EVERETT – A longtime tradition took on extra meaning Friday for a new college in downtown Everett.
Puget Sound Christian College, which moved from Mountlake Terrace this summer, observed its annual anchor ceremony downtown.
At the beginning of each school year, the college adds a new link to a chain attached to an anchor, with the link representing the incoming class of students.
College officials added a 49th link on Friday, hoping the institution will remain anchored in Everett for decades to come. Enrollment is around 100 students, but college officials believe it could reach 250 in the next few years.
“At the anchor ceremony, we bring together the entire college, from new students to returning students to faculty and staff to alumni,” said Randy Bridges, the college’s president. “It is a time of remembering why we begin school, to remember that we are here to become grounded in character, community and faith.”
At the end of the school year, students arrive at their graduation ceremony to see individual oak anchors tied to the metal chain. Each anchor represents a student. In a symbolic gesture, a faculty member cuts each one free to make contributions in the world.
Puget Sound Christian College began in West Seattle in 1950 and adopted the nautical theme for the school.
Conley Silsby, who was ordained a minister in 1932, attended his first anchor ceremony in 1955. In fact, he is credited with creating the ceremony.
The idea comes from Hebrews 6:19: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Silsby was the school’s first professor on the payroll, teaching a Hebrew history course. A spry 96, the Snohomish area resident said he is happy the college made the move to downtown Everett.
“We have always been rather isolated from city people,” he said. “They hardly knew we existed. I think this is a wonderful idea. This, to me, not only says something about the college, it says something about the city.”
Afterward, Kris Gooding, student body president and a junior from Kennewick, said the anchor ceremony tradition is an important bridge for the college.
“It’s a jump-start for our year,” he said. “It gives us momentum. It gives us a camaraderie between the student body and the faculty.”
Gooding said he also likes the college’s new digs at 1618 Hewitt Ave.
“The city has just been so welcoming,” he said. “It’s a cozier feel to be immersed in a downtown culture.”
Besides, he said with a smile, “you can get a Starbucks between your classes.”
Reporter Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446 or stevick@heraldnet.com.
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