Whitman Stories

A team of Whitman voice students and teachers traveled to Central Washington University for the annual National Association of the Teachers of Singing (NATS) regional competition. Four Whitties advanced to the final round of this prestigious singing competition with three singers placing first in their categories and one placing second.

Whitman College is celebrating the success of its first-year writing assessment program, which has received the 2019 Beacon Award for Excellence in Student Achievement and Success from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

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.

More than 40 students and alumni from Whitman College received fellowships, grants or scholarships from prestigious programs during the 2018-2019 academic year. The recipients are also among the college’s most diverse: more than 40 percent represent first-generation students or those from diverse background, according to Keith Raether, director of the Office of Fellowships and Grants.

George, an assistant professor of anthropology who studies linguistics and digital media, also notes that the rise of the exclamation point may be tied to the fact that research indicates young women and young people of color are linguistic innovators.

Associate Professor and Microsoft Chair of Computer Science Janet Davis, founding chair of Whitman's computer science department, offers five ways to help women feel more at home in computer science classes.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, Nov. 23, with a 4 p.m. service at Cordiner Hall and a reception to follow in the Reid Center Young Ballroom.

When Mike Henniger '70 graduated in 1966 from Richland High School in Richland, Washington, he wasn't sure what was next. "I was one of those high school grads who didn't have a clue in the sense that I didn't know where I wanted to go or what I wanted to do," he said. He may have been fuzzy about his future, but Henniger was certain of one thing: He loved football.

Tommy Richards believes failure is key to success. "It's about taking risks and getting out of your comfort zone," said Richards, Whitman assistant baseball coach. "I try to take that same approach with the team. I want to make sure we're challenging them to the point they're failing and getting out of their comfort zone."

When it came to higher education, Vincent "Jay" Broze '69 and Diana Cochener Broze '69 came from very different backgrounds. In Diana's family, the Quaker tradition meant that even her great-great-grandmother went to college.

After Chris McDade died in September 2018, Sandy wanted to create a tribute to her at Whitman that recognized her passion for nonprofit work and volunteerism. He established the Chris McDade Internship Endowment to support students interested in careers in community service. The endowment funds summer internships at nonprofit organizations for students who apply to the Whitman Internship Grant program.

For Emily Rigsby ’20, music is a superpower. “Playing violin and being a musician has built my confidence and personality in so many ways,” said the Whitman music major from Boise, Idaho. “Through all the adversities I’ve faced in my life, music has been the constant thing that has reminded me I am capable of overcoming any challenges. It makes me feel limitless.”