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Whitties Earned Dozens of Noteworthy Fellowships & Grants This Year

Whitman College students and alumni once again showcased their scholarship, skills and spirit of adventure—and were recognized with more than 45 prestigious fellowship and grant opportunities in the U.S. and abroad during the 2025–2026 academic year.

July 17, 2026

[Alt] Portraits of Bassett Fellows Ruth Iiyambo (left) and Ishaan Swami (right).

Two Whitman Grads Will Have Global Experiences as 2026 Bassett Fellows

Congratulations to Ruth Iiyambo ’26 and Ishaan Swami ’26, this year’s recipients of Whitman’s Bassett Fellowship, as they prepare for global travel and research after graduation. Learn more about their projects and where they’re headed.

June 05, 2026

Portraits of the 2026 Watson Fellows (from left): Riley Cooper, Maryanne Ndung'u and Darta Sipola

Three Whitman Seniors Named 2026 Watson Fellows

Three Whitman College seniors—Riley Cooper, Maryanne Ndung’u and Darta Sipola—have been named 2026 Watson Fellows, earning prestigious national grants to pursue independent global research projects after graduation.

May 06, 2026

Deo stands in front of a group of people gathered in Harvey Hall

Finding My Story at Whitman: A Love Letter to Belonging

Stepping onto campus can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. When Deo Rubangakene ’28 arrived at Whitman, he set out to build more than a college experience—he set out to build belonging. From cultural events to campus leadership, Deo shares how community, storytelling and connection have shaped his Whitman journey.

April 24, 2026

Lisa Curtis (front row, center) poses for a selfie with harvesters and their children in Zimbabwe

Good Food & Good Business: Lessons in Changemaking From a Peace Corps ‘40 Under 40’

Entrepreneur and Whitman College alum Lisa Curtis ’10 built a successful superfood business that prioritizes social and environmental impact. She shares what it takes to create a business that drives both profit and social change.

March 20, 2026

Hanna Grinstead climbs a snowy hillside in a helmet ski gear

Whitties Make the Most of Their Gap Year

From global travel to impactful service to unique learning experiences, taking a gap year can cultivate independence, purpose and lifelong skills. Here, four students share how their transformative gap-year experiences helped prepare them for Whitman College.

February 04, 2026

Kira Mauseth stands in Kerry Park with the Seattle skyline in the background

Harnessing Hope: Whitman Alum Helps People in Crisis Rebound & Rebuild

From Washington to the world, clinical psychologist Kira Mauseth ’00 helps people affected by disasters build resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy—and she says there’s one remarkable thing their communities have in common: a limitless capacity for hope.

January 16, 2026

Anna Taft ’02 (left) sits and smiles up at an older Ecuadorian woman

Alum’s Nonprofit Supports Community Development in Ecuador & Mali

As a Politics major, Anna Taft ’02 explored big questions at Whitman College—and found ways to contribute on campus and abroad—paving the way for a career as a global changemaker.

January 07, 2026

Kathy Izumi ’97 and Chris Oze ’97 walk through a park in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Rocking the World: Whitman Alums Launch a Brilliant Solution for the Climate

Whitman College alums Chris Oze ’97 and Kathy Izumi ’97 aim to bring a more sustainable future to New Zealand—and the world—through their clean-technology startup.

September 03, 2025