the john and edward bremer trust
The Bremer Trust was created in 1987 to support the success of Olympic College, serving Kitsap and Mason counties. The Trust manages the former holdings of John and Edward Bremer (both deceased), real estate barons and sons of Bremerton's founder William Bremer and his wife, Sophia.
investments in olympic college
Financial contributions to Olympic College
Over the past four decades, Bremer Trust has contributed approximately $11,000,000 to the college in support of capital projects on the college’s three campuses. This financial support fills the gap between available state funding and real costs of construction, provides state of the art technology enhancements, and allows the inclusion of aesthetic elements.
The Bremer Trust has also assisted in acquiring land adjacent to the College, as needed, to protect the College’s ability to ensure potential future projects.
Capital projects include:
BREMERTON CAMPUS:
- Bremer Student Center
- Sophia Bremer Child Development Center
- Olympic Court West (90 bed student housing complex
- Welding Shop
POULSBO CAMPUS:
- Ed & John Bremer Chemistry/Physics Laboratory
SHELTON CAMPUS:
- Ed Bremer Welding Shop
Contributions to the development or maintenance of college programs
Bremer Trust contributions have enabled Olympic College to build the facilities needed to support welding programs at both the Bremerton and Shelton campuses. Virtually every student completing this program is assured of a high-paying job at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton.
Bremer Trust contributions have also enabled Olympic College to build the Sophia Bremer Child Development Center on the Bremerton campus and offer an early childhood education program.
STUDENT & FACULTY SUPPORT
Support of students attending Olympic College
In addition to its core focus of supporting capital projects, the Bremer Trust provides financial support of both student scholarship and faculty excellence at Olympic College.
The William & Sophia Bremer Scholarship Endowment provides annual scholarships to students with financial need attending Olympic College. The William & Sophia Bremer Faculty Excellence Endowment provides annual funding to faculty achieving advanced professional development in their chosen discipline.
The Bremer Trust also:
- Supports housing for 90 students at Olympic Court West, two blocks from the Bremerton campus
- Supports day care for students and faculty at The Sophia Bremer Child Development Center, a teaching center for students in early childhood education.
- Supports student life through the Bremer Student Center, which houses a campus bookstore, cafeteria, athletics, and student program services.
impact & innovation
Impact in advancing community, district, state, or national issues
Thousands of students have graduated from Olympic College programs made possible by the Bremer Trust, and most of them have remained in our community with good paying jobs that contribute to the economic vitality of our region.
Role in building public support for commuity and technical colleges
Programs supported by the Bremer Trust are a magnet for many students who are enrolling in college for the first time or returning to broaden or enhance their skills.
Leadership in furthering innovative practices in the two-year college system
Support from the Bremer Trust has provided Olympic College with state-of-the-art facilities for new, innovative programs.
