Pete Reid Award for Young Alumni

The Pete Reid Award for Young Alumni is given by the Alumni Association to someone whose youthful exuberance is demonstrated toward his or her career, community, and Whitman College as exemplified by Pete Reid ’49, in his service to the College. This award is limited to graduates of the last ten years. Standards for recognition include outstanding recognition in his or her career or field of work or outstanding commitment in service to others, and a demonstrated commitment to Whitman College.

The 2025 Pete Reid Award Winner, Devyani Isabel Gupta ’15

A Portland, Oregon native, Devyani Isabel Gupta discovered her passion for wine while attending Whitman College in Walla Walla, where she earned dual degrees in Psychology and Spanish. Her journey into winemaking deepened through studies in Enology and Viticulture at Walla Walla Community College, where she quickly embraced the philosophy that exceptional wines are rooted in the vineyard. Devyani honed her skills working alongside some of Walla Walla Valley original pioneers, including Seven Hills Vineyard and Figgins Family Wine Estates. She now serves as the head winemaker and viticulturist at Valdemar Estates.

In addition to her hands-on winemaking expertise, Devyani is a dedicated leader and advocate in the wine industry. She currently serves as chair of the Advisory Committee for the Enology & Viticulture Program at Walla Walla Community College, is a board commissioner for the Washington State Wine Commission, and sits on the board of directors for VITAL Wines. Devyani was recognized as an Emerging Leader by the Auction of Washington Wines in 2023 for her efforts to shape the future of the industry. As a previous mentor with the Batônnage Forum, she supported the next generation of women in wine, working toward a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Devyani is also committed to giving back to her broader community. In 2023, she launched Industry Friend, a mentorship initiative that connects students in the WWCC Enology & Viticulture Program with leaders in the wine industry to support their academic and professional success. A regular speaker at professional and educational events, she has shared her experience on multiple CCEC panels and will contribute her time and wine to a special event during Whitman College’s upcoming 50th Reunion celebration in May.