Launch Event
President Bridges addresses campaign supporters in Seattle’s Fairmont Olympic Spanish Ballroom.
Western Washington Campaign Co-Chair Nancy Bell Evans ’54 with her husband, former Washington state Gov. Dan Evans.
Western Washington Campaign Co-Chair Kari Glover ’72 and her husband, Thad Alston.
Prof. Bob Withycombe with longtime debate program supporter Trustee Megan Salzman Medica ’81 and her husband, John.
Stephen B.L. Penrose Society member Lois Dambacher Dusenbery and Overseer Emeritus Earl Dusenbery ’40.Two hundred alumni, parents, governing board members and friends of the college attended a public launch event for the Now Is the Time campaign on Nov. 18 in Seattle. The gala included remarks from Chair of the Board of Trustees Peter van Oppen ’74, President George Bridges and Campaign Chair John Stanton ’77. Other highlights of the evening included a performance by pianist Stephen Beus ’04 and the premiere of a video about the importance of a Whitman education and the impact our alumni are making in the world.
Stanton remarked, “Whitman has a wonderful 130-year tradition of excellence in the liberal arts, but we cannot rest on our laurels. The college faces the challenges of keeping our curriculum and programs relevant, making a Whitman education accessible for those who qualify and strengthening our financial foundation, all of which require us to continue to invest.”
President Bridges added that the campaign will help the college prepare students for leadership in their professions and in their communities. “With the generous support of our donors, this campaign will reinforce our traditional academic strengths and offer students more innovative opportunities to enrich their learning and development,” Bridges said. “Our donors share a steadfast belief in Whitman’s approach to delivering a meaningful, relevant liberal arts education that adds value to the lives of our students and to the lives of those who will benefit from their learning and future accomplishments.”
In the room were past and present members of the Governing Boards, campaign volunteers and donors who have already made significant gifts to the effort. To the enthusiastic group of supporters and to all who care about Whitman, Stanton issued a call to action: “We must be prepared to deliver in perpetuity the outstanding liberal arts education that Whitman offers. That’s what this campaign will help do. Now Is the Time.”
Campaign leaders include, from left to right, Chair of the Board of Trustees Peter van Oppen ’74, President George Bridges and Campaign Chair John Stanton ’77.