Tuesday, December 2, 2025

Semester in the West has returned from 14 weeks of field studies in the Western United States. From northern Washington state to the U.S.-Mexico border, the group traveled nearly 7,000 miles and made camp at 25 locations.

Semester in the West students engaged with a host of community partners to tackle many environmental issues of the American West, including water use in arid regions, forestry, environmentalism and endangered species, industrial agriculture, ranching, permaculture and more.

Please join us today and tomorrow for “Western Relations” presentations to hear more about these complex issues and the stories that weave them together. (Flyer attached.)

Presentations will take place in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. A reception will follow at a student-created art exhibition in the Fouts Center for Visual Arts. 

Visit the Semester in the West website and Instagram account to see more photos, read blog posts and learn more about where they traveled.

Leading the Blues women’s soccer team in an impressive collection of Northwest Conference honors, Kiki Glorioso ’27 was named Defensive Player of the Year and also named to the 2025 All-Northwest Conference Women’s Soccer First Team. Leah Barnes ’27, Ellie Cortes-Muniz ’26 and Emoree Lash ’27 were named to the Second Team, and Kat Sand ’27 was named to the Third Team. 

As a reminder, the Whitman College Food Pantry and Clothing Closet is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Glover Alston Intercultural Center. (Flyer attached.)

President Sarah Bolton will hold open office hours on Tuesday, Dec. 2, from 12:30–1:30 p.m. in Memorial Building, Room 304. Throughout the semester, students can drop by these sessions to share their thoughts or just to chat.

The Career and Community Engagement Center is participating in the Walla Walla Family Gift Drive to provide presents and gift cards for local families who would benefit from some extra support during the holiday season. The deadline to sign up to participate has been extended to Friday, Dec. 5. Gifts should be purchased and delivered to the Reid Ballroom on Friday, Dec. 12, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Interested? Email communityprojects@whitman.edu to learn more. (Flyer attached.)

The Tabletop Games Club will host a Wintertime Gaming Session on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 7–9 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center coffeehouse. This casual event is open to all. Refreshments will be provided.

Last week, Semester in the West students spent their final week away from Walla Walla at Johnston Wilderness Campus. A Thanksgiving gathering of students, faculty and family included a “Turkey Trot” race in the morning (pictured) followed by a spread of food showcasing the Thanksgiving traditions of the many families coming together. See more photos on Instagram.

11 a.m. to noon

Open Office Hours: Staff Advisory Council

Cleveland Commons, Lizzie Murr Dining Room

Noon–1 p.m.

Information Session: Whitman Chemistry Research

Hall of Science, Room 159

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: MELT

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

12:30–1:30 p.m.

President Bolton’s Open Office Hours for Students

Memorial Building, Room 304

4–6 p.m.

Semester in the West: Western Relations

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom (livestream)

6–7 p.m.

Dracula Club: Presentation Night

Olin Hall, Room 129

7 p.m.

Ellen McLaughlin: “Penelope”

Harper Joy Theatre, Alexander Stage

7–9 p.m.

Backcountry Club Film Night

Olin Auditorium

7–9 p.m.

Walla Walla Symphony Series: Strings of Passion

Cordiner Hall [community event]

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

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