Our Place in Walla Walla: Feather Sams Huesties ’00
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Feature by: Noah Leavitt, College Liaison for Community Affairs
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Name: Feather Sams Huesties
Class year: 2000
Current job: Regional Development Officer at Business Oregon
Feather and I have been in touch this spring, and because of busy travel schedules, we conversed via email for this interview. Feather’s work keeps her in touch with a huge part of Oregon!
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How are you involved in the Walla Walla Valley and in the community?
I live in northeastern Oregon, about 60 miles away from the Walla Walla community. I remain connected to the community through my work on the Whitman College President’s Advisory Board. This role allows me to engage with the college and the broader Walla Walla Valley, contributing to its growth and success. I am a gatherer with my sister and nieces for various first foods and medicines, and my husband and sons continue to harvest fish and game from these homelands.
What is something you’ve learned about this area that surprised you or that you weren’t expecting?
Walla Walla holds deep historical significance for me because my ancestors made their home in Frenchtown. Frenchtown families are a testament to the blending of cultures that shaped the Pacific Northwest, combining Indigenous, French and American influences into a unique community. One surprising thing I learned while in school was that Walla Walla, just 13 miles from Frenchtown, was once the largest city in the Pacific Northwest and even considered a potential capital of Washington Territory. In the mid-1800s, the area experienced a significant boom due to its strategic location as a trading post during the gold rushes in Idaho and Montana. By 1862, it had become the largest city in the region, surpassing both Seattle and Portland at that time.
Read more.
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Beyond the interview:
Feather Sams Huesties ’00 will be available for questions and further conversation this Wednesday, April 2, at noon in Reid Campus Center, Room 207. The Career and Community Engagement Center will provide lunch for the first 10 students in attendance. Questions or ideas or accommodation requests? Email Noah Leavitt at leavitns@whitman.edu.
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Staff Employment Opportunities
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Whitman College is currently hiring for the following staff positions:
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ASWC Election Campaigning Begins Today
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The Associated Students of Whitman College (ASWC) are holding general elections for 2025–2026. Candidates for elected positions begin campaigning today and will continue through Friday, April 25. Positions include the ASWC President and chairs of the following committees: Student Development; Communications; Nominations and Appointments; Finance; Sustainability; and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. More information about ASWC and the election schedule is available at goaswc.org.
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Math Department Film Screening Tonight
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The Mathematics and Statistics Department, in collaboration with several community partners, will host a free screening of “Counting Out” on Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. in Maxey Auditorium. This award-winning documentary explores the role of math in modern society and examines how critical numeric literacy is to social and economic power. (Watch the trailer.)
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Free Commencement Caps & Gowns Available
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Graduating seniors are invited to choose from Whitman’s free supply of recycled caps and gowns. These items (first come, first served, while supplies last) can be picked up this week between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. in the Technology Services Building. Students who choose recycled caps and gowns must purchase their tassels at the campus bookstore. New caps and gowns may also be purchased online.
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Inclusive Excellence Awards Banquet Thursday
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The third annual Inclusive Excellence Awards Banquet will take place on Thursday, April 3, at noon in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Lunch will be provided (RSVP). Come celebrate the students, staff and faculty who have made meaningful and significant contributions to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism and belonging at Whitman. (Flyer attached.)
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Volunteer for Spring Into Whitman Days
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The Office of Admission is looking for volunteers for two upcoming Spring Into Whitman Days for admitted students taking place on Saturday, April 5, and Saturday, April 26. Please sign up in advance.
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During her first visit to Whitman's campus in March, Christiane Magnido, Director of the Middlebury School in Cameroon (third from left), reunited with the first Whitties to study on the Cameroon program—(from left) Claudia Ndjeh ’27, a Cameroonian international student; Madeline Senter ’25, a French and Francophone Studies and Gender Studies double major; and Owen Gaul ’25, a Geology+French major. More information about this Off-Campus Studies partner program is available online.
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Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room
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Virtual Event (watch party for students in the Third Space Center)
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Multipurpose Gym
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Reid Campus Center, Lower Level
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On-Campus Housing Week Open House
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Prentiss Hall, Great Hall
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On-Campus Housing Week Open House
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Stanton Hall, Main Lounge
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Reid Campus Center, Room G02
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom (RSVP)
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Reid Campus Center, Lower Level
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Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room
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Reid Campus Center, Queer Resource Center
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Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre
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On-Campus Housing Week Open House
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Douglas Hall, Main Lounge
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Reid Campus Center, All Faiths Room
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On-Campus Housing Week Open House
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College House, Main Lounge
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Reid Campus Center, Room 207
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Welty Student Health Center
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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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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