Tuesday, March 31, 2026

This summer, Whitman College will strengthen its longstanding ties to Seattle by launching a Summer in Seattle pilot program. Participating students will pursue Seattle internships and research opportunities while also learning together as a group, connecting with Seattle organizations and Whitman alums, and building competencies that will be useful for a variety of career paths.

“This is a new opportunity for Whitman students to connect more closely with a robust professional community in the greater Seattle area,” says Kim Rolfe, Director of the Career and Community Engagement Center. “There is so much talent, knowledge and expertise that our alumni are willing to share with current and future Whitman students. We are thrilled to bring this opportunity to life.”

Whitman students frequently pursue internships and research opportunities in Seattle—home to tech giants, biotech pioneers, global finance leaders, thriving arts organizations, nonprofits and startups. 

This new program adds another layer of support. Students will live together as a cohort and participate in weekly workshops, speaker series, alumni networking events and visits to employers and grad schools—all designed to accelerate professional growth. They will also be supported by a staff member who specializes in the Seattle career market throughout the program. And there will be some time for fun, too, with group social events in the city. 

“This program is possible because of the extraordinary generosity of Whitman alumni in Seattle,” says President Sarah Bolton. “By sharing their time, insight and networks, they are helping create deeply transformative experiences for our students—opening doors and shaping futures in meaningful ways.”

Read more. 

Students will need to have secured an internship or research position in Seattle to be eligible for the inaugural Summer in Seattle cohort. Applications received by Monday, April 6, will receive priority consideration. Additional applications will be accepted through Friday, May 15. 

Whitman College is currently hiring for the following staff positions:

President Sarah Bolton will hold open office hours on Tuesday, March 31, from noon–1 p.m. in Reid Campus Center. Look for signage near the fish ladder sculpture. Throughout the semester, students can drop by these sessions to share their thoughts or just to chat.

The first talk in the Spring 2026 Transforming Classics Series and the Judd D. Kimball Endowed Lecture in Classics will take place on Tuesday, March 31, at 5:30 p.m. in Olin Auditorium. In a talk titled “Strike: Labor, Unions and Resistance in the Roman Empire,” historian and professor Sarah E. Bond will discuss the 3,000-year-old legacy of workers rebelling against unjust wages and working conditions. (Flyer attached.)

In celebration of Trans Day of Visibility, the Division of Inclusive Excellence will host a keynote talk with author Aiden Thomas on Tuesday, March 31, at 6:30 p.m. in Reid Campus Center’s Young Ballroom. The talk will be followed by an opportunity for questions from the audience and a book signing. Thomas’ novel “Cemetery Boys”—which made history as the first book on the New York Times Bestseller List by an openly transgender author featuring a transgender character—will be available for purchase. The event is free and open to the public. (Flyer attached.)

Dr. Sylvia Carey-Butler, Vice President for Inclusive Excellence, will lead a workshop for faculty and staff on “Building an Inclusive Community” with two sessions on Wednesday, April 1, from 2–4 p.m. and on Thursday, April 2, from 10 a.m. to noon in Memorial Building, Room 331. Each identical session will explore strategies, practices and perspectives that foster belonging, equity and meaningful engagement across campus communities. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP in advance. Questions or need accommodations? Email diversity@whitman.edu.

The Class of 2026 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 Friday, April 3. Selection will be based on the recommendations of the Class of 2026 Senior Committee and staff representatives from the offices of Student Life and Communications.

Iroha Konishi ’27 (pictured, arm extended) recently worked as an interpreter for eight Japanese students and their chaperones who were visiting the area as part of the Walla Walla Tambasasayama Sister Cities exchange program. Konishi assisted with communication for four days, including on excursions to local sites such as the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute.

Noon–1 p.m.

President Bolton’s Open Office Hours for Students

Reid Campus Center

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Step Aerobics

Sherwood Athletic Center, Room 106

5:30 p.m.

Classics Lecture: “Strike: Labor, Unions and Resistance in the Roman Empire”

Olin Auditorium

6:30–8:30 p.m.

Trans Day of Visibility Keynote & Book Signing: Aiden Thomas

Reid Campus Center, Young Ballroom

7–8 p.m.

Don’t Eat the Wheat Club Meeting

Maxey Hall, Room 104

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

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.