L'Erudite
Middle-schoolers were college students for a few days at the 2010 Whitman Institute for Scholastic Enrichment.
About 70 Walla Walla Valley low-income and/or first-generation college-bound students currently in middle school will converge on campus for the Whitman Institute for Scholastic Enrichment (WISE) in early August 2011. This opportunity will be supported, in part, by the special release of a limited, new L'Ecole No 41 wine — 2008 L'Érudite.
One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of this wine will support the WISE program. L'Érudite, a French word meaning "the scholar," was released to Whitman alumni and friends in March 2011 and the general public in May. L'Érudite is a reserve red blend from two of the most highly acclaimed Walla Walla Valley vineyards, Seven Hills and Pepper Bridge.
L'Érudite label features Whitman's College Hall, built in 1883 on land donated by Dr. Dorsey Syng Baker, the great-grandfather of Baker Ferguson '39, who, with his wife, Jean, founded L'Ecole in 1983. The Fergusons' daughter and son-in-law, Megan '79 and Martin Clubb, now own the winery, and their son, Riley Baker Clubb '09, represents the sixth generation of the family to graduate from Whitman.
"L'Érudite provides our family a wonderful opportunity to support youth in our community and their pursuit of a college education and at the same time honor the Baker family's Whitman legacy as well as Whitman's tradition of liberal arts excellence," said Megan Clubb.
WISE is a free, three-day summer program that introduces young people to college life and generates excitement for pursuing a college education. Students stay in residence halls and take classes taught by Whitman faculty. They participate in college-prep workshops and interact with Whitman students, who serve as residence assistants and mentors. There are recreational activities and social time as well. The program also includes a workshop for parents on financial aid, academic choices at the high school level and other college prep guidance.
For more information or to purchase L'Érudite, visit lecole.com/lerudite or the winery in Lowden, Washington, or call (509) 525-0940.