To help those with financial need: The Dana M. Reid scholarship and Melinda S. Jones scholarship bolster aid for students

Affordability often tops the list of concerns for high school seniors seeking to move on to college. Whitman graduates have made generous gifts to address accessibility issues and help students offered admission to Whitman College to take advantage of this educational opportunity.

Dana M. Reid ’89 used her scholarship-supported Whitman education to propel herself to law school, then on to become a partner at the national law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, working in the areas of trusts and estates, business succession planning, and tax exempt organizations. She also serves as a trustee and as an officer of the internationally renowned Pilchuck Glass School, and has served on other non-profit boards in the past. Over the years she has given back to Whitman through service as co-chair of her 25th reunion fund committee, as a member of the Planned Giving Advisory Council and, now, as an Overseer.

Through gifts to Whitman, Dana has set out to support the next generation of women leaders by establishing a scholarship endowment to provide funds for female students with financial need. This support will be directed toward young women who demonstrate leadership skills in their communities or high schools. Dana hopes these young women will put their skills to work to pursue the ideals of equality and leadership on the Whitman campus and beyond.

Melinda S. Jones '70 pursued her post-graduation goals in teaching positions in three states, as well as around the world in Mexico, VietNam, Tanzania, and South Africa. A Delta Gamma sorority member, Melinda majored in English/Education at Whitman. During her time on campus, she made known her commitment to civil rights and social justice. After earning an M.S. and M.S.W., Melinda devoted her career to social work and education, with an emphasis on cultural competence.

Recently, Melinda decided to establish a scholarship endowment to enhance diversity in its many forms at Whitman College, including ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender identity or expression. The endowment will provide funds to diverse students enrolled at Whitman who demonstrate financial need. Melinda's gift continues her family’s tradition of promoting liberal arts education and supporting Whitman College.

As college costs continue to rise, financial need among students will grow. Dana and Melinda have taken steps to help Whitman College keep up with those needs and offer significant financial aid to admitted students.