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The Evergreen State College in Olympia and Saint Martin's University in Lacey have received anonymous donations of at least $1 million, both schools announced.
Evergreen announced its $1 million alumni donation on Thursday, while Saint Martin's shared news about its $1.5 million gift earlier this month.
The Evergreen gift will be spread over five years to support student scholarships and other student services.
For the current academic year, the funds will be used at the college's Basic Needs Center and for scholarships for students at Evergreen's Tacoma campus and in the Native Pathways Program, according to the college.
"We are incredibly grateful for this gift, which will have a lasting impact on our students and the broader community," said Evergreen President John Carmichael in a statement. "These funds allow the college to address immediate student needs and help remove barriers to higher education, proving once again that Evergreen is for everyone."
Some details about the programs and services, according to the college.
— The Evergreen Tacoma campus was launched by longtime Tacoma resident and Evergreen faculty member Maxine Mimms in her Hilltop home in 1972. The program was formally established in 1982.
— In the Native Pathways Program, students examine indigenous and western thought and practices through an indigenous lens.
— The Basic Needs Center provides access to housing, food, clothing, hygiene products and other community resources at no cost to students.
Saint Martin's gift
Saint Martin's University will use the gift to renovate its baseball facility.
"This unprecedented gift is the largest single donation ever made to Saints Athletics, marking a historic moment for the university and its student-athletes," a news release reads.
The initial phase of work will improve the field and enclose the existing batting cages, according to the university.
"This generous gift underscores the unwavering support of our community for the vision and mission of Saint Martin's," said Bill Brownsberger, president of Saint Martin's University, in a statement. "By investing in our baseball program, this donor is helping us provide a first-class athletic experience that aligns with our Catholic Benedictine values and creates opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field."
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