Faculty Award for Service 2007

The Whitman College Alumni Association Faculty Award for Service is given yearly to a faculty member who has distinguished himself/herself in service to the Alumni Association. Although this service may take any number of forms, the underlying theme involves strengthening and maintaining ties between the College and its alumni. Examples of service include participation in alumni gatherings, both on and off campus, and assistance in the planning/implementation of alumni events.

Theatre Professor Nancy Simon '63 received the Alumni Association's 2007 Faculty Award for Service for her "extensive participation in the Ashland Shakespeare Festival, Senior Alumni College, Harper Joy Theatre on the Road, Walla Walla, Seattle and Berkeley alumni events and Harper Joy Theatre open houses during reunion weekends."

"Honored" by the award, Simon said she has always considered herself very fortunate to be a part of the Whitman family. "I came to Whitman College sight unseen," she said, "on the recommendation of alumna Betty (Elizabeth Fouts) Van Oppen '40, who had gone to school with Rod Alexander, who was then the director of theater. Little did I know that it would be the place I would spend most of my life." Whitman, she added, was a good fit them and remains a good fit today. "I really believe in what we do here."

A member of the Whitman faculty since 1967, Simon is known on campus for her dedication as teacher, director, adviser and mentor to innumerable students. She has advised the Drama Club, the Fine Arts House and many elements of the Walla Walla theater community, and at the 1997 Commencement ceremonies she received the George Ball Advising Excellence Award.