Monday, June 15, 2026

By the Division of Inclusive Excellence

This summer, the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the College Accessibility Committee have engaged Artemis Gilbert ’28 to undertake a special project that will touch every corner of campus—literally.

Gilbert is conducting a comprehensive audit of braille signage at Whitman, surveying roughly 40 buildings on campus. Braille—the tactile code that blind and low-vision people use to read and write—appears on room signs throughout campus and makes our spaces dramatically more navigable for blind and low-vision students, employees, alumni and visitors, including prospective Whitties.

Periodic signage audits are a best practice for any campus. Buildings are renovated and rooms are renumbered over time; signs gradually age and weather, especially outdoors; and standards continue to evolve—both legal accessibility standards and the braille code itself. A building-by-building review gives the college a current, complete picture of its signage and a strong foundation for future planning.

Gilbert is a rising junior double-majoring in Philosophy and Classical Studies (Latin). They are literate in Unified English Braille and are working toward national literary braille transcription certification. They’ve paired that expertise with a close study of the Americans with Disabilities Act’s signage requirements and consultation with the U.S. Access Board for Technical Assistance. Gilbert began this work in the spring semester, cataloging signage in a few key buildings. This summer’s project will extend the survey campuswide, giving the College Accessibility Committee a comprehensive resource for long-term planning and informing the college’s future signage decisions.

Read more.

In 2025, Anthony Covert ’28 planned an event on Whitman’s campus to celebrate Juneteenth. This year, Covert is organizing “Juneteenth: Umoja and Community” on Friday, June 19, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds. The free, community event will include food, music, speakers, vendors, field games, a car show hosted by the Washington State Lowriders Car Club, and live entertainment—including breakdancing and popping performances from Senior Lecturer of Dance Peter de Grasse and the 5th Element Project. (Flyer attached.)

As a reminder, the Office of Global Programs is organizing several events each week for members of the Whitman community who are here during the summer. These events are open to all students, staff, faculty and family members. Add the events to your Google calendar or watch for announcements. (Flyer attached.)

Most Whitman College offices will be closed on Friday, June 19, in recognition of the Juneteenth National Independence Day federal holiday. 

The inaugural Summer in Seattle session is underway! Students will spend 11 weeks in an immersive learning environment, pursuing internships and research while networking and discovering what Seattle has to offer. See more photos by Phil Marr on LinkedIn.

7:30–9 p.m.

Soccer

Field Behind Harper Joy Theatre

3–5 p.m.

Film Screening: “Decision To Leave”

Penrose Library, Room 313

6–9 p.m.

Chill Indoors: Fried Chicken & a Movie

Third Space Center

7:30–9 p.m.

Stanton Sports: Sand Volleyball & Lawn Games

Near Cleveland Commons

11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Juneteenth: Umoja & Community

Walla Walla County Fairgrounds [community event]

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Paddleboarding & Picnic

Charbonneau Park

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

Whitman Today is emailed to Whitman College staff, faculty and students each weekday during the academic year and twice a week during breaks. An archive of previous issues is available online.

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