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Full of Promise: Meet Our Newest Alums

Whitman’s newest class of graduates is ready to take on the world—check out their unique and impressive journeys as undergrads

By Esmeralda Marin

Whitman College Class of 2025 at commencement

More than 400 Whitties are stepping out into the world as Whitman’s newest alums, bringing with them the knowledge, courage and wisdom they gained through classes, community and their time at Whitman.

The Class of 2025 includes future software engineers, conservationists, astronomers, teachers, health care providers, and much more. 

Say hello to a few of these outstanding graduates who truly made the most of their experience at Whitman.

Eliza DaigleEliza Daigle ’25

Eliza Daigle, a Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology major from Portland, Oregon, came to Whitman to play on the women’s lacrosse team. Supportive mentors and professors helped her thrive and build an impressive research portfolio that’s prepared her for a future in medicine.

Eliza’s Whitman Highlights:

Every summer of her college career, Eliza took on a new research internship—first in biomedical engineering, then environmental sociology and most recently in epidemiology as a Goldwater Scholar at Stanford. These experiences helped her develop research and communication skills across science, public health and medicine.

After graduation Eliza plans to work in epidemiology research, explore Pacific Northwest hiking trails and spend more time playing guitar before beginning medical school to one day become an emergency room or infectious disease physician.

Her advice for future Whitties: Get to know your professors—they’re wonderful people and incredible mentors who can help secure opportunities for research and scholarships.

Cedric NyagatareCedric Nyagatare ’25

Coming to Whitman from Kigali, Rwanda, Cedric Nyagatare found a home away from home with a supportive community, challenging academics and learning opportunities that helped him secure a job at a Fortune 500 company before graduation!

Cedric earned his degree in Economics with a minor in Computer Science before starting his career as a Data Engineer at Citibank.

Cedric’s Whitman Highlights:

Through internships and research in data engineering and machine learning with Assistant Professor of Economics Rosie Mueller and Visiting Professor of Computer Science Parteek Kumar, Cedric has gained the skills, experience and connections for a successful post-grad career.

“Whitman taught me that my background and experiences are sources of strength, and I feel ready to bring that perspective into my next chapter.”

One of Cedric’s favorite memories was opening his house to fellow African students, creating a space where they could support each other and feel at home, reminding him how powerful a caring, connected community can be.

Now, as he prepares for his next chapter at Citibank, he’s grateful to his Whitman mentors for their unwavering support and guidance.

Andrea Diaz GarciaAndrea Diaz-Garcia ’25

Growing up in Walla Walla, Andrea Diaz-Garcia always had deep ties to her community. When she transferred to Whitman from Walla Walla Community College in 2023, she quickly found her place by getting involved in leadership, cultural organizations and community programs that connected campus and the community.

Andrea’s Whitman Highlights:

As a Hispanic Studies major with a Dance minor, her first class at Whitman—Latinx Literatures with Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies Aarón Aguilar-Ramírez—gave her confidence that she could thrive in an academically rigorous environment. Her thesis explored Chicano culture and identity by analyzing ’90s Chicano films and the portrayal of the cholo archetype.

As Andrea prepares for her next steps, she is eager to continue her work with youth.

“I always knew I wanted to work with kids, but after being involved in community engagement, I see myself doing it through programs that build connection, confidence and creativity.”

Her advice to future Whitties: Ask questions! “Even when you think you have it all figured out, there’s always more to learn.”

Gwen Empie Whitman College graduate cheering on the Blues

Gwen Empie ’25

At Whitman, Gwen Empie, from Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, found the space and support to explore their interests and connect with other passionate people—both inside and outside the classroom. As an Environmental Humanities major, their experiences in the outdoors shaped their academic journey.

Gwen’s Whitman Highlights:

Gwen’s love for the outdoors led them to take a River Guide Leadership course their first year. This opened the door to working as a raft guide in McCarthy, Alaska, and inspired their senior thesis, which explores the relationship between the McCarthy community and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

A class that changed their life was (Re)Thinking Environment with Associate Professor of German Studies and Environmental Humanities Emily Jones. This class challenged their perspectives on current environmental issues and deepened their understanding of environmental humanities.

Through the Outdoor Program and the swim team, they made great memories and connections with peers and faculty who encouraged adventure and leadership. After graduation they plan to pursue an opportunity teaching or coaching.

Angelo SantosAngelo Santos ’25

Angelo Santos, a Psychology and Hispanic Studies double major from Bellevue, Washington, found a strong sense of belonging through sorority and fraternity life at Whitman as a member of Beta Theta Pi.

Angelo’s Whitman Highlights:

  • Four-year musician as a tuba player in the Wind Ensemble
  • 2024 President of Beta Theta Pi
  • Member of Unidos, a cultural affinity group for Latine students

Sorority and fraternity life was a big part of Angelo’s Whitman experience. After joining Beta Theta Pi in his first year, he took on multiple leadership roles and served as chapter President in 2024. Being part of the organization gave him opportunities to grow as a leader, make lifelong friends and give back to the community.

Angelo completed two major thesis projects focused on mental health and cultural identity. These projects connected his education to real-world issues and created a strong foundation for a future in mental health.

After graduation, he plans to work in research and apply to doctoral programs in clinical or counseling psychology. His goal is to support Latino youth and their families through culturally informed mental health care.

One of Angelo’s favorite Whitman memories—and a favorite Whittie tradition—is driving out to the wheat fields to watch the sunset and eating Ice-Burg with his best friends.

Kenzie BayKenzie Bay ’25

Kenzie Bay  from Littleton, Colorado, created a unique academic experience at Whitman by designing her own major in Health and Humanism, where she explored health care from both scientific and human-centered perspectives.

Kenzie was named a 2025 Watson Fellow. As one of just 37 students selected for this prestigious award, she’ll spend the year after graduation traveling through Nepal, Tanzania and Thailand to study how remote communities access emergency medical care.

Kenzie’s Whitman Highlights:

In her summers, Kenzie conducted research at the Fred Hutch Cancer Center and became a certified Emergency Medical Technician and Wilderness First Responder. She founded the Whitman First Responders Club in 2024 to help other students with similar career goals get hands-on training in emergency care while helping keep campus safe. One of her proudest moments was when the club received its very first call.

“Seeing my program come to fruition and make a difference in my peers’ lives is a moment I'll always remember.”

After her Watson year, Kenzie plans to continue working in medicine, focusing on improving access to prehospital care around the world.

Ariella RubenAriella Ruben ’25

Ariella Ruben, a Film and Media Studies major from Houston, Texas, thrived in Whitman’s creative and collaborative environment. With four years of academic exploration and strong faculty support, she’s become a great storyteller.

As part of an independent study project, Ariella organized a film festival, featuring the work of the German filmmaker and photographer Wim Wenders.

Ariella’s Whitman Highlights:

  • Involved in theater productions and filmmaking projects
  • Writing and academic tutor
  • Independent study with the German Studies Department

Ariella came to Whitman ready to explore new classes and interests. A course called The Magnificent Andersons with the Alma Meisnest Chair of Humanities and Professor of Film and Media Studies Robert Sickels sparked her passion for Film and Media Studies. She loved the creative opportunities within the program and the close mentorship from professors.

After graduation, Ariella will continue working as a Legal Assistant while preparing for graduate school—with plans to continue exploring the intersections of film and culture.

Kaleo Toguchi TaniKaleo Toguchi-Tani ’25

If you’ve ever gone stargazing on the roof of the Hall of Science, chances are you’ve met Kaleo Toguchi-Tani, a Physics-Astronomy major from Kāne`ohe, Hawai`i. Her time at Whitman has been full of discovery—from telescopes and total solar eclipses to award-winning research.

Kaleo’s Whitman Highlights:

Kaleo’s research experience is stacked. She studied asteroseismology at the University of Hawai`i at Mānoa, stellar chemistry at Texas Christian University, and instrumentation at the University of California, Berkeley. She also joined an expedition with the Solar Wind Sherpas to collect data from the total solar eclipse last April—where she was even interviewed by NASA!

Thanks to the Whitman Internship Grant, she returned to Hawai`i to complete research for her senior thesis on galactic archaeology.

Outside the lab, Kaleo helped launch the Robotics and Optics Club to bring instrumentation science to Whitman. She also made great friends through sorority life, where she held multiple leadership roles and helped organize the annual Carnival for CASA, supporting court-appointed advocates for children.

After graduation, Kaleo is headed to grad school! She’s been accepted into multiple doctoral programs in Astronomy/Astrophysics and plans to continue her work in galactic archaeology. She hopes to earn a postdoc appointment and become a professor back in her home state of Hawai`i.

Henry RollerHenry Roller ’25

As a Biology-Environmental Studies major, Henry Roller, from Seattle, Washington, has spent the last four years dedicated to salmon conservation—on campus and across the Pacific Northwest.

After graduation, he’s headed to Alaska to work for the Department of Fish and Game, monitoring coho and sockeye salmon runs using sonar and weirs to support sustainable fisheries management.

Henry's Whitman Highlights:

Through the Whitman Internship Grant, Henry landed an internship with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, where he spent two summers snorkeling remote streams, electrofishing and assessing salmon habitats—getting hands-on experience that helped launch his career.

Semester in the West was a formative academic experience for Henry, where he engaged directly with communities impacted by environmental policy and heard from knowledgeable speakers while traveling to beautiful locations throughout the western U.S.

As an athlete on Whitman’s cross country team, his best memories happened while running and traveling with his teammates. “It has been such an impactful part of my life, and I love my teammates and watching this team grow.”

Margaret Kanyoko with a group of elementary students at the climbing wall located at Whitman College.

Margaret Kanyoko ’25

Margaret Kanyoko, an Economics and Chinese major from Bothell, Washington, has built an impressive resume through internships and off-campus experiences. Her leadership and passion for community engagement made an impact in the Walla Walla community—and as she heads to her next chapter, there’s no doubt she’ll continue making a difference on a global scale!

Margaret’s Whitman Highlights:

As a Community Engagement Leader with the CCEC, Margaret helped connect students with volunteer opportunities in Walla Walla and coordinated Whitman’s biggest service projects, like the annual gift drive and Tri-College Community Day.

On campus, she served as a student representative on both the Board of Trustees Resource Committee and the President’s Advisory Committee, gaining real-world experience in institutional financial planning.

Margaret’s internships with the Seattle Seafarers Center, the African Chamber of Commerce and as a student legislative advocate in Olympia deepened her understanding of global trade and economic justice.

After graduation, Margaret plans to pursue a career in international trade and compliance, applying everything she’s learned during her time at Whitman in and out of the classroom.

In the photo, Margaret is with elementary students during Friends Rock, a student-led program teaching local kids how to rock climb in the Whitman Climbing Center.

Mavie PhamMavie Pham ’25

Mavie Pham is a Sociology major from Hanoi, Vietnam. At Whitman, she explored a variety of career paths in education through community engagement, study abroad, and hands-on internships. Along the way, she’s learned that finding what doesn’t work can be just as important as finding what does.

Mavie's Whitman Highlights:

  • CCEC Community Engagement Leader
  • Received the President’s Student Civic Leadership Award
  • Studied abroad in Melbourne, Australia

For all four years, Mavie was connected with the local community through the CCEC’s StoryTime—a program that pairs volunteers with local teachers and librarians to read with elementary students and promotes early literacy.

Through the Whitman Internship Grant, Mavie interned locally at The Kids Place and spent a summer teaching English at Summerbridge in Hong Kong. These experiences helped her gain confidence and clarity about her future in education.

After graduation, Mavie is headed back to Hong Kong this summer to continue teaching at Summerbridge. Then she’ll return home to Vietnam where she’s excited to explore new ways to support students and educators as a school administrator.

Whitman was a safe space for Mavie to try new things, grow and feel confident as she steps into a new chapter. She shared more about her internship and volunteer experiences in a Whittie Wisdom blog.

Fabian GabrielFabian Gabriel ’25

Fabian Gabriel, a Computer Science major from Zlín, Czech Republic, is part of Whitman’s first graduating class to get four full years of career coaching. Fabian worked with his coach to find internships, connect with alumni in tech and build a strong resume.

His first Whitman Internship Grant-funded internship at a startup in the Czech Republic allowed him to gain hands-on experience while making an impact in his community. That experience led to a competitive internship at Microsoft—where he will return after graduation as a full-time Software Engineer at the leading Fortune 500 company!

Fabian’s Whitman Highlights:

Other ways Fabian sharpened his skills were through ASWC-funded trips to hackathons across the country including LA Hacks and Spartahack in Michigan—where he won an award for most ethical project for his work addressing homelessness.

Even as a Computer Science major, he explored interests beyond tech—one of his favorite classes was Exoplanets, where he learned about planetary systems and the search for life in space.

In his senior year, Fabian worked on a team capstone project to organize data for a sociology research team and an honors project focused on improving public transportation using algorithms and open data.

Kavita GetchellKavita Getchell ’25

Kavita Getchell is a Brain, Behavior and Cognition and Film and Media Studies double major from Bellevue, Washington, who describes her Whitman experience as rewarding and deeply personal: “I know my professors, I love being on campus, and I’ve really gotten to know the people around me.”

Kavita’s Whitman Highlights:

As a double major with a wide range of interests, Kavita’s favorite class at Whitman was Rhetorical Criticism with Associate Professor of Rhetoric, Writing and Public Discourse Matthew Bost—an intensive writing class that challenged her and made her a better writer.

For her Brain, Behavior and Cognition thesis, Kavita worked with Associate Professor of Biology Thomas Knight to study how concussions affect changes in eye movement before and after injury.

Last summer, Kavita received a Whitman Internship Grant to work on the set of “Concrete Mama”—a podcast by Unincarcerated Productions, recorded inside the Washington State Penitentiary. This experience, cataloging audio and collaborating with the hosts inside the penitentiary, deepened her interest in social impact storytelling.

With a strong academic foundation and a mix of career and cultural experiences, Kavita feels ready for what’s next. After graduation, she plans to explore careers in public health, science communication or film production.

Kai KirschKai Kirsch ’25

Kai Kirsch, a Chemistry major from Denver, Colorado, formed close relationships with his professors in the Chemistry Department—who challenged, supported, and inspired him, helping shape his academic interests and career path.

Kai’s Whitman Highlights:

Kai has been deeply involved in the Chemistry Department at Whitman, where he explored the world on a molecular level through courses like Organic Chemistry—one of the classes that had the biggest impact on him. He worked closely with faculty as a Teaching Assistant and tutor and served as Secretary for Whitman’s chapter of the American Chemical Society.

He also spent two summers conducting research in Associate Professor of Chemistry Jonathan Collins’ lab, studying green chemistry through biocatalysis. That hands-on research became the foundation of his senior thesis and sparked a passion for lab research.

Kai's been an athlete on the Ultimate team all four years and captain for the past two—leading the team to nationals this spring. The Sweets became his closest community and one of the most meaningful parts of his time at Whitman.

Kai leaves college shaped by all of the incredible faculty and peers that define Whitman. After graduation, he will begin a doctoral program in Chemistry at the University of British Columbia, working in a lab that develops sustainable materials from natural sources and industrial waste.

Maggie CruserMaggie Cruser ’25

For Maggie Cruser, a Sociology major from Kalama, Washington, getting involved in sorority and fraternity life during her first year at Whitman turned out to be one of best decisions of her college career. Over four years, she grew as a student and leader—thanks to the support from her sorority sisters and professors. She leaves Whitman feeling inspired and prepared for what’s next!

Maggie’s Whitman Highlights:

  • Member of Kappa Alpha Theta
  • Research Assistant in the Sociology Department
  • Senior thesis explored how social media influences young people’s value judgments

Maggie served as President and Events Director of Kappa Alpha Theta. As a leader within her sorority, she supported her fellow members and helped make a difference in the community—raising thousands of dollars for Walla Walla Child Advocates.

Working alongside the Raymond and Elsie DeBurgh Chair of Social Sciences and Professor of Sociology Michelle Janning on research about family consumption inspired Maggie's passion for understanding how social forces shape our world. But it was an impactful Philosophy of Law class that sparked her goal to pursue a law degree and apply her sociology education in the legal field.

After graduation, Maggie plans to take a gap year to travel the world, before starting law school in the fall of 2026.

One of her favorite memories at Whitman was watching the aurora borealis light up the Walla Walla sky last spring.

Aneel Al FatayriAneel Al Fatayri ’25

Aneel Al Fatayri, a Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology major from Lebanon, has been immersed in groundbreaking research alongside Associate Professor of Chemistry and Paul Garrett Fellow Marion Götz. After two years of hands-on lab work—honing his technical skills and scientific mindset—he’s headed to the University of Notre Dame to pursue a doctorate in Biophysics.

Aneel’s Whitman Highlights:

Aneel found community through cultural connections that made Whitman feel like home. The Arab Student Society became a space to share and celebrate Arabic cultures through events like the International Student Celebration and Eid al-Fitr festivities.

In Professor Götz’s lab, Aneel has been designing peptide-based inhibitors to improve treatments for multiple myeloma—specifically aiming to reduce side effects of the cancer drug carfilzomib—using advanced techniques like organic synthesis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

He also had the opportunity to present this research multiple times, most recently at the American Chemical Society National Meeting. Sharing his work was both challenging and exciting, giving him the chance to connect with other researchers and see how his research fits into the bigger picture.

Aneel’s Whitman experience taught him to pursue scientific discovery with curiosity and purpose. As he steps into a new chapter, he’s confident in his knowledge and the kind of impact he wants to make. After graduation, he’ll continue to explore and develop therapies that target disease on a molecular level.

Avery EhlersAvery Ehlers ’25

Inside Harper Joy Theatre, Avery Ehlers, a Theater major from San Diego, California, found her place on stage and behind the scenes—gaining experience in all aspects of theater production and building a strong foundation for a future in the arts.

Avery’s Whitman Highlights:

  • Drama Club Budget Manager
  • Resident Assistant in Stanton Hall
  • Scenic and Props Designer for the Walla Walla Summer Theater

As Drama Club’s Budget Manager, Avery helped create opportunities for students to experience different forms of theater—planning trips to local shows, sponsoring student-led performances, and organizing events like the Harper Joy Haunted House and Summer Shakes.

Off campus, Avery made strong connections in the local arts scene through her work with Walla Walla Summer Theater, where she designed props for several recent productions.

Her senior thesis was a fully realized scenic design for Harper Joy’s production of “Doubt: A Parable,” where she created the set and props. This experience pushed her as both an artist and designer.

With a portfolio of professional-level experience, Avery is headed to the University of North Carolina School of the Arts to pursue her Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Painting. After the three-year program, she hopes to travel and paint for theaters around the world.

Whitman College graduate Mwamba Muntanga

Mwamba Muntanga ’25

When Mwamba Muntanga—a Sociology major from Lusaka, Zambia—was considering Whitman, a conversation with Associate Professor of Sociology Alvaro Santana-Acuña made his decision clear. He said Mwamba could become a great sociologist anywhere—but at Whitman, the people and support would be exceptional. Four years later, he knows that to be true.

After earning his degree, Mwamba will start his career in finance as an associate at Capital Group—one of the world’s leading investment firms.

Mwamba’s Whitman Highlights:

Before coming to Whitman, Mwamba took a gap year to launch Education24, a nonprofit that mentors high-achieving students from sub-Saharan Africa. On campus, he worked in the Office of Admission all four years—helping students and families navigate the college search process while gaining insight for his nonprofit.

Mwamba gained hands-on experience through research and Whitman Internship Grant-funded internships. He earned the Louis B. Perry Research Award to study the art-making process at the Walla Walla Foundry with Santana-Acuña. He then went on to intern at Baker McKenzie in Chicago and Capital Group in Los Angeles. These experiences sparked his interest in finance and launched his career.

Living and learning at Whitman taught Mwamba to be humble yet confident—to ask questions and help when needed. As he steps into his role at Capital Group, he brings the perspective, experience and support that shaped his college journey.

Whitman College grad Arden Hunt

Arden Hunt ’25

For Arden Hunt, a Psychology major from Bellingham, Washington, many of her best moments at Whitman happened outdoors—climbing, leading trips and building community through shared experiences in the Pacific Northwest. That passion led her to co-found the Whitman Outdoor Journal (WOJ), a place for students to share stories, art and adventures that inspire others to get outside and explore.

Releasing the first edition of the WOJ in spring 2022 will always be one of her favorite memories—seeing the support for the new publication on campus after everyone on the team had worked so hard all year was extremely rewarding.

Arden’s Whitman Highlights:

  • Co-Founder and President of the Whitman Outdoor Journal
  • Senior Admission Intern
  • Philanthropy Director for Kappa Kappa Gamma

Arden’s academic work focused on experience and education. Her senior thesis explored how experiential learning shapes adolescent identity. Through the Whitman Internship Grant, she interned as a Case Manager at a nonprofit mental health clinic in Walla Walla, and while studying abroad in Vienna, she taught English while also exploring Austria’s history and culture.

One of her most memorable classes was Restorative Justice, a Philosophy class taught inside the Washington State Penitentiary. With half the class made up of incarcerated individuals, the experience was challenging, eye-opening and unexpectedly joyful.

Arden chose Whitman for its strong sense of community—and found it in every part of campus life. After graduation, Arden is headed to Sun Valley Community School’s Teacher Training Academy, where she’ll teach, lead trips and support student life. She’s excited to keep exploring what it means to learn, grow and connect with others and the world around her.

Angela EliacyAngela Eliacy ’25

Angela Eliacy, a double major in Economics and Politics from Kabul, Afghanistan, spent her four years at Whitman building community and gaining hands-on experience in finance and policy. Now, she’s taking everything she’s learned into her next chapter as an Analyst at Trilogy Search Partners in Seattle.

Angela’s Whitman Highlights:

Angela explored finance through on-campus leadership, serving as chair of the ASWC Finance Committee and helping lead the Whitman Finance Accelerator Program, which connects students with alumni, professionals and career opportunities in the industry.

She also received two Whitman Internship Grants, where she gained real-world experience in both venture capital and policy through internships at EduLab Capital Partners in Boston and the Walla Walla Community Council.

As Executive Director of the 2025 Power & Privilege Symposium and President of the Global Whitties Club, Angela championed student voices and created space for meaningful conversation. She carried that same focus into her senior thesis, which examines land confiscation under Taliban rule since 2021—tying her academic knowledge to real-world policy and justice issues.

With experience in finance, policy and student leadership, Angela is ready to make an impact in her industry and on a global scale.

Luca ViarengoLuca Viarengo ’25

Luca Viarengo, a Computer Science major from San Jose, California, made his mark in the classroom and on the court—combining academics and athletics on Whitman’s close-knit campus. With support from his professors, Luca grew as a developer and is prepared for a successful future in tech.

Luca’s Whitman Highlights:

As Captain of the men’s tennis team, a highlight of Luca’s senior year was taking down an undefeated rival, hosting the NWC Championship and competing at NCAA Nationals.

Luca served as House Manager and Philanthropy Chair for Phi Delta Theta, connecting the chapter with the Live Like Lou Foundation for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) research and organizing fundraising events.

For his senior capstone, Luca worked with Associate Professor of Computer Science John Stratton and Assistant Professor of Computer Science Jordan Wirfs-Brock to design a video game simulating salmon migration in the Columbia River. The game will be featured at the Walla Walla Water & Environmental Center for the community to enjoy. He also completed an honors thesis in Computer Science.

Luca interned at 8x8, an AI-powered cloud communications company, in his junior year and was promoted to Associate Software Engineer during his senior year. After graduation, he’ll return to the Bay Area to continue working for the company where he launched his career.

Marlyne NitungaMarlyne Nitunga ’25

Marlyne Nitunga , an Economics major from Karuzi, Burundi, said yes to new challenges and took every opportunity to grow—personally and professionally—through research and internships that led to a competitive internship at Citigroup, one of the world’s leading financial institutions. After graduation, she’ll return to Citi as part of their Market Operations and Technology team.

Marlyne’s Whitman Highlights:

Marlyne took on a range of roles that helped her gain confidence in finance and connect with people across campus—as an Economics tutor, academic peer coach, and member of the Economics Club and Girls Who Invest program.

Through the Whitman Internship Grant, she gained professional experience in consulting and entrepreneurship and received the 2024 Hubbard Research Award to work alongside Whitman faculty on economics research. These opportunities opened the door to her Citigroup internship, where she deepened her understanding of global markets and operations.

Looking back, Marlyne says Whitman pushed her to step out of her comfort zone. The support she received from her professors and advisors allowed her to grow in ways he never expected. Her advice to future Whitties: “Try new things, take risks and don’t be afraid to fail.”

Finn LeahyFinn Leahy ’25

Over his four years at Whitman, Finn Leahy, a double major in German Studies and Politics from Carbondale, Colorado, received a global education—on campus and across the globe—discovering unexpected connections between language, history, and political culture that shaped his academic path and broadened his worldview.

Finn was awarded two prestigious international education fellowships: a Fulbright English Teaching Award to Germany and a U.S. Teaching Assistantship (USTA) to Austria. After graduation, he’s headed to Austria to teach English through the USTA.

Finn’s Whitman Highlights:

A standout moment in Finn’s college experience was his semester abroad in Germany, where he interned at the Munich City Museum and immersed himself in German history and culture. On campus, he stayed connected with the German Studies Department through events like Stammtisch and tutoring fellow Whitties as a Language Assistant.

One of his favorite classes was a deep dive into Rainer Maria Rilke’s “Duino Elegies,” taught by Professor of Philosophy Julia Ireland and Associate Professor of German Studies and Environmental Humanities Emily Jones. The course challenged him to think about how language shapes meaning—and how some ideas can only be fully understood in their original form.

His German Studies thesis focused on the Bavarian legend “Der Schmied von Kochel” and the line between myth and history, while his Politics thesis explored traditional Bavarian clothing and its role in modern populist politics.

His time at Whitman gave him the tools to think across borders and disciplines, and he’s excited to carry that perspective into his next adventure in Austria.

Isabelle ChangIsabelle Chang ’25

Isabelle Chang, a Brain, Behavior and Cognition and Chinese double major from Boise, Idaho, thrived on Whitman’s tight-knit campus. She valued the close relationships with her professors—who helped her build a strong foundation for a future in medicine—and loved seeing familiar faces every day on her way to class, including friends she met during orientation week her first year.

Isabelle’s Whitman Highlights:

In the lab, Isabelle worked alongside Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology (Physiology) Rachel Wilson on research studying estradiol and sex-steroid receptor levels in individuals with endometriosis. This work gave her hands-on research experience and sparked her interest in reproductive medicine—shaping both her senior thesis and career goals.

As President of the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students, she supported fellow pre-med students on their academic and professional journeys and as Vice President of the Pan Asian Club, she helped create space for connection and community through cultural identity.

After graduation, Isabelle plans to take a gap year to gain clinical experience in pediatrics before applying to Physician Assistant school and continuing her path in medicine.

Whitman College grad Carsten Wallace enjoying the beach.

Carsten Wallace-Bailey ’25

Carsten Wallace-Bailey didn’t have to go far to find the right college. A double major in Film and Media Studies and Psychology from Walla Walla, he studied human behavior and media culture while building community on campus and staying connected to the town he’s always called home.

Carsten’s Whitman Highlights:

Carsten was active in campus life and Whitman’s music scene. He sang and led the a cappella group The Testostertones and performed with the Wind-Up Birds, a band made up of Whitman students and alumni. He also served as a Resident Assistant in Lyman House and a senior intern in the Office of Off-Campus Studies, helping students plan their time abroad.

He valued any opportunity to connect with the Walla Walla community. Recently he interned with the Walla Walla Community Change Team, providing trauma-informed care for those struggling with substance use disorders.

Carsten’s academic experiences deepened his interest in human behavior. He conducted research on pigeon cognition with Professor of Psychology and Herbert and Pearl Ladley Endowed Chair of Cognitive Science Wally Herbranson and explored the psychology of humor in Assistant Professor of Psychology Erika Langley’s HumERIS Lab. He also completed two senior theses focused on social media, cancel culture, self-esteem and FOMO across generations.

After graduation, Carsten plans to pursue work in psychology and nonprofit organizations in Seattle, continue his education in graduate school and one day conduct his own research at an institution like Whitman.

Eyleen Menchu taking pictures at Whitman College

Eyleen Menchú Tuy ’25

Eyleen Menchú Tuy, a Hispanic Studies and Politics double major from Guatemala, made it a priority to build community and celebrate culture during her time at Whitman. Through student leadership and research opportunities abroad, she found ways to grow and learn beyond the classroom. After graduation, she’s excited to keep working on projects that bring people together in meaningful ways.

Eyleen’s Whitman Highlights:

Eyleen made campus feel like home for so many. As Cultural Events and Lectures Director for the Whitman Events Board, she organized events and brought in speakers to celebrate different cultures and traditions. As President of Unidos, she created a space where Latine students could celebrate with each other and build community.

She received two research awards to work alongside faculty abroad—first in Ecuador, where she interpreted for Indigenous leaders fighting extractivism with Assistant Professor of Politics Andrea Sempértegui Barreiros, and then in Peru, where she supported a theater project as a Research Assistant with Associate Professor of Hispanic Studies Carlos Vargas-Salgado.

Eyleen’s journey from Guatemala to graduation is a story of resilience and the power of community. Read about her path to Whitman, why building community is so important to her and how it will continue to shape her work after college.

Published on Jun 5, 2025
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