Whitman to Open Academic Year with Convocation Ceremonies

WALLA WALLA, Wash. -- Whitman College will welcome approximately 1,400 new and returning students to campus at its annual convocation ceremonies set for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, in Cordiner Hall.

Following welcoming remarks by Whitman College President Thomas E. Cronin, professor of theatre Nancy Simon will give the convocation address, "Notes from My Office Door." The convocation program, which includes an academic procession, musical offerings and remarks by college officers, is free and open to the public.

Residence halls open for new students at 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25; for returning students at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. Opening activities continue through the following week, and classes begin at Whitman on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Tuition for the 2000-2001 academic year is $21,550.

Other notable activities for the 2000-2001 academic year include:

• The opening of a much-expanded and renovated Penrose Library, which remains open 24 hours, seven days a week, in time for student use. The library dedication will be held Sept. 9;

• The ground-breaking for the new campus center, a 14-month, $13 million project, on Oct. 1;

• Installation of a new 24-foot totem pole carved for Whitman by the master carvers at the Lummi Indian Reservation's Northwest Indian College near Bellingham, Wash. (The totem pole is located on campus between Maxey Hall and Penrose Admission House.)

Notable lectures and events planned for the new academic year include:

• John Brown, noted American pianist, Sept. 14;

• Tim O'Brien, Vietnam veteran and award-winning author of "The Things They Carried" and "Looking for Cacciato," Oct. 26.

CONTACTS:

Lenel Parish, Whitman News Service, (509) 527-5156
email: parishlj@whitman.com

Dave Holden, Whitman News Service, (509) 527-5902
email: holden@whitman.edu