Tuesday, September 2, 2025
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Welcome New Students & the Class of 2029!
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The late summer sun may have taken the day off, but nothing could dim the smiles of our newest arrivals as they gathered on campus Wednesday for Opening Day 2025. Energized and excited Whitties, families and volunteers gathered to settle in for the start of the fall semester—and the next four years of learning, adventure and life-changing experiences.
Whitman’s newest students come from 35 states and 40-plus countries and sovereign nations, including 32 from our own Walla Walla Valley and one from 10,267 miles away in Eswatini. Some were stepping onto Whitman’s campus for the first time; others made multiple visits—one starting seven years ago!
They include over 370 first-years and more than 40 transfer students—nearly a third of whom are among the first in their family to attend a four-year college.
They’ve won awards at international youth film festivals, testified in front of a state legislature, started their own businesses, directed theater productions and represented Panama in the Davis Cup. They’re into ceramics, crochet, thrifting, robotics and everything outdoors! They’re excited to study abroad, play for the Blues, find “the best hammock spot on the West Coast” and—most of all—make new friends.
However short, long or winding the journey, this talented group of students brings new ideas, diverse experiences, and fresh energy, enthusiasm and creativity to campus.
Read the full story and watch a highlights video online.
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Because of a gas leak at the Junior-Senior Village, please avoid the area adjacent to the construction site including: Boyer House, Bratton Tennis Center, the Glover Alston Intercultural Center, The Kids Place, Third Space Center and the Dance Studio.
Out of an abundance of caution, Reid Campus Center and College House have also been evacuated. The rest of campus is open.
We will continue to share more information as it becomes available. We will also communicate later today on what the status of campus operations looks like for tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept. 3.
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Welcome New Faculty & Staff Members
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Please join us in welcoming the following new Whitman faculty and staff members who started in July (August new hires will be announced in tomorrow’s newsletter):
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- Claire Warncke ’24, Field Manager for Semester in the West
- Jonah Rosen-Bloom ’25, Technical Manager Semester in the West
- Em Napier, Associate Director for Residence Life Operations and Junior-Senior Support
- Melody Wolff, Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics
- Madeline Senter ’25, Temporary Library Staff
- Emma Rossby, Faculty Fellow (French and Francophone Studies)
- Taimur Reza, O’Donnell Visiting Assistant Professor of History
- Zarif Rahman, Faculty Fellow (Physics)
- Garrett Nelson, Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics
- Josh Hutchinson, Web Developer
- Mylan Gray, Faculty Fellow (Theater)
- Nicole Cox, Faculty Fellow (Anthropology)
- Mariko Takano, Visiting Assistant Professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies (Japanese)
- Katherine Autry-Schiffgens, Facilities Services Administrative Manager
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Student Wellness & Support Services Fair Tomorrow
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A Student Wellness and Support Services Fair will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3, from 4–5 p.m. in front of Penrose Library. Students are invited to stop by to meet staff from different offices around campus that support wellness and academic success.
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Whitties in the Cities Alumni Event on Friday
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Alumni Relations will host a Whitties in the Cities event on Friday, Sept. 5, from 5–8 p.m. at Tranche. Walla Walla area alumni are invited to join other alums, parents and friends for a fun and relaxed evening of connection and live music from Seattle-based band Warren Dunes. Please RSVP in advance.
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Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty & Staff on Monday
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Faculty and staff members are invited to participate in a two-hour suicide prevention training provided by Counseling Center staff. The QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) model has been proven to decrease suicide risk in communities like ours. Participants will be certified as a QPR Gatekeeper, valid for one year. The training will take place on Monday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon in Maxey 104. (Flyer attached.) Space is limited, so please RSVP in advance! Questions? Email qpr@whitman.edu.
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The OurWhitman Instagram account, managed by the Office of Communications, highlights the Whitman student experience, and is entirely run by students. Would you like to share your unique Whittie perspective with current and prospective students? Sign up online!
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Tuesday (First Day of Classes)
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Technology Services Building, Room 132
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Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom
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Harris Park at South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead
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Whitties in the Cities: Walla Walla
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Summer Shakes: “Much Ado About Nothing”
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Harris Park at South Fork Walla Walla Trailhead
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Jewett and Lyman Main Lounges
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Anderson and Prentiss Main Lounges
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La Casa Hispana Interest House
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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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.
All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other Whitman content to share, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon on the business day prior to publication. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.
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Find us on social media: @whitmancollege
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