A Love Letter to Belonging at Whitman
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When I first stepped onto Whitman’s campus, I felt extreme excitement and nerve-racking anxiety, the kind where you’re smiling but also internally screaming. And honestly? Every second since then, I’ve returned to the same question: What story do I want to tell of my time at Whitman?
For a very long time, I really wanted to build a place in the universe where everyone belonged. Not just the “you can sit with us” kind of belonging, but the deep, soul-level feeling of home. At Whitman, we all become a reflection of hope and home for our friends and classmates. Sometimes this means holding a smile for a stranger crossing campus or meaningfully watching the ducks by Lakum Duckum. Sometimes it means attempting to have coffee with what feels like everyone on campus or writing poetry that celebrates the collective humility of this place.
Because here’s what I’ve learned: Stories have this beautiful, almost magical way of mending cracks and building bridges across differences and emotions within our own little galaxies. My story at Whitman has been one of building community, not just any community, but one with the deep intention of making Whitman feel like home for as many people as possible.
Whitman values diversity, and everyone on campus does their part to make sure we all feel like we belong here. I’ve been incredibly lucky to make friends and meet mentors at Whitman who encourage me to dream bigger and who fuel the courage to build something new.
Read the full Student Voices blog post.
Deo Rubangakene is a Davis United World College Scholar from Gulu, Uganda. He was recently elected President of the Associated Students of Whitman College for the 2026–2027 academic year.
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Whitman Receives Grant To Hire Geology Professor
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Whitman has received a research start-up grant from the M.J. Murdock Trust to support the hiring of a tenure-track faculty member in Geology. The grant will contribute to the start-up expenses of structural geologist Gui Aksit, who will begin her position as an Assistant Professor of Geology in the fall, helping to equip her lab for research with students. The Murdock Trust’s review panel was particularly impressed by “the clear potential for a new hire to establish a productive and sustainable research program” and praised “the research environment and support structures” offered to faculty at Whitman.
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Spirituali-Tea Time Today
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The Spirituality House and the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life will co-host Spirituali-Tea Time on Monday, April 27, from 5:30–7 p.m. at the outdoor amphitheatre. Enjoy tea and other beverages, and participate in an open conversation about faith, religion and spirituality. (Flyer attached.)
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This week, the Office of Native American Outreach will host a series of events leading up to the third annual Pášx̣apa Powwow on Saturday.
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All events are free and open to the public.
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Nominate a Staff Member for the Janice Abraham Award
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Each year, Whitman College recognizes staff members with the Janice Abraham Award, celebrating staff who have gone above and beyond job expectations in providing outstanding service to our campus community. Nominations will be accepted through Friday, May 1. Visit the Janice Abraham Award webpage to view previous award winners.
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It’s official. We are just four weeks away from commencement! Wishing all of our seniors a strong finish as they reach this important milestone.
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Olin Hall, Room 233 (RSVP)
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Reid Side Lawn or Sherwood 114
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Reid Campus Center, Coffeehouse
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Reid Side Lawn or Sherwood 114
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Exhibition Opening Reception: “Against Fascist Fools”
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Olin Hall, Breezeway by Sheehan Gallery
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Pre-Powwow Presentation: “Why We Dance”
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Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre
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Pre-Powwow Presentation: Tipi Raising Demonstration
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Reid Campus Center, Lower Level
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Whitman Students Reading Poems
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Hunter Conservatory, Kimball Theatre
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Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom and Side Lawn
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Borleske Stadium, Edwards-Moore Clubhouse
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Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 114
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Welty Health and Counseling Center
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Sculpture Dedication Ceremony
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Between Stanton and Anderson Halls
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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Pre-Powwow Presentation: Etiquette
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Welty Health and Counseling Center, Wellnest
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Reid Campus Center, Side Lawn
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Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre
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Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre
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Tekisuijuku (Japanese House)
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Harper Joy Theatre, Freimann Studio Theatre
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Hall of Music, Chism Recital Hall
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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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