Longtime Sumner resident Hazel Freehe has attended Sumner University since the program began in 1995.
But when speakers start talking history, the 1950s and 60s are old news for Freehe, who is 92 and moved to the area in the 1920s. Still, she enjoys hearing the discussions about the city’s work and keeping up with Sumner history that she didn’t know about.
“I just enjoy going and hearing the discussions,” she said. “It brushes you up on what you’ve forgotten.”
Sumner University is a way to inform residents about what their city government does on a daily, weekly and yearly basis, said Community Development Director Paul Rogerson, who is the host of the program. It consists of lectures on local topics on two Tuesday evenings.
The program is open to all ages and is not limited to Sumner residents, Rogerson said.
“Frankly, I would like to see more high school students,” he said.
Both nights are similar in format: Everyone joins in for the first session and then chooses one of two sessions for the second hour. The third hour brings everyone back together to conclude the evening with a final topic.
Subjects are different year to year, but the first and last session of the program are the same, Rogerson said. The first is a welcome and introduction from the mayor and city administrator, who provide a primer on city government and what issues the city is dealing with this year.
The final session is an interactive small group gathering in which students talk about what they like and dislike about Sumner, as well as what could be done to make it a better place to live.
“That’s a way to get some information useful for the council to set their priorities and make decisions as the year goes along,” Rogerson said.
City Communications Director Carmen Palmer will be a speaker for the first time this year. Her topic is “Marketing and Branding for Sumner.” She’ll explain how Sumner’s reputation ties in with its brand, and how that impacts retail recruitment.
It’s a neat opportunity to explain her work, Palmer said.
Sumner University began in 1995 and was hosted every other year until 2001, when its popularity with residents convinced city staff to host it yearly, said Administrative Specialist Sally Abrams.
“It’s been very successful,” Rogerson said.
Sumner University is limited to around 65 people per session.
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SUMNER UNIVERSITY
> What: Learn about Sumner’s history, government and traditions at Sumner University, an annual two-day program open to the public. Students receive refreshments and a course book. Those who attend both sessions will receive a diploma and official T-shirt. Registration is free but space is limited.
> When: From 6-9 p.m. April 29 and May 6 at Sumner City Hall, 1104 Maple St.
> How to sign up: Call Sally Abrams at 253-299-5520. Program is free and open to the public, but space is limited.
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