New Minor in Architectural History Announced
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Architecture is more than just the design of buildings—it tells the story of societies, conceptions of art and political movements throughout time. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, the built environment shapes how people live, move and express cultural values.
Architectural analysis has long been a key component of Whitman’s Art History curriculum, encouraging students to think critically about how spaces influence human experience. Now, with the launch of the Architectural History minor in Fall 2025, that focus is being formally recognized.
“The Art History department continues to evolve with the times,” says Associate Professor of Art History Matthew Reynolds. “We’ve been teaching classes on architecture and modernism, or architecture in specific places like Los Angeles, for over a decade. This minor makes visible the work we’ve already been doing and gives students a clear path to pursue it further.”
At its core, the study of architecture at Whitman is deeply interdisciplinary, weaving together perspectives from a wide range of fields.
“In the Architectural History minor, students learn to think critically about the social, cultural, political, economic, environmental and technological factors that shape the built environment,” says Associate Professor of Art History Krista Gulbransen. “We ask questions like: Who were these spaces designed for—and who was excluded from them? How does a building’s aesthetics align with its intended function? How do materials and aesthetics align with power structures or systems of oppression? How can design be made more sustainable?”
Read more.
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Whitman Student Zines Exhibited at Conference
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The American Association of Geographers recently held its first-ever zine fair at its annual conference in Detroit, Michigan. Whitman students from the Fall 2024 Introduction to Environmental Racism class (Politics 101) displayed zines from their final class assignment at the fair. The zines were on a variety of topics related to environmental racism in and around Walla Walla.
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Immigration Rights Information Session for Employees
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Whitman faculty and staff are invited to an information session by immigration attorney Kirsten Eklund titled “Understanding Your Rights and Risks Amid Immigration Changes.” This event will take place on Tuesday, April 8, at 4 p.m. in Maxey Auditorium. Virtual attendance is also available.
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Last Call for Senior Commencement Speaker Applications
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The Class of 2025 is accepting applications from seniors interested in speaking for up to five minutes during the commencement ceremony as a representative of the class. Interested applicants should email an outline or first draft of their proposed speech to northajl@whitman.edu. Submissions are due by Wednesday, April 9.
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StoryTime Book Drive Ends Friday
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The StoryTime Project is organizing a book drive to support local public elementary schools and daycare centers with donations of children’s books in English and/or Spanish and in good condition. Donation bins are located on the main floors of Reid Campus Center, Memorial Building and Penrose Library. The book drive runs through Friday, April 11. (Flyer attached.)
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Whitman Events Board will host an enchanted forest-themed “Prom Night” on Friday, April 11, from 7–11 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Please RSVP in advance. (Flyer attached.)
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Campus Climate Survey for Students Opens Today
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This year, Whitman will participate in the student survey from the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates. Degree-seeking students will receive an email survey invitation from Dr. John Johnson, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence arriving via helpdesk@naccc.org. Participants will be entered to win one of several prizes, including a new PlayStation 5. In addition, if at least 50% of all Whitman students participate in the survey before it closes on Tuesday, May 6, the Division of Inclusive Excellence, will sponsor a day of complimentary boba teas at Black Pearl Boba. Survey feedback will help Whitman assess the racial climate on campus for students.
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During spring break, a large group from Whitman traveled to San Francisco to present at the annual conference of the Pacific Sociology Association: Jasper Brown ’25, Maggie Cruser ’25, Ashlee Goodwin ’25, Carson Hammer ’25, Lucy Hennessy ’25, Chloe Jackson ’25, Samantha Miller ’25 and Eva Palmer Wells ’25 shared their research as part of roundtable sessions; Meera Jain ’25 and Meredith Luce ’25 presented posters; and Sociology faculty members Rachel Nickens and Chris Wakefield also presented papers.
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Information Session for Employees: Understanding Your Rights & Risks Amid Immigration Changes
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Maxey Auditorium (and via Zoom)
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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