Area Report for Board of Trustees
The Institutional Advancement division is made up of the following groups: Communications and Marketing (CM), Grants and Government Relations (GGR), Foundation and Alumni Relations (FAR). IA is involved in many different areas on and off Highline’s campus, ranging from assisting with writing grants for key programs and raising money for student support and special projects, and skillfully crafting advertisements to placement on or in wide array of medium such as busses, billboards, and movie theaters. Institutional Advancement is there to do just that: advance our institution. The SBDC/Startzone and COE for Global Trade and Supply Chain Management also report through IA and updates on these programs and their goals will be shared periodically.
Core Theme 1: ACCESS, Reduce barriers and close equity gaps to access for all community members
Each group housed within the IA division has completed and submitted their 2024 IE reports. Communications and Marketing (CM) primary focus continues to be website transition to new content management system and managing web content more centrally. With Kristina Arnold, new motion graphics specialist on board, another goal focuses on increasing production of short marketing videos. Grants and Government Relations team is committed to increasing number of funding opportunities identified and researched for feasibility. Part of this work involves time to checking in with staff/faculty throughout the grant making process. This allows for all parties to stay informed and involved throughout the process, especially as our staff/faculty members are key stakeholders. It also involved nurturing and deepening relationships with elected officials and agency leads. Government Relations has also reframed work with external partners to focus on stated funded priorities, including DOE programs, Economic Development and funding opportunities for field and sports complex. Foundation focus includes increasing funding for students, expanding on existing partnerships in the community, as evidenced by recent hosting of two key events of Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, and working with Foundation board to review and confirm mission aligns with College MVV and Strategic Plan.
On July 26th, the Foundation team hosted 15 students from Highline High School and had a great afternoon making custom nametags with the assistance of faculty Stephanie Puchalski and learning about our local geology with faculty Eric Baer. Highline College was one of a few stops these students were making throughout the week, also visiting the City of Federal way, Port of Seattle, City of Des Moines, Highline School District, and the City of SeaTac. Their visit to Highline was an excellent opportunity for the College to show off a bit of what we have to offer these potential future Thunderbirds, and a chance for us to connect further with our community partners.
Core Theme 2: STUDENT LEARNING, Increase educational success, collaborate to improve
The Foundation team is thrilled to announce that we have awarded $182,500 in scholarship awards to 68 students in the 2023-24 academic year. This was the highest amount of scholarship dollars awarded within the last three years. To read more about this announcement and hear from a few students that received Foundation scholarships, please visit the article that our Communications and Marketing team put together for our community.
Core Theme 3: COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS, Create a more inclusive working environment and a more valued, visible relationship with communities we serve
One part of the SBDC/Startzone team’s IE goal is to continue in their efforts to hire effectively to reflect the community that they serve. As a team that serves a diverse community, having staff that reflect that community is invaluable in creating lasting working relationships and provide entrepreneurship support to these communities to help lift the household incomes to sustain families while also contributing to the overall regional economy.
On August 24th, the Foundation team hosted the PNW Economic Equity Summit on campus. In collaboration with the Kent Chamber of Commerce, Renton Chamber of Commerce, and Seattle Southside Chamber, we were able to hear from our local business leaders and elected officials in how employers can become a place where South King County’s diverse workforce can thrive.
Thunderbirds Soar- A Highline Experience is on October 7 at 6 pm in Bldg 8. Tickets and info at https://hcf.flipcause.com. Sharon Vail continues to work with Sherri Chun and Toni Swenson, Foundation Board Event Chairs, to craft an inclusive and dynamic event to raise funds in support of students and the work of faculty and staff.
Division Honors and Achievements
August 31st marked Dave Weber’s, Print Shop Manager, and beloved campus colleague, last day at Highline College. Dave graduated from Highline College in 1989 and has been with the College for 28+ years. Dave’s commitment to kindness and grace in all he does will be greatly missed on campus, but a welcome addition in his next adventure with his partner Connie in Oregon. The IA team wishes Dave the best of luck in this next step in his life journey.
The IA team welcomes two new members to the Communications and Marketing Team. Kristina Arnold has joined the team as our brand-new Motion Graphics Designer/Videographer. Erin Jentges has also joined the team to serve as interim Print Shop Manager. We’re thrilled to have these two wonderful folks join the team.
At the beginning of August, Ashley Smith, Executive Assistant to the VPIA, and Sean Kerr, Women’s Programs WorkFirst Work-Study Advisor got married. Both are graduates of Highline College and CWU Des Moines, and neither are strangers to the Highline community. The IA team send their congratulations to the newlyweds.
Report submitted by Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Joshua Gerstman