Tuesday, December 16, 2025

As Whitman celebrates the 50th anniversary of its beloved Outdoor Program (OP), the college is adding a new Outdoor Recreation Scholarship to its portfolio of merit, talent and passion scholarships. This scholarship recognizes students who have enthusiasm for outdoor skills, leadership and community building and will be awarded to incoming students beginning Fall 2026.

Since it was first established as a student-run program in 1975, the OP has grown significantly to become a vital campus resource and a highly impactful part of the Whitman experience. Close to 100 student leaders are responsible for nearly every aspect of the program, employed each semester to run the Climbing Center; rental shop; Sports Studies, Recreation and Athletics courses; and outdoor trips for all levels of ability ranging from bicycling in the wheat fields and bird watching to whitewater kayaking and ice climbing in the Blue Mountains.

OP Director Brien Sheedy recognizes the importance of these activities in promoting individual and communal health. “OP programs enable students to get away from screens and have meaningful interactions with other students in nature as they work together on an activity,” he says. 

The Outdoor Recreation Scholarship invites students with skills in outdoor activities to share them with fellow students. Whitman recognizes that not all incoming students have had equal access or opportunities to develop skills and experience in outdoor activities prior to coming to Whitman. So students from historically underrepresented backgrounds or who are the first in their families to attend college are strongly encouraged to apply.

Learn more about the new scholarship.

Whitman students are invited to complete The Princeton Review survey to share their unique perspective and experiences about academics, social activities, residence life, food and more. These anonymous insights help guide future college-bound students and will be featured in The Princeton Review’s resources. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card!

Bon Appétit will host a Finals Feast for students on Tuesday, Dec. 16, from 8–9 p.m. in Cleveland Commons. Enjoy some free pancakes with lots of topping options! (Flyer attached.)

Penrose Library hours are adjusted this week, open daily from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. The library will close early on Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. and will be closed through the weekend. 

The Climbing Center hours are adjusted this week, open daily from 5–8 p.m. During the upcoming break, the Climbing Center will be open on Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday, from 4–6 p.m.

The Outdoor Program will host the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour on Wednesday, Jan. 28, at 7 p.m. in Cordiner Hall. Paid tickets will be available starting on Monday, Jan. 12, at the Outdoor Program Rental Shop. Admission will be free at the door for Whitman students, faculty and staff. (Watch the festival trailer.)

On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Outdoor Program hosted a Winter Wonderland day trip to Andies Prairie Sno-Park in the Umatilla National Forest. See more photos on Instagram.

9–11 a.m.
2–4 p.m.

Final Exams

Various Locations

8–9 p.m.

Finals Feast

Cleveland Commons

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

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