Thursday, July 18, 2024

You may have seen the exciting news—Whitman College recently announced the largest planned bequest in the college’s history—a $10.5 million unrestricted commitment from a loyal alum and their spouse, who have chosen to remain anonymous.

You can read more about this amazing gift, which brings the Upward Together campaign to more than 90% of its $200 million goal!

Gifts of this magnitude don’t happen overnight. The entire community helps make them possible over many years of engagement with our dedicated alumni.

To put it in perspective, this longtime donor made their first donation of $60 to the college in 1971. Since then, they attended three alumni reunion events, went on two Whitman trips and maintained friendships with former Whitman classmates. They first mentioned an intent to include Whitman in their estate planning in 2008. They also met individually with Whitman staff members nearly two dozen times. 

Thank you to all those who make relationships like these possible.

Professor of Psychology and Herbert and the Pearl Ladley Endowed Chair of Cognitive Science Wally Herbranson was recently consulted for a Scientific American article titled, “See Why Everyone Gets the Monty Hall Puzzle Wrong.” The Monty Hall Puzzle is the classic game show dilemma on “Let’s Make a Deal” where a prize is located behind one of three doors. After the contestant chooses one of the doors the host opens one of the other doors showing it did not include the prize. Does the contestant  have better odds to switch or should they stick with their original choice?

The Office of Admission is looking for more volunteers to assist in a special visit day for prospective student and their guests. Discover Whitman Day will take place on campus on Friday, July 19. Sign up to greet guests, help them get to their next destination or join them for lunch!

To accommodate Discover Whitman Day visitors, Cleveland Commons will be open on Friday, July 19 from noon–1:30 p.m. Jewett Café will also be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. per normal summer hours.

The Outdoor Program Bike Shop is open Monday–Thursday from 2–4 p.m. in its new location in the alley off of Merriam Street. Stop by to drop your bike off for service, browse the retail items for purchase or rent a mountain bike.

8 a.m. to Noon

Fire Alarm Testing

Olin Hall

8 a.m. to Noon

Fire Alarm Testing

Penrose House, Welty Health Center

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 each weekday during the academic year and twice a week during breaks. An archive of previous issues is available online.

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