Tuesday, January 27, 2026
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Welty Announces Substance Use Disorder Counselor
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By Aimée Milne, Assistant Vice President for Wellness
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I am thrilled to introduce Lucinda Richards as our new Substance Use Disorder Counselor at the Welty Health and Counseling Center. With several years of experience in the drug and alcohol field, she brings a strong understanding of the challenges associated with recovery.
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As someone in active recovery herself, Richards also has firsthand insight into the profound impact substance use can have on an individual’s life.
Richards earned bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Social Services, and a master’s degree in Social Work with a focus on Advanced Integrated Practice. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in Counseling and Psychological Studies with a concentration in Crisis and Trauma Counseling.
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In 2022, Richards spearheaded bringing the REDress Project—created by artist Jamie Black—to Walla Walla to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP). After collaborating with the YWCA for two years, she moved this work to Whitman in 2024 in partnership with Jeanine Gordon, Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach. Richards remains actively involved in the MMIP event and REDress exhibit at Whitman today.
In addition to meeting with students individually, Richards is launching a weekly counseling group focused on helping students explore and find their sense of purpose. The group will meet every Friday, beginning on Friday, Feb. 6, at 4 p.m. at the Welty Health and Counseling Center. (Flyer attached.)
Richards is also available to offer presentations on substance use and overall wellness. She approaches her work with empathy, authenticity and a nonjudgmental perspective and is deeply committed to supporting students throughout their recovery and wellness journey. Students are invited to reach out with any questions.
This staff position is endowed by a gift from Christina and Peter Dawson (Parents ’16).
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This past weekend, an alert went out to campus about police activity in the area. If you did not receive the alert on your mobile device, please update your emergency alert information.
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- Log on to my.whitman.edu.
- Select the “Profile” tab on the left.
- Select “Campus Alerts.”
- Enter or update your information as needed.
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Questions or concerns? Please contact Bradley Nelson, Internal Communications Strategist.
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Staff Advisory Council Open Office Hours
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Staff are invited to open drop-in office hours with the Staff Advisory Council (SAC) on Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 3–5 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center basement. Come share ideas for community-building activities, talk through financial planning documents or explore ways we can partner with your department to create positive change on campus. If you are unable to attend but have topics of interest or questions for SAC, please email sac@whitman.edu or fill out this anonymous form.
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David Guterson Book Event on Friday
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Bestselling writer David Guterson, author of “Snow Falling on Cedars” and 12 other books, will read from and discuss his latest novel, “Evelyn in Transit,” on Friday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
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Share Your Feedback With The Princeton Review
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Whitman students are invited to complete The Princeton Review survey to share their unique perspective and experiences about academics, social activities, residence life, food and more. These anonymous insights help guide future college-bound students and will be featured in The Princeton Review’s resources. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card! The survey will close on Thursday, Feb. 12.
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The 18th Annual Juried Student Art Salon is on display at the Fouts Center for Visual Arts. The show runs through Sunday, Feb. 8, and features artwork created by Whitman students in 2025. Vote for your favorite and help determine the winner of the People’s Choice Award. A closing celebration will be held on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 1–3 p.m.
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106
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Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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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.
All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other Whitman content to share, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon on the business day prior to publication. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.
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Find us on social media: @whitmancollege
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