Our Place in Walla Walla #14: Community Spirit

Our place is filled with Whitman community members making it better for everyone.

Last week, our local newspaper, the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, celebrated the fourth annual cohort of remarkable local residents through their 39 Under 39 initiative. These honorees, all aged 39 or younger, exemplify the spirit of community, embodying more than just the concept of neighbors and friends. They are the quiet heroes and collaborators who contribute to making the Walla Walla Valley an exceptional place to live.

The 39 individuals profiled come from various fields, backgrounds and professions. Some have deep roots in this area while others have been drawn here by work or family ties. Regardless of their origins or their tenure in the Valley, they share a common commitment to bettering their community.

Learning about their diverse contributions enriches our understanding of our cultural, economic and social fabric. These honorees collaborate across sectors, bridging gaps and fostering cooperation. These young achievers serve as inspirational role models for others in the community.

Six of the winners have close ties to Whitman College by virtue of their status as students, staff and alumni. That means 15% of the winners are Whitties, far exceeding the percentage of Whitties in the City of Walla Walla.

This week, who better to learn from about our place than these individuals? Let’s meet them and see what some of them have to say …

Whitman Students:

Agustin Ramirez ’25, from Los Angeles, has immersed himself in local initiatives to celebrate our valley’s diverse populations (online profile, PDF).

The Union-Bulletin feature noted his participation in The Listeners Project: Queremos Escucharte, a program that gives voice to the Latinx community in Walla Walla and at Whitman. Many interviews, including Ramirez’ interview, are available to listen to through Penrose Library.

Ramirez wants to tell students this: “In a place so small as Walla Walla it is easy to interact with those communities opposed to that of bigger cities like Seattle or Los Angeles. I find it difficult interacting within larger cities because compared to Walla Walla it is very interpersonal and filled with kind people. It is so easy to learn someone’s name and ask questions and if someone does not have answers for you someone will lead you into the right direction. Although some communities may be hard to find in Walla Walla you can always find them. I understand how nerve racking it is to start a dialogue with a stranger. But with a place like Walla Walla it is easy to find someone’s email address and ask them a quick question or even looking around on bulletin boards around the city (they are there for a reason). I know how cliche this is, but the worst thing that someone can say to you is ‘No,’ either in person or via email, which in my case has been very rare.”

Aiden Wolf ’26, is a theater major, a Šináata scholar and a member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (online profile, PDF).

Last semester, Wolf and his parents, Althea and Jeremy, were panel members for a special event hosted by Northwest Public Broadcasting—a preview of the new Ken Burns documentary, “The American Buffalo,” where they shared some of their family’s cultural practices via various media.

Whitman Staff:

Sydney London ’23 just started in a new position as Assistant Director of Alumni Relations at Whitman College (online article, PDF).

In her award statement she said, “Walla Walla is very different from the widespread city of Houston that I grew up in. With that being said, there’s a community here that couldn’t have happened back home. Sunday grocery runs turned to long-time-no-see chatting sessions with a friend is one of the little examples of why I love being here in Walla Walla.”

London also reflected, “I feel students should know about all the chances there are to meet and collaborate with students from other colleges in the area! Getting a foot in that door can be difficult but going to events outside of campus is the easiest way to meet new people. Go to a show and strike up a conversation, volunteer with a local organization, play pickleball at nearby Pioneer Park. Walla Walla’s community is iconic for being friendly and you never know who you could meet and what else they might introduce you to! Being connected with the community outside of Whitman is a priceless experience.”

Victor Saldana is Assistant Director of Conferences, Events and Scheduling at Whitman College (online article, PDF).

Saldana told the Union-Bulletin that he savors giving back to the community and helping those around him. “When building relationships with folks I work with, it is important for them to know that I care about them. I always say, ‘the work is going to get done, but what matters most is the person.’”

Whitman Alumni:

Crystal Chi ’14 is currently working as Human Resources Manager at Blue Mountain Heart to Heart (online profile, PDF).

In the Union-Bulletin U-B profile, she gushed, “The Walla Walla community has been a great place to live with my family and I feel very fortunate to call this town home.”

Groover Snell ’17, is currently working as Operation Manager at Fort Walla Walla Museum (online profile, PDF).

He told the Union-Bulletin, “The Walla Walla Valley is the cradle of Northwest history and this [place] deserves a great museum … I have always appreciated that Walla Walla offers much more than other communities of similar sizes in terms of culture, history, and education and so on, and it has an authentic character and identity that is important to appreciate and preserve.”

In closing, Snell wanted Whitties to know:

“If any student is worried about being involved with a non-student group, they should know that they’ll most likely be very welcomed. People are friendly in Walla Walla and also love seeing fresh young faces getting involved, and Whitman students have a good reputation for being bright and competent. Learning a little about Walla Walla and appreciating it for what it is will go a long way too. Walla Walla isn’t what many students are used to, but for a smaller town it has a lot to offer if you look for it. Walla Walla and Whitman have a long history together and have enriched each other since before the city was incorporated. Add your contribution to a long tradition. And visit the Museum and say hi!”

Truly a remarkable group!

So, as we honor and learn from the 39 Under 39 winners, let us recognize their dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more connected valley. They remind us that there are no barriers to making a difference and their contributions inspire us all to strive for excellence and service in whatever ways we bring our passions and energy to the world. Agustin, Aiden, Crystal, Groover, Sydney and Victor also remind us of how many ways Whitties can be engaged in our place and make it more inclusive, just, sustainable and interesting!