The Campaign for Whitman College
Upward Together: The Campaign for Whitman College
Rising to the challenge
Pursuing Our Highest Peak Yet
The Upward Together campaign is a compelling and collective effort to elevate and enhance a Whitman College education for generations of students—tomorrow's thinkers, leaders and changemakers. It’s time to build on Whitman’s historic strengths while seizing new opportunities before us. Join us as we move Whitman forward and go upward, together.
Our Priorities
Together, we will expand access and affordability; magnify academic excellence and distinction; foster a vibrant campus community; advance diversity, equity and inclusion; and launch strong graduates into meaningful careers.
A bold pledge to meet the full financial need of all Whitman students—opening our doors wider to the most talented, motivated and deserving.
Academic Excellence & Distinction
A commitment to advancing academic programs, student-faculty research and experiential learning that will inspire students to choose Whitman and prepare them for great futures.
A historic investment in residential life, community-building, wellness and athletics to ensure that students connect and flourish.
Advancing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
A dedicated focus on programs that foster diversity, inclusion and belonging so that all members
of our community thrive.
Strong Graduate Launches for All Students
A heightened effort to help students explore careers, find their passions and create opportunities for postgraduate success and impact.
A collective endeavor to meet our students’ immediate needs.
Real-Time Progress
Junior-Senior Residential Village Live Web Cams
Thanks to generous support, construction of Whitman’s Junior-Senior Residential Village is underway. Harvey, Robart and Stegner Halls will provide apartment-style housing for 212 students, featuring modern amenities and community spaces. Stay up-to-date with live webcams capturing progress, with updates posted three times a day.
Join Our Campaign
We’re Getting There Together
$
200
M
Our Goal
$
195
M
Dollars Raised
14855
Total Donors
Stories of Impact
Why I Give: Willem Rasmussen ’15 on Supporting Snakes and Science Outreach
As a Whitman College student, Willem Rasmussen ’15 co-founded Snakes Alive to introduce children to herpetology through the Science Outreach program. Today, he continues to promote a passion for science with annual gifts to the Biology Department.
Longtime Supporters Amy Ly ’06 & Steven Ly ’07 Found Their Match in Whitman
Former Blues tennis players Amy Ly ’06 and Steven Ly ’07 found a top-notch education and the opportunity to pursue the sports they love at Whitman College. It’s why they’ve prioritized giving back to the college ever since.
Story & Magazine Topics
Meredith Hyslop ’05: Traveling the World of Wine
At Whitman, Meredith Hyslop ’05 took the first steps toward a globe-trotting career in the wine industry. Today, she travels the world as a wine ambassadrice and founder of her own wine import and marketing company.
Clara Collins ’20: Following a Poet’s Path
Clara Collins ’20 transferred to Whitman College to pursue her passion for literature and creative writing. Her coursework as an English major—and her involvement in the arts on campus—helped her refine her craft and launch a career as a writer and teacher.
Jasmine Razeghi ’22: Advancing Social Justice
Jasmine Razeghi ’22 learned the value of taking risks and honed a bold and confident voice at Whitman College, skills she now uses to promote social justice at a civil rights law firm.
Justin Daigneault ’09: Uplifting Youth Mental Health
Justin Daigneault ’09 has been seeking out opportunities to listen, help and build community since first stepping foot on campus at Whitman College. Now, he’s grateful for the opportunity to make a living doing something he’s passionate about: providing behavioral health services to underrepresented children and youth.
Brenna Yellowthunder ’17: A Leader for Change & Justice
Leaving a lasting legacy at Whitman, Brenna (Two Bears) Yellowthunder ’17 founded the Indigenous Peoples Education and Culture Club (IPECC) and organized impactful rallies. Their studies, work and internships on and off campus helped pave the way for a career as Lead Organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network.
Laura Sanchez ’07: Creating Impact Through Research
As a Whitman undergraduate, Laura Sanchez ’07 found a passion for chemistry that was nurtured through hands-on research experience and one-on-one interactions with faculty. Today, she runs her own research lab at UC Santa Cruz.
Sueli Gwiazdowski ’24: A Strong Voice for Equity & Peace
Sueli Gwiazdowski ’24 was a relentless resource for uplifting diversity, equity and inclusion across campus during her time at Whtiman. Now, she says peacebuilding is her life’s work and she’s committed to building a better world through the law and advocacy.
Matthias Argenyi ’18: Financing Social Change
As a child of immigrants, Matthias Argenyi ’18 always knew he wanted to positively impact people in need. The Economics-Mathematics major channeled his passion at Whitman to launch a career in finance—focusing on social change. After years in the nonprofit sector, he is now pursuing an MBA at Harvard Business School.
Aisha “Adyiam” Kimbrough ’19: A Voice for Others in the World
Aisha "Adyiam" Kimbrough ’19 found her place working in policy and global studies while at Whitman. Now, at YouthPrise and Minnesota Seeds of Justice, she advocates for others daily in her work.
Anna Allgeyer ’22: A Confident Changemaker
Anna Allgeyer ’22 was passionate about climate causes during her four years at Whitman. As a fellow with the Environmental Protection Agency, she gets to pursue that work daily.
Klaudia Kyjovska ’22: Finding a Future in Finance
Klaudia Kyjovska ’22 started at Whitman with an interest in economics. Now, at Trilogy Search Partners, she works every day with other Whitties to advance people’s dreams.
Grace Fashanu ’22: An Advocate for Thriving Communities
At Whitman, Grace Fashanu was a student-leader building communities grounded in justice for all. Now at the FDIC, she works daily to apply that value in the banking industry.
Cameron Conner ’20: A Catalyst for a Better World
Cameron Conner ’20 was a student leader passionate about making a difference. As a Watson Fellow, Conner examines how communities come together to meet their needs.
Salma Mutagoma ’22: A Leader Beyond Borders
Serving as a advocate in her community and at Whitman, Salma Mutagoma ’22 is still learning about how to help others near and far.
Juan Pablo Liendo ’21: A Learner Across Boundaries
At Whitman, Juan Pablo Liendo ’21 was a student-leader curious about making impactful change. Now, at the Seattle Foundation he works daily to foster that change.
Arthur Shemitz ’17: A Path to Policymaking
Inspired by policymaking while he was a student, Arthur Shemitz ’17 goes the extra mile to reimagine government at the Centre for Public Impact.
Heather Lovelace ’15: A World-Class Healer
Called to medicine since she stepped foot on campus, Heather Lovelace ’15 works every day toward getting others healthy and moving again.
Tyler Calkin-Low ’09: An Artist & Academic
Now teaching those whose shoes he was once in, Tyler Calkin-Low ’09 continues to build a career in art, drawing inspiration from his Whitman education.
Fifty Under 50
John Kirk ’95 & Sarah (Baird) Kirk ’95
John Kirk ’95 and Sarah (Baird) Kirk ’95 continue the family tradition of supporting STEM students at Whitman through Upward Together.
Megan Darby Grimes ’98
For Megan Darby Grimes ’98, the opportunity to attend Whitman College was made possible through merit scholarships and need-based financial aid. Now, she is ensuring that future students can access the same transformative education.
Amy Raschella-Oliver ’92 & Russ Oliver ’93
For Amy Raschella-Oliver ’92 and Russ Oliver ’93, a long history of giving back to Whitman College began with honoring and celebrating the life of a dear friend and classmate.
