Garden Salutes South Seattle Community College

The Seattle Chinese Garden celebrated its partnership with South Seattle Community College on Monday evening with a wine reception in Knowing the Spring Courtyard. The presidents of the college from 1988 to 2011 were honored with speeches and an unveiling of a plaque that will be installed at the entrance to the courtyard, in gratitude for their enthusiasm and support spanning over 23 years. 

Gary Oertli, Jonathan Geiger, Peter Ku, and Jill Wakefield uncover the plaque

Chancellor Jill Wakefield, president Gary Oertli, and former president Peter Ku, who have all played key roles in leading and supporting the Garden, were there to accept the plaque.  The plaque honors them, the former presidents Jerry Brockey and David Mitchell, and the college faculty and staff who have assisted in so many ways over the years.

The plaque will be placed at the entrance to Knowing the Spring Courtyard

Peter C. Ku spoke of his involvement in the project from its infancy, remembering the work and collaboration with Garden board vice president Jim Dawson. The vision of the early college leaders such as Peter Ku led to the selection of the exceptional site for the Garden.

SSCC president Gary Oertli thanked his faculty and staff and especially campus security for working closely with Garden volunteers and with program director Julia Freimund during construction of the first courtyard. And chancellor Jill Wakefield spoke of how the garden impacts our community beyond the gates of the college.

Jonathan Geiger toasting Jill Wakefield

"This beautiful Chinese courtyard and garden celebrate diversity and global understanding, complementing South Seattle Community College's rich history of diverse student population," said chancellor Jill Wakefield.

"The presidents of the college have always held the vision and helped support our efforts," said Garden president Jonathan Geiger.  "This has been an incredible team effort, many from the college have played key roles in leading and supporting our efforts - building a community asset for the college and for Seattle, one that will attract visitors from all over the region and the world."  

Stella and Grace Chien with Julia Freimund

A selection of wines from the Northwest Wine Tasting Academy at SSCC was offered to the guests.  The Northwest Wine Academy is the first and only program of its kind in the Puget Sound region, offering classes in wine making, wine marketing and sales, and food and wine pairing. 


The academy took home three medals in the prestigious 2011 Seattle Wine Awards competition this year.  If you are interested in sampling some of their wines, they hold frequent wine tastings on campus (next one is Thursday and Friday October 13 and 14,  from 1 to 4 pm). What a great partnership - a stroll through Knowing the Spring Courtyard after wine tasting at the college! Check the SSCC website for details.  

Nicole Barnes, Nancy Kedward, and Suzanne Barbour from the Northwest Wine Academy