Benefit Breakfast at Everett Community College

(Photo taken by Nathan Senff)

Community members, college sponsors and students preparing to listen at the benefit breakfast about looking to the future for students and careers.

A benefit breakfast was held on April 25, 2017 at 7:30 am at Everett Community College partnering with Washington State University (WSU) to help students
in the area achieve a career in the future.

The breakfast took place in the Walt Price Fitness Center at the college campus in North Everett. The room was filled with community members, businesses
and sponsors wanting to give donations to the college. The benefit breakfast’s efforts were to connect with students and allow a positive and progressive
future in their career path.

Current students and alumni spoke at the event describing what Everett Community College has done for them.

Jaxon Kronberger, Boeing scholarship winner, said, “Everett Community College allowed me to believe in myself and tell me I am worth it.” Jaxon had
negative experiences throughout her academic career and Everett Community College allowed her to proceed in schooling and become a Precision Machinist.

Another speaker was Luis Acevedo, alum of 2005. Acevedo said, “Everett Community College allowed me to grow as a student and do what I wanted to become-
a healthcare provider to rural areas in the Snohomish County region.” Through scholarships and help by Everett Community College, Acevedo graduated
with a Biology degree. He became a physician at SeaMar Healthcare services that provide care to rural Snohomish County.

The keynote speaker was WSU President, Kirk Schulz. Schulz praised Everett Community College for partnering with them and growing a base of 250 students
and counting. The campus is expanding with a new WSU oriented communication facility across North Broadway. They are also helping connect with
high schools around to bring more rural students into college classrooms.

Schulz said, “Washington State University wants to be a part of the top 25 research institutions in the United States by the year 2030.” The way the
university is doing that is through diversifying the college campuses from Vancouver, Washington to Everett and even in Pullman.

The university also wants to connect with all state community colleges. Schulz said, “We want to help their regions grow and allow students to get
careers outside of graduation.”

Washington State University is also doing a “Drive to 25” campaign to hoist them to the top. One major way they are boosting themselves is opening
the Elson S. Floyd School of Medicine in Spokane. The institution has made progress in that field. Schultz said that they are getting 700 applicants
for a 60 spot school.

Everett Community College and Washington State University’s partnership is hoping to help connect with the community and careers for the students.

Schultz said, “The benefit breakfast was made to connect the community and build up students for positive career paths.”