Gordon Scribner Award

The Gordon Scribner Award for Distinguished Service, created to honor Gordon Scribner ’42, former dean of students and director of alumni, is given to an individual who has made a major contribution of volunteer time and effort to Whitman College over an extended period of time and possesses the ability to inspire.

The 2026 Gordon Scribner Award Winner, Chris Bothun ’86

Chris has been volunteering for Whitman for more than 35 years. His volunteerism began with service as the Class of 1986 Chair in 1991, and since then it seems as though he has had a hard time saying "No" to Whitman!. He has led class-based activities for his 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40th reunions. 

Says Chris, “Everything about my time at Whitman was positive and fulfilling.  From an excellent education in subjects I cared about to building lifelong friendships, the College provided me with unique and transformative opportunities.”

A Spanish and French double major at Whitman, Chris earned his Master of Urban Planning at the University of Washington and has had a successful career in real estate management. He currently provides oversight of Swedish Health Services real estate portfolio in Seattle.

Chris has attended every Volunteer Summit we have held on campus, often the first to sign up, and continues to be an enthusiastic and hard-working participant. He is the ultimate Class of 1986 cheerleader - writing biannual letters, hosting All In challenges, participating in zoom calls and keeping the class connected. 

“Serving as Class Representative is a privilege and allows me to stay connected with an institution I wholly support while helping to provide the same experiences for future students,” he shares.