The Highline College Foundation has announced the establishment of the Dr. Ed Command Fund, made possible by a generous $3 million bequest from the estate of beloved former President, Dr. Ed Command. The gift is one of the largest donations in the college’s history, and will have an enduring impact on the school and its students.

Dr. Command and his wife Marge had a profound dedication to Highline College and its student body. Dr. Command served as president from 1990 to 2000, following a long and storied career at Highline that began in the late 1960s. Marge, a physical education instructor and longtime women’s tennis coach, shared his passion for education and student success. 

A Transformational Gift for Future Generations

With the newly established Dr. Ed Command Fund, students will be supported in three key areas:

  • Student Scholarships: Expanding access to higher education for students, especially those from underrepresented and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Emergency Support: Providing crucial financial assistance to students facing unexpected challenges, helping them stay on track to achieve their educational goals.
  • Special Projects: Funding innovative initiatives that enrich the student experience, such as mentorship programs, campus improvements, and new learning technologies.

“To ensure the long-term impact of this gift, a significant portion will be invested, with earnings providing sustainable annual funding for these vital programs,” Josh Gerstman, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Highline College Foundation Executive Director, said. “Additionally, the Foundation will use a portion of the funds to match contributions from other donors, inspiring further generosity and fostering a culture of philanthropy within our Highline community.”

Remembering Dr. Ed and Marge Command

Dr. Command’s journey began in a two-room schoolhouse in Elma, Washington. He earned degrees from Grays Harbor Community College, Western Washington University, and the University of Washington, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning. Before joining Highline, he taught science and mathematics in the Highline School District.

During his 30-year career at Highline, Dr. Command served as registrar, administrative assistant to the president, vice president, and ultimately, president. He was known for his integrity,  dedication to faculty, and unwavering support for students. 

He was also a passionate supporter of Highline Athletics, even pioneering the hiring of an academic advisor for student-athletes. His contributions were recognized with his induction into the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) Hall of Fame in 1999.

Dr. Command, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 83, and Marge, who preceded him in death, left an indelible mark on Highline College. 

“We are deeply grateful for their extraordinary generosity, which will continue to transform lives for years to come,” said Gerstman. “Their lives were a testament to the transformative power of learning, and their generous gift ensures that their legacy will continue to empower generations of Highline students.”

More about the Highline College Foundation

The Highline College Foundation is an independent partner dedicated to Highline College's success, and is committed to maximizing the impact of donor generosity. As a separate 501(c)(3) organization, the Foundation's Board of Directors diligently manages and invests funds, ensuring they are used according to donor intent and legal obligations. The Foundation's support of college programs has been steadily growing, and we're excited to continue this positive momentum with Dr. Command’s estate gift. We already have established systems for scholarships, tuition assistance, and emergency support. We're also actively enhancing our processes to make it even clearer for the college community to request support for programs and activities on campus.