Thursday, October 30, 2025

More than 200 people in a 100-mile radius of Whitman College are on waitlists for a kidney transplant.

The University of Washington Transplant Team—one of the leading transplant centers in the United States—will offer a series of talks on the kidney transplantation process on Saturday, Nov. 1, from 1:30–5 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. (Bilingual flyer attached.)

The educational sessions will cover transplantation, living donation, social worker support, and insurance and finances. Whitman students will be on hand to assist in writing living donor profiles and to provide Spanish-language translation. 

Whitman College has its own kidney transplant success story to celebrate—Professor of Philosophy Julia Ireland received a kidney donation from Executive Assistant to the President Joanie Lucarelli. The story was profiled in the Spring 2024 issue of Whitman Magazine. 

“When I asked my nephrologist which patients had the best outcomes,” says Ireland, “his answer startled me: those most well equipped to navigate the medical process of transplantation itself. This is extremely challenging in a rural context, and it is still more challenging for non-English speakers.”

If you are interested in learning more, please consider attending this informational event on Saturday. Advance registration is requested but not required to attend.

Perrin Anderson ’28, Alex Burns ’28 and Devon Meeker ’27 presented their student-faculty research at the 2025 Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges Northwestern Regional Conference. Guided by Associate Professor of Computer Science John Stratton, their project provides a tool for creating more efficient scientific simulations, saving both time and computing power.

Faculty and staff are invited to 2026 benefit information sessions and fairs happening today and tomorrow in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Associate Vice President for Human Resources Erika Cerda will announce some important changes and additions to the 2026 benefit plans ahead of open enrollment in an informational meeting, followed by an opportunity to meet with representatives from our benefits vendors.

Open enrollment will take place during the last two weeks in November.

The Harper Joy Theatre season continues with “Iphigenia and Other Daughters” performed Thursday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 2. Written by Ellen McLaughlin and directed by Associate Professor of Theater and Dance Laura Hope, this play changes up traditional Greek mythology by focusing on the often-overlooked female characters. Tickets are free for all Whitman students and may be reserved online. (Flyer attached.)

Whitman staff and faculty are invited to bring their families to Trick or Treat in the Residence Halls on Friday, Oct. 31, from 4:30–6 p.m. The fun begins at Reid Campus Center. (Flyer attached.)

The Whitman College Food Pantry and Clothing Closet—which has been operating temporarily in the Third Space Center—will reopen at the Glover Alston Intercultural Center (GAIC) on Monday, Nov. 3, and will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Due to ongoing construction, please use the temporary crossing adjacent to the Walla Walla Sub Shop, directly across the street from the GAIC.

The Amazon Hub Locker by Cleveland Commons is currently experiencing technical issues. Amazon support has been contacted. We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to get it back online as quickly as possible.

Earlier this month, the Beginning Whitewater Kayaking class took a trip to Salmon River in Idaho, where they paddled to reach their campsite. The Outdoor Program facilitates Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics courses each semester. Look for Wilderness First Responder and Wilderness First Aid courses offered in the spring. See more photos on Instagram.

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

2:30–4 p.m.

Moving Forward With Social Anxiety

Welty Health and Counseling Center

3–4 p.m.

Webinar: 2026 Employee Benefits

Virtual Event (Zoom link)

3–5 p.m.

Pepper Glean

Hayshaker Farm

4–5 p.m.

Information Session: 2026 Employee Benefits

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

5–6 p.m.

Preserving Cultural Heritage & Uncovering Hidden Histories: USACE Walla Walla Archaeology

Maxey Hall, Room 207

5–9 p.m.

Affinity Group Costume Party

Third Space Center

6–7 p.m.

First Meeting: Psychology Society

Hall of Science, Room 116

7–8 p.m.

Orchestra Fall Concert

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

8–10 p.m.

Iphigenia & Other Daughters

Harper Joy Theatre, Alexander Stage

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

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