Whitman Stories

Blue sky peeked through the clouds to shine on bright spirits on Sunday, May 19, 2019, during Whitman College's 133rd Commencement Ceremony. Keynote speaker Aisha Fukushima '09 led the class in a call-and-response rendition of the song "Feelin' Good."

On Sunday, May 19, 2019, the Class of 2019 will move on from life as students at Whitman College. But senior class speakers Dorothy Mukasa ’19 and Esther Ra ’19 hope their classmates won’t move on from a life devoted to learning. That’s the focus of the speech the two seniors will give during the ceremony, which begins at 11 a.m.

The notable alumna returns to Whitman May 19 to deliver remarks on her worldwide journey as an artist and activist as the college's 2019 commencement speaker. "An image came to my mind of a cycle, of 10 years, and returning full circle," Fukushima said of being asked to address the graduating class. "I’m excited, I’m curious. I’m coming in with an interest in their goals. I hopefully have a message that the next generation of leaders need to hear."

Nadyieli Gonzalez Ortiz '21 is in her second year at Whitman. After taking a class with Aaron Bobrow-Strain she realized she wanted to study politics because it would put her on the career path she wants to take. Although the Whitman community keeps her busy, Nadyeili enjoys the town of Walla Walla and feels there are people all around the community that contribute to her Whitman experience in "really cool ways."

Jennifer Dilworth Northam '91, assistant director in Whitman’s Office of Alumni Relations, thrives on sparking conversations between people.

Politics major Sarah Bosworth ’21 wrote an opinion editorial about ballot readability as a form of voter suppression.

President Kathleen M. Murray addresses the topic of resilience as it pertains to Whitman students.

Prestigious postgraduate fellowships, such as the Marshall and Schwarzman scholarships, are helping alumni pursue knowledge and build their best life.

Four years after it was launched, the Summer Fly-In Program continues to help first-generation/working class (FGWC) students navigate the path to success.

Faculty help incoming first-generation/working-class students learn about the resources available to them at Whitman — from financial support to internships and jobs, to health and counseling resources.

Psychology major excels in volunteer roles with the Buddy Program and Special Olympics.

Phil Gardner '69 has devoted his career to helping liberal arts students and graduates determine a plan to turn their passion into reality.