A newsletter for alumni & friends • May 2026
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In this issue: How monthly gifts sustain Whitman's mission; a preview of Commencement Weekend 2026; exploring connection in the latest Whitman Magazine; and a historic, first-ever conference title for women's lacrosse.
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A Steady Beat for Students: Opportunities Made Possible by Recurring Gift Donors
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Isaiah Banta ’20 and Tara Goldsmith Zimmerman ’96 are just two of the many generous alumni whose monthly gifts to The Whitman Fund make transformative educational opportunities possible for today’s students. Learn why they give.
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Whitman College Prepares for 2026 Commencement Weekend
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Three Whitman Seniors Named 2026 Watson Fellows
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Three Whitman College seniors—Riley Cooper, Maryanne Ndung’u and Darta Sipola—have been named 2026 Watson Fellows, earning a grant to pursue independent global research projects after graduation.
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Whitman Debate & Forensics Win at National Championships
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For the second year in a row, Whitman Debate and Forensics locked up a national championship—and won Whitman’s first forensics national title in Extemporaneous Speaking. Check out the winners!
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Read Now: Spring 2026 Whitman Magazine
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Whitties embody a culture of connection wherever they go. In this issue of Whitman Magazine, explore how today’s students, alumni and faculty are finding new and exciting ways to connect with each other and the world around them.
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Upward Pathway: Kylin Brown ’20
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At Whitman College, Kylin Brown ’20 transformed her passion for environmental justice and Indigenous rights into action through research, leadership and advocacy. Today, as a law student at the University of Washington, she continues that work, specializing in Indigenous Rights and Environmental Law. See her path.
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Fifty Under 50: Alexis Hoopes ’01
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Alexis Hoopes ’01 supports Upward Together by providing scholarships and aid to students from all backgrounds. Read more.
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Blues Take Home Conference Titles
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Whitman brought home three conference trophies this spring season. Women's lacrosse captured its first-ever NWC championship, while Men's and Women's tennis both secured Northwest Conference titles, advancing to compete at the national level.
More than a dozen athletes earned all-conference accolades in lacrosse, distance track, baseball, men's and women's tennis and men's and women's golf — including 3 Player of the Year awards, one Rookie of the Year honor, and a distinction for Coach of the Year.
Additionally, the gender diverse ultimate frisbee team rallied to a second-place finish in the finals for a national title.
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Tommy Breeze ’16 Turned a Thrift-Store Find Into an Art-Driven Apparel Brand
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Inspired by art as a way to connect people with the outdoors, Art History major Tommy Breeze ’16 launched a unique apparel business that has sold more than 50,000 hats to retailers and customers nationwide.
You can sport your own limited edition Whitman College hat with a Tommy Breeze patch featuring the Blue Mountains and the Walla Walla Valley’s golden wheat fields. Available in trucker or beanie varieties. Get yours today.
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New York City | June 4 | Empowering Bright Futures
Join President Sarah Bolton and Professor of Anthropology, Jason Pribilsky '93 for an evening celebrating the impact of the Upward Together Campaign and how this support is shaping the Whitman College experience today.
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Walla Walla | Sept. 24-27 | Reunion Weekend 2026
The Classes of 1961, 1966, 1971, 1986, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2016, 2020, 2021, and 2022 are invited to return to campus in the fall. Reconnect, discover, and take yourself back to the good ol' days!
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Are You Connected with Whitties in Your Area?
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- There are many online groups for Whitties in major cities and states to form community away from Walla Walla.
- Looking for somewhere to crash while visiting a new city? Join the Crash with Whitties Facebook Group. Because who wants to pay for hotels?
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Whitman's New Sculpture: "Friends"
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“Friends” by alum Cynthia McKean ’63—was recently installed on the lawn between Stanton Hall and Anderson Hall.
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Created to display the commonalities between two friends despite all their differences, "Perhaps it is not about sameness or differences at all., Perhaps it is celebrating the oneness of life., Perhaps it is honoring likeness while embracing individuality." Add this sculpture to your walking tour next time you are on campus!
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345 Boyer Ave, Walla Walla, WA 99362 USA
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