Monday, December 23, 2024

The annual Pete and Hedda Reid Award recognizes a Whitman faculty or staff member for their exceptional volunteer work within the community. This year, the award was given to Development Officer Susan Prudente. 

Prudente is recognized for demonstrating a deep commitment to uplifting and empowering others through various leadership and service roles, with a particular focus on supporting local youth. In 2007, she co-founded YoungLives, an outreach program designed to support teen mothers and their children. For most of the past two decades, Susan has served as a Walla Walla Public School Volunteer. In 2018, she co-chaired the Walla Walla Citizens for Schools BOND Committee, which resulted in a historic $65.6 million bond measure for school renovations. She has worked with the Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction Selection Committee, participated in career panels aimed at inspiring young students, and worked as an emergency substitute teacher.

This year, the award was given in memory of Professor of Astronomy Katherine Bracher, who taught at Whitman College for 31 years.

Whitman College is currently hiring for the following staff positions:

Baker Ferguson Fitness Center will be open on Monday, Dec. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3:30–7:30 p.m., and will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24, to Wednesday, Jan. 1. Sherwood Athletic Center is closed through Sunday, Jan. 5.

The Health Center and Counseling Center will be closed for routine appointments during the winter break. Health Center staff compiled a list of physical, mental health and food security resources that will continue to be available. 

Community Learning Days provide Whitman faculty and staff with access to essential information and valuable learning opportunities prior to the start of each semester. Join us for “Embracing Neurodiversity: Unpacking Neurotypical Privilege and Unlocking Neurodiverse Superpowers” on Wednesday, Jan. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon in the lower level of Reid Campus Center. The session will be led by Mia Love, founder of the Real Freedom With Love coaching firm. Please RSVP in advance.

The current exhibit at Stevens Gallery in Reid Campus Center is “AFRO-Authorship: Contextualizing Culture Through Familial Narrative,” featuring art by Robin North, Faculty Photography Fellow, and Deshun Peoples, Assistant Professor of Art. The exhibit will be on display through February.

The Whitman College calendar is quiet during the break. If you are looking for something to do in the community, explore the Visit Walla Walla calendar of events.

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

Produced by the Office of Communications, Whitman Today is emailed to Whitman College staff, faculty and students twice a week. An archive of previous issues is available online.

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