As we wrap up Highline’s fall quarter of 2024, the Thunderword would like to take a few steps back to highlight the memories made, events attended, and wonderful community the campus has fostered. 

As fall brought in its crisp breeze and cooler temperatures, Highline College brought along some special events and info-packed activities to help students keep their eyes on the ball. As we look back on the fall quarter, we can take a measured look at how busy our students have been.

One of the earliest events in week two was ‘Coffee with a Cop’, hosted by the Highline Department of Public Safety. The Des Moines Police Department spent the day with students and faculty over warm cups and enlightening conversations. Students were given the opportunity to discuss public safety in their communities, law enforcement as a career, and what the job looks like on a day-to-day basis.

Teniah Armstead, a Highline student, who attended the event, asked officers about their mindset on the job and downsides to the profession. One officer answered, “It’s important to me that I can even save or keep one person safe a day, knowing I helped, or maybe even saved a life.”

In week five, Drag Bingo, hosted by Brandi Marxx, was a highlight for students enthralled by the pageantry of the drag scene in Washington. Brandi, a Tacoma native, has been hosting drag events and performed in the area for years. 

Drag Bingo was followed up by more fun; the Public Speaking Center held Mic & Mingle in late October, offering pizzas and performances of singing, dancing, poetry, and magic. Performers were asked to book a time slot, and the audience was open to any Highline student.

Week six was packed with spooky celebrations across the campus. MESA, a student support organization for STEM students, held their own halloween celebration, as well as worked with Highline college, Global Student Ambassadors (GSA), and Campus View to put on a Witches Night Out party in the Student Union, hosted by the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) and Center for Cultural and Inclusive Excellence (CCI). 

CLS and CCI also held a Dia De Los Muertos celebration to honor passed loved ones. An altar was set up for those to place pictures, a crafts table, hot chocolate, and ofrendas presented for viewing. 

Highline, in their pursuit of ensuring their students are prepared on their journey of higher education, hosted the Washington Council Fall Transfer Fair in week seven, with representatives from many different universities. 

Week eight saw many communities come together for summits, support, and cupcakes!

Highline College’s 15th Annual Black & Brown Male Summit presented “Standing on Business,” with keynote speaker, Christian Paige, the Emmy-nominated spoken word poet, professional speaker, and educator. 

“With the support of over 40+ chaperones, we were able to welcome 200 students who traveled from communities as far as Everett and Puyallup. It was inspiring to see the students engage with [Paige], participate in interactive workshops, and gain wisdom from our panel of diverse men of color who shared words of encouragement on how to Stand on Business,” wrote the Black & Brown Male Summit Committee.

The Inter-Cultural Center (ICC) held ‘Circles of Support’ that week as a “chance to have open conversations, discuss the importance of feminism, and share advice in a supportive space.” Over donuts, participants anonymously shared their pieces of advice with other students, spoke out on concerns, and discussed how to remain positive and work through student life. 

If week eight hadn’t been exciting enough, GSA hosted a Karaoke Kickback! While some jammed out to their favorite sing-alongs, every surface was set up for cupcake decorating. Highline is committed to making campus a welcoming and fun environment, and events like these epitomize those efforts. 

Week eight of the fall quarter also saw the science fair, showcasing the STEM programs incredible and collaborative appeal, inviting faculty and staff to try their hand at experimenting with chemicals and solving math puzzles as they dined on liquids made of all sorts of atoms and molecules. 

Physics Highline Association of Thinkers and Tinkerers, or  P.H.A.T.T., one of the many clubs offered, did their Ice Cream Social, but with a twist. Instead of soft-serve or hard packed, they used liquid nitrogen in servings, creating the wispy smoke effect. 

As fall progressed, the holidays arrived in full swing in week 10, with a handful of Thanksgiving celebrations leading into the break, with MESA, Running Start, and clubs all holding their own potlucks and friendsgivings. There was somewhere for everyone to spend time with friends. 

Holidays can often be difficult for those separated from family, stressed about school, and overwhelmed with all the fuss. Holding space for community and fun on campus allows open doors for anyone needing that space. 

Throughout the quarter, Highline administrators and public service workers want to remain connected with the student body. The Board of Trustees meet regularly throughout the quarter, opening their meetings to students and community members to testify on concerns. 

The Board of Trustees operate under the following mission statement: “On behalf of the people of the State of Washington, the board will govern Highline College by providing strategic perspective and definitive leadership in determining the programs to be provided by the college and by specifying the guiding policies and principles the president will use in operating the college.”

Local legislatures make a point to host a Legislative Breakfast to hear from constituents of Highline College to connect and hear how we feel about our local government, as well. 

These events are announced through student emails, so anyone interested should keep an eye on their student email throughout the quarter. 

Thunderword would also like to highlight Umoja, an organization on campus dedicated “​​enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.” The coast-wide community resource holds conferences across the west coast. 

This year, Highline hosted Umoja ambassadors to discuss and share their practices that serve their mission. They hosted their own potluck for African American students to share culture, stories, and connect through their versions.

One of Highline’s tenets is the value of community, and events like these bring students and faculty together across campus. It provides opportunities for learning, connecting, and awareness. These few events represent only a fraction of what occurred the fall quarter and more is being held nearly everyday. Oh what a fall it has been!

Highline College’s Events Calendar keeps students and faculty up-to-date on what is happening and where to find the latest.