Alumni Spotlight - Kurt Hilt

Kurt Hilt credits his EvCC instructors with encouraging him to ask ‘why,’ instilling curiosity, and pursuing ideas rather than waiting for them to land in his lap. “Because of that,” he says, “I changed my major and career path.” After graduating both EvCC and Seattle Pacific University, Kurt completed paramedic training and his master’s degree. He later joined the leadership team for Washington Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), helping other communities following events such as Hurrican Katrina, Superstorm Sandy, Hurrican Maria in Puerto Rico, and the Oso landslide. Kurt also works as a firefighter/paramedic for the south Snohomish County Regional Fire Authority, as well as serving on the Lake Stevens City Council. Kurt advises current students: “Persevere. Good things are rarely easy. Make a goal and don’t give up.”

What is your current occupation/career?

I am a firefighter/paramedic for South Snohomish County Regional Fire Authority and currently serve on the Lake Stevens City Council. I am also a member of the Washington Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT). DMAT is a team of about 50 physicians, nurses, and paramedics that provides medical care in the aftermath of a disaster.

How did you choose EvCC?

My dad attended Everett Junior College after he returned home from the Korean War. Growing up, he would tell stories of his time at the college, so a seed was planted pretty early. In high school, I was looking for an affordable, local college option. I chose EvCC for those reasons.

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?

The faculty at EvCC always encouraged me to ask “why” during class discussions and writing assignments. They instilled curiosity and taught me to ask questions and pursue answers and ideas rather than wait for them to land in my lap. Ultimately, I changed my major and career path because of that. 

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

I graduated from EvCC with an associate's degree and transferred to Seattle Pacific University, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree. In quick succession, I completed paramedic training at Central Washington University (CWU), and earned a master’s degree. My time at EvCC prepared me for academic success in both traditional and non-traditional learning environments. After training at CWU, I joined the leadership team for the DMAT based in Seattle.

We have had dozens of opportunities to help other communities following events such as Hurricane Katrina, Superstorm Sandy and, most recently in Puerto Rico with Hurricane Maria. During the Oso Landslide, I was in leadership with the county executive and county emergency manager as the response transitioned from a local event to one with state and federal resources. The curiosity fostered at EvCC to ask “why” and pursue answers proved useful.

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?

Three faculty members come to mind. Each of them challenged me to look beyond what I could see. They were accessible because of their smaller class sizes.

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

One word: persevere. Good things are rarely easy. Make a goal, prepare, and don't give up!