Whitman Stories
![Collage of student portraits](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/June/alumni%20awards%202021/alumni%20awards%20thumb.jpg)
June 21, 2021
Alumni Association Announces 2021 Award Recipients
The awards recognize alumni who exemplify outstanding achievement in their careers, communities, or through service to Whitman College.
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June 14, 2021
Steve Hammond '79 Honors Enslaved Forebears in Historic Visit to Arlington House
The Robert E. Lee Memorial, Arlington House, reopened after an extensive overhaul by the National Park Service. Descendants of both the confederate general and enslaved people who once lived and labored on the estate came together to mark the occasion. "I get emotional talking about it," Hammond said. "It's a very powerful opportunity to bring people together and try to make a difference and a better world."
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June 9, 2021
Brendan Dunlap ’19 Challenges Fashion Gender Binary Through Self-Expression
While still a student at Whitman, he began questioning what felt like the arbitrary division between men's and women's clothing, embracing styles that would traditionally be considered feminine. “I now dress completely for fun,” said Dunlap, who identifies as a queer man and advocates for gender fluidity as part of this year’s Levi’s “All Pronouns All Love” Pride campaign.
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![A student receives their diploma during commencement.](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/05-May/Commencement-2021/Whitman%20Commencement%202021-154-thumb.jpg)
May 27, 2021
Watch: Scenes from Whitman’s Class of 2021 Commencement
View clips from Whitman’s 135th Commencement.
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![Portrait of John Johnson](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/05-May/john-johnson-thumb.jpg)
May 26, 2021
Whitman College Names New Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion
John Johnson, Ph.D., has been appointed Whitman College’s new vice president for diversity and inclusion after a nationwide search.
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May 25, 2021
Grand Finales: Senior Thesis Art Show Explores ‘Still Life’
The graduating Whitman College studio art majors concluded their studies with a final thesis exhibition, “STILL LIFE: Senior Thesis 2021.”
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![Graduates listening to student speaker Lauren Rhodes ’21 during commencement](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/05-May/2021-Commencement-Thumb.jpg)
May 23, 2021
Whitman College’s 2021 Commencement Ceremony
A recap of Whitman College's 135th Commencement ceremony, Sunday, May 23, 2021, with photos from the event.
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May 20, 2021
Associate Professor of Art History & Visual Culture Studies Matt Reynolds Moderates Confluence Project Event
“Along the Columbia River: Maya Lin and the Confluence Project,” will be on view through Dec. 15 at Whitman College’s Maxey Museum and online.
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![Portrait of Lauren Rhodes](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/05-May/Lauren%20Rhodes%20thumb.jpg)
May 19, 2021
Lauren Rhodes ’21 Serves Dual Commencement Roles
Whitman College student Lauren Rhodes was chosen as both the senior class speaker and banner designer for the 2021 commenencement ceremony.
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![A yard sign reading "Congratulations Class of 2021" is displayed with the clock tower of Memorial Building in the background.](/images/whitman-stories/stories/2021/05-May/congrats_grads_thumb.jpg)
May 17, 2021
Five Things To Know About Commencement 2021
This year’s commencement ceremony will be in person—but only for graduating seniors. Here are more need-to-know facts about Whitman College’s 2021 commencement.
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May 12, 2021
Board of Trustees Chair-Elect Joe Davis '80 Named Top 50 Advocate Executive Role Model
Davis, who is managing director and senior partner, chairman of North America at the Boston Consulting Group, was listed as one of the senior leaders on the 2021 EMpower Advocates Executive Role Models ranking for his efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.
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May 6, 2021
Q&A with Whitman’s 2021 commencement speaker: Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold ’06
Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold is set to speak in person at the college’s spring commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 23.
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