Whitman Stories

Now more than ever, the world needs thinkers, leaders, innovators who can face the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century—with knowledge and tools, vigor and ethics. That’s why an ever-evolving strategic priority for Whitman College is a commitment to the liberal arts and to shaping a dynamic curriculum that can respond to these needs.

In essay by Pat Henry, the Cushing Eells Professor of Philosophy and Literature and Foreign Languages and Literatures (French), Emeritus. In 2005, Henry founded the Matthew Shepard Lecture Series at Whitman College. He shares and reflects on the inspiring stories of three women who “are models for us as we move forward in the struggle against homophobia and racism.”

The artwork of Whitman College alum Roger Amerman ’80, enrolled member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, may soon be featured in one of the largest movie and television franchises in the world. Echo is an upcoming Marvel television show about a Choctaw superheroine. Amerman beaded a piece that may end up on Echo’s costume.

When Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, Shampa Biswas, the Judge and Mrs. Timothy A. Paul Chair of Political Science and Professor of Politics, knew it was a historic moment in global politics—and she wanted to give students a space to learn, think and talk about it.

In 1947, India was partitioned into India and Pakistan. An exhibition curated by Associate Professor of Art History Krista Gulbransen in the spring of 2023 at Whitman College’s Maxey Museum maps out the historical, political, social and geographical factors and forces at play: “Mapping India: Colonialism, Nationalism, and the Partition of South Asia.”

A Whitman College alumna takes an active approach to educating others about climate change. Kim Smith ’90 started her journey as a sociologist and environmentalist at Whitman and has carried that work on by educating others with her motto educate, empower, engage.

The Whitman College Community Fellow Program is celebrating 10 years of serving the Walla Walla community and helping students gain valuable professional and life experience. The fellow program is community-driven—local nonprofits, schools and government organizations propose projects, and a CCEC committee selects up to 10 partner initiatives each year.

Whitman College students volunteer at the local SOS Health Services Clinic to gain valuable experience in the medical field. The SOS Clinic provides health care services to individuals with inadequate health insurance in the Walla Walla Valley, regardless of citizenship status.

At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, Peter Harvey ’84 is retiring. Harvey served 25 years as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)—longer than anyone in that role in the history of the college. He began working for Whitman College in 1991 and was promoted to CFO in 1998. Among Harvey’s significant achievements was leading an investment of $125 million for new construction and renovation.

Here’s a preview of how the college and Whitman community will commemorate Whitman College’s 137th Commencement—and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments and bright futures of its Class of 2023.