Sumner University is unlike any other university in Washington. Classes are held for only two days, students get free text books, tuition is free, and there are no tests.
Over 25 Sumner residents graduated from Sumner University
City Hall March 12 and received T-shirts and diplomas. The two day university
was held March 5 and 12 at City Hall.
Sumner University is a chance for citizens to learn more
about their city.
“We go into depth in topics like traffic or planning or
public works.” Carmen Palmer, communications director, said. “These are things
they sort of know, but don’t entirely know.”
The first lecture, the history of Sumner, was led by Randy
Strozyk, regional CEO of American Medical Response and Ryan Windish, planning
manager. Strozyk recalled his childhood growing up in Sumner.
Growing up, Strozyk owned the world. “My dad owned Valley
Variety, and I could get free candy whenever I wanted.”
In the ‘60s and ‘70s, “you could walk Main Street and
everything you needed was there,” Strozyk said.
Windish covered the history of Sumner.
The city was originally named Stuck Junction. Later it was
renamed Franklin. Once the city had a post office, it needed an official name.
Several names, including Sumner, were put in a hat and pulled at random.
The next session was split. Students had the option of going
to two classes that were held at the same time.
Sumner University students didn't need to worry about
registering for classes – they just walked into the class they were interested
in. Students had the opportunity to learn about this history of policing or
animal control.
Brad Moericke, chief of police, opening the history of
policing class by offering everyone donuts.
“Help yourself to some donuts and immerse yourself in police
culture,” Moericke said. He then discussed the history of policing and the
Sumner police department.
The Sumner Police Department made 615 arrests in 2012. They
also had 2 formal complaints that year.
After those the split sessions, the University got together
for a session about community development and public works.
The following week, the class came back together to learn
about city government, how communication has changed and how it affects the
city, and what the city does to increase quality of life.
The last session of Sumner University was to teach the city
staff members and the city council. Students broke into four groups and
discussed why Sumner is great, and what it can improve on.
The students at Sumner University said they liked the events
the city hosts, that Sumner in a “walk-able” city and the accessibility of city
officials.
All four groups said traffic needs to be improved. One group
said there should be more lighting around the schools, another complained about
congestion in town. Other groups wanted more parking in town.
Paul Rogerson, community development director, said, “Sally
[Abrams] is the heart and soul of Sumner University.”
Sally Abrams, administrative specialist, does most of the
behind-the-scene work. She makes sure all the speakers are available and works
with scheduling.
“It’s fun to do, people get a lot out of Sumner University,”
Abrams said.
The next Sumner University will be held in 2015.