Summer quarter has arrived, and for the first time in recent history, the ThunderWord is staying open to keep campus connected. During this condensed quarter, our limited operations will include briefs and recaps on campus events, our continuing coverage of Highline’s MaST Center, and periodic updates on local and national news. 

The most notable start to summer quarter would be the closure of the East parking lot. If you’ve noticed a more crowded parking situation during the first week this closure is a big reason why. Facilities Director Barry Holldorf says, “We are doing a two inch asphalt removal and new overlay of the East parking lot. We are hoping to have the asphalt work completed by the end of [week one] and striping over the weekend – weather permitting.”

Summer quarter differs greatly from the rest of the academic year in that faculty are expected to condense their curriculum into an eight week course. Drop-in advising is open for students needing assistance with classes. 

Those finding themselves in classes they didn’t expect and would like to make changes, the last day to withdraw and still receive a full refund is Thursday, June 26. Withdrawals following this period will result in a partial refund, and a potential ‘W’ on transcripts. 

Continuing the ThunderWord’s coverage on Highline’s MaST center, Rus Higley, the Director of the center, worked with the city of Des Moines to name Redondo Beach the Sixgill Shark Capital of the World. Shark in the Park, a festival to celebrate these megafauna, will take place at Redondo Beach on July 6, 2025 – a day Higley successfully had named ‘Sixgill Shark Day.’ 

Accompanied by Higley, Staff Reporter Evelyn Rissell follows a baby octopus to Washington Women’s Correctional Facility. In partnership with the Sustainability in Prison Project  (SPP), local incarcerated students were able to interact with a growing red pacific octopus, collected by the MaST team. June 16 marked the center’s inaugural trip into the program, with more dates to come as SPP staff permits. Rissell’s coverage of the octopus will be featured in the ThunderWord this summer. 

Clubs are still active on campus, as well! Contact club leaders through Highline’s Club Directory Page.

• The Royal Society Drag Club hosted their first meeting in week one, and plan on meeting throughout the Summer.
• S.W.O.R.D Club meets every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., in Building 8, room 302. 
• Queers and Allies Clubs meets every Monday from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., in Building 8, room 302. They also have plenty of online meetings through Discord. 
• Drama Club meets every Tuesday from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., in Building 7. 
• Non-Fiction Writers Circle meets every Thursday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., in room 411 of the Library (Building 25).
• ESports also meets online, through Discord, every Wednesday at 8 p.m.

Summer Events

Week Two

The Public Speaking Center invites everyone to their Open House Luncheon: Chill & Chat on Monday, June 30 at 12:30 p.m. in Building 25, room 619.

“Come enjoy lunch, connect with others, and learn how we support effective and confident communication.” Food will be provided by Jumpin Jambalaya.

Cool off at the Unity Bridge Ice Cream Social on Tuesday, July 1, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in Building 7. Drop-in advising will be available to help with any questions. Organizers are asking attendees to register for the event. 

In observance of Independence Day, campus will be closed on Thursday and Friday, July 3 and 4, of week two. Following the No Kings Protests at the beginning of June, activism groups are calling for a blackout – no parades, no fireworks, and no celebrations. Donald Trump has given Congress a July 4 deadline to pass his “big beautiful bill”. 

Week Three

Open to all students, Running Start invites everyone to their Summer Social on Thursday, July 10, themed “Bikini Bottom Bash.” The event takes place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Building 8, Room 132. 

“This is your chance to connect with fellow students, relax, and enjoy some sunshine… Fun games and photo booth moments, temporary tattoos, clay art, coloring, and more, and tasty treats like Krabby Patties, chocolate goodies, and Goofy Goober ice cream.” 

RSVPing to the event helps organizers estimate how many will be in attendance. 

Keep an eye out – The ThunderWord will be here weekly to keep campus updated on future events as they come up. 

**Mavrie has been serving as editor for the Thunderword since 2024. She is also the founding president of Highline’s Non-fiction Writers Circle.**