Jennifer Northam ’91: Arts Outside the Whitman Bubble

Jennifer Northam ’91 is a unique bridge between the Whitman and the Walla Walla communities, both working on campus and volunteering for several important arts organizations as well as being a popular vocalist in local groups. Last week Jennifer and I chatted upstairs in Baker Center and reflected on how energized the local creative sector is.

How are you involved in the Walla Walla Valley and in the community?
I am one of those Whitties who came here as a student and never left. My husband, Jeff Northam ’88, has been the Head Men’s Tennis Coach for 27 years, so we’ve been a part of the Whitman community for a long time. We raised our two kids here and can’t imagine ever leaving. I’ve been a member of the Alumni Relations team for more than 11 years, and took over as Director in December of 2021.

My first job after graduation was running events and programs for the Downtown Walla Walla Foundation (DWWF)—that was when all the trees were planted, the sidewalks installed, the matching lamp posts were installed and utility wires were installed underground. That was when our downtown really started to become what it is today. When our kids were older, I went back to work for the DWWF to do marketing and public relations. Our vibrant, walkable, historic downtown is one of the best features of the valley (along with Whitman College, of course!) and I will always be a fan and advocate. 

I’m currently the president of the Walla Walla Chamber Music Festival board. In the past, I’ve served on the Tourism/Visit Walla Walla board and also the YWCA board. I served on the Edison Elementary PTA for seven straight years and was a co-chair for the Walla Walla School District levy renewal. I’ve been involved in fundraising for the Friends program and Akin (formerly Children’s Home Society of Washington) for many years. 

What is something you’ve learned about this area that surprised you or that you weren’t expecting?
When I arrived as a student, of course, my whole world was the “Whitman Bubble.” Later, working for the Downtown foundation, I learned several things that I didn’t consider as a student. Walla Walla really cares about Walla Walla—there are lots of strong opinions about what should or shouldn’t happen, improvements that should or shouldn’t be made, for example. I found that the residents of the valley can be incredibly generous with their time, talent and/or treasure, especially to organizations that help people in need (like those mentioned above, or places like the Blue Mountain Humane Society) or are trying to solve problems, like the Community Council. There are so many nonprofits in our valley and they all have volunteer boards of people like me, who want to make this a better place to live.

Something else that has surprised me—the relationship between Whitman and the greater community has improved by leaps and bounds since my time as a student. The nonprofits of this valley, including the Walla Walla School District, have really come to rely on our students for assistance which has helped reduce the friction between the campus and the community that existed in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. 

How do skills you learned at Whitman help you today?
Critical thinking, always. As a Psychology major, I was always interested in the WHY behind behavior. If I am able to understand the reason people are upset or angry, I am much better equipped to work to find a solution or eliminate a roadblock. My career has been working with people—managing volunteers, running committees, sharing information, and such, so what I learned in the classrooms in Maxey has been vital. 

What is a way that Walla Walla is diverse?
What comes to mind immediately is how the LGBTQIA+ population has expanded in the valley. The growth of the wine industry has spurred the growth of tourism and has attracted an eclectic mix of winemakers, restaurateurs, artists and entrepreneurs who have created an inclusive feeling all over the valley. 

What should Whitman students know about our community that you haven’t mentioned yet?
I frequently describe Walla Walla as a vortex, pulling in some of the most talented people! Artists gather in places like the Combine Art Collective and CAVU Cellars out by the airport and several restaurants and coffee shops have rotating local exhibits (Brasserie Four, Coffee Perk, Colville Street Patisserie, Bacon & Eggs). The Walla Walla Foundry casts bronze works that are displayed around the world and they sometimes host tours of the facility and process; Foundry Vineyards is an actual art gallery (in addition to a winery) featuring shows that change several times a year. There’s also an outdoor sculpture garden that features a distinctive piece of Whitman: the garden walls are built with the old, concrete external walls of Sherwood Center that were removed prior to a remodel and addition of the new climbing wall! 

Whitman plays a big role in the local music scene. Many of the music faculty have their own bands or ensembles, or even play with the Walla Walla Symphony. And several students play around town—some with their faculty members, some with their own bands. Live music may be found in and around downtown most weekends in the winter and those opportunities expand as the weather warms up in the spring. You can walk down Main Street and hear music coming from tasting room and restaurant doors as well as at our city parks. 

What is your favorite thing about Springtime in Walla Walla?
When the dogwoods bloom—all over, on campus, and especially down Chestnut Street!

Beyond the interview:

Jennifer Northam will be available for questions and further conversation on Thursday, Jan. 30, at noon in Reid Campus Center, room 240. The Career and Community Engagement Center will provide lunch for the first 10 students in attendance. Questions or ideas or accommodation requests? Please contact Noah Leavitt at leavitns@whitman.edu.