Pete Reid Award for Young Alumni 2017

The Pete Reid Award for Young Alumni is given by the Alumni Association to someone whose youthful exuberance is demonstrated daily toward his or her career, community, and Whitman College as exemplified by Pete Reid '49, in his service to the College. This award is limited to graduates of the last ten years. Standards for recognition include outstanding recognition in his or her career or field of work or outstanding commitment in service to others, and a demonstrated commitment to Whitman College.

Recipient for 2017 is Robert Street ’07

Robert Street ’07 has been devoted to Whitman College even before he was officially a first-year student. A cherished memory from his undergrad years is the pre-opening week Scramble trip he took that August, backpacking in the Northern Cascades. “During this trip, my decision to attend Whitman was solidified and provided immediate friends.”

After graduating with a sociology degree, Robert spent two years in the Teach for America program, then earned a Master’s degree in education policy and management at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. He accepted a position as assistant director of admission back at Whitman, and helped recruit future Whitties. While working on campus, Robert also worked with his favorite faculty member, Professor of Sociology Michelle Janning, on a grant to start Whitman’s pre-education advising program.

Now upper school dean at The Kinkaid School in Houston, Texas, Robert still gives his time to Whitman. He has been a volunteer for the Annual Fund for the last 10 years, and worked on behalf of the admissions program for five of those as well. He has been an adviser to Whitman students interested in Teach for America and the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

Colleague and friend Becky Brokstein Kennedy ’96 says, “While he is no longer on the staff at Whitman, there is no greater advocate than Robert.”