Whitman Stories

Jessica Palacios, a Whitman College alum from the class of 2016, works at her family bookstore. When it was in danger of closing nearly 20 years ago, Jessica wrote a letter to the local newspaper asking to keep it open. When her family heard about the letter, they decided to take the leap and buy the business. As the the oldest children’s bookstore in the country, the Palacios family worked hard to keep up with a changing world during the COVID-19 pandemic. Once Upon A Time is located in Montrose, California and has been featured in Publisher’s Weekly and on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

Associate Professor of Sociology at Whitman College, Alissa Cordner is an international expert in PFAS, also known as the “forever chemicals” because they can remain in the human body for a lifetime, and in the environment for thousands of years. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of thousands of synthetic chemicals that scientists have linked to myriad health problems, including cancer and fertility issues. They’re used across modern industrial processes and products, including to make items non-stick, waterproof, stain-resistant and fire-retardant. Cordner founded the PFAS Project Lab where she and her students study the topic.

Dr. Sarah Bolton took office leading Whitman College as its 15th president. She also moved into her physical office on the second floor of Memorial Building—a spacious, light-filled room among the trees, with southwest views of Boyer Avenue. President Bolton had a hand in choosing the artwork for the space. She selected pieces from Whitman’s extensive art collection.

Whitman College Professor of Politics Aaron Bobrow-Strain’s award-winning narrative nonfiction book, “The Death and Life of Aida Hernandez,” is on the path to becoming a feature film.

Whit City, the branded student section for all thing Whitman athletics, is back after losing momentum during the pandemic. Whitman student-athletes can now count on boisterous support from the sidelines—of the court, field or pool.

Loretta J. Ross, an acclaimed activist, public intellectual, and professor, will deliver the keynote address at the annual Power & Privilege Symposium on February 21st. The symposium aims to examine structural inequality and social justice, featuring a hip-hop performance by Sounds of the People on February 22nd and panel discussions on February 23rd.

Whitman College Appoints Adam Miller As the New Vice President for Admission and Financial Aid

Whitman College Appoints Gina Zandy Ohnstad As the New Vice President for Communications

“I am pleased that Amber has accepted her new position as Minority Staff Director. She has helped the committee navigate complicated areas of federal Indian policy and has pursued common ground that resulted in good outcomes for all Native peoples. I thank Lucy for her incredible leadership, expertise, and mentorship as Interim Staff Director. Her wisdom and counsel is invaluable to the important work of the committee. I am excited to continue working with both of them and our team to address the unique challenges facing Native communities across the country,” said Vice Chairman Murkowski.

Beginning with the 2023–2024 academic year, this new concentration at Whitman College will provide a framework for students to learn and apply human-centered design principles across disciplines.