Wednesday, April 15, 2026

A $500,000 gift commitment from Whitman College alum Matt Osborne ’93, together with $250,000 in matching funds authorized by the Board of Trustees, will fund much-needed renovations to make the century-old Prentiss Hall more accessible to its residents, sorority members and campus guests.

“We are deeply grateful to Matt for his continued generosity,” says President Sarah Bolton. “Students living on Whitman’s campus will benefit from this gift now and for many years to come.”

Built in 1926, Prentiss Hall houses close to 150 women-identifying and gender nonbinary students and is home to Whitman’s four sororities: Alpha Phi, Delta Gamma, Kappa Alpha Theta and Kappa Kappa Gamma. Due to the building’s age, Prentiss Hall includes many two- and three-step landings in stairwells, 90-degree turns and low ceilings. None of the sorority chapter rooms currently meet the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“Whitman College is committed to providing inclusive, accessible access to each chapter room and has prioritized accessibility improvements across campus,” says Tony Ichsan, Assistant Vice President for Facilities Services.

The planned renovations in Prentiss Hall will include the installation of exterior ramps and powered chair lifts, architectural and structural adjustments, and relocation of some existing electrical systems and power connections. The project is expected to begin this summer with the goal of being completed before students return in the fall.

Read more.

Both of the Whitman tennis teams have won the Northwest Conference (NWC) regular season title—the fourth consecutive win for the women’s team, and the second consecutive win for the men’s team. The Blues will host the upcoming conference tournament at home this weekend. Visit whitmanblues.com for details.

The 2026–2027 general election for the Associated Students of Whitman College (ASWC) takes place this week. Voting continues through Thursday, April 16. For more information, visit goaswc.org. (Flyer attached.)

The next talk in the Transforming Classics series will take place on Thursday, April 16, at 5:30 p.m. in Hunter Conservatory’s Kimball Theatre. Meghan Henning, a professor at the University of Dayton, will lecture from her book, “Hell Hath No Fury: Gender, Disability and the Invention of Damned Bodies in Early Christian Literature” (Yale University Press, 2021). This event is supported by the Judd D. Kimball Lectureship Endowment in the Classics.

Students are invited to explore course offerings for Fall 2026 at the Pre-Registration Fair on Friday, April 17, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. outside of Cleveland Commons. More than 20 departments and programs will be represented. Have questions or accessibility needs? Email Mary Raschko at raschkml@whitman.edu.

Are you graduating in May? The Class of 2026 is seeking design submissions for the official class banner that will be displayed at commencement. The selected design will also win $75. Review the design specifications and email your submission to Kathia Jimenez at jimenezk@whitman.edu by Friday, April 17. 

Tri-College Community Day is a day of service and connection where Whitman College collaborates with Walla Walla University and Walla Walla Community College to participate in various service projects around town. This year, the annual event takes place on Sunday, April 19, from noon–4 p.m., beginning and ending at Fort Walla Walla Park. A free lunch will be provided to volunteers who sign up in advance. (Flyer attached.)

Earlier this month, Whitman Sociology students presented their research projects at the Pacific Sociological Association Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. Pictured (from left): Erin Grossman ’26, Maria Yunis ’26, Allie Fallis ’26, Assistant Professor of Sociology Chris Wakefield, Alex Ochoa ’26, Mya Snyder ’26, Eleanor D’Ambrosia ’26 and Tessa Schwartz ’26. 

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Power Pump

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114

4–5 p.m.

Salary Negotiation Workshop

Cleveland Commons, Lizzie Murr Dining Room

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Zfit

Reid Side Lawn or Sherwood 114

7–8:30 p.m.

Breaking Boxes: Using the Imagination To Shatter Injustice

Olin Auditorium

8–10 p.m.

Adaptive Kayaking & Open Kayak

Harvey Pool

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.

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