bagpipes, even from considerable distance, penetrates all other sounds and brings one straight to attention. This is what happened recently when the moaning drones and piercing chanter notes got us out on Red Square within seconds. There we met Martin Brendecke ’14, current student and an accomplished piper.

Martin was born in Tucson, Arizona but grew up in Kirkland, Washington. The son of a performing folk musician, Martin’s world was filled with music, at home and wherever there was a folk festival or traditional music gathering around the Northwest.

When he was eight years old, the Brendecke family went to the Enumclaw Highland Games where Martin’s mother was performing with her band “The Hot Lattes.” That was when Martin’s fascination with all things Scottish began. On the way home, he asked for a practice chanter and a kilt. Continue reading →

The Return of Return To Evergreen, October 19, 2013

Posted on August 12, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Here’s the date we’ve been waiting for:
October 19, 2013, the return of Return to Evergreen.

You may remember that last May, Return to Evergreen (R2E), our alumni day on campus, was postponed. Just this week, we’ve been cleared for Saturday, October 19, one full day to forget the chores, and treat yourself to a beautiful autumn day on campus.

To feed your Evergreen mind, a rich menu of faculty-facilitated, small-group conversations. Of course there will be workshops and tours: Art Gallery, Longhouse, Organic Farm just to name a few. For the athletically inclined, sign up for the Annual Alumni Basketball game. View the full schedule and keep tabs as sessions are added and updated.

To refresh your Evergreen spirit, live music starts early evening and the always-popular Greener Beer Garden will provide a warm, cozy place for old friends and new acquaintances to gather.

Don’t miss Return to Evergreen, on campus this October 19. Register today. Only $25 for the full day, two on campus meals, and evening festivities. Admission for current students and alumni classes of 2008-2013 is $15.

Admission to the Greener Beer Garden is free but please bring picture I.D. and cash for your beverages.

Register Today.

Happy Birthday KAOS Radio, 1973-2013 and Going Strong

Posted on August 2, 2013 by R.J. Burt

KAOS in its new digs in the renovated CAB. Photo: Scott Stevens, host of “Spin The Globe” on KAOS Fridays at 10am on the west coast.

KAOS Radio turned 40 years old this year. The public radio station’s birthday was officially celebrated on January 1, 2013, 4 decades to the day after signing on for the first time. Take a walk through the decades on the the KAOS Anniversary Blog and stir up some memories.

Were You Part of KAOS History? Share Your Stories
Sadly, no one knows how many alumni worked at KAOS during their student years. No one knows if there are alumni who went into broadcasting because of their KAOS experiences or how many important lessons were learned while spinning the vinyls, editing tape, interviewing guests, or staffing pledge drives. When an institution is young and trying to find its way, it often forgets to tally up the metrics. So here we are at the 40th year of listener-supported, volunteer-powered community radio in the South Sound and we don’t know how to get in touch with KAOS alumni to say “thank you” for being part of the station’s history. Would you like to help us back-fill the story? Send your contact information and a brief note about when you worked at KAOS and a favorite memory. Please Type KAOS in big letters in the box labeled “tell us your news.”

KAOS Logo. Photo: Scott Stevens, host of Spin The Globe on KAOS Fridays at 10am, west coast time.

Dues-Payers, The Heart of KAOS
On the same note, if you are a dues-paying member of KAOS – first off bless your heart! Second, we probably don’t have your email address either, so go to the same link, above, and let us know how to get in touch so we can share all great things going on campus and in the KAOS listening area.

Finally, whether you are near or far, you can still be part of the KAOS listening and membership family via live-stream. Because who ever has enough KAOS in their lives?

Happy Birthday to KAOS and to all KAOS alumni, wherever you are – down the street, across the country, and throughout the decades.

From Tokyo to Evergreen: Yuhdai Sawa ’06 Visits Campus

Posted on July 26, 2013 by R.J. Burt

Yuhdai Sawa ’06 (left) and Julian Genette ’08 taken on Yuhdai’s July visit to Evergreen.

Yuhdai Sawa ’06 dropped by campus this week. He traveled from his home in Tokyo, Japan, to spend his vacation in Portland, Olympia and Seattle “because all my friends are here.”

Yuhdai fell in love with this region after spending several summers attending snowboarding camp near Mt. Hood, Oregon. Returning to the Northwest for college seemed natural. Continue reading →

The Evergreen Mind

The official alumni blog of The Evergreen State College

Category Archives: On Campus