Colleges and Universities | The JOLT News Organization, a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

Saint Martin’s University is a 2026-27 College of Distinction.

Saint Martin’s University earns 10 Colleges of Distinction awards

Saint Martin’s University was named a 2026-27 Colleges of Distinction in 10 categories, including the new transfer award that recognizes ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/21/26

Saint Martin’s University won a gold award in the Higher Education category in the 2026 Best of South Sound Awards.

Saint Martin’s University wins third consecutive gold award for higher education

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey won a gold award in the higher education category for the 2026 Best of South Sound Awards for the ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 8/11/26

Two Saint Martin’s University students, Dulce Gonzalez Hernandez and Patricia Page won Benjamin A. Gilman scholarships.

Saint Martin’s University students receive Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship

Two Saint Martin's University students have been selected as recipients of the U.S. Department of State Benjamin A. Gilman International ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 7/27/26

South Puget Sound Community College is a finalist for the 2027 Aspen Prize.

SPSCC named Aspen Prize finalist for third time

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) has been named as one of 10 finalists for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/15/26

SPSCC board approves academic program closures, staff reductions

In a move fueled by ongoing structural funding challenges, South Puget Sound Community College eliminated three academic programs and ... more

By Wyatt Haupt Jr. | 6/11/26

The first graduating class of SPSCC's Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program.

Initial cohort to graduate from SPSCC's first four-year program

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is about to welcome the first cohort of graduates from the Bachelor of Science in Computer ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/10/26

Mark Brown (SPSCC Board of Trustees), left, Harriette Bryant, Dr. Timothy Stokes (SPSCC President), Dr. Dave Pelkey (SPSCC Vice President for Student Services), Doug Mah (SPSCC Board of Trustees) and Wendy Bohlke.

SPSCC receives award for equitable education

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) received the ACT Impact & Success Award, which recognizes commitment to ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 6/1/26 | 4 comments

Henry and Erin Valz carried "Save The Evergreen Pool" signs at the Olympia Spring ArtsWalk on April 24, 2026.

Port of Olympia Commission leads discussion on future of Evergreen pool

The Port of Olympia Commission dived into The Evergreen State College pool issue by leading a discussion about the facility at a ... more

By Jerome Tuaño | 5/21/26 | 13 comments

South Puget Sound Community College is a semifinalist for the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Courtesy of South Puget Sound Community College

SPSCC in the mix for $1 million excellence award

For the third time in a row, South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is a semifinalist for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 5/4/26

Javier Clavere was named the next Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Saint Martin's University.

Saint Martin’s University introduces Javier Clavere as new Provost, Vice President for Academics

After a national search, Saint Martin’s University announced the appointment of Javier Clavere, Ph.D., as the institution’s next provost ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/30/26 | 1 comment

Bishop Michael F. Olson, left commencement speaker, Bethany Hutson, valedictorian, and Zachary Mandlin, salutatorian.

Saint Martin’s University names commencement speaker, top graduates

Saint Martin's University named its commencement speaker for an upcoming graduation ceremony, and also unveiled its top two ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/23/26 | 1 comment

South Puget Sound Community College welcomed the  first graduates of its Evening & Weekend Nursing Program. Courtesy of South Puget Sound Community College

SPSCC celebrates first graduates of Evening & Weekend Nursing Program

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) celebrated the first graduating class of the Evening & Weekend Nursing ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/9/26 | 3 comments

"Consumed by Fear," which was created by Jeremy Smith, won the 2025 Poster Award.

Leonor R. Fuller Gallery to host SPSCC student art exhibition

The Leonor R. Fuller Gallery is hosting its 21st annual South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) Student Art ... more

By The JOLT Staff | 4/7/26

The VALOR Center in Building 22 at South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia.

South Puget Sound Community College designated as Military Friendly School

South Puget Sound Community College has been designated as a 2026-27 top 10 Military Friendly School in the small community college ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 4/3/26 | 1 comment

Ken Butigan, Joe Deck and Brother Edmund Ebbers are recipients of 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards at Saint Martin's University in Lacey.

Saint Martin’s University recognizes six distinguished alumni

Saint Martin’s University announced six recipients of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards, which recognize individuals for their service ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 2/25/26 | 1 comment

Two students from Saint Martin’s University in Lacey were selected for the Gilman scholarship, the school announced on Jan. 26, 2026.

Coveted Gilman scholarships awarded to two Saint Martin’s University students

Saint Martin’s University students Ernestina Herrera-Agustin and William Curtis Jr., are among 1,500 recipients of the prestigious Gilman ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 1/28/26

The South Puget Sound Community College Music Department will be performing three concerts featuring its students in December.

SPSCC Music Department to host 3 concerts in December

The South Puget Sound Community College Music Department announced a series of concerts will be performed by students ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 12/1/25 | 1 comment

Former Lacey Mayor Mark Brown appointed to SPSCC Board of Trustees

South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) announced that former Lacey Mayor Mark O. Brown has been appointed to its Board of ... more

By The JOLT News Staff | 11/25/25

Saint Martin’s University’s 20th anniversary gala featured celebrity chef Rick Bayless on Nov. 1, 2025.

Saint Martin’s University gala raises $2 million for student scholarships

Saint Martin’s University in Lacey celebrated its 20th anniversary with its signature black tie gala ... more

By P. Jade Asumbrado | 11/10/25

The Evergreen State College’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Transformational Change is partnering with Thurston Green Business and Thurston County Chamber of Commerce for a free fall 2025 online lecture series on Sustainability and Enterprise.

Evergreen, Thurston County Chamber hosting workshops on sustainability and enterprise

Thurston County’s fall 2025 lecture series on sustainability and enterprise opened Friday, Oct. 10, with The Evergreen State College alumni and ... more

By Kameko Marquez | 10/13/25