Whitman Stories

Amber Ebarb ’03 addressed the Class of 2023 during the 137th Whitman College Commencement Ceremony. Ebarb is the Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and spoke of the positive changes on campus since she graduated 20 years ago.

Three Whitman College students have received a graduate research fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for 2023. The five-year fellowship allows recipients in engage in meaningful graduate research.

Whitman College alum Alex Feller ’22 has earned a grant from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. Feller will be an English Teaching Assistant for the 2023–2024 year in year. In the last 15 years, Whitman has had 55 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Awards go to students and graduates.

In an article in response to the Supreme Court’s decision on race in admission, Ron Lieber, columnist for The New York Times, says transparency in college costs can increase diversity—and notes Whitman’s approach and Early Financial Aid Guarantee.

In an op-ed published in Teen Vogue, Bex Heimbrock ’25 explores the idea of "Rainbow Capitalism" and responds to the recent controversary surrounding Target and how the retail store dealt with customer backlash to its Pride Month merchandise.

A new Ethics and Society Major will give students interested in Philosophy another option with a more specific focus.

Donor gifts are making possible a new clubhouse facility to serve the Whitman Blues baseball program. Located at Borleske Stadium in Walla Walla, the $3.7 million, 3,300 square-foot clubhouse will include locker and training rooms, as well as recruiting and multipurpose team meeting spaces.

Whitman College student Nishtha Rajbhandari ’24 has been awarded $10,000 from the Projects for Peace program, which enables students at partner institutions to develop innovative, community-centered projects addressing critical issues around the world.

The 16 graduating studio art majors from Whitman College’s Class of 2023 concluded their studies with a final thesis exhibition at the Sheehan Gallery.

In her first Presidential Address at a Whitman College Commencement Ceremony, President Sarah Bolton spoke to both tradition and community. During Whitman 137th Commencement, the Class of 2023 was congratulated for their commitment to leadership, learning and each other.

At the end of the 2022-2023 academic year, Peter Harvey ’84 is retiring. Harvey served 25 years as Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer (CFO)—longer than anyone in that role in the history of the college. He began working for Whitman College in 1991 and was promoted to CFO in 1998. Among Harvey’s significant achievements was leading an investment of $125 million for new construction and renovation.

Here’s a preview of how the college and Whitman community will commemorate Whitman College’s 137th Commencement—and celebrate the exceptional accomplishments and bright futures of its Class of 2023.