At College of the Redwoods, we could not do what we do without the support and partnership of our local community. Like many meaningful things, both shared and personal, several of our community events were put on hold during the pandemic. Now, as we approach pre-COVID normalcy, I am happy to say that on Friday, October 18 from 5:30-8:30 College of the Redwoods is bringing back one of its most cherished traditions — Science Night! For nearly four decades this family-focused event has connected us to our community and has brought the wonder of science and the universe to young minds (and not so young minds too).
Many of the parents who will bring their children to this year’s Science Night will remember coming with their own parents many years ago. Many of our staff first stepped onto campus through the event, and it was at Science Night, we hope, where many of our students (current and past) felt their first spark of curiosity for science that set the stage for their later educational pursuits and inspired them to pursue higher education. It is truly remarkable how such events can leave a lasting impression, shape destinies, and nurture an enthusiasm for knowledge and learning that never ends.
Biology, chemistry, physics, and the natural sciences are not just fascinating subjects — they are the foundation of many rewarding careers. From environmental conservation and wildlife management to health care and sustainable energy, the job prospects in these fields are growing. Science Night offers participants a glimpse into these opportunities, with activities like “Critters in a Dish” and the “Chemistry Magic Show” providing hands-on learning that can inspire future careers. These events foster interest in fields that drive Humboldt County’s economy and ecological stewardship.
I remember taking my granddaughter Alanna to Science Night when she was young. Getting to meet nursing professor Sally Urban, chemistry professor Tony Satori, physics professor Erik Kramer, and biology professor Karen Reiss inspired her to focus on math and science in high school. I can point to her experiences at Science Night as one of the reasons she decided to go into the medical field. Yes, I am immensely proud of her!
Just as Science Night spans generations, our athletic events are also a key point of connection. Athletes from our neighborhood schools, who now proudly compete for CR, bring the community together in celebration of their academic and athletic successes — a shared pride that resonates across generations. It is truly special to witness the stands packed with cheering fans when our basketball team is on a hot streak or to enjoy an autumn day watching our football team play their hearts out on the field. We look forward to the completion of our stadium project at the end of this fall semester, which will allow local teams to play on a state-of-the-art field and give an upgraded experience to fans who come out and watch them.
In addition to Science Night and athletics, our partnership with the Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) continues to strengthen our engagement with local students. Like Science Night, events like the Career and College Fair and Redwood Days bring young people to campus to get an idea of what life at CR might be like and to learn what programs and opportunities we have that can help them achieve their academic and career goals.
Our HCOE summer programs provide local high school students with hands-on experiences that explore a variety of career fields. TASI focuses on welding, construction technologies, and product manufacturing, while TESI introduces students to information and communication technology (ICT) careers. These programs help students gain practical skills and career insights and prepare them for future opportunities in growing industries across our region.
At College of the Redwoods, things like Science Night, athletics events, career and college fairs, and even new construction projects all serve a common purpose: building stronger connections with our community. Whether it’s through hands-on science activities, the thrill of a football game, or opportunities to explore career pathways, we are dedicated to providing experiences that inspire, educate, and bring us all closer together. As we continue to grow, enhance our campus, and deepen our partnerships, we invite you to join us — whether at Science Night, a basketball game, or one of our many other events. Together, we are building a better future for our communities.
Dr. Keith Flamer is the president of the College of the Redwoods.