News & Awards
We’re proud of our community’s success stories.
SPSCC Theatre Collective and Centralia College Present The Book of Will
The SPSCC Theatre Collective and Centralia College present a co-production of The Book of Will. The play will run from November 7 to 10, 2024 at SPSCC’s Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts and November 21 to 24, 2024 at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre.
SPSCC Theatre Collective and Centralia College Present a Co-Production of The B…
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Event NewsThe SPSCC Theatre Collective and Centralia College present a co-production of The Book of Will. Written by acclaimed playwright Lauren Gunderson and directed by Olympia icon Brian Tyrrell, the play will run from November 7 to 10, 2024 at SPSCC’s Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts and November 21 to 24, 2024 at Centralia College’s Corbet Theatre.
October 24, 2024
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In the NewsToday, South Puget Sound Community College is carrying on Schmidt’s famous legacy with a two-year associate’s degree in brewing, distilling, and cidermaking — the first of its kind in the nation — delivered on the same riverbanks where Olympia Beer was born. ADI caught up with Chris Patrick, associate director of the program and a longtime commercial brewer, to talk about what it’s like to study at SPSCC, who’s a typical student, and what he likes most about educating the next generation of beverage pros.October 22, 2024
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Event NewsThe 16th Annual Native American Art Exhibition, Honoring Ancestors and Embracing our Culture in the Modern World curated by Mikaela Shafer, is coming to Leonor R. Fuller Gallery from Nov. 4 to Dec. 13, 2024. The opening reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.October 8, 2024
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Foundation News | In the NewsSPSCC Foundation’s team encourages everyone to take the time to stay well-informed about their financial health. One way to do this without feeling overwhelmed is to focus on learning about one aspect of financial wellness at a time. National Estate Planning Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity to pause and do just that.
October 4, 2024
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Community StoriesAt the center of SPSCC's Olympia Campus stands the Welcome Figure. Carved from 1,200-year-old fallen sacred cedar, the figure was commissioned by SPSCC’s Associated Student Body in 2005 to acknowledge the rich connections between the college and the Squaxin Island Tribe. Andrea Wilbur-Sigo (Squaxin Island and Skokomish), the artist behind the SPSCC Welcome Figure, reflected on its creation.September 12, 2024
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In the NewsOn April 30, 2024, students from Tumwater Middle School, Bush Middle School, and Washington Middle School enjoyed an exciting Field Trip to South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) in Olympia, WA. This first IGNITE Program Event in Olympia offered 36 students a chance to experience college life through a series of activities.August 27, 2024
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Event NewsThe Leonor R. Fuller Gallery proudly presents Olympia Drag: A Candid Glimpse at Fashion, Art, and Performance, an immersive contemporary exhibition curated by Garrett Leonard, from Sept. 16 to Oct. 18, 2024. The opening reception will be held on Friday, Sept. 20, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.August 21, 2024
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Foundation NewsGraduate Miriam Padilla’s vision for her new career began as a student specializing in SPSCC Culinary Arts Chef’s training program. Long before she received her AAS degree in Culinary Arts, she knew she wanted teaching to be an important aspect of her career. Now, her dream has come true, and she is making a difference in the community.August 14, 2024
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Foundation NewsFormer SPSCC colleagues Deb Smith and Cindy Uhrich are founders of Olympia-based Bittersweet Chocolates, LLC. Together they blend their lifelong connections to the South Sound, support for student success, and appreciation for the local community with a deep passion for chocolate.August 13, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC is proud to announce that it has been awarded the Best of South Sound Gold for Best Community College. The Best of South Sound, determined by community votes, celebrate outstanding businesses, organizations, and individuals who make significant contributions to the region.
August 5, 2024
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In the NewsWhen thinking about economic growth and development, we tend to focus on storefronts, restaurants and bustling destination spots that both draw in tourists and welcome new residents. But locally based, higher education has a tremendous impact on the surrounding community. For generations, the Thurston Economic Development Council has emphasized that schools not only cultivate workforce talent and support entrepreneurial networks but also grasp the unique details of their region.
July 25, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC congratulates political science professor Dr. Parakh Hoon on being awarded the Fulbright-Nehru Academic and Professional Excellence Fellowship for the 2024-25 academic year. Presented by the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, this award will enable Professor Hoon to travel to Bhartiya Skills Development University in Jaipur, India on a teaching and research fellowship.July 3, 2024
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Program News | Awards & RecognitionSPSCC is proud to announce its participation in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at developing a climate-ready workforce. Partnering with the Squaxin Island Tribe, SPSCC will utilize its $750,000 plus portion of a $9.3 million grant awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges. This initiative seeks to advance climate resilience across the U.S. by empowering economically disadvantaged communities, people of color, and Indigenous populations.
July 1, 2024
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In the NewsIn May 2024, the SPSCC Dental Assisting Program hosted an open house event attended by over 100 prospective students, alumni, local dentists and clinical staff. Attendees were particularly drawn to the program’s use of new technologies, including state-of-the-art intraoral scanners, such as iTero and Medit i700, and the historic pictures of the program dating back to the 1960s.June 13, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionToday, the Aspen Institute named SPSCC as a finalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million award is the nation's signature recognition of strong performance among community colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.
June 11, 2024
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Program NewsSPSCC today announced that it has been granted accreditation by the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships for its College in the High School program. This makes SPSCC the ninth accredited program in Washington State and the sixth accredited among the state's two-year colleges.
June 3, 2024
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In the NewsIn 2018, SPSCC in Olympia, Washington launched the first associate degree program in the United States that focused on craft brewing, distilling and cider making. In comparison to institutes that award certificates upon completion of their programming or colleges that offer Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees designed to teach the science behind these arts, SPSCC’s program includes instruction on the full range of practical skills required to one to open their craft establishment or secure employment as a brewer, distiller or cidermaker.
May 29, 2024
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Foundation NewsThe SPSCC Foundation has recently established the Betti Vocational Endowment, an initiative dedicated to supporting the educational journey of students enrolled in Professional Technical (Prof Tech) programs at SPSCC. Beginning in Fall 2024, students across various Prof Tech programs will have access to three distinct awards under the Betti Vocational Endowment.
May 15, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionToday, the Aspen Institute named SPSCC as a semifinalist for the 2025 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The $1 million award is the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges. The institutions selected for this honor stand out among more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide as having high and improving levels of student success, as well as equitable outcomes for Black and Hispanic students and those from lower-income backgrounds.
May 7, 2024
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Student StoriesArtemis is a student at SPSCC pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity & Network Administration. As an international student from India who made her journey to the United States in 2022, Artemis has shown a relentless drive for excellence in her academic pursuits, chasing opportunities halfway around the world. Her interest in Cybersecurity comes from her extensive background in the IT industry, where she recognized the critical importance of safeguarding digital infrastructures against evolving threats.
April 22, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC today announced its four students being recognized as members of the All-Washington Academic Team: Madison Hehemann, Pushpinder (Artemis) Kaur, Richard Beckman, and Tracie Hagest. They will be honored at the All-WA Ceremony where students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges are recognized for their academic achievement and commitment to success. The ceremony will be hosted at the SPSCC Lacey Campus in Building 1 and livestreamed on the college’s YouTube channel on April 25, 2024, at 12:30 p.m.
April 19, 2024
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Event NewsThe Leonor R. Fuller Gallery invites the community to its 19th Annual SPSCC Student Art Exhibition, showcasing the exceptional talent of its students in various artistic mediums. The exhibition will run from May 13 to June 14, 2024, with an opening reception on Friday, May 17, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.April 16, 2024
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In the News | Foundation NewsSPSCC staff, faculty and students have a lot to be proud of when it comes to implementing innovative climate solutions to protect ecosystems on more than 100 acres across the college’s campuses. From installing solar panels to help mitigate consumption of nonrenewable energy resources, to adopting safe, pesticide-free landscaping practices that protect watersheds, SPSCC finds innovative ways to continuously evolve its approach to environmental stewardship on campus. These efforts are also reflected in the work faculty are doing to design related curricular activities.
April 1, 2024
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In the News | Foundation NewsTo support its commitment to making education accessible for all, SPSCC provides an integrated network of basic needs services to minimize barriers to student success. This work is made possible through collaborations between the various on-campus services and departments, and partnerships with local social services agencies.
March 27, 2024
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Event NewsSPSCC invites the State of Washington to celebrate this year’s top community and technical college students. The 28th annual All-Washington Academic Team Ceremony will honor 92 students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges, all of whom are part of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. The ceremony will be held on April 25 in Building 1 at SPSCC’s Lacey Campus.
March 22, 2024
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Student StoriesKeagan is currently a student in South Puget Sound Community College’s Nursing Program. He reflected on his academic journey so far, sharing that it hasn’t always been a clear path. With two decades of experience as a restaurant manager and chef, Keagan studied business administration with the goal of one day owning a business. He slowly realized that it wasn’t the right fit.March 5, 2024
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Athletics NewsSouth Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) congratulates its Men’s Basketball team on clinching a spot in the 2024 Northwest Athletic Conference’s (NWAC) Basketball Championships this March. The Clippers will take on Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash., in the Sweet 16 on Wed., March 6, at 12 p.m.
February 27, 2024
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC congratulates students in its Mad Hatters club for their outstanding performance in the National Cyber League Fall 2023 Competition Season. Their collaborative effort and dedication earned SPSCC a remarkable ranking of 43 out of the 510 colleges and universities competing.January 26, 2024
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In the NewsStudents at Yelm High School are working to prepare for the future both in and out of the classroom. YHS has partnered with Intercity Transit on a project that aims to help students learn about using public transportation in a comprehensive way. This initiative happened in collaboration with an existing program that brings YHS students to the manufacturing program at SPSCC in Lacey.
December 19, 2023
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In the NewsAt the heart of our mission at United Way of Thurston County lies the commitment to remove barriers that hinder the path to education and opportunity. Meet Masa Kawamura, our Outreach and Admissions Specialist and Navigator at South Puget Sound Community College, whose tireless efforts are helping high school students navigate the complexities of post-secondary education.December 14, 2023
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AlumniAfter completing his associate degree at SPSCC, Andrew Patterson transferred to Deakin University in Victoria, Australia. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Anthropology and Creative Writing in 2023. He recently returned to Washington after two years abroad and reflected on his experience starting at SPSCC and his move to a university on the other side of the world.
November 17, 2023
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Program NewsSPSCC is excited to announce the launch of its new Evening and Weekend Nursing Program in response to the high demand for nursing education in the region. The program will introduce 20 additional spots to SPSCC's Nursing Program, addressing the critical shortage of healthcare professionals.
November 15, 2023
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Event NewsSPSCC invites the community to its annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Event to gain valuable perspectives on the pursuit of educational equity. Spencer Paysinger, former NFL linebacker and accomplished speaker, takes the stage to deliver a keynote address on "Overcoming the Obstacles to Educational Opportunity". The event will take place on Jan. 12, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Kenneth J. Minnaert Center for the Arts Main Stage.
November 8, 2023
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC proudly announces that it has won a Gold award for the college’s website at the National Council for Marketing and Public Relations District 7 Medallion Awards. This recognition underscores SPSCC's commitment to accessibility, mobile responsiveness, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of making college information simple and readily available to all website users.
November 1, 2023
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Awards & RecognitionToday, the Aspen Institute named South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) as one of the 150 institutions eligible to compete for the 2025 $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. This is the fourth consecutive time that Aspen has named SPSCC in the top 150. Earlier in 2023, SPSCC was named a national finalist and a top 10 community college.
October 31, 2023
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Alumni“I keep telling myself that I have to do this. I have to put something in motion that I know is making a difference.” Tammy Levario returned to SPSCC to study Social Services & Education, bringing more than 15 years of experience working in foster care and caregiving to more than 50 teens.
October 10, 2023
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Awards & RecognitionThe Aspen Institute College Excellence Program announced on Sept. 19, 2023 that Dr. Timothy Stokes, President at SPSCC, was selected for the inaugural class of the Aspen Presidents Fellowship. This program, made possible with support from JPMorgan Chase, focuses on developing a sustainable and comprehensive reform agenda that advances excellence and equity in student outcomes at scale.
September 22, 2023
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Student Stories“I just love learning about people’s stories and the influences of their culture,” said Aria Cornwall. Aria is a Capital High School student who attends SPSCC classes through the Running Start program. “My first year at SPSCC has been great! I see the diversity, but I also feel it.”
September 19, 2023
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In the NewsBroaching big topics can be daunting. But it’s also an invaluable way to learn, develop, question and grow, especially during our student years. At SPSCC, facilitators from the A. Barbara Clarkson Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Center (DEIC) are promoting open conversation in a safe, non-judgmental environment thanks to a series of Uncomfortable Conversations.
August 7, 2023
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Foundation News | In the NewsShe lived her life to make a difference – and did! She literally crafted our local human services system over 50+ of her 85+ years. Now, a group of people are taking action to ensure her legacy lives on. Plaques and monuments are fine, but the members of the League of Women Voters, Thurston County (LWVTC), want to follow her lead and use the medium of giving.
August 7, 2023
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Student Stories“After I started the automotive program at SPSCC, I got the opportunity to sell the house I had in Tenino. I bought a house down in Arkansas because it’s my calling. I’m originally from the Midwest, I like the slow pace of life, the weather, and I got to be closer to my family,” said Tom Seal. “I sold all my stuff and moved down there. I started looking for automotive programs and there was nothing of the sort like we have here. SPSCC is the only reason I came back to Washington State.”
June 7, 2023
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Event NewsFor many students, their artwork is capable of expressing more about life than words themselves. The ability to create allows them to send a message without ever speaking. Through different mediums, colors, and materials, the student artwork in this year’s exhibit says something about what South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) art classes can teach. Every year the art faculty of SPSCC goes through the art students’ completed assignments from a variety of courses and picks out the best of the best to be featured in the annual student art exhibition, open now through June 16, Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery.
June 5, 2023
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In the News | Event NewsChances are you’ve marveled at Georges Seurat’s pointillist masterpiece, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.” This iconic scene of people strolling along a sunny waterfront with parasols, top hats, curious children and playful puppies is made up of tiny individual dots. These blend into a piece of art that can be found everywhere from coffee table books to picture postcards. It’s also the focal point of the award-winning musical “Sunday in the Park with George” being presented by the South Puget Sound Community College Theatre Collective from May 26 through June 4.
May 23, 2023
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Foundation NewsSPSCC's Veteran & Military Family Resources Center is a welcoming space on campus for students and their families who have served. In recent years, it has gone through a transformation thanks to the participation and collaborative support of student veterans and Veteran Specialist Michelle Erzen. Renovation plans for a larger space are in the works for fall 2023.
May 4, 2023
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Student News | Awards & RecognitionToday, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) and the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge (ALL IN) announced that Sophia Bowton-Meade, student Senator for Legislative Affairs at SPSCC, has been recognized as part of the 2023 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll.
April 26, 2023
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Event NewsSPSCC will be hosting Career Day on May 3, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Health & Wellness Center (Building 31). Career Day brings together a variety of local employers to share career and internship opportunities, recruit employees, and share information about their businesses. This event is free and open to the community.
April 24, 2023
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In the News | Awards & RecognitionToday the Aspen Institute announced the winners and finalists of the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier award for two-year colleges. South Puget Sound Community College was recognized as a finalist, applauded for their outstanding work helping students succeed in college and beyond.
April 20, 2023
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Student News | Awards & Recognition | Event NewsSPSCC today announced its two students being recognized as members of the 2023 All-Washington Academic Team: Kelsey Christensen-Abel and David Stanton. Kelsey and David will be honored at a ceremony recognizing this year’s top students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. The ceremony will be held on April 27 at 12 p.m. in Building 27 at SPSCC’s Olympia Campus and live-streamed on the SPSCC YouTube channel.
April 19, 2023
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Alumni“3D modeling has always been a hobby of mine. It’s something I’ve been doing since I was twelve. It’s always been there, off to the side, and I thought I’d never be able to build that skill into something practical,” said SPSCC alumnus Justin Losey. “At SPSCC, I learned that wasn’t true. That skill was the beginning of my career.”
April 13, 2023
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Event NewsSPSCC invites the entire state of Washington to celebrate the 27th annual All-Washington (All-WA) Academic Team Ceremony. The All-WA ceremony will honor 75 students from the state’s 34 community and technical colleges. It will be held on April 27 at 12 p.m. in Building 27 at SPSCC’s Olympia Campus and live-streamed on the SPSCC YouTube channel.
April 12, 2023
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Alumni | In the NewsThe new season of Love is Blind is finally here, where contestants are searching for their life partner without seeing the other person. In keeping with last year's trend, 30 contestants have entered to find their perfect match. Communication via pods is the first step, followed by the engagement proposal and finally the wedding day. While this season of Love is Blind is in progress, it will be fascinating to see which couple finds their soul mate.
March 27, 2023
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In the NewsLIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense national manufacturing innovation institute, and SPSCC have announced a partnership to provide free training & national certifications to transitioning service members, National Guard, Army Reserves, and their families for careers in advanced manufacturing through LIFT’s Operation Next initiative.
March 9, 2023
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Foundation News | Event NewsOn March 14, 2023, approximately 275 Native youth from local tribes will participate in this year’s FIRE Summit. Statistics show indigenous students are the least enrolled in higher education nationwide. The Summit gives Native youth from across Washington state a chance to change that.
March 3, 2023
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Alumni | Awards & RecognitionSPSCC congratulates alumna Patricia Gonzalez on receiving the 2023 Washington State Association of College Trustees (ACT) Transforming Lives Award. As an award recipient, Patricia received a financial award of $250 from the ACT and was honored at the Transforming Lives Award Dinner at the Olympia Hotel at Capitol Lake on Jan. 23, 2023.
January 27, 2023
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Alumni | Student StoriesDyer Oxley attended SPSCC from 2000 to 2001 and now works on the web team at KUOW public radio. When he’s not writing, editing, and updating KUOW’s website, Dyer is hosting and producing NW NERD, an award-winning podcast that shares the passions of nerds across the northwest.
January 17, 2023
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eSports NewsSPSCC is thrilled to join the world of competitive gaming with its newest team: Clipper eSports. This fall, the competition begins as student recruits, led by eSports head coach Michael Nguyen, compete in video games such as League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch, Halo, and more.
January 11, 2023
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Event NewsThe annual Fine Art Postcard Exhibition returns to the Leonor R. Fuller Gallery for its 12th year from Jan. 3 to Feb. 3, 2023, with the theme “From the Edge”. The opening reception will be held on Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. and the closing reception will be held on Feb. 3 at 6 p.m.
December 15, 2022
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Program NewsThroughout the summer of 2022, the Welding program’s space in Building 16 at SPSCC’s Olympia Campus experienced a major overhaul. When students returned for Fall Quarter, they had a redesigned shop with new welding booths, new equipment, and new opportunities waiting for them.
November 30, 2022
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Foundation News | Program NewsThe Science, Engineering, and Math (SEM) Pathway provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to give students the foundation they need to pursue fields in research, engineering, and much more. Included in the long list of subjects are Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Environmental Science, Math, and Physics. Courses in this pathway prepare students for a wide range of scientific and technical careers and transfer opportunities to 4-year universities.
November 23, 2022
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Awards & RecognitionOn Nov. 8, 2022, education company EAB named SPSCC as the winner of its Student Success Collaborative – Return on Education Award. The award recognizes an institution that has seen significant and measurable results from its efforts to help students persist, graduate, and thrive.
November 9, 2022
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Athletics News | Awards & RecognitionSPSCC congratulates student-athletes Yuta Shimazu and Chris Morell for being selected for the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) West Region All-Star Soccer Team. The duo will participate in the NWAC All-Star game on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. at the Starfire Sports Stadium in Tukwila, Wash.
November 8, 2022
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Awards & RecognitionSPSCC congratulates chemistry professor Dr. James (Jim) Chen who was awarded the 2022 ACCT Pacific Regional Faculty Award on August 12, 2022. The Association of Community College Trustees’ (ACCT) regional awards program annually recognizes one faculty member in each of its five regions for their tremendous contributions to community colleges.
September 16, 2022
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Program NewsIn 2021, SPSCC became one of three schools in Washington State to participate in a two-year Summer Running Start pilot program. This year, SPSCC has seen great success in enrollment, showcasing how high school students are making the most of the year-round Running Start program’s flexibility.
August 17, 2022
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Program NewsSPSCC extends our gratitude to our legislators for the historic, bipartisan investments that they made in support of assisting homeless students, expanding cybersecurity and nursing education, and increasing the college’s ability to do effective outreach in historically underrepresented communities.
March 17, 2022
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Student StoriesMariah Slack is a student at SPSCC pursuing an Associate in Arts. She has a genetic deletion condition known as Williams syndrome (WS). Only 3% of people diagnosed with WS graduate from high school. Of that 3%, only 1% go on to college. Mariah has never let these odds get in the way of continuing her education.
January 31, 2022
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Student StoriesJoshua transferred from South Africa in search of more opportunities. After signing with a sports agency, he was invited to join the SPSCC men’s soccer team. “They really convinced me to get over here, so I eventually made the decision,” he said. “And I’m very happy that I did.”
September 21, 2021
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In the News | Athletics News | Student NewsOn Friday, April 2, a small group of past and current student leaders met at the newly completed Health & Wellness Center to officially welcome Percy the Kraken to the Clipper family. They’re a student-led project that spanned over four years from idea to completion.
May 31, 2021
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Program News | Foundation News | Student NewsSPSCC and the SPSCC Foundation today announced its largest gift in school history, a $2.5 million gift from the Bruno and Evelyne Betti Foundation. The gift will impact the college’s Professional Technical degree programs, as well as Healthcare programs in the Dr. Angela Bowen Center for Health Education.
December 9, 2020
