Whitman Today
 

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Vital Quartet: Lecture-Recital Tomorrow

Black-and-white photo of four members of a string quartet performing on stage

The Music Department will co-present “A Vital Conversation: Music for String Quartet by Black American Composers” on Wednesday, March 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the Hall of Music’s Chism Recital Hall. (Flyer attached.)

This intimate lecture-recital will feature the Vital Quartet in a preview of their upcoming performance on Thursday, March 12, as part of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival. 

The ensemble will open with a movement from works featured in their upcoming House of Smith performance. They will then share insights into the process of preparing music by Black American composers, many of which have limited performance history and few scholarly editions to guide interpretation.

The event will conclude with a second live performance, offering audiences a deeper appreciation of both the music and the work behind bringing these important compositions to the stage.

This free event is open to the public and is co-presented by the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival, the Whitman College Music Department and the J. Walter and Katherine H. Weingart Chamber Music Endowment.

Noteworthy

Physics Professor To Deliver Opening Speech at International Conference

Next week, Andrés Aragoneses, the Benjamin Brown Associate Professor of Physics, will deliver the opening speech at the 15th edition of the international conference New Perspectives in Science Education. He will talk about “Innovation in Science Education and the Role of Educators in Society.” He will also be sharing his experience in a session titled “Learning Physics Through Communication: The Impact of Science Communication Assignments on Student Learning.” The conference will take place in Florence, Italy, March 18–20.

Submit a Noteworthy Announcement

Announcements

Title IX Training Today

All faculty and staff are invited to attend a Title IX training session on Tuesday, March 10, from 4–5 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. Interim Title IX Coordinator Lori Makin-Byrd will lead the training which is designed to help us all understand the Title IX policy and our shared responsibility as mandatory reporters. Virtual attendance is also available.

 

Native American First Harvest & Hunting Stories on Thursday

The ENGL-245 Native American Literatures class will host guest speakers from the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation to share first harvest and hunting stories on Thursday, March 12, from 7–9 p.m. in Olin 129. Students in the class will have priority seating, but the event is open to the campus community.

 

Lavender Graduation Announced

LGBTQIA+ Student Services invites all 2026 graduates, guests and campus community members to attend our annual Lavender Graduation on Friday, May 8, 4–6 p.m. Lavender Graduations are held at colleges across the country to celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of queer and trans campus community members. Graduates who participate will receive a lavender stole and a certificate. A reception will follow the ceremony. Advance registration is required for both graduates and guests. (Flyer attached.)

Photo Finish

Students at a long table with crafts and stretchy slime.

See photos from last week’s Wellness Night—a collaboration between the Whitman College Psychology Society, The Hidden Opponent and The Coloring Cascade.

Happening Today

 

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

3–4 p.m.

Information Session: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Olin Hall, Room 129

4–5 p.m.

Title IX Training for Faculty & Staff

Olin Auditorium

4–6 p.m.

Whitman Arts Club: Keychain Making Event

Reid Campus Center, Coffeehouse

5–7 p.m.

Climbing Basics Clinic

Climbing Center

6 p.m.

Public Mischief Collective: “Mischief”

Harper Joy Theatre, Lobby (RSVP)

6–7 p.m.

Dracula Club: Vampire Hide & Seek

Cordiner Hall

7–8 p.m.

Don’t Eat the Wheat Club Meeting

Maxey Hall, Room 104

7–9 p.m.

Tabletop Games Club: Blind Date With a Game

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

9–10 p.m.

Femme + Nonbinary Climb Night

Climbing Center

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.

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