Whittie News

Dear Alumni and Friends,

As Whitman welcomed the Class of 2028 to campus this fall, the Career and Community Engagement Center (CCEC) realized a goal we’ve been working toward for the last several years. As of this fall, I’m pleased to share that every student at Whitman now has a coach to assist students in developing and pursuing an individualized, comprehensive four-year plan through Whitman and into their post-graduate career path.

While this coaching is essential, it is merely the underpinning for the many steps that students will take as they pursue leadership experiences on- and off-campus, initiate relationships with people and organizations doing work they find interesting, test out classroom learning in internships and research labs, extend their understanding beyond campus borders through study abroad and fellowship experiences, and so much more.

Whitman College has long recognized the critical role of these kinds of off-campus learning opportunities and established the Whitman Internship Grant, empowering students to access valuable internships across various professional fields for over 25 years. This initiative provides financial support for roughly 150 students to pursue high-impact, unpaid internships around the US and globally each year, enhancing their professional growth through meaningful, hands-on experiences.

This financial support, including a gift from Jonathan Sposato ‘89 and Heather Lowenthal featured below, underscores Whitman's commitment to creating connections between academic learning and real-world application, ensuring this essential experience is accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation. Initiatives like this contribute to cultivating the next generation of leaders, reinforcing Whitman's dedication to student success and career readiness.  I’m grateful to all alumni and families who help make these experiences possible for our students.

Best regards,

Kim Rolfe
Co-Director, CCEC

Dear Alumni and Friends,

Last week was one of the most exciting of the year as we welcomed over 400 new students, consisting of 390 first-years and 30 transfer students. With the help of our campus community, we had a vibrant week for the Class of 2028 as they got settled in their new-found home at Whitman.

We had the pleasure of greeting this unique class with distinct experiences and diverse passions—hailing from around the country, the continent and the globe.

This incoming class includes students from 33 states, 43 countries, four tribal nations and several from right here in the Walla Walla Valley. Made up of 17% international students, 29% students of color and 21% who are in the first-generation of their family to attend college, this class is yet another that is breaking barriers at Whitman.

We also welcomed nine Posse scholars from Chicago and three Šináata Scholars from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, both new partnerships with the college that will continue to flourish over time.

The curiosity, energy, creativity and grit that the Class of 2028 has shown in their short time as Whitties is exciting and inspiring to see. We cannot wait to witness what they may do over the next few years!

Adam Miller
Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid

Dear Alumni & Friends:

I’m delighted to share news of the largest commitment yet to the Upward Together Campaign: a $10.5 million planned estate gift from a loyal alumnus and his spouse. This extraordinary commitment is unrestricted and will enable the College to make significant, future investments to prepare students to be leaders and thinkers.

Whitman students continue to inspire with their talent and promise for making an impact in communities throughout the world. Economics and Mathematics major Maryanne Ngung’u ’26 earned a Project for Peace grant for her work with women at a Nairobi market. And our three talented incoming Šináata Scholars will bring impressive academic and leadership experience from the CTUIR to our community next month.   

As we continue our shared work for uplifting Whitman students, I am proud to announce two outstanding new leaders and members of the Board of Trustees: Kirsten Gable ’01, a management consultant in Spokane and Cecilia Kang ‘94, technology reporter for The New York Times.

Finally, I’m grateful for 50 Under 50 donors Jason Copeland ’94, Rob Hinnen ’91, and Rebecca ’01 and Nat Edmonds, who are stepping up to provide leadership in philanthropy through the Upward Together Campaign.  Thank you for all that you continue to do for Whitman in helping Whitties go on to lives of success and purpose.

Joe Davis ’80
Chair, Board of Trustees