Whitman Stories

A group of student hikers in a line over large rocks.

Outdoor Program Celebrates 50 Years of Adventure

When Andy Dappen ’76 pitched a school-funded Outdoor Program to college leadership in 1975, he created a lasting legacy. For 50 years now, the Outdoor Program has been sparking amazing adventures, lifelong friendships and a love for the natural world in generations of Whitties.

June 04, 2025

Whitman College student flipping through a graphic novel.

Fascinating Firsts: How Learning Launches Off at Whitman

In this year’s First Year Seminars, Whitman College students have been diving into fun and fascinating topics like global monsters, the meaning of home, neuroscience-based learning, and the representation of difference in pop culture.

June 02, 2025

Whitman College Class of 2025 graduates smiling towards the camera.

Class of 2025: Ready to ‘Build a Better & Brighter Future’ [Video]

Under a cloudless blue sky outside Memorial Building, Whitman College’s Class of 2025 received their diplomas on Sunday, May 25, in Walla Walla. Enjoy these highlights.

May 30, 2025

Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

Fast 5 With Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak

New Provost and Dean of the Faculty Elisabeth Mermann-Jozwiak shares what drew her to Whitman College and what she sees on the horizon for Whitman academics.

May 29, 2025

Whitman College student Nicola Myers

Whitman Juniors Vee Edwards & Nicola Myers Selected as Goldwater Scholars

Vee Edwards ’26 and Nicola Myers ’26 (pictured), have been named 2025 Goldwater Scholars, earning one of the nation’s highest honors for undergraduate students in the natural sciences, mathematics and engineering.

May 27, 2025

Whitman College students at commencement.

‘Poised to Commence’—Whitman’s Class of 2025 Graduates With High Hopes & Spirits

At Whitman College’s 139th Commencement, more than 415 graduates—one of Whitman’s largest classes ever—celebrated their journeys and degrees. Chuck Sams, former Director of the National Park Service, was the Commencement speaker.

May 25, 2025

Gray and green logo that says "Just Check It & Prevent Harm"

Whitman College To Launch CHECK IT Program in Fall of 2025

After a year of reflection, collaboration and groundwork, Whitman has moved into a new chapter of its Culture of Respect journey: translating what we’ve learned into visible action and momentum. We’re introducing CHECK IT as a central part of our efforts to prevent sexual violence. It will serve as the foundation for Whitman’s student-focused prevention programs.

May 23, 2025

MAAM cad design of someone facing the audience in the auditorium.

Dinah Deshler ’64 Gift To Revitalize Maxey Hall Auditorium

Thanks to the generous $3 million gift, work will begin this summer on a renovated, fully accessible auditorium in Maxey Hall—one of the college’s premier gathering spaces on campus.

May 22, 2025

Whitman College Cross Country team members working with elementary students

Student-Athletes, Good Citizens: Whitman Blues Are All-Stars Off the Field Too

Whitman College’s student-athletes aren’t just good competitors—they’re good citizens who lead by example. Every year they step up to the plate to make our community better.

May 20, 2025