Whitman College 2008 Annual Phonathon
The focus of the annual phonathon is on unrestricted gifts. You can make a difference by supporting the College's educational mission. Unrestricted gifts help Whitman College to:
  • increase scholarship opportunities for current students
  • expand student/faculty research projects
  • ensure Whitman College can hire and retain the best faculty
  • support the student life programs
  • increase student internships
  • enhance athletics
  • create and sustain innovative programs like Semester in the West
  • support diversity initiatives
  • implement technology advancements
  • build and maintain excellent facilities
Whitman College Memorial Building
Meet the 2008 Phonathon Student Managers:
Meet the 2008 Phonathon Callers:
Any questions regarding the Phonathon can be directed to
Helen Tanaka; Assistant Director, Annual Fund
email: tanakahk@whitman.edu, phone: 509.527.5194

Margi
Sunday Afternoon Phonathon Manager

Home Town: Arvada, Colorado
Class Year: Senior
Major: Philosophy
Activities: IM sports, America Reads/Counts, Storytime Project, COC, DSA

What makes Whitman special to me: Having been here for 3.5 years, everything - the landscape and the people - have become second nature. The feeling I get when I walk around campus is of personal intimacy; it feels like my place. Ankeny at 4pm on any given warm afternoon, the long conversations at 2am in the library, the kind of learning that can only happen during office hours, and the relevant talks and speakers that frequent campus - for me, all of these things are quintessentially Whitman.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: Being a phonathon caller means connecting and having the opportunity to see a glimmer of myself and my future in the reflections of the alumni I get to talk to.
Margi '08 Sunday Afternoon Phonathon Manager

Rachel '08 Monday Night Phonathon Manger Rachel
Monday Night Phonathon Manager

Home Town: Maple Valley, WA
Class Year: Senior, class of 2008
Major: Economics and Spanish
Activities: Almost ALL intramural sports: football, soccer, dodgeball, basketball, softball and volleyball Member and secretary of the Whitman Civil Liberties Union Student representative on the Spanish Search Committee

What makes Whitman special to me: What makes Whitman special to me is the people that attend. I think that there are many liberal arts colleges around the country with the same statistics as Whitman that are no where near as fulfilling and worthwhile, simply because of the students that make up this campus. Faculty also play a huge role in that they are always available to discuss everything inside and out of class topics.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: The reason I continue to be a Phonathon Caller throughout all my years at Whitman is because I have realized the importance of being an alum of Whitman. I think it is pretty amazing all of the things that alumni are doing in their lives right now. Because I am a senior this year, I am especially curious and interested in talking to graduates of the college. They have not only given me advice, but also a feel for what my life may be like next year.
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Sally
Tuesday Night Phonathon Manager

Home Town: Corvallis, Oregon
Class Year: Senior, Class of '08
Major: English
Activities: Filmmaking, Delta Gamma, Life Editor of the Pioneer, IM sports

What makes Whitman special to me: I enjoy being surrounded by a community of intellectually curious and socially conscious students, professors, and staff. Whitman fosters a wide range of opportunities easily accessible outside of the classroom-- I've debated on the Parli team, volunteered hither and yon, & I'm now pursuing my interests in film.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: Phonathon gives me the chance to connect with the Whitman community that exists off the Walla Walla campus. It is fun to hear the stories of Whitman parents and alumni, and to imagine where I'll be and what I'll be doing ten, twenty, sixty years from now.
Sally '08 Tuesday Night Phonathon Manager

Elliott '09 Phonathon Caller, Manager in Training Elliott
Phonathon Caller/Manager in Training

Home Town: Seattle, WA
Class Year: Junior
Major: History
Activities: My extracurricular activities include my work on the Class of 2009 Committee, my work as Treasurer of the Student Government, and my involvement with Tau Kappa Epsilon.

What makes Whitman special to me: I like Whitman because of the people. Everyone is unique, but we share certain core beliefs in learning and experiencing through our community. I hope to stay connected to the College after I graduate.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: Being a Phonathon caller today shows me one opportunity that I will have to talk to future students and stay a part of Whitman. Entering my second year as a caller, I look forward to helping keep alumni connected and informed, and I can imagine a day in the future when I will answer the phone and a student will inform me about happenings at the College.
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Michelle
Phonathon Organizer

Home Town: Boulder, Colorado
Class Year: 2010
Major: History
Activities: Walla Walla Youth Action

Why Whitman is special to me: Whitman is a place of multi-faceted enrichment; being vulnerable and open through academic and internal challenges continually makes my identity more clear and my future more valuable. This is what makes Whitman special for me.
Michelle '10 Phonathon Organizer

Alex '10 Phonathon Caller Alex
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Portland, OR
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Theatre and Spanish

What makes Whitman special to me: I feel that the tight-knit bond that exists between Whitman students and Professors is unique and inspiring. It provides for a conducive learning environment and one in which people can feel comfortable being who they want to be.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: It is important to make sure that all the various opportunities that are available to the Whitman community are preserved and that new ones are developed for those students both present and future.
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Annie
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Rochester, NY
Class Year: 2008
Major: Economics
Activities: Parliamentary Debate, Outdoor Program

What makes Whitman special to me: Professors who care about students and their subjects, wonderful and interesting friends, the beautiful campus, and the close proximity to the great outdoors.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: Because I know that Whitman wouldn't be the same without all the support from alumni!
Annie '08 Phonathon Caller

Allison '10 Phonathon Caller Allison
Phonathon Caller

Home Town:
Class Year: 2010
Major: History
Activities (at whitman): Rugby, IM sports, mentoring, kappa alpha theta, other activities: martial arts, acting/theater, and soccer

What makes Whitman special to me: I like whitman because of its size. Just the other day I was talking to a friend at a large state school who was overwhelmed with the task of finding friends to live with. I don't have that problem here; I love that whitman is small. I also love the fact that everyone--especially the faculty--is extremely available and supportive. It makes for a really great community and an extraordinary learning environment.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I've chosen to support the school through phonathon because, after going to a small private high school, I'm beginning to understand the importance of alumni/private donations to the quality of a private institution. (I'm supporting it now because I can experience some of the benefits!) Also, I think this job offers an especially rewarding experience. This is a great way to develop my communication skills/Telephone experience for future jobs. Good PR! :)
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Becka
Phonathon Caller

Home town: Bainbridge Island, WA
Class Year: 2008
Major: Psychology
Activities: Whitman Mentor Program, Kappa Alpha Theta, Panhellenic, Jazz Piano, Guitar, Tap Dancing

What makes Whitman special to me: My sister went to Whitman, she was a senior when I was a freshman. Because of that, I feel very at home here. It's a place where I've spent time with both friends and family. It's easy to feel at home at Whitman though, everyone says hello to you on campus, whether you know them or not. It's a wonderful atmosphere.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I enjoy the experience of calling past Whitman students and talking to them about their experience here at Whitman. I also love having a job that provides food :)
Becka '08 Phonathon Caller

Cecil '08 Phonathon Caller Cecil
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Pullman, WA
Class Year: Senior
Major: Psychology
Activities: Mentoring, Guitar, Piano, Theater

What makes Whitman special to me: The spectacular scenery and of course, the ducks.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I enjoy talking with Alumni who share my enthusiasm for Whitman and Walla Walla.
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Courtland
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Tacoma, WA
Class Year: Senior '08
Major: Chemistry
Activities: IM Sports, Phonathon, Saxophone, comic books, sports

What makes Whitman special to me: The teachers. People say the community, but I strongly believe that the teachers are the ones that are responsible for allowing that community to blossom with each generation of new students.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: 1. Keeps me connected with current events. 2. Allows me a chance to obtain networking opportunities. 3. It's always fun to meet new people.
Courtland '08 Phonathon Caller

Kristin '11 Phonathon Caller Kristin
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Seattle, WA
Class Year: Freshmen
Major: Undecided Major
Activities: Basketball, Kayaking, watching Lost, Living in the Library

What makes Whitman special to me: Whitman provides several effective academic resources. Also this small college is beautiful in the winter/ spring months.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I'll develop effective people skills, be able to represent the college, and provide opportunities for alumni to feel apart of the Whitman community, no matter how long ago they graduated.
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Cassie
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Seattle, WA
Class Year: Sophomore (Class of 2010)
Major: Economics-Math Combined Major
Activities: WC Prison Research Group, Kappa Kappa Gamma Corres. Secretary, IM Sports

What makes Whitman special to me: I enjoy being surrounded by a small close knit community where you can develop close relationships with students and faculty from all over.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I think it's important to have so many alumni still being updated on their college campus and still feeling like a part of this community. I also look forward to having great conversations with many alumni about Whitman and what it was like when they attended college here and how it differs from current times.
Cassie '10 Phonathon Caller

Michael '08 Phonathon Caller Michael
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Colorado Springs, CO
Class Year: Class of '08
Major: Gender Studies
Activities: Chamber singers, chorale, theater

What makes Whitman special to me: The Whitman community fosters personal growth with its abundant variety of activities and academic resources. Whitman has been a great place to grow into a man.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I know that my talents are best utilized when I'm talking to people, one-on-one. The best way to give back to Whitman is to enlist my skills in this way with Phonathon!
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Chelsea
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Bothell, WA
Class Year: 2008
Major: Psychology
Activities: Delta Gamma, Psychology Dept. Assistant, Intern for the Dept. of Corrections Community Corrections Division, just about every IM sport imaginable.

What makes Whitman special to me: I have grown more here at Whitman as a person than I have at any other time or place in my life. I owe much of who I am and who I am becoming to my experiences here with the students, faculty and staff, and that makes the college very special to me.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I know that the college relies heavily on contributions from alumni, and because Whitman has had such a positive impact on my life, I want to help the school do the same for other people. I also really enjoy talking to alumni about their time at Whitman and what they’re doing now—they've given me a lot of good advice!
Chelsea '08 Phonathon Caller

Julia '09 Phonathon Caller Julia
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Seattle
Class Year: 2009
Major: Environmental Studies/Sociology, Minor: Politics
Activities: ASWC Senate, Delta Gamma, Admissions Office, Campus Climate Challenge, Hillel-Shalom, IM Sports (Football, Bowling and Frisbee)

What makes Whitman special to me: Whitman students have a zest for life that is unmatched. I am no longer surprised when I see people playing frisbee golf at midnight or going to class barefoot.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I am excited to connect with alumni and hear lots of interesting stories.
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Amber
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Edmonds, Wa
Class Year: Sophomore
Major: Race and Ethnic Studies
Activities: Whitman Symphony, Kappa Alpha Theta, Friends Program of Walla Walla

What makes Whitman Special to Me: Whitman is so special because it's a unique community that is incredibly supportive and proud of all the varied interests and talents of the people here. It provides the perfect opportunity for a very happy and enriching experience.

Why I am a Phonathon caller: I think the relationship between the college and alumni is an important one that benefits both to a great extent, and phonathon strengthens this relationship.

Amber '10 Phonathon Caller

Adriana '08 Phonathon Caller Adriana
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Bethesda, MD and Shoreline, WA.
Class Year: 2008
Major: Biology, Minors: Chemistry, Studio Art
Activities: Blue Moon, Rugby

What makes Whitman special to me: Being able to get to know my professors, great campus life, and an awesome community in general.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: It a fun way to talk with alumni and hear what they have to say.
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Laura
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Weston, OR
Class Year: 2009
Major: Sociology
Activities: Softball, Class Committee

What makes Whitman special to me: The friendly, open, relaxed atmosphere

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I think the Phonathon is an important part of the Whitman Fund. Not only does it help generate more gifts that support Whitman, but it gives us students a chance to connect with alumni and alumni a chance to find out what is going on around campus from students.
Laura '09 Phonathon Caller

Laurel '10 Phonathon Caller Laurel
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Anchorage, Ak
Class Year: Sophomore, C/O 2010!
Major: Environmental Studies/Economics
Activities: Ultimate Frisbee, KWCW, SAAC, X-C Skiing, IM Football

What makes Whitman special to me: The atmosphere and attitude of the students is unmatched. I know that wherever I am on campus I will see the face of a friend and be able to have a meaningful conversation. Everyone is always positive and enthusiastic which keeps me in constant good spirits when I'm here.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I'm hoping that if we raise lots of money that I will get more financial aid. Just kidding. It's great to talk with alumni and see the kinds of places and careers that Whitman grads end up in. It is both a challenging and fun way to be a stronger part of the larger Whitman network and community. I love it!
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Claire
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Seattle, WA
Class Year: class of 2010, sophomore
Major: Philosophy, Pre-med
Activities: Sirens of Swank, Delta Gamma, Chorale, Admissions Team, IM Football

What makes Whitman special to me: Whitman is special to me because of the unique atmosphere and the type of people that are drawn to it.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I love talking to people and hearing stories about their time at Whitman. This is a great place and I want to help make sure that it remains that way!
Claire '10 Phonathon Caller

Laura '08 Phonathon Caller Laura
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Austin, TX/Boise, ID
Class Year: Class of 2008
Major: English Major, Education Minor
Activities: Kappa Alpha Theta, Whitman Dance Team, America Reads Intern, Storytime Project Reader

Why Whitman is special to me: Whitman is special to me because I love the sense of community that such a small school offers. Everyone is so friendly, and even if you haven't officially met someone, you probably already know something about them (professors included). It may seem odd, but ultimately it has allowed me to feel so at home on campus.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I've chosen to support the school through my involvement with Phonathon because in order to maintain the small class sizes and absolutely amazing residential system that contributes to the special atmosphere and personalized education at Whitman requires additional support; Support I hope to be able to provide when I'm an alumna as well.
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Claudia
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Portland, OR
Class Year: 2008
Major: BBMB
Activities: organizing and playing IM sports!, Health Center, Special Olympics soccer coach, SOS free clinic, Catholics on Campus, writing my thesis, watching movies, living at the science building

What makes Whitman special to me: I have met some of my bestest friends here. And I've learned a lot.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I love talking to alums--finding out things I never knew about Whitman and surprising them with Whitman news/gossip.
Claudia '08 Phonathon Caller

Enrica '10 Phonathon Caller Enrica
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Bar Harbor, Maine
Class Year: 2010
Major: Politics
Activities: Whitman Mentor Program, Environmental Education for Kids, Delta Gamma, IM sports, and am a member of the volunteer club

What makes Whitman special to me: The wonderful people and the amazing things they do.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: It's great to hear about past experiences at Whitman, and to learn about what people are doing now - yay for cool alumni!
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Emily
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Campbell, CA
Class Year: 2010
Major: Psychology
Activities: Kappa Alpha Theta, IM Football, IM Soccer

What makes Whitman special to me: The thing that makes Whitman special to me is how the small student population creates such a close community, that encourages friendship, trust and support.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I've chosen to support the college as a Phonathon Caller because I love being able to speak with alumni and provide them with a connection to the college.
Emily '10 Phonathon Caller

Zoey '08 Phonathon Caller Zoey
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Gresham, OR
Class Year: Senior
Major(s): English and Spanish
Activities: reading, writing, baking, Whitman Christian Fellowship

What makes Whitman special to me: Classes and individuals at Whitman challenge and delight me. I'm hopeful that many of the friendships I've made here will last the rest of my life.

Why I am a Phonathon caller: I wanted to hear some of the experiences of Whitman alumni, and it's exciting to be part of their decision to invest in Whitman.
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Kaston
Phonathon Caller

Home Town: Seattle, WA
Class Year: 2009
Major: English (Japanese minor)
Activities: Testostertones

What makes Whitman special to me: The people. The academics are, of course, rigorous and the campus is beautiful, but it is the wonderful, supportive people who I will remember long after I graduate.

Why I am a Phonathon Caller: I think maintaining connections and fostering a tradition of giving within the Whitman community is very important. Why not expand this wonderful school's resources and, in return, give back and respect its alumni. This is the best job I know of for being a part of that process.
Kaston '09 Phonathon Caller