A newsletter for alumni & friends
Whitman College
Whittie News

A newsletter for alumni & friends • April 2026

In this issue: Learn about the transformative renovations coming to Prentiss Hall and how the new Summer in Seattle program will connect students with urban internships. Tune in to both Men’s and Women’s Tennis as they compete for a NWC championship and share how you can shape the next generation of innovators as a mentor for Human-Centered Design.

LATEST NEWS

The north-facing exterior of Prentiss Hall with a wing on each side

Alum’s Gift To Improve Accessibility of Prentiss Hall & Whitman Sororities

A generous gift from Matt Osborne ’93 will help fund accessibility updates at Prentiss Hall, including exterior ramps, powered chair lifts, and architectural and structural adjustments to make sorority chapter rooms accessible to students with disabilities.

Read The Story
 
From left: Nancy Mitchell, Riley Cooper, Pat Keef, Ella Shigo and Jackson Garrison smile with arms around each other at the Baker Ferguson Fitness Center

Linked for Life: How Three Whitman Students Saved a Beloved Professor

When Professor Emeritus Pat Keef collapsed at Whitman College’s fitness center, three students sprang into action. Their quick response and CPR training saved his life. Now, they are advocating for accessible medical training on campus to ensure that others are ready to respond when every second matters.

Iconic sign above Pike Place Market reading

Whitman College Launches Summer in Seattle Program

Whitman’s new Summer in Seattle program will enhance students’ Seattle internships with a host of immersive learning opportunities like workshops, speakers, networking events, grad school visits and more. 

Lisa Curtis (front row, center) poses for a selfie with harvesters and their children in Zimbabwe

Good Food & Good Business: Lessons in Changemaking From a Peace Corps ‘40 Under 40’

Entrepreneur and Whitman College alum Lisa Curtis ’10 built a successful superfood business that prioritizes social and environmental impact. She shares what it takes to create a business that drives both profit and social change.

Upward Together Campaign
Marlyne Nitunga outside Reid Campus Center

Upward Pathway: Marlyne Nitunga ’25

Marlyne Nitunga ’25 used the transformative access, guidance and encouragement she found at Whitman College to launch a competitive career in the finance industry after graduation. And she’s already finding ways to open doors for other students with big dreams. See her path.

Tom and Alaina wearing sunglasses with vineyards in the background

Fifty Under 50: Tom Armel ’01 & Alaina Armel

Tom Armel ’01 and Alaina Armel are dedicated to expanding access to Whitman’s transformative education. The new Armel Family Biomedical Science Scholarship Endowment extends their long history of philanthropy to include a merit-based scholarship for high-achieving students in the sciences. Read more.

Dual Tennis NWC Titles Clinched

Both men's and women's tennis teams secured Northwest Conference titles this season. The Northwest Conference Championships will be hosted on Whitman's home courts from Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19. See details.

Men's and women's golf are nearing competition for NWC honors this weekend in Oregon before the conclusion of their season. Follow along. 

Seeking Mentors for Human Centered Design (HCD)

HCD now seeks Visiting Mentors for 2026-27. This paid role is a design professional or HCD practitioner who will guide HCD stakeholders—especially students—in on-site and virtual collaborative sessions throughout the academic year.

Apply. See full job description for more information. Application review will begin on June 10.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Upcoming Events

Walla Walla | April 24-25 | Varsity Volleyball 50th Anniversary Reunion

This milestone celebration will be an unforgettable weekend of volleyball, camaraderie and nostalgia, as we gather to honor the rich history and accomplishments of Whitman Volleyball. 

Portland | May 9 | Discovery Day: Whitman x OMSI

Join Whitman alumni, parents and friends for a fun morning of science and exploration at OMSI followed by a lunch outdoors in their courtyard.

Walla Walla | May 29-31 | Whitman Cycling & Wine

Spend three days exploring Walla Walla’s rolling hills on bicycle among vineyards, orchards and wheatfields while sampling some of the best wines the Walla Walla Valley has to offer. All bikes are welcome! 

More Event Details

Other Announcements

Send a Message to Retiring Faculty

  • A handful of faculty members are retiring after the 2025-2026 academic year. Send them a message to let them know the impact they had on you! 
  • Janis Be (Hispanic Studies), Heidi Dobson (Biology), Russ Gordon (Mathematics), Amy Molitor (Environmental Studies), Skip Molitor (Men's Basketball, Women's Golf & Men's Golf), Jim Russo (Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology), Pat Spencer (Geology)
  • Deadline to submit: May 15, 2026. Messages will be distributed later in May. 
 

Whitman's 140th Commencement Information

  • Whitman College will celebrate its 140th commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 24, 2026. 
  • The Class of 2026 will take the stage to celebrate their accomplishments and officially join the Alumni Association. Visit the commencement website for more information. 
  • Livestream video will be available.
 

Conducting Young Voices: One Music Major’s Unique Experience With the Whitman College Youth Choir

Through her independent study in choral conducting, Millie Atack ’26 turns classroom learning into real-world practice each week. 

Play  

The Music (Vocal Performance) major from Seattle, is learning how to bring music to life as a youth assistant for the Whitman College Youth Choir, conducted by Assistant Professor of Music Laney Armstrong. 

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