Ready to Make Their Mark: Meet Whitman’s Newest Alums
On May 24, 2026, more than 300 new Whitman College alumni stepped across the stage to collect their diplomas. We caught up with a few as they wrapped up their senior year—and looked back at the experiences, friendships and opportunities that shaped their time here. Revisit these highlights from their years at Whitman.
By Esmeralda Marin
Jonathan Becker ’26: Community Volunteer & Changemaker
Jonathan Becker ’26 built strong connections between Whitman College and Walla Walla through community service and advocacy. Along the way, he discovered the power of community-centered work and how it can create meaningful change.
Marika Cartier ’26: Pre-Med All-Star & Future Pediatrician
Over the last four years at Whitman College, Marika Cartier ’26 immersed herself in hands-on experiences, research and volunteer opportunities that allowed her to learn directly from healthcare professionals and patients while preparing for a future in pediatric medicine.
Riley Cooper ’26: Storyteller, Filmmaker & Animal Advocate
At Whitman College, Riley Cooper ’26 explored storytelling through film while gaining hands-on experience in animal care in the Walla Walla community. As a 2026 recipient of the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship, her next chapter will continue to build on those passions!
Colin Dunlap ’26: Cellist, Runner & Future Scientist
Colin Dunlap ’26 spent four years at Whitman College pursuing all his passions—playing cello in the Whitman Orchestra, competing as a student-athlete and gaining hands-on experience that prepared him for a future in chemistry research.
Shahin Hamzeh ’26: Biomedical Researcher and Campus Leader
Shahin Hamzeh ’26 embraced every opportunity Whitman College had to offer, including research, volunteering, campus events, internships and more—growing as a scientist, mentor and campus leader.
Asya Johnson ’26: Photographer & Creative Leader
Whitman College’s tight-knit community helped Asya Johnson ’26 turn connections into opportunities to grow her photography portfolio through classes and local internships. As the founder of Whitman’s Photography Club, she leaves a lasting legacy.
Carlie Johnson ’26: Conservationist & Enthusiastic Volunteer
Through hands-on research and immersive learning experiences like Semester in the West, Carlie Johnson ’26 explored her passion for conservation at Whitman College while building the skills and perspective she’ll carry into her future work protecting the environment.
Meztli Mariscal Del Toro ’26: Biology Researcher & Dancer
Meztli Mariscal Del Toro ’26 says Whitman College was a place where she could explore all of her different interests while learning more about herself and the things she’s most passionate about—like biology and dance.
Audrey Marthin ’26: Club Leader & Software Engineer
At Whitman College, Audrey Marthin ’26 started a club for students interested in software engineering and built the skills and experience to launch her career. After graduation, she’s headed to Seattle to work at Microsoft.
![[Alt] Lucas McAllister (third from left) stands on a soccer field holding a framed jersey with the number 10](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2026/June/LucasMcAllister-750x600.jpg)
Lucas McAllister ’26: Student-Athlete & Future Physical Therapist
As an award-winning student-athlete at Whitman College, Lucas McAllister ’26 built close connections with teammates, coaches and professors that inspired a future career in healthcare.
Nicola Myers ’26: Exploring the Cutting Edge of Chemistry
On her way to grad school at MIT, Nicola Myers ’26 built an impressive research resume at Whitman College, including three summers in the Hendricks Lab and a Goldwater Scholarship.
Maryanne Ndung’u ’26: Empowering Entrepreneurship Around the World
During her time at Whitman College, Maryanne Ndung’u ’26 explored how economics can be used to address real-world challenges. And soon she’ll be taking her ideas global as a 2026 Watson Fellow.
Sky Pasena-Littlesky ’26: Šináata Scholar, Student-Athlete & Environmental Advocate
As part of the first graduating class of Šináata Scholars, Sky Pasena-Littlesky ’26 spent her time at Whitman College uplifting Indigenous culture and preparing for a future in environmental advocacy.
Chase Schubert ’26: Resident Assistant, Volunteer & Science Educator
Chase Schubert ’26 was drawn to Whitman College for the liberal arts experience and explored opportunities from research to study abroad to community outreach. Every experience has prepared him for his next chapter as a Fulbright Scholar.
![[Alt] Kengo Shirokane in a light blue Whitman uniform holding a baseball](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2026/June/KengoShirokane-750x600.jpg)
Kengo Shirokane ’26: From Fastballs to the Career Fast Track
Kengo Shirokane ’26 found a strong sense of community at Whitman College as a baseball player. Over the past four years, he’s developed valuable skills and gained professional experience that led to a full-time career opportunity after graduation.
Adam Simon ’26: Community Advocate & Impactful Volunteer
Through four years of community-based work with the Career and Community Engagement Center, Adam Simon ’26 connected academics with real-world impact at Whitman College, earning recognition as a Newman Civic Fellow and shaping his future goals in community advocacy.
Darta Sipola ’26: Healthcare Volunteer & Global Researcher
Darta Sipola ’26 explored healthcare from every angle at Whitman College—helping grow a student first responders club, volunteering at a community clinic and conducting global research. After graduation, she’ll continue that work as a 2026 Watson Fellow.
Ishaan Swami ’26: Club Leader, Geology Researcher & World Traveler
At Whitman College, Ishaan Swami ’26 was deeply connected to people and place through research experiences, campus communities and study abroad. After graduation, he’ll continue meaningful research as a 2026 Bassett Traveling Fellow in Mongolia.
Catalysts for Change: The Class of 2026 Celebrates Their Commencement
More than 300 graduates of Whitman College’s Class of 2026 received their diplomas on Sunday, May 24, in a sunny celebration in front of Memorial Building, featuring historian and justice advocate Gwendolyn Trice as commencement speaker.