A newsletter for alumni & friends
Whitman College
Whittie News

A newsletter for alumni & friends • January 2026

In this issue: Highlighting a Whittie's transformative experience on campus, announcing a new Outdoor Recreation Scholarship, read the winter 2026 edition of the Whitman Magazine, nominate a Whittie for an Alumni Award, view the total solar eclipse in Iceland with Whitman.

LATEST NEWS

Noah Henry-Darwish stands in front of a rocky cliff wall

Whitman Connections Continue To Inspire Alum’s Career, Service & Generosity

For Noah Henry-Darwish ’12, finding one thing to join on campus opened up a world of Whitman connections—and helped him find a rewarding career in higher education.

Read The Story
 
Eleven students with backpacking gear stand on a log in a meadow

Whitman College Announces New Scholarship in Outdoor Leadership

A new Outdoor Recreation Scholarship will recognize students with enthusiasm for outdoor skills, leadership and community building who take on leadership roles in Whitman’s Outdoor Program. The new scholarship will be awarded to incoming students beginning Fall 2026.

Ethan Parrish looks through the viewfinder of a camera set up on a bluff overlooking a river

Discovery, Creativity & Inclusivity Inspire Whittie Geologist & Filmmaker

When he discovered evidence of an ancient river as a graduate student, Whitman College alum Ethan Parrish ’14 got to choose its name. The process left him with lingering questions about how scientists name their discoveries—as well as inspiration for a career change.

Micah Powch stands in front of a fairy tale backdrop

Whitman Students Bring Human-Centered Design to Life in Puzzle Room Project

Last Halloween, Whitman College Human-Centered Design students turned their design skills to a unique collaborative project: transforming Lincoln High School into a fantastic world of puzzles and fairy tales.

Read the Winter 2026 Edition of the Whitman Magazine

This issue highlights Whitties making an impact in their communities and around the world—from filmmakers to caregivers to coaches to entrepreneurs, Whitties shape the world in positive ways. Check it out.

Upward Together Campaign
Portrait of Mary Kampa outdoors smiling

Mary Kampa ’19: Helping People on the Road to Recovery

Mary Kampa ’19 transformed her passion for outdoor adventure, neuroscience and leadership into a career in chiropractic care. At Whitman College, she built a foundation of skills she uses today to help her patients get back to the activities they love. See her path.

Daniele Garbe Reser

Fifty under 50: Danielle Garbe Reser ’97

Danielle Garbe Reser is dedicated to investing both in the college’s greatest needs and in scholarship programs that make a Whitman education accessible for more students. Read more.

Blues Standout on the Court and in the Classroom 

Whitman athletes continue to perform exceptionally in academics. Team GPAs averaging at 3.64 (Baseball) and 3.75 (VB) and 3.79 (Swimming)—earning Scholar All-American accolades. 

Notable milestones have been marked in Northwest Conference play: Ali Efe Isik hit a season high 29 points and Emma Lena Baker delivered a breakout performance in the paint.

Keep up with the Blues in-person or online by viewing the composite schedule.

A Whitman basketball player and Linfield basketball player going head-to-head
Sarah Deming holding her alumni award with friends

Nominate a Whittie for an Alumni Award

One of the most important duties of the Whitman College Alumni Association is to recognize alumni who exemplify outstanding achievement in their careers, communities, or through service to Whitman College. Awards will be presented during Reunion Weekends each year. 

View the nomination criteria and tell us about an outstanding Whittie today! Deadline for nominations: March 13, 2026.

View the Solar Eclipse in the Arctic with Whitman

Explore Iceland and witness the solar eclipse aboard the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Evrima with Whittie astronomer Gerard van Belle '90.

This six-day journey will navigate around the entirety of Iceland. For the eclipse viewing on August 12, the ship will be strategically positioned directly within the path of totality.

August 7–13, 2026. Trip brochure and itinerary. mdelisa@arrangementsabroad.com or call 212-514-8921 to reserve your spot. 

The Evrima ship in open water

MARK YOUR CALENDAR!

Upcoming Events

DC, NYC, Denver, Bay Area | Exploring Immersive Learning 

Join President Sarah Bolton to explore the ways that Whitman is deepening its commitment to immersive experiences for every student. 

Seattle | "Fools' Paradise (lost?)"  A Film by Alexandra Lexton '85 

The Washington State premiere of the latest film by Alexandra Lexton, Class of 1985. After the film, stay for the Q&A! 

Phoenix | Whitman at Mariners' Spring Training

Get a tour of the Mariners' Spring Training facility and watch a game at the Peoria Sportsplex, courtesy of Tim Hevly '88, Vice-President of Communications for the Seattle Mariners.

More Event Details

Other Announcements

Cycle Your Way Through the Walla Walla Valley

  • Whitman Cycling & Wine Weekend- May 29-31, 2026. Join an intimate Whitman alumni & family group to ride through the foothills, vineyards, and wheatfields by day and then taste some of the best food and wine of the Walla Walla Valley by night, including a Cayuse wine dinner on Saturday evening.
    • A portion of the registration fee will support the Bob Carson Outdoor Fund in providing Whitman students with access to the Outdoor Program. Register now. 
  • Bike Camp Walla Walla - June 7-12, 2026. Gather with hundreds of cyclists from across the Pacific Northwest and the nation for a week of Walla Walla choose-your-own-cycling-adventures. Even stay in a residence hall on campus!
    • 100% of the net proceeds of the event will go to Whitman’s innovative and reparative Šináata Scholarship program, a four-year, full-ride opportunity for members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. Secure your spot.
 

Submit a Class Note for the Fall 2026 Magazine

  • Class notes for the Fall 2026 edition of the Whitman Magazine are due on March 1, 2026.
  • Submit a note to announce an accomplishment, promotion, engagement or marriage, new family additions and so much more! 
  • Fill out the class note form or email your submission to alumni@whitman.edu. Pictures are appreciated!
 

A Place Like No Other: Fall 2025 in Photos at Whitman College

From the Class of 2029’s first steps on campus to moments in and out of the classroom that transform lives—join us on a journey back though some of the highlights of the Fall 2025 semester.

Two students walk down a campus pathway surrounded by fall foliage
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