A newsletter for alumni & friends • July 2026
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In this issue: Celebrating the close of the historic Upward Together campaign; read about the graduates of the Class of 2026; submit a class note by July 31 and plan to attend Reunion Weekend 2026.
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Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of more than 16,000 alumni, parents, families and friends, Upward Together has officially concluded as the largest fundraising campaign in Whitman College history, raising more than $226 million to expand opportunity for generations of Whitties.
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Ready to Make Their Mark: Meet Whitman’s Newest Alums
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A few weeks ago, more than 300 new Whitman College alumni stepped across the stage to collect their diplomas. We caught up with a few as they wrapped up their senior year. Revisit highlights from their years at Whitman—and welcome the Class of 2026 to the alumni family!
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Fifty Under 50: Nata Natarajan ’89 & Alison Ashlock
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For Nata Natarajan ’89, Whitman College feels right at home. Having six family members who are also fellow Whitties, he and his wife, Alison Ashlock, are grateful to be a part of an enduring legacy that provides scholarship support to Spokane area students. Read more.
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Fifty under 50: Jason Copeland ’94
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In supporting fraternity housing and the Career and Community Engagement Center, Jason Copeland ’94 honors his family tradition of giving back to Whitman. Read more.
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Off to do Great Things: Blues Athletes Out in the World.
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Whitman Athletics is a formative stepping stone for many student-athletes. The lessons learned and memories made impacts athletes for life. Read the reflections from the Class of 2026 on their time as varsity athletes.
Some continue to excel in their sport beyond graduation. This summer, Julien Hernandez ’24 signed his pro contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks' Single-A affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide.
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Class Notes Deadline Approaching
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Have an update, accomplishment or milestone you would like to announce to your classmates? Submit a class note!
Class notes for the spring edition of the Whitman Magazine are due July 31, 2026. Any notes submitted later will be featured in the following magazine edition.
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Walla Walla | Sept. 24-27 | Reunion Weekend 2026
Reunion for the Classes of 2022, 2021, 2020, 2016, 2001, 1997, 1996, 1997, 1986, 1975 and earlier is nearing! Check out the schedule, see who's planning to attend. Official registration will open early next month.
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Walla Walla | May 20-23 | Class of 1977 50th Reunion
Alumni from the class of 1977 are invited to celebrate the milestone of 50 years since graduating from Whitman. Walk with the Class of 2027 at commencement to close out a weekend of camaraderie. Let us know you'll be attending!
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Reunion Weekend Invitation to All 50+ Alumni
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- All alumni who graduated more than fifty years ago are invited to come early - Thursday, September 24.
- Current and retired members of the Science Faculty offer lectures, demonstrations and discussions just for the 50+ classes.
- Enjoy dinner together on the newly-opened Blues Brews Taphouse patio.
- Add your name to the list and view the schedule.
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Join Out After Whitman (LGBT+ Alumni Network)
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- Class year is not the only way Whitties relate to their peers—ties to identity and background can run deeper. Fill out this form to be put on the mailing list for Out After Whitman!
- Meet and learn from Whitties across generations, host in-person identity-based gatherings, help determine events and activities.
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New Alumni Board Members Announced
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- Two new members join the Alumni Association Board for the 2026-2027 year.
- Etasha Bhatt ’09 feels that her education at Whitman provided the academic foundation for her career in medicine and has returned to Walla Walla for alumni events and supported prospective students through the Whitman admissions process.
- John Organick-Lee '14 joins the Alumni Board from Portland, Oregon. He has consistently sought ways to build community, foster meaningful connections, and support others in navigating Whitman’s opportunities.
- Read more about the Alumni Association Board's work.
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The campaign is complete. The impact is just beginning.
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Thank you for helping write this remarkable chapter in Whitman’s story.
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Your generosity is already changing students’ lives. This historic achievement reflects the very best of the Whitman community—a shared belief in our students and in the transformative power of a Whitman education.
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345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA
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