Record-breaking Semester of Off-Campus Study
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Feature by: Zoe Perkins ’25
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A record-breaking 124 Whitman students studied abroad in 36 countries during the Spring 2024 semester. In total, 37% of the class of 2025 studied abroad at least one semester during their junior year, bringing participation in Off-Campus Studies programs back to pre-pandemic levels.
“Studying abroad or off-campus in a U.S.-based partner program gives students the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a new language, culture and community and to grapple with genuinely different points of view and social norms,” says Senior Director of Off-Campus Studies and International Student and Scholar Services Susan Holme. “This, in turn, often strengthens a student’s ability to think on their feet, creatively problem solve, feel empathy towards other perspectives, and better understand global interconnectedness, particularly the U.S.’s (or their home country’s) role in geopolitics.”
For many students, however, it’s the journey of self-discovery that is most meaningful. “By immersing oneself in a completely new society and cultural community, students often see their own strengths, values and preferences in a new light, helping to solidify their future personal goals and professional path,” Holmes says.
We spoke with five Whitman seniors (Carsten Wallace-Bailey ’25, Eliza Daigle ’25, Meron Semere ’25, Gigi Peterson ’25 and Chiara Bachmann Gómez ’25) who took their studies around the globe—and brought lasting memories, meaningful connections and new experiences back with them to Walla Walla and Whitman.
Read more.
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Emeritus Professor Contributed to PBS Documentary
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To commemorate International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Monday, Jan. 27, PBS will broadcast “Resistance: They Fought Back,” a documentary about Jewish resistance against the Nazis. Cushing Eells Emeritus Professor of Philosophy and Literature Pat Henry was an academic advisor for the film and appears briefly in it. The documentary will be available to stream for free at pbs.org and on the PBS app. Henry is also the editor of a related book, “Jewish Resistance Against the Nazis.”
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Weekly Grief Support Group on Mondays
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The Office of Religious and Spiritual Life will host Grieving@Whitman on Mondays from 12:10–12:50 p.m. in the Reid Campus Center All Faiths Room. The program provides space for those who are experiencing loss and grief who would welcome support from others. No weekly commitment required. (Flyer attached.)
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Holocaust Remembrance Day Luncheon on Monday
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Members of the Whitman community are invited to a Holocaust Remembrance Day luncheon on Monday, Jan. 27, at noon in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Attendees will hear the story of Barbara Adler West, whose father escaped Nazi persecution via the Kindertransport, a rescue operation that brought nearly 10,000 children to safety in Britain. A soup lunch will be provided. (Flyer attached.)
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Indigenous Allyship Microlesson on Monday
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The Division of Inclusive Excellence will host the first microlesson of the semester on Monday, Jan. 27, from 4-5 p.m. Jeanine Gordon, Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach, will present “Beyond the Land Acknowledgement: Positioning Our Campus in Allyship With Our Indigenous Communities” on Zoom. Please register in advance. (Flyer attached.)
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Submit Your Art, Poetry or Prose
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The blue moon art and literary magazine is accepting submissions of art, poetry and prose by Whitman students, faculty and staff, for the upcoming 2024–2025 issue, Volume 38. Submissions are due by Wednesday, Jan. 29, and will be reviewed anonymously. Questions? Email bluemoon@whitman.edu. (Flyer attached.)
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Suicide Prevention Trainings for Students, Faculty & Staff
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The Counseling Center staff will facilitate two suicide prevention trainings for the Whitman community in the coming weeks.
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- QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Faculty and Staff
Friday, Jan. 31, from 9–11 a.m. in Maxey 206 (Flyer attached.)
- QPR Suicide Prevention Training for Students
Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. in Maxey 104 (Flyer attached.)
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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. Please RSVP in advance. Questions? Email qpr@whitman.edu.
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Stop by the Fouts Center for Visual Arts to see the 17th Annual Juried Student Art Salon, featuring artwork by Whitman students. The exhibit will be on display through Friday, Feb. 7.
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Reid Campus Center, Lower Level
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Hall of Science, Room 138
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Anderson Hall, Main Lounge
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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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