Submitted by The Evergreen State College
The Evergreen State College will continue celebrating the long life of its Tacoma campus founder, Dr. Maxine Mimms, who passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 8, 2024.
Evergreen’s Tacoma campus will be hosting a, “Give Back,” event on Saturday, October 26 to honor Dr. Mimms and to help carry out her legacy of providing community to those often left behind. Community members are invited to come to the campus and remember the legacy of Dr. Mimms and celebrate the community that is Evergreen Tacoma from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Mimms became a member of the faculty at The Evergreen State College in 1972. She started teaching working adults college-level coursework at her kitchen table in the historic Hilltop neighborhood and it was at that table where Evergreen’s Tacoma Campus was born.
Evergreen-Tacoma became an official campus for The Evergreen State College in 1982 and in 2001, it moved to its current location at 1210 6th Avenue.
Dr. Mimms developed the Tacoma program with a deliberate mission to provide a college education to working and adult learners – especially those living in the inner city.
“This is a historic moment and pivotal loss for the Evergreen community,” said Dr. John Carmichael, Evergreen President. “If you know or have known Evergreen in the past over 50 years, you know about Dr. Maxine Mimms. We were so lucky to have had her as an inspiration and leader. She built a strong foundation for not just the college but for her community and we will continue as a college to build upon that, especially at Evergreen Tacoma.”
“While we deeply mourn the loss of Dr. Mimms, she truly embodied the spirit of community. Her vision to transform the lives of those around her is inspiring, and our sorrow turns to joy as we celebrate her life and legacy,” said Dr. Dexter Gordon, Executive Vice President of The Evergreen State College. “Her life’s mission was to break down educational and economic barriers, making college accessible to learners who have historically been left behind.”
“Her work has resulted in college degrees for thousands who have walked through the doors of Evergreen, Tacoma,” shared Dr. Marcia Tate Arunga, Dean for Evergreen, Tacoma. “The faculty and staff strive daily to continue her legacy to the students of Evergreen’s Tacoma campus and the Hilltop community.”
In 2020, The Dr. Maxine Buie Mimms Scholarship was established to support students at Evergreen Tacoma, with an emphasis on non-traditional, low-income students. This scholarship continues Dr. Mimms’ work of making a college education accessible to all. This scholarship is endowed and will continue in perpetuity, ensuring that Dr. Mimms’ legacy lives on. If you are interested in giving to the scholarship or to learn more, please visit Evergreen’s website.
A celebration honoring Dr. Mimms is planned as part of Evergreen Tacoma’s Founder’s Day celebration in March 2025.