Together We Created Bright Futures: Historic Campaign Nears Close
Upward Together is transforming what's possible for Whitman students—and there's still time to be part of it
Photography by Sung Park
‘Thank you for believing.’ At a campaign celebration at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Upward Together Chair Nancy Serrurier said, “At Whitman, we’re at our best when we dream big. When we unite in a shared purpose, we can, and we will, achieve the college’s loftiest ambitions.”
This month, Whitman College celebrates the culmination of the Upward Together campaign—years and months of collective hope, purpose and giving that has made Whitman stronger and created lasting impact for today’s students and those to come. As the historic campaign draws near its close, we invite you to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together!
It takes a village. Whitman student Lily Kamila ’28 is striving and thriving! Meet this Whittie from Edmonds, Washington, and learn how she’s making the most of every opportunity, and why she’s so grateful for all the support she and her fellow students receive thanks to donors, alumni, faculty and staff. (Videography by Sierra Roberts with M3 Films.)
Building a Stronger Whitman
At a recent celebration in Seattle, President Sarah Bolton highlighted a few ways students are already feeling the impact of the campaign’s success. Your collective gifts to Upward Together have:
- Provided support through The Whitman Fund for immediate investments in students via scholarships, internships and research opportunities.
- Enabled Whitman to meet the full demonstrated financial need of all incoming students.
- Supported the launch of new programs, like Brain, Behavior and Cognition; Human-Centered Design; and Public Health.
- Created safe, accessible and beautiful housing for juniors and seniors in Nancy Serrurier Village.
- Expanded students’ opportunities to undertake internships around the world—and launched a new Summer in Seattle program that connects students with internships, networking and learning opportunities in the city.
- Enabled students to experience four full years of academic advising and career coaching to help them find their paths to graduate school, fellowships and careers.
Realizing Whitman’s promise. At a Seattle celebration event, President Sarah Bolton thanked donors for embracing the college’s bold vision for the future.
“When we reached out to Whitties across the generations, the generosity that came back from thousands of supporters served as inspiring votes of confidence in Whitman’s mission, its purpose and its impact.
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—Sarah Bolton, President
Transforming Campus & Community
Through thousands of donations of all sizes, Whitties came together to change the face of campus—creating new spaces for athletics and campus life.
Welcome home, Whitman! From Nancy Serrurier Village to James Hayner Field to the Edwards-Moore Clubhouse, the Upward Together campaign has transformed the spaces where Whitties live, compete and thrive. (Videography by Patrick Record.)
A Record-Setting Effort
At the event, Upward Together Chair Nancy Serrurier (Parent ’11) announced the campaign total to date: $223 million raised to catalyze opportunities for students, invest in teaching and new programs, create life-changing scholarships, and cultivate Whitman’s vibrant community.
Something to sing about. Left: Vice Chair of the Upward Together campaign Aaron Perrine ’99 recognized emerging leaders in philanthropy who participated in the 50 Under 50 initiative. Right: Dorothy Mukasa ’19 (center) and the Upward Together Band helped donors celebrate all the Whitman community has accomplished together over the historic campaign.
“This record-setting campaign was made possible by 16,052 donors—alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, businesses and foundations—who were inspired to help Whitman prepare the leaders and thinkers of tomorrow. That includes 4,829 donors who made their first-ever gift to the college during this campaign. We are deeply grateful for this heroic, collective effort.
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—Nancy Serrurier, Chair of Upward Together
We Aren’t Done Yet
You can still be part of Whitman’s most successful campaign ever. We welcome anyone inspired to go Upward Together with us to make a gift by June 30! Or reach out to the Development Team at development@whitman.edu or 509-527-5165 to begin a conversation with a Gift Officer.
Thank you, Whitties, for stepping up to help all of us go Upward Together!
Upward Together, always. More than 16,000 alumni, family and friends of Whitman have come together to fuel the Upward Together campaign—creating momentum that will continue impacting the lives of students for years to come. Thank you! (Videography by Sierra Roberts with M3 Films.)
