Communities: Fall 2007

LASTING RELATIONSHIPS: YOUR SUPPORT HELPS EDMONDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE STUDENTS SUCCEED

Library Staff Create Great New Learning Environments for Edmonds CC Students

In 1999, the college opened its newly renovated library after a year of construction to improve the study space for students. Individuals, corporations and foundations contributed $1 million to help update the 25-year-old building, which needed technological updates and a redesign.

Today, the library continues to make improvements to its services and facility to respond to students’ needs. Over the summer, library and academic computing services staff worked together to create a Learning Commons where students can get library research and computer help all in the same place.

The Associated Students used student technology fees to purchase 115 new computers with software for the Learning Commons for the latest programming needs. For example, construction management students can often be found in the library working with architectural designs on the computer while laying out blueprint on nearby tables.

“The new space is flexible and inviting,” said Library Director Lauri Kram. “There’s wireless access and we’ve added more comfortable, casual seating throughout the library.”

Science Education Finds Support
Under the Microscope

Alumni Steve and Donna Ferrill support lab equipment needs at Edmonds CC

For the past year, the Edmonds Communnity College Foundation has been garnering support to raise $100,000 for science equipment as part of the “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” initiative.

Giving students opportunities to use up-todate equipment in lab experiments prepared by high quality instructors is the best way to ensure they succeed and excel ­ whether students seek specialized jobs or plan to transfer to a four-year university.

Part of the Foundation’s fundraising effort was recently brought to a close when Steve and Donna Ferrill, owners of Pull A Part, an auto recycling business in Lynnwood, gave a gift of nearly $62,000 to establish an endowed fund for science equipment.

“We are grateful to the Ferrill family for this generous gift,” said Anne Cassidy, executive director of the Edmonds Community College Foundation. “The college doesn’t receive adequate funding to keep up with its equipment needs. This endowment will help the college to continue to make sure our students are learning the latest techniques for their fields.”

The Ferrill’s endowment will provide an ongoing equipment fund for the math and science departments. Pull A Part is a third-generation family business. Steve Ferrill, his daughter, Mindy, and son, Brian, are all Edmonds Community College alumni. Steve has served on the Foundation board since 2002. He co-chaired the $4 million campaign to build the college’s Center for Families, which opened in 2003.

The Ferrill family also endowed a scholarship fund through the Foundation for Edmonds Community College students.

Building Connections, Giving Back at Home and Abroad

Carol and Duane Lewellen are Edmonds Community College alumni who provided a scholarship for a student studying construction management. It was awarded to Pete Crowley, 28, of Mill Creek, who is working towards a two-year degree in order to advance his career in construction. He works full time while taking evening classes.

Carol studied English as a Second Language education at Edmonds Community College after earning her bachelor’s in Communications from Washington State University.

Duane studied construction at Edmonds after graduating from high school in Oregon in 1979. A scholarship helped him buy books and pay his living expenses. “It really meant a lot to me.” He graduated from the college in 1981 and was immediately hired by the Snohomish County Public Utility District. He later completed his bachelor’s degree in business from City University. Now, being able to provide scholarships is important to him as an employer. He owns RICE Group, Inc., a consulting engineering business in Lynnwood, which provides engineering services such as HVAC systems for commercial buildings in our region.

“Education is really important to us,” Duane said. “I hire people for good paying jobs that require a good education. I still use a lot of what I learned at Edmonds Community College: blueprint reading, building codes, cost estimating, construction practices and trades.” The Construction Management program was recently accredited by the American Council for Construction Education ­ one of eight similarly accredited associate degree programs in the United States and Canada.

The Lewellen’s are also active in the college’s Homestay program. They’ve hosted international students since 1995 from countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Carol refers to the students who stay with her family as her sons and daughters.

“It is a two-way street,” she said. “They learn about American culture and get help with their studies ­ and we learn so much about their cultures too.”