Kate Morrison ’95: Strings Attached—How Music, Nonprofits and Small-Town Generosity Shape Walla Walla

Kate Morrison ‘95 and I spoke over lunch at the newly-re-opened Bacon & Eggs location on Main Street near campus. It was a sunny Friday early afternoon, and town was buzzing.

How are you involved in the Walla Walla Valley and in the community?

I’ve worked in the nonprofit sector since shortly after graduation with fundraising, strategy and other aspects of social change work. I did spend 10 years in Portland as a musician and freelancer and came back here about 2½ years ago to help a nonprofit organization recover. I’m in the process of transitioning to the Blue Mountain Community Foundation working in philanthropy. And, I’m still a musician! Both a part of different groups and as a solo performer. I also still have my Portland-based musical colleagues, who come from Portland to play here from time to time, and I travel to perform with them.

What is something you’ve learned about this area that surprised you or that you weren’t expecting?

Something unexpected and unusual is how the nonprofit organizations here work together and support each other. Actually, it’s not just nonprofits. It’s businesses too. People are really willing to help each other. Compared to other places I’ve lived and visited—it’s really different. That’s special about Walla Walla.

Here’s a story—about Michelle (one of the owners of Bacon & Eggs)—I was walking across Main Street a little while ago. Michelle was on the other side, and she had a big heirloom tomato in her hand. She saw me, crossed the street, handed it to me in the middle of the street, gave me a big hug and said, “Here. This is meant for you.” It’s great small-town stuff, but we’re not a small town—that’s the beauty of living here. 

In our local musical scene, if you need a piece of equipment at a gig and you don’t have it (or forgot it), you can call someone and they’ll bring it to you! People have your back and that’s pretty sweet. It seems like a little thing, but it’s a big thing—you can’t do a show without the right cable, and here you know that you’ll be able to get one!

How do skills you learned at Whitman help you today?

First of all, critical thinking. I think I was always a critical thinker but Whitman taught me how to think about my thinking, question my thinking, question other people’s thinking. To find answers that work for me and realize that other people may reach different answers. Empathy too. I’ve always been empathetic but here I went to school with people from all over the world and now I know people from all over the world. Meeting people feels comfortable no matter where folks are from or what their backgrounds are. And, of course, I learned really good writing skills.

I remember my grandmother didn’t understand why I chose liberal arts rather than a state or trade school. I knew I loved to study and still do—that’s why I went back and got my MBA. I love learning and finding out what I don’t know. That skill of understanding what you don’t know and then figuring out how to go after it—honed it at Whitman.

What is a way that Walla Walla is diverse?

Yes, it isn’t diverse here like a large city would be diverse. Instead, people here have lots of diverse ideas and interests, ages, economic backgrounds. There are so many people from so many places. You don’t necessarily see them, but they’re there. I wouldn’t have moved back here from Portland (diverse!) if I didn’t already know it is diverse like this. 

What should Whitman students know about our community that you haven’t mentioned yet?

Buses are free and there are tons of places to check out! Valley Transit decided to keep our buses free which is fantastic. You can even get to some great hiking fairly easily on the bus. Even the movie theater is on the bus line! If you’re just staying on campus, it's hard to realize how accessible so many great opportunities are around here. Definitely lots of great food and music you can get to. With music, there are lots of places you can play, like wineries, cafes, special events. Getting into the pipeline by expressing your interest and finding people who are doing it, will get you in. So, in general, reaching outside the Whitman community can get you to all kinds of great opportunities.

Also, there are so many great nonprofits if you want to volunteer. Most places are really welcoming and would be happy to have help and there are many different ways to contribute to their work. Blue Mountain Action Council has so many varied programs, it would be a great place to start if you’re looking for a great organization and ways to get involved. Blue Mountain Humane Society is another great place that needs volunteers.

What is your favorite thing about springtime in Walla Walla?

I love everything about springtime in Walla Walla. The people of Walla Walla are like flowers. It’s dormant and dark and nothing’s happening, and then all of a sudden the sun comes out and then boom! Everyone comes alive. It’s awesome. The trees start snowing flowers. You’re sitting outside in a plaza and trying to do work, it’s hard to not be totally distracted by how gorgeous it is out. Even just walking over here across town today to meet you was lovely. There’s so much to check out and enjoy. Since I graduated, it feels like Walla Walla leaders have really invested in the care of its people through supporting their well-being. Making things free. Creating art walks. It’s so easy to see this in the spring, especially!

Beyond the interview:

Kate Morrison is available for conversation with students who would like to follow up on anything in this interview. You can reach her at katemorrisoncreative@gmail.com. Any other questions? Please contact Noah Leavitt at leavitns@whitman.edu.