This is one of 12 finalists for the Herald Business Journal’s annual Emerging Leaders award, which highlights and celebrates people who are doing good work in Snohomish County. The winner is to be announced during an online event on Thursday. Meet the other finalists.
Randy Bolerjack, 34
Director of public affairs, marketing and communications, Washington State University Everett
Randy Bolerjack’s advice to to new students at Washington State University Everett?
Get involved — whether that’s registering students to vote or soliciting donations for the local food bank.
“Engage with your work, engage with your classmates and engage with your community,” said Bolerjack, WSU Everett’s marketing and public affairs director.
“I want to make a positive impact and leave my community better than I found it,” he said. “I want to make sure the next person is prepared to take over when it’s their turn. Oh, and have fun!”
The $65 million, 94,000 square-foot campus opened in 2017.
Fall semester last year, the university enrolled 283 students. Enrollment continues to climb, and one in three WSU Everett students is the first in their family to attend college.
“All of our efforts are going into growing the campus, in terms of students and programs and adding space,” said Bolerjack, who is vice president of the Washington State University alumni association’s Snohomish County chapter.
The university is about to add more room with the purchase of property a half-mile from its campus at 915 North Broadway in Everett.
With expansion, Bolerjack’s role will include polling the community to help determine which new educational programs should become part of the curriculum.
“We’re looking at criminal justice, business and liberal arts expansion,” he said.
Off campus, Bolerjack serves on the Economic Alliance Snohomish County advocacy board. He is a member of the Advisory Committee for Engage Everett.
This year marks his fourth year on the board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County.
“We’re actively growing new clubs to reach more diverse communities,” he said. “We just opened up a new club in Mukilteo.”
A nominator described Bolerjack as an energetic, engaged community member, bar none.
Bolerjack credits his family with inspiring him to give back.
“My grandmother on my mother’s side was a teacher in Wenatchee,” said Bolerjack. “My grandmother on my dad’s side loved the history of the Old West. She brought that history to the classrooms she visited in hopes of inspiring the next generation.”
Volunteer opportunities abound. Don’t hesitate, he said. “Seize them when you see them.”
Janice Podsada; jpodsada@heraldnet.com; 425-339-3097; Twitter: JanicePods
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