Whitman College must do a much better job of connecting the fabulous liberal arts education our students receive in our classrooms to “life after Whitman,” to the lives of meaning and purpose our students will pursue after graduation, President Kathleen M. Murray says.

Technical skills are increasingly important in this digital age, but that doesn’t mean the skills emphasized in a liberal arts education — often considered “soft skills” — are any less valuable. The high-tech industry has long valued the versatile, creative mindset and soft skills that are hardwired in those who study in the liberal arts tradition.

In the nearly 70 years Whitman’s 3-2 Engineering program has been in place, more than 200 students have completed the program, which includes three full years at Whitman College, and then an additional two years at a partner engineering school. The student finishes with two complete bachelor degrees — one from each institution.

For Whitman College orchestra conductor Paul Luongo, it makes no difference what his students study, as long as they love the music. One year, the lead violinist in the Whitman Orchestra might be a music performance major preparing to compete for a place in a major conservatory. The next, it might be a student majoring in English literature, biology or anthropology.

After losing her toddler in a furniture tip-over accident, Crystal Ellis has dedicated herself to campaigning for laws that demand furniture manufacturers meet a higher safety standard.

Since coming to Whitman from Jamaica as a Davis United World College (UWC) Scholar in 2017, Jordon Crawford ’21 has partnered with others to improve the experience for international and underrepresented students, particularly other men of color.

Though books and lectures are the foundations of traditional academic learning, some lessons require hands-on experience.

Many people never think twice about where water comes from - it falls from the sky, it is easily available through any faucet, and it covers 71% of the globe. It seems a nearly infinite resource. Chris Bromley '97 knows it's not - and as a water rights attorney, it's his job to help individuals and businesses find the balance of the many demands on water.

Religion major and psychology minor Sam Geschickter '20 got first-hand experience learning the theories and processes of investment banking as an intern at Baker Boyer Bank in Walla Walla, Washington. Geschickter combined the critical thinking skills he's learned at Whitman into his internship experience.