Thursday, October 9, 2025

By Andrew Faught

As a high school student in Kailua, Hawaii, Aiden Guenther ’27 learned the importance of starting his investment portfolio at an early age. His parents wanted him to develop an understanding of the financial world.

So when it came time to pick a college, Guenther was looking for more than an excellent education and experience. It was the Whitman Investment Company (WIC) that clinched his decision. The student-run investment club manages roughly $2 million of Whitman College’s endowment fund.

“Seeing that number was a big reason I came to Whitman,” says Guenther, a Computer Science major and double minor in Economics and Finance. “It’s a super cool opportunity, not only to practice things like critical thinking and analysis, but there’s the leadership aspect as well.”

He joined the club in his first year at Whitman. Now, as WIC’s Chief Financial Officer, Guenther is gaining experience developing investment strategies and guiding the club through market complexities for one of the largest student-managed funds, relative to college size, in the country.

Read the full story in the Fall 2025 issue of Whitman Magazine.

The Whitman at the Penitentiary program led by Senior Lecturer of Philosophy and General Studies Mitch Clearfield was recently featured in a Next Avenue article titled “Arts in Prison Programs Benefit Communities and Volunteers.” Next Avenue is a nonprofit digital journalism publication produced by Twin Cities PBS.

As a reminder, classes will not be in session on Thursday, Oct. 9, and Friday, Oct. 10, for October Break. However, most campus offices will still operate on standard hours.

The Bike Shop will have reduced hours:

Reid Campus Center will have reduced hours:

The Whitman College Bookstore will have reduced hours:

Jewett Café and Reid Market will be closed during the break. Reid Market will reopen on Sunday, Oct. 12, at 4 p.m.

Recent alums Oliver Rodriguez Dickson ’25 and Yahir Tzec-Carrasco ’25 will screen their documentary “Roll Modelz” on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. as part of a Car Show & Movie Night hosted by the Washington State Lowriders Car Club that begins at 3 p.m. at the Milton-Freewater Drive-In Theater. Transportation and entry fee will be provided for Whitman students who wish to attend. Please RSVP in advance. (Flyer attached.)

A Hispanic Heritage Month Open House celebration will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 15, from 6–9 p.m. at the Third Space Center. The entire Whitman community is invited to experience the Third Space Center as it is transformed and adorned with the colors, sounds and flavors of Hispanic culture, honoring the rich contributions and diverse traditions of Hispanic and Latinx communities. 

The Friends Rock program—which develops self-confidence and teamwork in local middle and elementary school students through rock climbing and peer mentorship—launched last week with an exploratory trip across Whitman campus. (Photo by @whitman_ccec.)

9 a.m.

Outdoor Program Multi-Day Trip: Backpacking I

North Fork John Day Wilderness

9 a.m.

Outdoor Program Multi-Day Trip: Backpacking II

North Fork John Day Wilderness

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

4–6 p.m.

Free Climb Hours

Climbing Center

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

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.

Find us on social media: @whitmancollege