Thursday, January 22, 2026
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Whittie Documentary Explores Scientific Naming
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In the early Eocene Epoch, in what is now known as the Green River Formation of southwestern Wyoming, a short, steep, sediment-filled river flowed into an enormous salt lake, spreading out like a muddy fan as it reached the shore.
About 55 million years later, Ethan Parrish ’14, who was earning his doctoral degree in Geoscience at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, uncovered the first geologic evidence of the river.
Because he made the discovery, he got to choose the river’s name.
Parrish’s decision to honor the area’s Indigenous roots was influenced by rivers of experience that led him to this moment, including thought-provoking liberal arts classes he took at Whitman College. But his initial naming efforts were met with some resistance, an experience that left him looking for a better model for how scientists can collaborate with Indigenous communities.
A year later, that quest led Parrish to a surprising opportunity—one that would inspire this geologist to become a documentary filmmaker.
Read more.
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This week, as the semester begins, we are sharing information related to the ongoing national discussions and policies related to immigration and citizenship. (For more information, refer to the email from President Sarah Bolton sent to campus in October.)
Both campus policy and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) protect the privacy of personal information for Whitman College students and employees. The college will not share personal information about students or employees with external parties, including immigration officials, unless they are required to do so by a valid judicial warrant or subpoena.
If anyone asks you for personal information about a student or colleague, do not provide it. Instead, direct them to Chief of Staff Maggie Eaheart or Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Security Greg Powell.
More information about the kinds of information that are protected by FERPA is available on our website.
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Please note that Printing Services in Boyer House is closed today. Students will not be able to pick up printed course packets until we reopen.
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Opt In for Electronic Delivery of 2025 Tax Forms
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As you prepare to file your 2025 taxes, please remember that Whitman offers electronic delivery of the W-2, 1095-C and 1098 tax forms for employees and students. To confirm whether you have opted in to electronic delivery or to opt in for the first time, log in to my.whitman.edu and look for links to each of the tax forms—which will be available by Saturday, Jan. 31.
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Spring Break Shuttle Tickets Sale Announced
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Tickets for the spring break shuttle service between campus and the Seattle, Portland and Pasco airports go on sale on Monday, Feb. 2, at noon. Tickets to Portland and Seattle are $140 round trip. Tickets to Pasco are $25 each way. Nonrefundable tickets must be purchased in person in Reid 202. Payment is accepted by student Whitman ID only—no cash, cards or checks. Shuttles to all three cities will leave on Friday, March 13, and a second shuttle to Pasco will leave on Saturday, March 14. Shuttles return on Sunday, March 29.
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David Guterson Book Event Next Week
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Bestselling writer David Guterson, author of “Snow Falling on Cedars” and 11 other books, will read from and discuss his latest novel, “Evelyn in Transit,” on Friday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
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Just prior to the start of the semester, both Whitman swim teams spent a week training in San Diego. (See more photos on Instagram.) Whitman swimmers will compete in Walla Walla this weekend on Friday and Saturday.
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Cleveland Commons, Lizzie Murr Dining Room
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Hall of Science, Room 100
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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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Find us on social media: @whitmancollege
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