Our Whitman, My Story

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Alistair’s story. Alistair Ganholm, a Psychology major from Seattle, brings the Renaissance to life at Whitman College as Co-President of the Renaissance Fair Planning Committee. From organizing fantasy-themed events like boffing tournaments and winter balls to designing sets for Shakespearean plays, Alistair embodies the live...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Thomas’s story. Thomas McElfresh, a Geology major from Duvall, Washington, doesn't shy away from an adventure or a challenge. He shares his transformative experiences from hiking the Pacific Crest Trail to ice climbing trips and Semester in the West. He highlights the Whitman Outdoor Program's inclusivity and his appreciation ...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Rosaura's story. Rosaura Albizo, a first-generation college student from Boise, Idaho, shares her journey at Whitman, highlighting the supportive community, diverse extracurricular activities and engaging academics. From her involvement in affinity groups, Debate and Crochet Club to spearheading initiatives like the Power &...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Pavita’s story. Pavita Sidhu is an English major from Vancouver, B.C. and the Captain of the women's varsity golf team at Whitman. Hear what she loves about Whitman, Walla Walla and the supportive folks who have made her time here so rewarding and valuable—from her coach to her professors to her internship mentors. The “...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Astrid’s story. Astrid Ketcham is a senior Art major from Fort Smith, Arkansas. Hear how her family inspired her to come across the country for college and what she discovered at Whitman—including a love of painting, mixed media and Walla Walla. She's making the most of her time at Whitman, including making fake cakes an...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Gabe’s story. Gabe Wasserman came to Whitman from Madison, Wisconsin. He immediately loved the community he found and believes it helped him grow and succeed as a runner and a student. Hear about his experience as a student-athlete, his enthusiasm for Blues and Whit City and how he fared at the "Jewish Olympics." The “Ou...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Cleopatra’s story. Cleopatra Nabyonga is from Dallas, Texas, and majoring in Film & Media Studies with a minor in Art. Hear how this busy future sportscaster ended up at Whitman and what she loves most (hint: there are mountains involved). 💙 ⛰️ 💙 The “Our Whitman, My Story” podcast is a collaboration between th...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Kasey’s story. Kasey Moulton is a History major with Creative Writing and Film and Media Studies minors from Nampa, Idaho. Kasey came to Whitman to be on the Debate Team and found so much to explore and do, including being the Editor-and-Chief of the school newspaper, The Whitman Wire. The “Our Whitman, My Story”...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Big Joe’s story. Big Joe is a bluegrass band made up of four talented Whitman students. Hear how they first started jamming together and how they are bringing their love of the genre to new audiences. The “Our Whitman, My Story” podcast is a collaboration between the Whitman College Office of Communication and author and...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Feras’s story. Feras Natshen is a Physics and Astronomy combined major. He came to the U.S. from Palestine and fell in love with the Pacific Northwest. At Whitman, he's found a place where he can explore a challenging and exciting academic and career path forward. Hear about his journey from researching in the physics lab to s...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Rosa’s story. Rosa Woolsey is a junior from Mill Creek, Washington, majoring in Anthropology. She says at Whitman can be inventive and have fun while you're here. Some of her favorite things to do are throwing tea parties, sending her professor on a scavenger hunt and listening to music in the wheat fields while admiring...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is John’s story. John Leeds is a sophomore from Austin, Texas, majoring in computer science. He is a speed typing wiz, a Rubix cube extraordinaire, and a swimmer among other things. John found Whitman to be perfect because the same opportunities he found in Austin, Texas is what he’s finding here in our tight-knit community. ...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Tejashree’s story. Tejashree Jadhav is a sophomore from Pune, India majoring in Psychology. Her Whitman experience started off in India due to the pandemic. When she made the move to Walla Walla, Washington it was a complete culture shock. It could have easily made her feel out of place but with the help of her professors, Tej...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Gerry’s story. Gerry Todd is a junior from Seattle, Washington, majoring in politics. He is also a standup comedian who thought it was time for a change after living life on the road. He applied to Whitman which has led him to experience things he never thought he would: the individual attention of his professors and a new app...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Eyleen’s story. Eyleen Menchu Tuy is a first-year who came to Walla Walla from Santa Ana, Costa Rica but is originally from Guatemala. When she was researching colleges, she knew she wanted to go to a place where she could get involved in the community and interact closely with the people who lived there. She also wanted small...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Silivan's story. Silivan Munguarakarama is a sophomore from Lusaka, Zambia majoring in computer science. The Off-Campus Studies program is what initially attracted Silivan to Whitman. He is aware that he is already studying abroad while at Whitman but he’s interested in seeing more of the world while completing his degree. In ...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Dana’s story. Dana Walden is from Hixson, Tennessee, studying Rhetoric, Writing, and Public Discourse. Dana had no intention of studying at a college in Tennessee so they begged their parents to get the book "381 Best Colleges in America." Whitman stuck out the most because of the rigorous academic system, kind professors, and...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Genevieve’s story. Genevieve Vogel is a sophomore from Brunswick, Maine, studying Economics and History. Having never visited Whitman, Genevieve knew what to expect on paper but she did not foresee the amazing opportunities, great friendships, and clubs available to every student on campus. Genevieve believes that with an open...

Whitman College students tell their stories—about their unique experiences in choosing Whitman and being part of the Whitman community and what they love most. This is Austin’s story. Austin Chiles is a senior from Centerville, Utah, studying BBMB—biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology. Austin came to Whitman to swim. He came to college very introverted and very competitive but he says he is leaving a different person. Austin’s Whitman experience made him more extroverted and opened ...