Whitman Today
 

Monday, April 13, 2026

Behind the Scenes of Whitman’s Ski Teams

By Quinn Skinner ’29

A group of cross-country skiers at the start of a race

If you’ve followed the Winter Olympics, you might have caught some ski racing in between the figure skating competitions and curling matches. While you may not look like Johannes Klæbo or Mikaela Shiffrin flying down the course, you would fit right in on one—or both—of Whitman College’s club ski teams. 

Skiing is a constant in my life. Growing up in Steamboat Springs, Colorado—also known as “Ski Town, U.S.A.”—meant that having a college ski club or team was a requirement for me. Spending a day out on the snow is one of my life’s greatest pleasures. It allows me to disconnect from reality for a bit and immerse myself in nature. It’s been something that I have a deep and profound love for because of what it’s given to me, whether it’s friends, memories or just brightening up my day.

At Whitman, our ski teams spend many winter weekends in the mountains during the first few months of the spring semester. But the truth is, skiers are made during the offseason. While the highlights may happen on the snow, many of the best memories come from dry-land training, road trips and evenings at the hotel after long days on the mountain.

One of the best things about Whitman’s ski teams is that they’re open to everyone. No matter your skill level or experience, there’s a place for you.

Read more.

National Student Employment Week

In recognition of National Student Employment Week, the Office of Human Resources would like to take a moment to acknowledge the important role student employees play at Whitman.

Student employees contribute in so many ways that make a real difference across campus every day. Their hard work and meaningful contributions help our departments function smoothly and support the broader work of the college. Beyond the tasks they complete, student employees bring tremendous insight, perspective and enthusiasm that strengthen our departments.

The Office of Human Resources is incredibly grateful for the dedication our student employees show throughout the year, and National Student Employment Week gives us an opportunity to say thank you.

Your work matters, and we truly appreciate everything you do!

Announcements

Glass Recycling Expands on Campus

Students, did you know that you can recycle glass on campus? During spring break the program expanded to Anderson, Jewett, Prentiss, Robart and Stanton Halls; Beta Theta Pi; Sigma Chi; and the Community Service House. Place your clean and empty glass containers (food, beverage, cosmetic) in the provided receptacles. Questions? Email Cedar Tatarek ’28 at tatarekc@whitman.edu.

 

Whitman Undergraduate Conference Tomorrow

The 28th annual Whitman Undergraduate Conference—a celebration of the scholarship, critical thinking, self-driven exploration and creativity of Whitman students—will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classes will be canceled to accommodate this annual event that highlights student creativity and student-faculty research. More information, including the full schedule of presentations and posters, is available on the Whitman Undergraduate Conference webpage.

 

Foreign Born Faculty & Staff ERG Meets Thursday

The Foreign Born Faculty and Staff Employee Resource Group (ERG) aims to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for immigrant and international employees at Whitman. If you are interested learning more, please stop by their next gathering on Thursday, April 16, from 3:30–5 p.m. at Pine Cone Creamery in downtown Walla Walla. If you are interested in joining the ERG, please fill out this interest form.

 

Register Now for the Sweet Onion Crank

The 2026 Sweet Onion Crank will take place on Sunday, April 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Climbing Center. This annual bouldering competition, consisting of three heats and a final, is open to all climbing abilities. Register to participate on Compass. (Flyer attached.)

Photo Finish

Jordan Tillman and Ashley Sontay Tzun examining a patch of lawn

Students in Evolution, Ecology, and Diversity (BIOL-101) take part in a long-term scientific study, comparing the relative abundance of clover in plots of lawn that have been treated with nitrogen fertilizer or not. Pictured: Jordan Tillman ’29 (left) and Ashley Sontay Tzun ’29 (right).

Happening This Week

 

Monday

9 a.m.

Whitman Men’s Golf at Wildcat Invitational (Day 2)

Away

Noon–12:50 p.m.

Religion & Lunch

Olin Hall, Room 229

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Information Session: Public Health Concentration 

Glover Alston Intercultural Center (flyer)

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Pilates

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114

4–5 p.m.

Information Session: Teach English (in the U.S. & Abroad)

Olin Hall, Room 129

4–5 p.m.

Under the Hood: The Math, the Magic & the Messy Reality of Large Language Models

Olin Hall, Room 157

4:30–5:30 p.m.

Zfit

Reid Side Lawn or Sherwood 114

6–7 p.m.

Study Abroad First Steps Meeting

Olin Hall, Room 119

7–8:30 p.m.

Virginia Faulkner & the Importance of Recovery Publishing

Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre

8–10 p.m.

Open Kayak

Harvey Pool

Tuesday (No Classes)

8:30–11 a.m.

Pre-Veterinary Club: Dog Jog Fundraising Event

Ankeny Field

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Whitman Undergraduate Conference

Various Locations

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

5–7 p.m.

Route Setting Clinic

Climbing Center

6–8 p.m.

Cultural Cafe

Harvey Hall, Main Lounge

7–8 p.m.

Don’t Eat the Wheat Club Meeting

Maxey Hall, Room 104

7–8:15 p.m.

Hold Fast to Dreams: The Poetry of Langston Hughes

Olin Hall, Room 129

9–10 p.m.

Femme + Nonbinary Climb Night

Climbing Center

Wednesday

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

Thursday

12:30–1:10 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Yoga

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114

3:30–5 p.m.

Foreign Born Faculty & Staff ERG Meeting

Pine Cone Creamery

4–5 p.m.

Information Session: Whitman Internship Grants

Reid Campus Center, Room G02

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Food Justice Project: Meal Service

Christian Aid Center

5:30 p.m.

Transforming Classics Series: “Hell Hath No Fury”

Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre

5:30–7:30 p.m.

Veracruz in Dance, Music & Cinema

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

6–7 p.m.

Study Abroad First Steps Meeting

Maxey Hall, Room 119

7–8:30 p.m.

Community-Accountable Archaeology as a Part of Regenerative Praxis

Maxey Hall, Room 207

7:30–8:30 p.m.

Sunset Meditation & Yoga

Spirituality House

Friday

11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.

Fall 2026 Pre-Registration Fair

Cleveland Commons, Patio

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Whitman’s Board of Trustees: Who Are They & What Do They Do?

Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Strength & Stretch

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114

1–2 p.m.

Counseling Group: Moving Forward With Social Anxiety

Welty Health and Counseling Center

4 p.m.

Fridays @ 4 Concert Series: Faculty Chamber Music Concert

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

4–5 p.m.

Counseling Group: The Power of Purpose

Welty Health and Counseling Center, Wellnest

6–7:30 p.m.

Choreographing Mexico: Festive Performances & Dancing Histories of a Nation

Olin Hall, Room 129

7 p.m.

Senior Recital: Katherine Pearson (Cello)

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

Saturday

TBD

Whitman Men’s Tennis at Northwest Conference Semifinal

TBD

TBD

Whitman Women’s Tennis at Northwest Conference Semifinal

TBD

8 a.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Ancient Lakes Backpacking

Ancient Lakes

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Sandbox Exploring With Bob Carson

Juniper Dunes

Noon and 3 p.m.

Whitman Baseball at Linfield University

Away

1 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Lacrosse at Willamette University

Away

1–4 p.m.

Whitman Events Board: Field Day

Ankeny Field

4–5 p.m.

Whitman Ethics Bowl General Meeting

Olin Hall, Room 129

4–6 p.m.

Outhouse Unplugged

Outdoor Amphitheatre

4:30–6:30 p.m.

Food Justice Project: Meal Service

Christian Aid Center

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Taste of Africa

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

Sunday

TBD

Whitman Men’s Golf at Northwest Conference Championship (Day 1)

Away

TBD

Whitman Women’s Golf at Northwest Conference Championship (Day 1)

Away

TBD

Whitman Men’s Tennis at Northwest Conference Final

TBD

TBD

Whitman Women’s Tennis at Northwest Conference Final

TBD

Noon

Whitman Baseball at Linfield University

Away

Noon–4 p.m.

Tri-College Community Day

Fort Walla Walla Park, Rotary Shelter

1–4 p.m.

Whitman Women’s Lacrosse at Lewis & Clark College

Away

3 p.m.

Senior Recital: Millie Atack (Voice)

Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall

Whitman Events Calendar

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.

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