Whitman Stories

Three Whitman College students have received a graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for 2023. The five-year fellowship allows recipients in engage in meaningful graduate research.

Whitman College alum Alex Feller ’22 has earned a grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Feller will be an English Teaching Assistant for the 2023–2024 year in year. In the last 15 years, Whitman has had 55 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards go to students and graduates.

Aaron Lefohn ’97 discovered the then-emerging field of computational chemistry and computer science while at Whitman College. He followed that passion and today is the Vice President of Graphics Research at a cutting-edge technology company where he uses the knowledge base and skills he learned at Whitman.

In an article in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on race in admission, Ron Lieber, columnist for The New York Times, says transparency in college costs can increase diversity—and notes Whitman’s approach and Early Financial Aid Guarantee.

For Kanesha Johnson ’23, Whitman College initially felt completely out of reach. After spending her teenage years in foster care, dropping out of college and taking community college classes while juggling multiple jobs and a family, she knew she needed her bachelor’s degree but saw herself enrolling in an online program.

In an op-ed published in Teen Vogue, Bex Heimbrock ’25 explores the idea of "Rainbow Capitalism" and responds to the recent controversary surrounding Target and how the retail store dealt with customer backlash to its Pride Month merchandise.

A new Ethics and Society Major will give students interested in Philosophy another option with a more specific focus.

Donor gifts are making possible a new clubhouse facility to serve the Whitman Blues baseball program. Located at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla, the $3.7 million, 3,300 square-foot clubhouse will include locker and training rooms, as well as recruiting and multipurpose team meeting spaces.

Whitman College student Nishtha Rajbhandari ’24 has been awarded $10,000 from the Projects for Peace program, which enables students at partner institutions to develop innovative, community-centered projects addressing critical issues around the world.

The 16 graduating studio art majors from Whitman College’s Class of 2023 concluded their studies with a final thesis exhibition at the Sheehan Gallery.