While I had a great time on my trip, I am also glad to be home. I love driving into the Evergreen campus every morning. The trees are beautiful and I love having the chance to walk in smelling the freshness and feeling the crispness of the fall air. If you’re interested in seeing this wonderful campus for yourself, feel free to contact me directly and we can set up your personalized visit experience. There’s nothing like seeing this 1000-acre campus with your own eyes…. I love it here! I'm fairly certain there's nowhere in the world quite like the Pacific Northwest.

Some of our other famous alums include Lynda Barry (author, cartoonist), Josh Blue, (winner, 2006 "Last Comic Standing"), Joe Dear (former director of OSHA), and Dr. James Moore (Senior Fellow at Harvard Law School, founder of GeoPartners Ventures). If you’d like to add your name to this impressive list of Greener Grads, feel free to give me a call or send me an e-mail. I can help answer your questions about the admissions process and what it will take for you to become part of our amazing community.

Now that I’m back to work after all that excitement, I am fully aware that our newest class of Greeners will be joining us very soon. I can’t wait to meet the new students as they get settled in for their first programs, and I’m also excited to begin welcoming visitors who are looking at Evergreen for the Fall of 2009. Remember to check out the visit options, and give me a call if you’d like to schedule your own personal visit.

Now, I’m back to work, ready to take on another wonderful academic year. I’m getting excited to begin meeting all the high school graduates of 2009 who are coming to visit Evergreen, and to welcome the new class of freshmen to campus in September. The Admissions Office has added new counselors who are ready and eager to help with the entire admissions process. Hopefully you can meet one of them when they fly around the country to visit high schools in your area. Also, remember to give me a call or send an e-mail if you’d like to see this amazing campus with your own eyes. I’m here to make your dream visit happen!

You have come to the right place to check out what some of our students are doing here on campus. I encourage you to read the blogs our students keep on this web site (and feel free to comment; they love the questions!). I’m sure that you will be able to relate at least one of these Greeners. Their stories inspire me to stay focused, even when it feels like there’s so much to do around here. I hope that someday I will be able to share in your experiences here at Evergreen – I know you will do great things here too!

Spring Break is quickly approaching for our students on campus. The sun is shining (and the rain is falling) and flowers are poking up all over the campus. Students are running around trying to complete final projects and planning fun and exciting trips. Some of the students I work with are traveling to San Francisco, California, Orlando, Florida, and even China. I’m so jealous. For all of the college staff, there is no break. We work all the way through the change of quarters. This is great news if you want to come and visit during your Spring Break from high school or community college. We are continuing to host visitors all through March and April (typically a couple of our busiest months). Be sure to contact us if you’d like to reserve your spot. You can check out all our visit options at www.evergreen.edu/visit.

For those of you who may still be deciding to apply, I would urge you to get your application in as soon as possible. The most important reason to apply now is that we give out Scholastic Achievement Awards to students who apply by the priority deadline. I always say – Free money is good money! You wouldn’t want to miss out on a scholarship opportunity simply because you applied too late.

Feel free to contact the Admissions Office if you still have questions about your application. We are happy to help!

We have a sunny sky and smiling people all around campus today, and I love it! Winters in the Northwest can seem long, cold and wet, but when the sun comes out it is so beautiful. I try not to complain when it rains because the payoff comes when we get to enjoy our gorgeous trees, clear skies, and clean, fresh air. Everyone seems a little happier and even more friendly when we have days like this. Our campus tours were full of interested visitors, and the tour guides were happy to shed their heavy coats.

I wouldn’t trade Washington weather for anything, especially on days like today. You just have to see it with your own eyes to truly appreciate the beauty of this area.

It’s exciting for me to work in an environment like The Evergreen State College where intelligent conversations and political thoughts are abundant. Just this morning, a fellow co-worker, some students and I were discussing the candidates. We did not all have the same viewpoints but it was great to sit around and respectfully listen to each other’s opinions. I love that stuff! That’s how we learn!

Tomorrow, I will head out for the Democratic Caucus in my neighborhood to cast my vote. I am excited to be involved in this historic presidential election. No matter what happens, I will be proud of myself for becoming involved in the process. This is what makes America so great…. Besides, I like to say, “If you don’t vote, you can’t complain about it!”

We also have half day informational programs coming up in February and March. Fittingly called "Fridays at Evergreen," these are also a great way for students to connect with the Evergreen community.

If you are interested in visiting the campus and experiencing all Evergreen has to offer, simply contact the Admissions Office at 360-867-6170 or check out the Visit web site at www.evergreen.edu/visit.

I would love to see you here! I'm sure you will have a fabulous time checking out our beautiful campus!