08Letter
Dear Fellow Alumni:
You’ve heard it before: annual fund participation is crucial to attract corporate grants and is a vote of confidence in your alma mater. But what does this really mean to YOU? Well, think back to your best Whitman memory. Remember the time, the place, the friends, the events. Now, fast forward to today. There is likely a group of students having much the same experience, all because of the support of those who came before them. YOU! Help others to build the same sort of memories you revisit over the years. Give to Whitman!
Everyone has his or her own reason for giving back to the college. Read about some of our dedicated volunteers and find out why they support the Whitman experience with their time and resources.
Scott Baker ’02: Annual Fund Committee Member, Associate Class Rep, Admission Rep, Career Consultant Network Member, former Phonathon Caller/Manager
Whitman College is the type of place that remains with you after you leave. After I graduated in 2002, I wondered how I could continue to remain connected to this community and help improve alumni involvement in our college. When I was trying to find a job this past year, my best resources were Whitman alumni who were more than willing to sit down for coffee and to share memories about Walla Walla. The Whitman network grows in numbers and geography every year, and it is my hope that Whitman continues to offer the incredible sense of community and academics for current and future students. Giving back to Whitman is a crucial element of this mission because college choices are becoming more competitive each year. If Whitman can remain a unique and challenging institution, we can ensure that generations of future Whitties will reminisce about Core class and senior written exams over a cup of hot coffee.
Jodi Freudenberger ’90: Class Rep ’90, former Associate Class Rep, Admission Rep, Student Life Committee Volunteer
I have been Class Rep for the past five years and before that an Associate Rep for seven years. I am both delighted and honored to work with Whitman in these capacities. I knew it was a special place when I was a student. But only in the years since I graduated have I grown to realize just how phenomenal it is—and on so many fronts. Not only does Whitman provide students with fabulous academics and a strong foundation, but its pervasive support of respect for others, personal growth, and being the best each of us can be offers a marvelous lens through which to view the world. This is the kind of education I want available to as many individuals as possible, and I want to do all that I can to contribute.
Brady Jensen ’84: Class Rep ’84, Reunion Fund Chair, former Associate Class Rep, Admission Rep, Reunion Chair
A few weeks ago, I attended a fundraising banquet for a Seattle organization whose mission is the elimination of homelessness — and prominent among the board and other supporters were two people I knew from Whitman, one from my class and one from the class of 1983. I give back to Whitman so that 20, 30, 50 and even 100 years from now there will still be Whitman graduates who stand up as leaders, activists, and visionaries tackling the problems of our country and our world. Since graduation, I have volunteered in many capacities, and always for one reason: Whitman creates leaders, and we will always need leaders.
Joanna Pulakis ’73: Associate Class Rep ’73, former Class Rep, Reunion Fund Co-Chair, Student Life Committee Volunteer
Whitman sharpened my analytical skills and made me a better writer. (As an English major, I got a lot of practice!) Best of all, I could put English literature in context by studying Western history, music, and art. I couldn’t have gone to Whitman without financial aid. Alumni support helped me attend: it’s only right that I help give students after me the chance to learn and grow. Our world needs more Whitman people — educated, articulate, capable problem solvers. That’s why I volunteer for Whitman.
Please be as generous as you can. And if you have recently sent in your gift, thank you for your support!
Helen Tanaka ’88
Assistant Director, Annual Fund
345 Boyer Avenue
Walla Walla, WA 99362
509.527.5194
800.835.9448 Ext. 2
tanakahk@whitman.edu
345 Boyer Ave.