Thursday, November 7, 2024

Feature by: Debbie Ritenour

Photo: Professor Emeritus of Geology and Environmental Studies Bob Carson (second from the right) enthusiastically led many Outdoor Program trips during his 40-year career at Whitman.

Patti Hankel Nelson ’85 vividly remembers her first rafting experience. It was Family Weekend at Whitman College, and she had signed up for a white water rafting trip on the Salmon River through the Outdoor Program (OP).

“The river was pretty high,” says Patti, who is married to Whitman Trustee Charlie Nelson ’83. “I was definitely white-knuckling it at a few points, but we all stayed on board. It was a blast.”

Established in 1975, the Outdoor Program offers trips and recreational opportunities that allow Whitman students to get outside and explore the natural beauty of Walla Walla and the surrounding areas. Activities range from kayaking, hiking and mountain biking to skiing, snowshoeing and ice climbing.

For decades, many of the trips were led by Professor Emeritus of Geology and Environmental Studies Bob Carson, often accompanied by his wife (and Patti’s sister), retired Associate Dean of Students Clare Carson. Bob was a member of the faculty for 40 years, while Clare was on staff for 38.

To honor the Carsons, Charlie and Patti recently established the Bob Carson Outdoor Program Endowment. It provides permanent support for the Bob Carson Outdoor Fund (BCOF), which helps eliminate financial barriers to participating in the Outdoor Program. 

Read more.

In the spirit of collectively celebrating successes in our Whitman community, we invite you to brag a little about the personal and collective accomplishments in your professional and personal lives. Did you win an award or secure a competitive research grant? Were you recently published? Did your office, department or student organization accomplish a long-term goal or finish a time-intensive project? We would love to celebrate your good news with you!

The Art Department presents a talk titled “Collaborating with Ancestors” by visiting artist Epiphany Couch today at 4:30 p.m. in Fouts 201. Couch is a cross-disciplinary artist from Portland who explores generational knowledge, storytelling and connection to the metaphysical.

Scott Putnam, a salmon biologist with over 35 years of experience at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, will give a career talk today at 7 p.m. in Maxey 207. Putnam will share his career journey, reflections on his work in natural resources, and offer valuable advice for students interested in this field. He will also discuss the salmon snorkel program that he leads for Idaho Department of Fish and Game. This event is co-hosted by the Salmon Conservation Club and the Career and Community Engagement Center. (Flyer attached.)

The Counseling Center and Third Space Center will host a Community Catharsis Session on Friday, Nov. 8 from 1–2:30 p.m. in the Third Space Center. The session will create a supportive space for dialogue that centers the experience of students of color. The topic for this week will be the U.S. elections. Refreshments will be provided.

Members of Whitman’s Born Abroad Faculty and Staff ERG (Employee Resource Group) met for the first time recently at Big House Brew Pub. Conversations ranged from immigration tales to building a new community in Walla Walla, all while eating nachos and pretzels courtesy of Whitman College. If you are interested in joining this group, please sign up to learn more about upcoming events.

11 a.m.

Webinar for Employees: Flexible Spending Account

Virtual Events (RSVP)

Noon–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center

Noon–1 p.m.

Open Office Hours: Third Space Center

Third Space Center

3–4 p.m.

Open Office Hours With the Intercultural Director

Hunter Conservatory, Room 307

4 p.m.

Art & Soul

Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room

4 p.m.

Information Session: How To Become an OP Trip Leader

Reid Campus Center

4:30 p.m.

Community Group for Sitting With Uncertainty

Welty Student Health Center

4:30 p.m.

Epiphany Couch: “Collaborating With Ancestors” (Artist Talk)

Fouts Center for Visual Arts, Room 201

6:30 p.m.

Intent to Prevent with Dr. Kevin Snyder

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

7 p.m.

Working at Amazon: Digital Taylorism and the Fight for Unionization

Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre

7 p.m.

Natural Resources Career Talk with Salmon Biologist Scott Putnam

Maxey Hall, Room 207

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

Produced by the Office of Communications, 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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