In this issue: A new Neuroscience endowment; your Whittie holiday gift guide; Alumni Board nominations are open; Network at Whitties Helping Whitties; and save the date for Exploring Immersive Learning events in D.C. and NYC.

Dan Hoch ’75 and Jane Erb grew up in inquisitive families—the inspiration behind their new endowment to support student-faculty neuroscience research in Whitman College’s Brain, Behavior and Cognition program.

Discover unique holiday gift ideas crafted by Whitman College alumni. This curated guide highlights alumni-owned small businesses, artists, authors and makers from across the country—offering thoughtful, one-of-a-kind gifts for any season.

Each summer, Whitman College students trade the Blue Mountains for the Seattle skyline—and some of the most dynamic workplaces in the Pacific Northwest. We caught up with five Whitties who spent their summer doing groundbreaking research, advocating for marginalized communities and exploring an eclectic art collection.

Gifts to The Whitman Fund keep the programs, people, and experiences that define Whitman thriving every day—from student-faculty research and career development to outdoor learning, travel opportunities, and immersive programs like Semester in the West. These are the moments that shape who students become.

As you consider your end-of-year giving, we hope you’ll think of Whitman and help keep that spark alive for today’s students. Make your gift.

Whitman gave Chloe Young ’22 a close network of friends and mentors, as well as a lasting commitment to service that continues to guide her as she has pursued multiple master’s degrees in international law and now attends law school in Seattle. See her path.

Through 22 years of giving, Marissa Sprank Braff ’00 and Andy Braff ’00 have propelled Upward Together’s priorities of Access and Affordability and a Vibrant Campus Community. Read more.

The winter athletics season is well underway for the Blues. As pre-season matchups come to a close, teams begin to prep for conference play to begin. 

Basketball - January 2, 2026 vs Pacific

Swimming - January 16, 2026 at Willamette

Watch all events live, track stats and preview the entire schedule on the Whitman Athletics website. 

Upcoming Events

Registration is now live for Whitman's flagship Whitties Helping Whitties events in Bellevue, Seattle, Portland and the Bay Area. Network with alumni, students, and parents to connect, hire exceptional talent or learn more about various fields of expertise.

Washington, D.C. - Wednesday, February 4, 2026

New York City - Thursday, February 5, 2026

Gather with alumni, families, and friends for an opportunity to hear more about the bold ways that Whitman College is deepening its commitment to immersive and transformative experiences for every student. Registration details coming soon.

The Whitman College community celebrated the opening of Nancy Serrurier Village—marking years of collaboration and donor support to create a vibrant, community-centered living experience for juniors and seniors

Years in the making. From early design concepts to the final touches on sustainability features and shared community spaces, the village project reflects years of collaboration, creativity and care. 

345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA