A newsletter for alumni & friends • January 2025

In this Issue: A new endowment to support student internships; a virtual event discussing Washington earthquakes and tsunamis; Cycling and Wine Tour in Walla Walla; and nominate a Whittie for an Alumni Recognition Award.

LATEST NEWS

Two people taking a selfie and smiling at the camera outside. It is a sunny day with palm trees in the background.

Salaguinto Family Internship Endowment Supports & Funds Strong Launches

Beth Long Salaguinto ’88 and David M. Salaguinto Jr. ’87 established the Salaguinto Family Internship Endowment to help ensure that Whitman College students have the opportunity to gain practical experience and grow their professional network.

A student in a blue shirt standing and smiling with their hands in their pocket

Checking in With Newman Civic Fellow Adam Simon ’26

Whitman College junior Adam Simon was awarded the 2024–2025 Newman Civic Fellowship for his work with the Buddy Program, which connects Whitman students with community members who have intellectual or developmental disabilities. He discusses his journey exploring social work and making change in his community.

Two roommates hugging and posing for the camera. One holding a thumbs up and the other holding a peace sign

Friends From Two Worlds: First-Year International & U.S. Students Share Rooms & Lives

In this photo essay, three pairs of first-year roommates give us a peek into the surprises, challenges and joys of rooming with someone from another country during their first semester at Whitman College.

Bob Carson with students out in the field. They are set outdoors in rocky terrain. Bob Carson is

Virtual Event: Earthquakes and Tsunami of Western Washington

When: Tuesday, February 11, 2025 - 4 p.m. PST

Whitman Alumni, Parents and Friends are invited to this virtual event with Bob Carson, Grace Farnsworth Phillips Professor of Geology and Environmental Studies, Emeritus, to hear about the history and dangers of Cascadia Subduction Zone earthquakes and tsunami. Register.

Women's Basketball Ranked Top 10 in the Nation

The women's basketball team has achieved their highest ranking ever, #7 in the nation! Tune into their success by streaming their games, at home or away.

Keep up with all the Blues athletics teams.

Blues Qs: What Kind of In-Person Events Interest You?

(Mark all that apply.)

A person wearing turquoise-colored indigenous beadwork around their neck and on their ears as they look toward the camera. They are also wearing turquoise glasses accompanied by red lipstick.

Upward Pathway: Brenna Yellowthunder ’17

Leaving a lasting legacy at Whitman, Brenna (Two Bears) Yellowthunder ’17 founded the Indigenous Peoples Education and Culture Club (IPECC). Their time on and off campus helped pave the way for a career as Lead Organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network. See their path.

A man in a collar shirt with a blue sweater layered on top. The picture is a selfie.

Fifty under 50: Josh Wnuk ’03

Through his giving and service to Whitman, Josh Wnuk ’03 supports the Upward Together campaign’s commitment to Academic Excellence; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and Access and Affordability. Read more.

Serve Your Alma Mater By Being on the Alumni Board!

The Alumni Association Board is now seeking new members to serve as advisors to the Alumni Relations Office.

Alumni of any year are encouraged to serve—especially those with diverse backgrounds and gender identities. Live in the Bay Area and/or are an alum of the ’70s or ’80s? We want you to join!

More information about the nomination process. (See dropdown menu at bottom of the page.)

A group of alumni standing on the steps of the historic Baker Center on campus. They are smiling laughing and making fun faces.

A sweeping view of the Blues Mountains at dusk. There are slightly pink and blue hues in the sky with clouds.

Cycle Through Walla Walla's Vineyards with Whitman

This June, spend three days exploring Walla Walla’s rolling hills on bicycle among vineyards, orchards and wheatfields! You’ll have the opportunity to sample some of the best wines the Walla Walla Valley has to offer at some of its most fun and beautiful venues.

All bikes are welcome and rental opportunities will be available from a local bicycle shop.

Dates: June 6-8, 2025. Reserve your spot!

Other Announcements

Nominate a Whittie for an Alumni Recognition Award

Nominate a classmate to be recognized by Alumni Association for exemplifying outstanding achievement in their careers, communities, or through service to Whitman College.
Award will be named and presented during Reunion Weekend 2025
Submission deadline: March 14, 2025. Fill out the nomination form.

Looking for an Intern? Hire a Whittie!

Post paid and unpaid internships on Handshake. Can be a semester, summer or year-long internship. Instructions to set up a Handsha ke account.
Once hired, Whitties can apply for the Whitman Internship Grant (WIG) to help fund their time in unpaid internships!

Our Whitman, My Story: Patrick Leonard ’06

Patrick takes us inside Postcard Bookshop, a unique bookstore in Portland, Oregon. Designed for curious travelers, books range from novels and memoirs to cookbooks and global children's books.

Patrick Leonard shares how his time at Whitman College shaped his passion for global exploration, creativity, and the value of a liberal arts education. He reflects on how studying abroad in Florence, Italy, influenced his artistic journey and encouraged him to make connections across cultures.

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