College sets anchor

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.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Pharmacist Nisha Mathew prepares a Pfizer COVID booster shot for a patient at Bartell Drugs on Broadway on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett lawmakers back universal health care bill, introduced in Olympia

Proponents say providing health care for all is a “fundamental human right.” Opponents worry about the cost of implementing it.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens, Arlington school measures on Feb. 11 ballot

A bond in Lake Stevens and a levy in Arlington would be used to build new schools.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.