On March 19, 2025 the Evans School community of alumni and friends gathered for a reception in Olympia – our first time together since before the pandemic. In this turbulent time in public affairs, we were grateful for the opportunity to come together in community and highlight ways the Evans School working to inspire public service and democratize public policy.
Sen. Vandana Slatter (MPA ‘05) offered welcoming remarks, highlighting some of the new and exciting undergraduate programs that have taken flight at the Evans School, including the NextGen Civic Leader Corps and our Undergraduate Major, which will be officially announced soon.
The main program featured Dean Jodi Sandfort in conversation with Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, focusing on our partnership in the Project for Civic Health and the Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute (WA-CELI)—an initiative designed to support local leaders in working across political divides. As Lt. Gov. Heck reminded us, “Democracy doesn’t run on autopilot”—it requires our constant investment and tending.
The evening also included many meaningful moments of reconnection with former classmates, faculty, and colleagues over food and drinks.