Reflections: Professor Michelle Janning

Dear Seniors, Given that you are re-entering the real world and expanding your efforts beyond the Whitman Bubble, you will inevitably face a life somewhat different from the heavily integrated life in college that you’ve been leading (where work is the same as home and friends and lovers are the same as colleagues). Now, the real world is full of these blurry boundaries too (I know this because I’m married to a colleague and certainly spend time doing work at home). But it’s going to feel a little different. It’s filled with more opportunities for you to negotiate the boundaries (if there are any) between the paid world of work and the unpaid world of home (however you conceive of that term), and everything in between. Some of these may not apply to you for a few years, and some may never apply.  Maybe they’ll make you look at your own upbringing in interesting ... Keep reading

Reflections: Dana Burgess

Many of those dispensing advice (welcome or not) to college graduates this year are likely to address the economic downturn. Your job or career will consume much of your energy for the next 45 years or so, but I would like to invite graduates to think about other challenges. Be conscious of how you think. When you get all caught up in what you are doing, make sure you sometimes step back from it and think about how you think about what you are doing. Beware of getting so immersed in your activities that you deny yourself perspective on what you are doing. Listen carefully to someone who tells you that you are full of crap.  Maybe that person is wrong, but maybe not. Suspend judgement long enough to figure out that person’s reasoning. Just as you should be slow to dismiss another’s challenge to your worldview, so should you be slow to ... Keep reading

Reflections: Rachel Stein

My first semester at Whitman I was overwhelmed by the microcosm that I was living in—my high school was twice as big!  This meant there always seemed to be new trends that were unique to our little community: to this day Whitman is the only place where I hear “pre-funking” more often than “pre-gaming.” Since my early feelings of claustrophobia, I have learned to fully embrace everything the “Whitman Bubble” has to offer. Now, as I contemplate my graduation I would like to share a few of the unique aspects of Whitman which I will miss: The human birdbaths in front of Hunter: there are few places better to cool off on a hot day. Lately it even smells like chlorine has been added to the water! Styx: I love that I never quite know what decorations might adorn this sculpture at anytime. From advertising to creative forms of self-expression, Styx is a ... Keep reading

Reflections: Emily Beloof

No one knows what to expect at college. Despite “understanding” gained from siblings’ stories and movies like “Animal House” there is no way to prepare yourself—except, perhaps, to bring a condom. I arrived here with armloads of clothes, a matching dorm room bedroom set from Target and zero condoms. Dropped off like the rest of the lost puppies on the curb side of a residence hall, I watched my parents drive away and walked into my new independent life. Except that someone cleaned the bathroom I used. And all of my meals were prepared. And the longest paper I wrote was five pages. Things have changed during my four years here; now I clean my own bathroom, my bedspread is from India where I studied abroad, and my thesis was 10 times longer than my final Core paper. My sister, the other Beloof, was a senior when I was a freshman. Finding sanctuary ... Keep reading

Reflections: Allison Calhoun

Dear Graduating Seniors, “This, you know, is a time of taking in - taking in friendship, conversation, gaiety, wisdom, knowledge, beauty, holiness  - and later, well, there will be a time of giving out,” remarks a friend of Sheldon Vanauken about the college years in Vanauken’s memoir A Severe Mercy. This profound insight, shared during a late night conversation among friends, is to me the clearest statement of the ultimate goal of a college education: college is that time when you prepare for your own time of giving out. It is now your turn to take the richness of your education and experiences from Whitman and share them with the world. By contributing your gifts and talents to others, you can begin to utilize your four-year investment of taking in.  How you choose to do this depends on you. Share in a way that is uniquely yours.  Choose to inspire with your gifts ... Keep reading

Reflections: Heidi Baldwin

The most dreaded question to a college senior is “What are you going to do after graduation?” Thinking about life after college is overwhelming for many, not to mention beginning your career during the biggest recession since the Great Depression and an 8.5 percent federal unemployment rate. People are showing up by the thousands for job fairs. Those who are 40 or 50 years old are taking on summer jobs typically held by teenagers. Every morning, news shows feature career experts who provide advice on how to find jobs in this extremely difficult job market. That is the bad news. Now here is the good news: Your degree is from Whitman College. Over the past four years you have learned to think critically, creatively solve problems and have gained strong communications skills. You have research skills; you can analyze and interpret data. You have held leadership roles, delegated tasks and managed projects. You ... Keep reading

Reflections: Professor Mary Anne O’Neil

Dear Seniors, I am honored to be asked to give some advice on your postgraduate life. The invitation to address you is especially meaningful since I, like you, am leaving Whitman at the end of this semester. I have been here longer than any of you—32 years, to be exact—so my departure will be both more dramatic and more difficult because it will signal the end of my career as a teacher. I am grateful for all of the wonderful memories I have of my former students, including several members of your class whom I have taught in Core or French. These memories will sustain me, more than anything else, during my life after Whitman. My first piece of advice is to finish all pending academic work if you haven’t done so already. Clear up those incompletes, turn in your theses, write those final papers. You will have plenty of time for ... Keep reading

Reflections: Aisha Fukushima

One of the best parts of our journey thus far is that we have only just begun. In these final weeks, each trial and tribulation seems to be so small in relation to the world opening up before us. Soon-to-be graduates all have a lot to offer those around them in intellectual agility, emotional profundity and well-roundedness, and I hope that as they begin this next chapter in their life, they will continue to help mentor and build the communities that they touch along the way. The time is always ripe to reinvest and give back to the world, our home countries, our local communities, as well as our families and friends who have so selflessly molded us into the vibrant individuals we are today. While I would like to reflect on these four years with the idealism of a wide-eyed college kid, it is also important to acknowledge the trials ... Keep reading

Reflections: Jean Carwile Masteller

When I was asked to write a column of advice to the graduating class, I tried to run from the assignment. I have no trouble dispensing advice in my office, but to put advice into print? That thought evokes memories of “Climb every mountain” sung at my own graduations and other strains of cliché-filled advice about LIFE. Or maybe I was evading thoughts that I’ll be graduating with you, in a way, as I begin the next stage of my career and semi-retirement. Then, an advisee advised me to just write. So I prescribe three bits of advice to be taken in order. “I think I can, I think I can, I think I can”; “Up again, old heart”; and finally, “I’m so sorry. It’s just impossible.” You may initially perceive some contradictions here, but after four years at Whitman, you know better than to expect simple words of advice. Perhaps some of ... Keep reading

Graduation Issue 2009

View the first ever Graduation Issue in its full glory. Flip through for all the information about the Class of 2009 and the 2008-09 school year. Open publication - Free publishing - More graduation Keep reading

Features Section in Print – April 30th, 2009

A lot of graphic design work goes into the Featured section every week. In order to credit The Pioneer’s amazing layout staff we post the section as it looks in print so that you can appreciate the work that went into the layout. Below is how the Featured Section looked in print for the week of May 7th, 2009. Open publication - Free publishing - More college Keep reading

Orientation Oopses

No college can make every one of its students happy, but 87 percent of survey respondents felt that Whitman tries to come as close as possible. According to Simi Singh, who responded to the “Freshman Year” survey, the negative parts of the first year are important aspects of the college experience. “Going to college is supposed to be a difficult and experiential transition and a lot of the valuable experiences you gain from freshman year should come from the difficulties that you encounter socially, academically, or extra-curricularly,” Singh wrote. “The bumps in the road make for exciting and worthy learning opportunities.” These “bumps in the road” consisted of discomfort during orientation, difficulties finding the right classes and different opinions on what dorm living should be like. When surveyed about what specifically, if anything, they would change about orientation, 10 out of the 53 respondents listed “Playfair” as something that should be taken out, or ... Keep reading

Whitman Speaks!

From the feature editors: Everyone knows that it’s easier to complain about a problem than to do something about it. The Whitman campus is no exception; how often do you hear people whining about student services, financial aid, or the dining hall, and failing to mention any constructive ideas for positive change? This week, the Features team has compiled your ideas for how to bring about positive change on campus. We hope to generate a buzz and give a voice to those of you committed to creatively improving  the campus. Meal Plans and Dining Hall “Getting local restaurants to accept swipes as many other colleges do would be fantastic.” “Sophomores should not have to be on a meal plan, or there should at least be the option of them having fewer meals per semester.” “The meal plans should reinstate the ability to swipe other people in using meals rather than guest swipes.” “I appreciate that Bon ... Keep reading

Busted: The myth of subsidized police cars

While Whitman may not be a large city school in a rough neighborhood or have the Hilton sisters as students, its rumor mill operates overtime.  From the playful story of a ghost in North Hall to more insidious rumors, the gossip is always titillating. One of the most controversial products of campus hearsay is that Whitman subsidizes police cruisers to shield students from the law. According to one version of this rumor, former president Thomas Cronin (who served from 1993-2005) funded Walla Walla Police Department (WWPD) patrol vehicles for campus use. Allegedly, Cronin “bought off” the police so that they would protect the campus but let students off easily in instances of underage drinking and partying. “I don’t know if it is true, but it goes along with other stories of Whitman students [being] left alone by the law,” said junior David Protter. Protter listed some examples, including Whitman students who scaled the Marcus ... Keep reading

Shanty Town Built Outside Memorial: Students protest college spending

Twenty-one years before Whitman’s first diversity symposium, the campus was embroiled in controversy over college investments in companies serving apartheid-era South Africa. To protest the spending, students constructed a shanty town in front of Memorial Building to demonstrate the poor living conditions of black South Africans.   In addition to creating a makeshift slum, Whitman Students for Social Change planned theatre performances, campus discussions and a candlelight vigil to raise awareness of the issue.  Ann Pelo, a representative of the group, resigned a month prior from a special investment advisory committee set up by the college in response to student outcry.  She told the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin in March of 1986 that the shanty town symbolized how Whitman’s spending was antithetical to human rights.  “The shanty town is an expressive statement of condemnation of apartheid voiced through solidarity with the South African blacks,” Pelo said.   Blacks living in racially segregated South Africa ... Keep reading

Kiss Kiss Bang Bang!

On May 18, 1987, Whitman student Tristram Lundquist, a sophomore, died of multiple gunshot wounds to the chest from a .22 caliber hand gun.  He was murdered by fellow Whitman student, senior Eric Maxon. Prior to the murder, Lundquist and Maxon fought over the affections of the same girl, sophomore Suzanne Meuret. Lundquist was murdered over a love-triangle. “It was a pretty standard love triangle.  Suzanne had been dating Eric first and had just gotten tired of the relationship or somehow it had broken up,” said Whitman alum, Brek Lawson.  Lawson, who graduated in 1990, lived with both Lundquist and Meuret in Lyman during the time of the relationship drama and ensuing murder. Matt Cleman, a fellow Lyman resident in 1987, also spoke of the affair. “Suzanne and Eric broke up about November or December…she started going out with ‘Tris’ sometime in January or February,” said Cleman in a May 20, 1987 issue of the ... Keep reading

1960s Activism: Whitman Style

By protesting the Vietnam War draft, students in the late 60s were increasing their own likelihood of being drafted. Despite this threat, Whitman students continued to make their opinions heard. Between 1967 and 1970 “The Hershey Directive” put in place by General Lewis Blaine Hershey said that the act of protesting could actually void a person’s education deferment and put him or her at risk of being drafted immediately. Because they saw this as an impediment to free speech, many Whitman students felt that military recruiters should not be allowed to solicit on campus. In the morning of April 15, 1968, senior Charles Lawrence, who now teaches at Seattle University, and junior Michael De Grasse, who is now a lawyer in Walla Walla, were arrested for blocking military vehicles from entering the Student Union Building (which has since been replaced by Maxey Hall).  “People viewed it as an anti-war protest, and it was. ... Keep reading

Guess who’s coming to dinner? Students host prisoners.

In the 1970s, Whitman professors ran a series of programs that brought students and inmates from the Washington State Penitentiary into close contact—maybe too close. “The philosophy…was to increase the interaction between residents and free people,” said Professor of Physics, Emeritus Craig Gunsel, who initially became involved in the program after his wife encouraged him to volunteer.   Through what was called the “Social Therapy Program,” prisoners mixed with Whitman students in the Olin Hall faculty lounge, and even went home with them through the “Take a Lifer to Dinner” program.  For the most part, these interactions took place without police supervision.   “When I look back on some of things we did with some of those guys, it’s shocking nothing happened. We were rolling with some real hard guys,” said Professor of Foreign Languages and Literatures Emeritus Dale Cosper.  Cosper started the program in 1971, along with Lee Bowker and Paul Peterson, both ... Keep reading

Features Section in Print – April 30th, 2009

A lot of graphic design work goes into the Featured section every week. In order to credit The Pioneer’s amazing layout staff we post the section as it looks in print so that you can appreciate the work that went into the layout. Below is how the Featured Section looked in print for the week of April 30th, 2009. Open publication - Free publishing - More college Keep reading

Alumn-ination – Alumni Explain the Importance of Alumni Weekend

The visitor’s passes abound. Children squeal. A group of well-dressed adults walk by talking about the burgeoning wineries. No, it’s not a group of wine tourists or prospie parents; it’s Alumni Weekend. And, judging by these former Whittie’s responses, Whitman students have a lot to look forward to at reunions. “There is something special about Whitman that you really don’t get a feel for until you get  into either your first job or a graduate school,” said Class of ’79 alumni and Alumni Board member John Blackmon. “When you begin to see the levels of preparation that other recent graduates have you then realize that all those years in Walla Walla are really going to pay off.” One highlight of the Whitman reunion, according to Class of ’89 alumni and Alumni Board member Kottayam Natarajan Jr., is the reconnection of old classmates.  “Some of my best and strongest friendships were formed at Whitman,” ... Keep reading

Schedule of Events

Thursday, Apr. 23 4 p.m. “Expanded Visions in International Medical Service,” an Alumni Career presentation by Dr. Gordon Tobin ‘65, in Gaiser Auditorium, Hall of Science. Friday, Apr. 24 9:30-10:30 A.M. “Where the Great River Bends: A natural and human history of the Columbia at Wallula.” by Professor of Geology Bob Carson, Kimball Theatre, Hunter Conservatory.  11 a.m.-12 noon  “Genealogies of Immigrant Worker Protests: Stories from the Zone of Illegality,” by Paul Apostolidis, Associate Professor of Politics, Kimball Theatre, Hunter Conservatory. 5 p.m.  Senior Thesis Exhibit Gallery Exhibit Opening Reception and Lecture, featuring the thesis projects of graduating studio art majors. Speaker TBA. Olin Hall, Room 130. 7-9 p.m.  83rd Annual Choral Contest, Cordiner Hall. Saturday, April 25 9 a.m.-11:30 a.m.  “Student Activism on the Whitman College Campus in the 1960s,” by G. Thomas Edwards, professor of history emeritus; alumni panel to follow. Panelists include Gretchen Miller Kafoury ‘63, Dick Lilly ‘65, Chuck Lawrence ‘68 and Michael deGrasse ... Keep reading

All about Alumni

Over the years, Whitman College has evolved in many ways.  For alumni returning to campus after only a few years, the most obvious changes are always the new buildings.  But much more has changed about life at Whitman over the past several decades.  Visiting alumni from the classes of 1959, 1967, 1989 and 2001 reflected: Theodora Geokezas ’59 recalled the inequality between men and women that she encountered during her time at Whitman. “When I was at Whitman, women could only run for [ASWC] Vice President and Secretary.  All of the other jobs that had the money and leadership attached were not trusted to women.” Another shift involved the Mortar Board National Honor Society, which is still in existence today. Geokezas said that this award was given out to female students during her college years based on their grades and overall good citizenship.  The Whitman administration decided to take away this award because ... Keep reading

Choral Contest Honors Tradition Pushes Boundaries

The Whitman College Choral Contest has been a time honored tradition. Beginning in 1925, the Choral Contest has been a highlight of the Whitman experience. Fraternities, sororities, men’s and women’s independent choirs compete for charity. The categories are Best Male Group, Best Female Group, and Best Interlude Performance awarded to the campus’ A capella groups. This year it will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 24 in Cordiner Hall. In 2008 the Sirens of Swank, the all female A capella group, preformed “SHU-BE-DOO-SHOOP-SH-BOOM: A 50’s Medley.” The all-male A capella group, The Testostertones, sang a Paul Simon medley from the film Top Gun. Schwa, the co-ed group, sang “ð-cappella.”  The Environmental Choir sang “Big Yellow Taxi,” and the Jonas Family Singers sang, “Registrar: A Medley.” Each group is required to sing a classical and modern piece. Last year, The Independent men sang, “Kiss The Girl” and “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat” ... Keep reading

Features Section in Print – April 23rd, 2009

A lot of graphic design work goes into the Featured section every week. In order to credit The Pioneer’s amazing layout staff we post the section as it looks in print so that you can appreciate the work that went into the layout. Below is how the Featured Section looked in print for the week of April 23rd, 2009. Open publication - Free publishing - More features Keep reading

10 Things to do outside besides Frisbee Golf

Spring is upon us—for the first time all year, the thermometer has jumped above 65, the sun is showing its face, and people are taking off their shoes and shirts to step into the fountain in front of Hunter.  As the temperatures rise, it’s time to take a break from writing that thesis to step outside and enjoy the fresh air. Here are some things to do outside besides the typical Frisbee-tossing on Ankeny: 1 - Play with dogs at the Humane Society.  The Walla Walla Humane Society is always looking for volunteers—people who just want to go and play with puppies and walk them around. If you love animals and volunteering, there is no better way to spend that time out in the sunshine than with them. 2 - Look for ducks’ nests or ducklings.  This reporter has found two nests already—one by “the Gates” artwork on the stream by Hunter, and one by the wooden bridge ... Keep reading

Allergy Alert!

With the arrival of spring comes pollen, and soon people will be sneezing left and right.  Pollen from grass and trees is the main cause of allergies during springtime, and pollen from flowers can spark a reaction in those who are actively gardening.  People are affected by allergies year round, but once spring rolls around, the number of people with itchy eyes and runny noses seems to increase. These allergies result from the pollen in the air.  According to Ellen Collette, Director of Welty Health Center, few students come in with severe symptoms. However, there are cases in which people experience long-term allergies.  “Students here are often from somewhere other than Eastern Washington, so the first year they come here they haven’t made antibodies yet to the grass pollens that are here," said Collette  "The trees that are in their hometowns may be different from the ones that are here. But then ... Keep reading

Flower Facts

  Magnolias, bloom early April Mainly found in east and Southeast Asia.  Named after French botanist Pierre Magnol. Daffodils,  bloom in early spring The earliest known reference to Daffodils can be found in the 6th century A.D. writings of Prophet Mohammed. Native mainly to the Mediterranean Hyacinths,  bloom March to April Sometimes associated with rebirth Rhododendron,  bloom May-June The species of Rhododendron that are currently blooming at Whitman are RJM Rhododendrons that bloom earlier. Some species of rhododendrons are poisonous to animals. National flower of Nepal  Bluebells, bloom in spring  The classical hyacinth was a flower described in Greek mythology that sprang from the blood of the dying prince Hyacinthus. Tulips,  bloom mid to late spring Tulips do best in climates with long cool springs and early summers Pansies,  bloom any time of the year Pansies are a hybrid derived from the Viola species of flowers. Breeding has produced a wide range of colors including yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, white, and even black (dark purple), many with large showy face markings. Periwinkle, bloom  late winter ... Keep reading

Spring Fever

What is it about a little bit of sun that turns ordinarily studious young adults into a bacchanal mob and leaves no campus courtyard unafflicted? Even the presence of Vitamin D cannot justify it. Perhaps first-year Matt Dittrich was on to something when he said that for him, the reappearance of sun after a long winter is life-affirming. “When it’s sunny out, I feel so alive,” he said. “Winter is the season when you realize that you only have so many years to live, and spring is the time when you see how many you still have left.” However, Dittrich added that the presence of sun, while serving as an end to the depression of winter, can actually be a cause for a different type of depression when it is combined with doing homework. “I noticed that people who were reading Wuthering Heights outside in the sun hated it, but the people ... Keep reading

Featured Section in Print – April 16th, 2009

A lot of graphic design work goes into the Featured section every week. In order to credit The Pioneer's amazing layout staff we post the section as it looks in print so that you can appreciate the work that went into the layout. Below is how the Featured Section looked in print for the week of April 16th, 2009. Open publication - Free publishing - More features Keep reading

Ask an A-Teamer!

Pio: What’s the most common question prospective students ask?  What’s the most common question their parents ask? Xi: Students always ask me what is there to do and what I specifically do on campus. Parents will almost always ask one of three questions: “Why did you choose Whitman?” “What’s student life like?” and “What’s your major?” Pio:  What are some of the strangest questions you’ve received?  Any bizarre experiences with tours or overnight stays?  Xi: Most of my strange questions haven’t really been all that strange and they’ve just made me feel slightly uncomfortable because it’ll be something personal like, “do you party a lot?” so I don’t think I’ve had any bizarre incidents, but I have had plenty of friends who have. I have two favorites. A male was hosting a prospie and the host went to shower and specifically told his prospie not to go anywhere while he showered. His prospie ... Keep reading

Thoughts from an insider

I’ve been working for the admissions office for three years. There’s no formula for why a person chooses a school. I recently did a survey for current freshman and found that the overwhelming majority of them cited their visit to campus as a key reason they chose Whitman. The confusion therein is that there are so many factors—their tour guide, overnight host, classes they visit, how nice the receptionist is when they walked in, how the weather was the day they visited…it’s impossible to know. Most of them can’t really pinpoint it themselves but use words like “feeling” and “fit” to describe their visit experience. For the typical liberal arts student, I’d say that it makes sense that “fit” comes to mind more easily than, say, academic or athletic programs. I always tell my tours that there is more than one right college for everyone, and that it’s 50% choosing ... Keep reading

Memorable Mishaps

Tony Cabasco, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid As told to Cindy Chin The Interview:  “A student who was a perfectly good student but in the interview, as she’s walking in, her cell phone rang and she proceeded to talk for 15 minutes and the admissions officer waited politely.”  “Another person was really sick and threw up during the interview. It didn’t affect their chances at all, but still. The person … apologized a lot for it, but that person got in.”  “About 15-16 years ago, a student who was visiting campus was caught shoplifting at Safeway. That student was not admitted. The ironic thing was that the student worked at home at Safeway.”  “Another staff member was interviewing a student was holding a Styrofoam cup, and whether it was out of nerves or what, began nibbling at the Styrofoam and soon enough he was eating the Styrofoam. The so was just watching and freaking out, ... Keep reading

Accepted! – what it takes to get into Whitman College

As Whitman College approaches the end of the year, the future class of 2013 has just begun their college journey with the arrival of their acceptance letters. This prompts some Whitman students to ask themselves: what does it take to get into Whitman? What qualities do admissions officers look for that are not included in brochures sent to prospective students? One specific quality that admissions officers look for, according to Assistant Director of Admission Victoria Lidzbarski, is a “fit” student. “This is a cloudy idea. There’s not really a specific definition,” said Lidzbarski. “Test scores and involvement are looked at, of course. This extra element often includes a cultural fit. Are they passionate and active community members? Are these students going to try and make a difference or are we not going to even notice they are here?” “Fit” does not have a specific definition. Students who are considered “fit” have made a ... Keep reading

Featured Section in Print – April 9th, 2009

A lot of graphic design work goes into the Featured section every week. In order to credit The Pioneer's amazing layout staff we post the section as it looks in print so that you can appreciate the work that went into the layout. Below is how the Featured Section looked in print for the week of April 9th, 2009. Open publication - Free publishing - More newspaper Keep reading

Tips for living with communal bathrooms

1. wash your hands. You’ve known it since you learned how to use a potty, but it bears reiterating. Wash them after you pee. This means you, too, guys. Just be- cause you don’t have to take your pants off past your knees doesn’t mean you’re exempt from germs. Wash them after you poop. Wash them after you vomit. Wash them after you touch the door handles. If it helps, remember that some people judge you when they don’t hear the sounds of a spigot accompanying the sounds of a flush. If you’re in the dorms and it helps, remember when foam soap was really cool and know that it might not be provided off-campus. “The one and most important thing for anyone to do when using any restroom is to wash their hands,” said Administra- tive Assistant for the Health Center Ginny Matthews. “Take your time—be thorough.” The United States Center for Disease Control has found ... Keep reading

A great bathroom prank remembered

This April 1st marked the third year anniversary of a bathroom stall relocation effort to play a prank on a Resident Director. Seniors Peter Griffin and Justin Hampton did it together in Lyman House, and treated RD Ben Drury to an interesting entryway. “We were sitting in our rooms, our homework was done, it was 3 a.m., and he said to me ‘do you wanna take apart the bathroom?’” said Griffin. The two managed to disassemble a bathroom stall, carry it downstairs and reassemble it in front of Drury’s room. “It took all of [Justin’s] strength to get the metal bands [holding the doors together] off, and every screwdriver in my toolbox,” said Griffin. “It was a double prank, too, because when someone went into the bathroom there were just two toilets sticking up from the floor,” said Griffin. The installation was removed within 24 hours. Keep reading

Gender-neutral bathrooms?

[caption id="attachment_4454" align="alignright" width="246" caption="Credit: Alden."][/caption] When the sexy men and women of “Ally McBeal” shared one bathroom in their progressive law firm, the mid-1990s audience was shocked. Sexually non-discriminate bathrooms were an anomaly at the time and something that only lawyers in too-short skirts with fantasies about dancing babies dealt with. Gender-neutral bathrooms are no longer marginalized to lawyer-based dramedies and are now becoming more common in public areas. With a greater awareness of the GLBTQ community, a campaign for more genderneutral bathrooms is growing in popularity across the nation, with its strongest foothold on liberal arts campuses. The move toward non-gender specific bathrooms is one of safety and comfort. According to Assistant Professor of Religion and Gender Studies Melissa Wilcox, an advocate of gender-neutral bathrooms, the strict division and gender specificity of bathrooms can make using one can a “humiliating or dangerous” experience for those outside social gender norms. Though less progressive than many colleges in this issue, Whitman ... Keep reading

History of Whitman: (the abridged version)

As one of the oldest institutions west of the Rocky Mountains, Whitman has a long and varied past. But its foundation and history have not been as simple as one might suspect for a small school such as Whitman. Here are some common misconceptions and general facts that have fallen through the cracks about our school’s past. “It is kind of hard to get your mind around what things were like in the Northwest then,” Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Michael Paulus said. “It is amazing that they could keep the school around long enough for it to last.” Whitman was founded in honor of Marcus Whitman, the renowned missionary, by his colleague Cushing Eells. Eells was a missionary at a site in what is now northern Washington State. After Marcus and Narcissa’s death, he came down to the Walla Walla area ... Keep reading

Mythbusters: Have you heard any of these fables floating around campus?

Myth 1 Sororities can’t purchase houses the way that fraternities can because more than seven women living in a house is technically a brothel, which is illegal in the city of Walla Walla. “The brothel myth is one that every incoming freshman hears, though it is absolutely untrue.  The sororities are free to move into houses though the problems and changes that it would create are numerous,” said Rachel Constantino-Wallace, the Panhellenic Council President. Constantino-Wallace said that with the recession, it would be very expensive to purchase a new house.  “The sororities would have to amass an extremely large sum of money from Whitman alumni who are very supportive of the un-housed system,” she said. If a house were to be purchased, “national rules would begin to apply in the event that the sororities became housed chapters. For example, a ‘house mother’ would need to live in, men would not be allowed anywhere but public spaces,” ... Keep reading

Architecture over the years

Walking through campus, one sees a variety of different architectural styles, from all-brick residence halls like Prentiss to the romanesque Memorial Hall. Do any of these buildings have secrets hiding behind closed doors? Have the same buildings always been here, or was there something else long before our time on campus? Reynolds Hall No longer standing, Reynolds Hall stood between where the Science Building and Olin now stand. It was still standing in the 1970s when Kathryn Hill, a Whitman graduate and Walla Walla resident, attended Whitman. “It was an old brick classroom building covered with ivy,” she said. The original corner stone can be seen in the flower bed between the Science building and Olin. Billings Hall In Maxey’s current location once stood Billings Hall. It was a romanesque styled building similar to Memorial Hall, styled with stone and turrets. It was in Billings where Professor Deberah Simon, a Whitman graduate ... Keep reading

Understanding Feminist Misunderstandings

This article is part of the Featured section and originally ran with illustrations and a lot of graphic-intensive layout. You can see how the article originally looked in print here. At a place like Whitman I can begin to understand why feminism may seem passé: all the hyphenated last names and students with high-powered mothers create the façade of egalitarianism as cultural norm. But this campus norm betrays my own background and I’m sure the background of many others here—but most important, it betrays the background of most other women in the U.S., not to mention the world. My last name is my father’s, though he played no role in raising me, and my mom was always primarily a housewife, who now, post-divorce, is finding it nearly impossible to get a career off the ground. Some people snicker at feminists, wondering what women really have to complain about now that ... Keep reading

Male Feminism: common ground even in controversy

This article is part of the Featured section and originally ran with illustrations and a lot of graphic-intensive layout. You can see how the article originally looked in print here. The face of feminism has changed dramatically since its conception. The age of second-wave feminism, an age of bra burning, “The Feminine Mystique,” and most importantly the exclusion of men, has transformed into a complex and inclusive movement. The most dramatic inclusion of that movement? Men. While men have taken part in each “wave” of the movement, criticism towards these men have followed. Men involved were viewed, particularly in the second-wave movement by both feminists and non- feminists alike, as either attempting to “get into the pants” of women participants or join outof sexual self-hatred. Even today, men who consider themselves feminists !nd themselves criticized, though mostly by people outside of the movement. Texas Technical University “The Daily Toreador” columnist and self- proclaimed feminist James Hershberger addresses these issues in his article “Fight for her rights: Male feminism is no oxymoron.” Questions such ... Keep reading

Challenge your attitudes towards Feminism

This article is part of the Featured section and originally ran with illustrations and a lot of graphic-intensive layout. You can see how the article originally looked in print here. I know what you’re thinking when you read the title. A rant about how working women have destroyed the nuclear family. Or as Pat Buchanan wrote in a 1983 syndicated column, “Rail as they will about ‘discrimination,’ women are simply not endowed by nature with the same measures of single-minded ambition and the will to succeed in the !ercely competitive world of Western capitalism.” This is not what I am saying. I fully support feminism and its impact on the world. I appreciate the fact that I am not expected to pop out kids and cook a pot roast for my husband. However, the oppression of women is not the only form of oppression that exists. How could it be? Social problems ranging from gender bias, racism, religious intolerance, poor education or socio-economic inequality are interconnected. To privilege one over ... Keep reading

Featured in Print: Feminism

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Students find innovative ways to lend a helping hand

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured section in the February 26, 2009 print edition. To see how this article and the others in the section originally looked in print click the thumbnails for larger versions. The article continues below the thumbnails. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] No one denies that the Center for Community Service (CCS) is a great campus resource for hopeful volunteers. CCS runs popular programs like Adopt-a-Grandparent and the Mentor Program. Although many students are involved with the Center’s various projects, other community volunteer opportunities abound. Alternative volunteer opportunities exist in all sorts of local organizations. Sophomore Sarah Reichardt, the RA of the Community Service Co-op, teaches religious school at St. Patrick Parish, a Catholic church in Walla Walla. She teams up with fellow Whitman student Mary Dolan, also a sophomore, to teach one Sunday School class a month. Dolan and Reichardt develop and execute a lesson plan geared toward kids in elementary school. Reichardt’s favorite part of the job? ... Keep reading

Away from home: Coping on campus

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured section in the February 26, 2009 print edition. To see how this article and the others in the section originally looked in print click the thumbnails for larger versions. The article continues below the thumbnails. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] Walla Walla has plenty to do, but the small size can feel isolating, particularly for people from larger cities. Many Whitties find ways to stay busy beyond campus, though. “Runs through the wheat fields are great for getting some perspective,” said senior Gus O’Malley.  “Or I just hunt down some culture. There are art openings and concerts, and highbrow stuff that goes on here. You just have to look for [it].” But when it comes to food, Walla Walla doesn’t have everything Whitties want.  That especially goes for food from Trader Joe’s. “I try to bring the whole store,” said senior Jillian Varonin.  “They have great snack foods for studying [and] running to class.” Sophomore ... Keep reading

Things to explore in Walla Walla

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured section in the February 26, 2009 print edition. To see how this article and the others in the section originally looked in print click the thumbnails for larger versions. The article continues below the thumbnails. [gallery lightboxsize="full" columns="3"] When Whitman starts to feel a little claustrophobic, check out one of these activities right under you nose. From cheap eats to new ways to get out and about, Walla Walla has plenty of nooks to explore. visit Fort Walla Walla Park: With 70 acres, Fort Walla Walla Park is the town’s largest park. Although there are standard park activities, sand volleyball courts, picnic tables and horseshoe pits, FWWP is also a wildlife preserve. In addition to the miles of bike and hiking trails, there is also a BMX and skateboard park, golf and frolf courses, a model airplane field and a model car track. Fort Walla Walla Museum, also ... Keep reading

Jailhouse Rock (to KWCW)

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured Section of the February 19th Print edition. To see how this section looked in print click the image thumbnails below. [gallery lightboxsize="full" columns="4"] People actually listen to KWCW, the Whitman radio station. For some shows, the fans are mostly friends and community members. For others, however, their fan base is comprised largely of the incarcerated. Juniors Joe Gustav and Marshall Baker were contacted by state penitentiary prisoners responding to their late-night Monday show “The Yellow Bus.” The show, which typically plays “hyphy” gangster rap from the SF Bay circa early 1990s to present, has been popular with the prison population from the beginning.  According to Baker, prisoners were attracted to the show due to the fact that the hosts “just kinda squawk on the air, and we don’t talk too much sense, and we understand the music… yeah, it’s real stupid music. The prisoners ... Keep reading

The Jail in the Economy

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured Section of the February 19th Print edition. To see how this section looked in print click the image thumbnails below. [gallery lightboxsize="full" columns="4"] One hundred and twenty four years ago, Walla Walla was chosen as the site for the Washington State penitentiary.  The penitentiary has struggled and grown with the rest of the nation and now stands as one of the oldest prisons in the Pacific Northwest. Despite the recession, Associate Professor of Sociology Keith Farrington believes that the penitentiary will continue to benefit the local economy. In 2008, the penitentiary brought in $65,770,329 and provided jobs for 1,285 individuals. “The country has decided, rightly or wrongly, to invest in this huge prison infrastructure…once you have put people away in there, you have to manage it and do something with its inhabitants,” said Farrington. Farrington and Professor of Economics Pete Parcells worked together ... Keep reading

All About Correctional Officers

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured Section of the February 19th Print edition. To see how this section looked in print click the image thumbnails below. [gallery lightboxsize="full" columns="4"] “One could argue that the correctional officers are the most critical position at the penitentiary. They are the ones on the line with the inmates, maintaining control and security out there. There is a point beyond which you can’t cut the number of officers you have in a maximum security prison,” said Associate Professor of Sociology Keith Farrington. With the changes that have occurred at the prison over the years, public sentiment about correctional officers has shifted. The tumultuous nature of the prison in the late 70s shifted the balance of power from the officers to the inmates. This led to disorganization within the prison establishment. However, despite low morale, high turnover and poor public opinion, most officers continued to regard ... Keep reading

Whitties Study Penitentiary

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured Section of the February 19th Print edition. To see how this section looked in print click the image thumbnails below. [gallery lightboxsize="full" columns="4"] The Whitman College Prison Research Group (WCPRG) offers Whitman students, faculty and staff a chance to learn about the correctional facility just 2.2 miles from campus—the Washington State Penitentiary. The Penitentiary houses a wide range of prisoners, including the state’s death row offenders, and has an operating capacity of 1,988. Of course, the group’s research goals extend beyond the local penitentiary. In the past, the group has toured prisons across the Pacific Northwest and even toured a series of facilities in England. Steve Rubin, a former Whitman psychology professor, and Keith Farrington, the Peterson Endowed Chair of social sciences, created WCPRG in 1982. Pete Parcells, associate professor of economics, and Mitch Clearfield, a visiting instructor of philosophy and general studies, later joined ... Keep reading

Where to go for Valentine’s Day

This article originally appeared as part of the Featured Section of the February 12th Print edition. To view the full size image simply click on the image. [caption id="attachment_2990" align="aligncenter" width="600" caption="Featured Section Feb. 12th - Page 16"][/caption] Keep reading

Loving Valentine’s Day

This article is part of the Featured section. See how it originally look in print by clicking on one of the images below. Article continues below photos. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] There are two primary arguments against the celebration of Valentine’s Day. The first, is the “Hallmark holiday” argument—the idea that Feb. 14 signifies nothing but corporate dominance. The other is that Valentine’s Day promotes romance to the point of causing great discomfort and embarrassment to those without a partner. Valentine’s Day, or St. Valentine’s Day as it is called by some other cultures, has been celebrated since the High Middle Ages, a time when formalized courtship was fashionable. According to a Belarusian myth, Saint Valentine carved out his own heart as a gesture of undying love after being rejected by his mistress. Feb. 14 allegedly became associated with romantic love in Chaucer’s circle of friends, and has since been celebrated in the Western world and beyond. In America, Valentine’s Day has long ... Keep reading

Loathing Valentine’s Day

This article is part of the Featured section. See how it originally look in print by clicking on one of the images below. Article continues below photos. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] I was born two days after Valentine’s Day and I cannot remember a birthday when everything went right. I am convinced, perhaps some would argue unreasonably, that the hype surrounding Valentine’s Day and the entire month of February is the reason that I have eventually grown to dread this month. Last year, I forgot to fear the outcome of the month of February, and a week into the month, my entire world fell apart (though only temporarily...it was quite tragic at the time). This year I have attempted to remain true to my optimistic nature, but in the span of three days was subjected to a number of unfortunate events. Therefore, I maintain my dislike of this. I argue: Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday. ... Keep reading

Ask a counselor – an interview with Sharon Kaufman-Osborn

This article is part of the Featured section. See how it originally look in print by clicking on one of the images below. Article continues below photos. [gallery lightboxsize="full"]   The upper level of the Welty Center is full of idiosyncrasies rarely seen in other buildings on campus. The floors have rugs, the corners have potted plants and the fireplace is topped by a candle display. Sharon Kaufman-Osborn’s office is equally comfortable, complete with a set of shelves that she installed herself and then covered in glass ornaments, stress balls and teddy bears. Kaufman-Osborn is a counselor, and she speaks to individuals and groups. From self-esteem therapy to sex therapy, she offers guidance to anyone who seeks it.  Q: What is some of the advice that you typically give in group sessions? A: Part of my real focus is to build on strengths that people already have. In addition, I’m always dancing between what’s going ... Keep reading

Observing my winter solo-stice

This article is part of the Featured section. See how it originally look in print by clicking on one of the images below. Article continues below photos. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] I woke up this morning to find my bed empty. As in I was alone. That is to say I did not hook up. And I thought to myself – what the hell, ladies? It’s winter. Where are you? For some people, summer is the season of romance. Spring also gets credit for inspiring people to get busy. Personally, this makes no sense: In my mind, animals are a constant reminder that the products of sex are babies, which would encourage a nun-like policy of celibacy. Sophomore Eliza Young, being contrary as usual, claims that for her, “fall is the season of love.”  Well, Eliza – screw you (Oh wait, it’s not fall). It’s that kind of thinking that has gotten me in my current ... Keep reading

Got the winter Blues?

This article is part of the Featured section. See how it originally look in print by clicking on one of the images below. Article continues below photos. [gallery lightboxsize="full"] Most Whitman students yearn for the sun in the long winter months, but for those suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, the absence of sunshine can become a hindrance to their ability to function normally. Seasonal Affective Disorder, commonly referred to as SAD, is a mood disorder that describes the onset of depression during winter in people who have otherwise normal mental health. Associate Dean of Students for health and wellness Richard Jacks categorizes SAD as “recurring low-grade depression.” However, SAD can take on more serious forms, especially if it is left untreated. People diagnosed with SAD typically have little energy, sleep too much and crave sugary foods during the fall and winter. Junior Mia Huth began to suspect she had SAD after learning about the disorder ... Keep reading

Catch my disease: A closer look at health and illness on campus

Tissues are everywhere. Students are coughing and sneezing. It’s cold season again, and college campuses are the perfect place for germs to thrive. Winter is the time of year when tissues and thermometers sit within close reach and students are cooped up inside. Last Thursday and Saturday, the health center was completely full of sick students seeking a solution. “We get a bunch of students from all over bringing things in. With the closeness that comes from shaking hands and staying indoors during the change of season, it is typical for these things to flourish. Everyone has a different immunity,” said Dr. Ben Rodriguez.  According to statistics from October, 383 first-years, 308 sophomores, 196 juniors and 218 seniors visited the health center. These numbers are consistent with numbers from past years. Those students who live in residence halls are in close contact with each other and therefore are prone to disease. According to Ellen ... Keep reading

The Skinny on Body Image

From Barbies to models on the front of dozens of magazines and TV ads, society has given people an idealized image and further encouraged them to work towards that ideal image. Like most general assertions, this one has not come without consequences. Societal pressures and expectations that have been internalized are only one of the causes of eating disorders that Tracee Anderson from the counseling center mentions. She also includes difficulties with emotional regulation and expression, underdeveloped or poorly integrated sense of ‘self,’ family problems, a co-morbid diagnosis with depression or other psychiatric problems and stress management. Whatever the cause, eating disorders are usually a way for people to gain greater control over their lives when they feel like they are slipping away. The problem with body image is that it is not only relevant in the ‘awkward’ ages of puberty, but also follows people through their entire lives. Eating disorders and ... Keep reading

Dedication to Procrastination

It’s Sunday night and it is time to write a paper and study for multiple tests before class starts again, but first comes Facebook, football practice and Frisbee. Procrastination: a college student’s dream and nightmare at the same time. “The avoidance reflex is very strong in humans. We all naturally avoid pain. That’s what you’re doing when you procrastinate,” said Penny Hood from the Student Academic Center (ARC). According to Hood, on a biological level it is much more rewarding for students to go outside and throw a football, then to sit inside dwelling over a Calculus problem. Endorphin flow is a lot higher during physical activity as opposed to studying. When students study, they are fighting their own physical needs. The avoidance reflex is very strong in humans. The number of activities on Whitman and any other college campus provide a convenient distraction for college students, who naturally want to avoid doing ... Keep reading

Top 5 places to eat on your student’s dime

Aloha Sushi $-$$ With a trendy interior and fresh sushi made in front of you, who said Walla Walla can’t have good sushi? The lunch special with a salad, soup and sushi roll for under $7 is a great deal not to mention tasty. If you want to take the family bonding up a notch, take advantage of the one dollar sake bombs. Contact: 7 1/2 S. 1st St., (509) 527-8744 Fast Eddy’s $ Fast Eddy’s is the classic burger joint where you get served in your car (or on the picnic tables). The burgers and fries are a solid step above fast food and Fast Eddy’s juicy Walla Walla sweet onion rings are rightfully famous and the milkshakes may very well be better than The Ice-Burg’s famous shakes. Contact: 600 N. Main St., (509) 527-2757 La Monarcha II $ The ambiance (the Napa auto parts parking lot) may leave a bit to be desired, but who ... Keep reading

The big, fat freshmen 15

The lifestyle you have in college will greatly influence the lifestyle you have for the rest of your life,” said Michele Hanford from Baker Ferguson Fitness Center. Though the average weight gain among college first-years is in reality only 5-8 pounds, it is important to understand what causes weight gain in order to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Upon entering college, there are several causes of weight gain. In a general sense, the greatest impact lies in the huge lifestyle change. College students are thrown into an entirely different situation than they were used to in high school, and it takes a while to transition to, and in the meantime pounds seem to appear out of nowhere. College students are a lot busier upon arriving at school. Regular eating habits are no longer exercised and students end up eating when it is convenient, and at that point in large amounts. “It’s a whole new style ... Keep reading

Top 10 things to do with your student

1. Farmers’ Market The Walla Walla Valley Farmers’ Market always has tons of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables, as well as breads, cheeses, arts and crafts. This weekend is its last before closing for the winter. Open Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Located at 4th and Main. 2. Bright’s This candy shop is straight out of the movies. Go with your parents and try their fudge, ice cream, and other tasty goodies. Located at 11 E. Main Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues. 3. Pioneer Park Take a walk with your student to one of Walla Walla’s best, and largest (58 acres) parks. Be sure to visit the Pioneer Park Aviary, which is home to approximately 200 exotic birds. Directions: from Reid Campus Center, head south on Park St., turn left onto Alder, the park is on the right side, at Alder and Division. 4. Bike to Bennington Lake Borrow a few of your ... Keep reading

Top 5 places to eat on your family’s dime

Whitehouse-Crawford $$$$ Whitehouse-Crawford offers guests a taste of the freshest ingredients local agriculture can provide. W-C purchases produce and other ingredients largely from local farms, insuring that the food on the seasonal menu is an authentic Walla Walla regional experience. The wine list also offers many Oregon and Washington wines. Contact: 55 West Cherry St. Walla Walla. (509) 525-2222 Caravaggio $$ Caravaggio, located in the Walla Walla airport complex, is one of Walla Walla’s premier Italian dining options. Caravaggio offers a variety of traditional Italian favorites including a large selection of pastas and pizzes. The restaurant also features a bar and lounge with a number of Northwest and Italian wines. Contact: Walla Walla Regional Airport, 45 Terminal Loop Road, Suite 7, Walla Walla, (509) 526-5625 Backstage Bistro $$$ Backstage, a long-time fixture of Walla Walla, is famous in town for its steak, seafood, pasta, and barbeque dishes. The Bistro also frequently hosts live musicians on Friday and ... Keep reading

Gotta Have Faith: Religious lifestyles on campus

Secularism is a growing trend on college campuses. According to Adam Kirtley, the Stuart Coordinator of Religious and Spiritual Life at Whitman, students tend to “abandon either temporarily or permanently their religious lifestyles.” They become involved in school, friends, extracurricular activities and begin rethinking their cultural influences. But even as students become increasingly secular, religious awareness and a spiritual community is emerging on the Whitman campus. Much of this awareness is due to Kirtley’s efforts to make Whitman a more spiritually sensitive environment. Kirtley inherited the role of Religious Counselor from the illustrious Dr. Ball, but decided to take a more “programmatic” approach. In his three years as Religious Counselor at Whitman, Kirtley has worked to strengthen spiritual awareness on ... Keep reading

Bookstore prices loom over students’ Budgets

“We don’t do anything secretive or exciting, it’s just business,” said Douglas Carlsen, manager of the Whitman College Bookstore for the past 23 years. While he admits that the prices may at times be more expensive than online, the bookstore aims to help students, despite what some may say when looking at a price tag. The bookstore continuously works to help students. Auxiliaries earned from bookstore purchases come back to the students through the amount they pay in tuition. When sales in the bookstore decrease, the school does not receive as much money, and tuition increases. Book buyback within the store works, as Carlsen said, by “simple supply and demand economics at its most fundamental.” When a student comes in to sell back a book, it either goes into the on-campus or off-campus market, depending on the demand for the book the following semester. If a book is not needed, it goes into the ... Keep reading

Have you got a case of the Bookstore Blues?

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Educating the future

Most Whitman students would consider themselves very lucky for being able to go to college. Often, childhood is considered the basis for a successful future. Unfortunately, sometimes children do not have the chance to succeed. Of Washington high school graduates whose parents did not attend college, only 20 percent choose to pursue higher education. Thankfully, there are numerous programs out there that try to make a difference. Through both the Whitman Institute for Summer Enrichchment (W.I.S.E.) and the mentor program, Whitman students volunteer their time to improve children’s lives. The W.I.S.E. program, which started in 2006, attracts first-generation low-income students who are in middle school in the Walla Walla valley. “It’s trying to get them excited about college, but also give them an opportunity to be exposed to what a liberal arts education potentially could offer,” Andres Dankel-Ibanez the assistant director for the Intercultural Center said, of W.I.S.E. “We expose students ... Keep reading

Football kicks off intramural season

It’s the most popular, the most intense, the most played, the most centripetal and, ultimately, the first intramural sport on campus. Intramural football begins this upcoming weekend with many teams eager to get at it. “People seem to take football more seriously. People really want to win football,” said Intramural Committee Chairman Michael Warren Anderson. “It’s one of the only IM games that people actually come and watch. Maybe because it’s on Ankeny, maybe because it’s so intense,” said Intramural Committee Member Sydney Stasch. However, attached to the sport’s intensity is the sense of camaraderie it fosters. “IM sports really resonate with how I feel at the school in general insofar as it promotes a sense of community, because even though we’re in competition, we’re essentially just all playing together on Ankeny,” said Anderson. “It’s just a more organized form of what you’d see on any beautiful afternoon.” A lot of people find that their ... Keep reading

Whitties: going, going, Greek!

This year’s recruitment solidifies an upward trend for the Whitman Greek system. According to Panhellenic Recruitment Coordinator Rachel Constantino-Wallace, 89 girls went through recruitment last year.  This year that number increased to 104. Although the fraternities do not keep track of numbers during rush, there is a similarly good vibe about the body count. “My estimate just from experience is probably that about 70-80 guys are going through rush—20 guys per house, which would be a really good rush for the fraternities,” said Interfraternity Council President Chase Cooper. According to Constantino-Wallace, recruitment has been especially successful considering national trends.  The number of Greek affiliates at liberal arts colleges has been decreasing. Both Cooper and Constantino-Wallace attribute this year’s success to the large number of Greek RAs. “I think there is a pretty large concentration of Greek RAs, and even though they are disaffiliated during rush, it still helps people figure out that so and so ... Keep reading

Whitties spend their summers abroad

Iceland, India, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, Mexico, Uganda and France were only a few of the countries Whitman students studied in over this summer. Of the 56 Whitman students who studied abroad this summer, about half of them participated in two Whitman-sponsored programs. Sixteen students traveled to China through the Whitman Summer Studies in China (WSSC) program. This was the fifth year of the six-week WSCC program which was established in 2001 and typically runs every other summer. According to WSSC’s Web site, “The purpose of the program is to give students an opportunity to study conversational Chinese intensively in an environment where it can be put immediately into practice, as well as a chance to learn firsthand about Chinese culture and contemporary society by living and studying there.” Program participants spent the first week touring Beijing. They spent the following four weeks in southwestern China in Kunming, the capital of the Yunnan Province, ... Keep reading

Walla Walla cycling takes a wild ride from humble beginnings to local tournaments, national championships

Formerly famous mainly for its wine and onions, Walla Walla is rapidly becoming known for its biking, for both recreational use and as a means of transportation. From the professional cyclists that come from all over the country to the junior cycling team at the Community Center for Youth (CCY) to the Whitman cycling team, it is clear that spandex is in in Walla Walla. However, Walla Walla hasn’t always been full of die-hard cyclists. Bob Watson has lived in Walla Walla since 1970. An avid cyclist, he started riding with the Wheatland Wheelers, Walla Walla’s first recreational cycling team, in 1985 when they began. He describes the group as being very different from the cyclists that he sees on the road today. “We met once a month to go on touring rides. They were all-day rides to place like Dayton or Athena. Now it’s transformed from touring to racing, it’s mostly younger ... Keep reading

Whitties’ fashion sense influenced by geography, ideology, lifestyle

Clothing is an anomaly. Humans are the only species that wear it, and we wear it as if the very act of covering our bodies is a complicated art form. As Mark Twain famously noted, “The finest clothing made is a person’s skin, but, of course, society demands something more than this.” Fashion has become a sociological key in understanding all kinds of groups of people. From Northern Africans to the Southern Alabamans; from the yuppiest of the yuppies to the hippiest of the hippies; from senior citizens to infants to adolescents to middle-aged people, there’s at least an expected dress code for everyone. Whitman is no exception. “Whitman has its own kind of style. It’s difficult to put your finger on. It’s sort of Northwest-dressed-down. It’s a kind of fashion but it’s not upscale fashion. It seems to be kind of the opposite in some ways, kind of like anti-fashion,” said ... Keep reading

Teaching After Whitman

Christina Russell and Elsbeth OttoWith graduation only a month away, there’s one pressing question that is becoming more and more of a reality for the senior class: what are you going to do after college? It might be surprising to some that many Whitman students choose to pursue careers in a subject that isn’t even offered as a major on campus: education. “It has always shown that that is what a lot of our students end up going onto,” said the Director of the Career Center Susan Buchanan on teaching, or other education-oriented jobs.“It’s so wonderful to be excited about a subject…to be able to share that with someone else; it’s a gift,” said Buchanan. According to Professor Kay Fenimore-Smith, in the past Whitman offered an education program as part of the education minor that enabled students to work towards a teaching certification as an undergraduate. That program was discontinued in December 2006. “To ... Keep reading

Community service remains defining experience at Whitman

In a survey recently completed by Whitman community partners about their experience working with Whitman students the top five adjectives used to describe Whittie volunteers were: enthusiastic, friendly, energetic, willing to help and good with kids.  These positive qualities reflect not only upon the student body, but also the Center for Community Service, which, according to the center’s Coordinator Lena Menard, strives to “promote a service ethic on campus and provide opportunities for students to get involved.” Since its inception in 1994, the Center for Community Service has expanded its role on campus beyond its initial task of organizing the Whitman Mentor Program.  Today, the center coordinates volunteer programs and opportunities for 300 student volunteers. Across campus the center promotes volunteering opportunities by hosting biannual Volunteer Fairs, sending information to listservs, stuffing mailboxes, posting information on their Web site, coordinating Volunteer Club meetings, tabling in Reid, publishing a Guide to Volunteer Opportunities, ... Keep reading

volunteering, by the numbers

50: number of Whitman students participating in The Story Time Project this year*182: number of Whitman volunteers reported by 23 local organizations who have volunteered independently of the Center for Community Service this year*73: number of agencies and organizations in Walla Walla accepting volunteers through the Center for Community Service*27.1: percent of college students who volunteer nationally before Sept. 11, 200130.2: percent of college students who volunteer nationally since Sept. 11, 20013.3: millions of college students who volunteered in 200539.2: percent of black college students who participate in mentoring activities22.3: percent of white college students who participate in mentoring activities11: rank of Washington among all states for percentage of college volunteers with 37.6 percent (Utah was first, New York was last)46.4: percent of college students who worked 1-10 hours per week who also volunteered.29.8: percent of college students who were not employed who volunteered.33: percent of female college students who ... Keep reading

Ultimate Frisbee teams get competitive, stay relaxed

The slacker sport has brought their A game. Founded on the principles of feel-good sportsmanship and summer afternoon fun, ultimate Frisbee has moved to the next level of competitiveness. Whitman’s Frisbee teams have grown in both size and talent since ultimate first showed up on campus in the 1980s.  Especially for the men’s team, this year has seen the fruition of many years of hard work. “We started out the fall season [which is co-ed] really well. We won a tournament over in the Tri-Cities called the Hanford Howl, which we’d never won before,” said senior Mike MacCully. At the recent Trouble in Vegas ultimate tournament the men’s team took seventh out of over 100 teams and some of the best competition in collegiate ultimate. “In Vegas we upset Oregon, and they’re always one of the best teams in the country.  Last year I think they finished fifth in the country,” said senior Jonathan Loeffler. “It ... Keep reading

Alternative sports gain popularity on college campuses

From prep school games to pure athletic pursuits to stadium-sized productions and now to alternative sports. The face of college sports is constantly changing, and the current shift toward alternative sports and activities is no exception. It turns out you don’t have to be on the cross country team to be in good shape or on the basketball team to be a real athlete. “I just like physical labor, and it’s kind of meditative in a way.  It’s a good release,” said first-year Shannon Flood, who participated in trail building this past summer.  Flood ran cross country, played softball and danced before coming to Whitman, but she now appreciates the repetitive nature of working in the organic garden. “I just like doing independent things,” said Flood, who also noted she likes the total concentration necessary for manual labor and the way it works muscles she never knew she had before. The trend away from ... Keep reading

Alternative Sports Rundown

So Walla Walla probably isn’t at the top of the list outdoor Meccas made up of towns like Boulder, Hood River and Bozeman, but there are a surprising number of excellent ways to get outside that are just a quick drive away. Mountain Biking During the fall and spring months, the mountains surrounding Walla Walla offer some excellent cross country mountain biking possibilities. The Blue Mountains have amazing system of trails developed by ATVs and horseback riders that are perfect for ripping though on your bike. Check out Kevin Pougue’s guide (available in the bookstore or online) for specific ride descriptions. But, if you only have a couple hours, your best bet is to make break for Harris Park (30 minutes South of Walla Walla). Here you’ll find miles of single-track ranging from slightly techie to super flowy, with options for climbs that will make you cry for your mamma. Skiing Well, there’s always ... Keep reading

CON Varsity athletics’ benefits transcend physical gains

What would life be like without intercollegiate athletics? No training room, no stadiums, free afternoons and a dramatic decrease in the number of red water bottles—it would undoubtedly be different; but different doesn’t have to mean worse. It’s not to say college athletics are bad—the homepage on my old computer was ESPN’s college basketball site and there’s nothing like spending a warm September afternoon heckling Whitworth’s number 24 for his weak mental game.  But in an age where only 37 percent of college-age Americans (18-24) can identify Iraq on a map, perhaps it’s time the highlights from the UNC-Duke showdown got less air time than the 1.7 million people infected with HIV last year. We all chose to come to a school where the varsity athletes’ shirts read “strong in body, stronger in mind, strongest in competition”; if we’d wanted to drop acid while reading Kierkegaard we would have gone to athletics-free Reed, ... Keep reading

PRO Varsity athletics’ benefits transcend physical gains

In an open letter to the Whitman tennis team in 1998 Dr. George H. Ball, a former professor of religion at Whitman, said, “The tennis court is not simply a place for an athletic event. It is a stage on which a large part of what is to be the theme of one’s life is acted out. It is almost certain that what you are on the tennis court is what you will be as a friend, as a husband or wife and in your professional life.” Varsity athletics at Whitman are some of many ways that the college provides experience beyond the intellectual. Through my sport I can observe how my attitude and decisions affect my own performance as well as my relationships with others. There are several aspects of Whitman that make it the perfect place for such an idealistic view of athletics to exist, as a passion and a ... Keep reading

Sherwood renovations spark new direction for Whitman athletics

“I think things are starting to change in athletics,” said women’s basketball coach Michelle Ferenz while she stuffed the contents of her office into boxes as she prepared to move out of Sherwood before renovation begins. The Sherwood renovation, set to start over spring break, has helped usher in an attitude of optimism among the athletics department. “It’s like how a child doesn’t see themselves grow, and if you’re around the child all the time you don’t notice it. But if you go away for three weeks or a year or whatever you come back and notice real growth. We’re in one of those stages where we’re seeing some significant growth,” said athletic director Dean Snider. Over the past years, Whitman’s perceived underperformance in athletics has discouraged students and coaches alike. “A Whitman education is about excellence—all-around excellence—and for a while we’ve had emphasis on excellence in academics and ... Keep reading

Open-source movement supported by WCTS

Windows and Macintosh rule the campus, but pockets of alternative technologies and cutting edge applications can be found throughout Whitman. “The faculty and student demand determines what services and equipment we provide,” said Shannon Callister, director of information technology support services. “We maintain the two operating systems that people are most used to.” Institutional support for two different technologies is not standard at an institution like Whitman, according to Callister. Of the 891 individual student computers registered with the college residence computer network, 52 percent run Microsoft Windows and 46 percent use Macintosh. Nationally Macintosh has only 4 percent market share. The proportions of the available computers are determined according to demands of the particular location. According to Callister, the computer lab in Maxey Hall has only three Macintosh workstations because the faculty prefer programs used for the social sciences to run on Windows. On the second floor of the Olin Hall the math department ... Keep reading

Technology resources @ whitman

/GPA Wizard Things just got easier for the truly uptight: see how that D in Beginning Drawing or the A in Physical Chemistry will affect your overall GPA and your major GPA. /netFiles Students seem to either have no idea netFiles exists or they use it five times a day.  Either way, students can store up to 200MB (more available upon request) of files online, so it can be accessed anywhere, anytime with an Internet connection.  NetFiles isn’t just limited to documents either.  It’s a good place to back up important photos or documents in case your computer is stolen or spill a cup of coffee on it. /Postini So the Bank of the United States sent you an e-mail saying they need your account information.  Wait, you don’t have an account with the Bank of the United States.  Oh, and the Bank of the United States doesn’t even exist. Eliminate SPAM in your Webmail ... Keep reading

Computer overuse carries risks

Students finally have a legitimate reason to avoid doing homework on Friday nights.  Overusing the computer can have serious negative health effects.  Carpal tunnel syndrome, Internet addiction, computer vision syndrome and back strains are dangers of over-using the computer. “The physical affects are trivial in comparison to problems with socialization.  Computers can really damage some people,” said Ellen Collette, director of the health center. Most effects occur when computers are significantly over-used.  While there is no conclusive evidence about what the best amount of time is, many researchers agree that two hours a day is an appropriate time limit.  This can change depending on what users are doing online and how frequently they do it. Walla Walla’s Valley Vision Center offers patients special glasses that reduce the strain of computer usage. “The older you get, the more likely excessive computer usage is to affect you.  But young people are in danger,” said optometrist Dr. ... Keep reading

To strive for diversity can be reductive

First of all, saying that colleges shouldn’t be concerned with religious diversity isn’t the same thing as saying that religious diversity is pointless. No matter where you attend school, it’s crucial that you feel both accepted by your community and challenged (within a comfortable level) by people with different beliefs. College plays a clichéd yet crucial role in developing personalities from high-schoolers to adults, and religion is definitely a part of that. However, for a college to actively pursue religious diversity among its students is unnecessary and even, perhaps, impossible. On its most basic level, religion isn’t easily evaluated because, frankly, it’s neither visible nor tangible. The recent hype for advertising racial diversity everywhere from cosmetic commercials to college guidebooks hasn’t caught on for religious diversity, for the simple fact that beliefs usually aren’t evident in photographs. Unless you choose to share it, your religion is a complete secret from those ... Keep reading

Knowledge of religious diversity a necessary tool

This weekend, my Vietnamese roommate taught the third floor of Anderson how to properly bring in the lunar Year of the Rat.  As she passed around a bowl of colorful candy, a friend reluctantly declined.  “Sorry, I gave up desserts for Lent,” she said.  A minute later, the floor was explaining to my roommate the meaning of Lent.  My Vietnamese friend smiled and said, “Oh, so it’s a Christian holiday!” which immediately got frowns from the Protestant of the hall. “No, not all Christians celebrate Lent,” he explained.  My roommate nodded, the issue settled, and we went back to our discussion of the god that lives in the Vietnamese kitchen.  It was truly a day of religious diversity. Religion and cultural acceptance are one of those infamous “lessons you learn outside the classroom.”    Many students grew up practicing the religion of their parents and adopting their friends’ and classmates’ beliefs.  They may ... Keep reading

Finding a religious group in Walla Walla

It’s difficult to walk more than a few blocks in Walla Walla without coming across several small churches. But how difficult is it really to find a religious community in Walla Walla? “I haven’t had a hard time finding a [religious] community here, but it doesn’t seem like there’s much for people who aren’t Christians,” said Whitman first year Faith Tucker. The majority of students seemed to share Tucker’s opinion. While Whitman’s recent spirituality room in the basement of Prentiss and Stuart Religious Counselor, Adam Kirtley seek to support the spiritual needs of students, the larger Walla Walla community lacks resources for those who don’t identify as Christian. And even then, it can be difficult to find a church that feels right. “Within the Christian realm there are plenty of possibilities, but they’re to one extreme or another.  It’s hard to find a good middle ground,” said Tucker. The local phonebook lists some a number of churches ... Keep reading

2008 elections: who’s got a prayer

In November’s CNN/YouTube debate, host Anderson Cooper asked the Republican candidates a question straight from a car bumper sticker: “What would Jesus do?” “Would Jesus support the death penalty?” he added. “Jesus was too smart to ever run for public office, Anderson,” replied candidate and former pastor Mike Huckabee, whose victory in the Iowa caucuses last month has been widely attributed to support from evangelical Christians. “That’s what Jesus would do.” Religion is playing a significant role in the 2008 presidential election, not only in Huckabee’s campaign but in those of his Republican and Democrat counterparts. “Religion has played such a prominent role in George Bush’s presidency that it’s definitely on the table in this election,” said Stuart Religious Counselor Adam Kirtley. “You can’t get elected if you say you don’t ... Keep reading

Many students undergo religious, spiritual changes in college

College is a time for change when many questions of identity are raised, according to Stuart Religious Counselor Adam Kirtley. Students tend to further develop their political and social views as well as their religious views in college. “College is a time to put everything on the table and think for yourself and try to gauge where you stand on those sorts of issues,” said Kirtley. “It’s not surprising to me that during that time many will move away from their traditional religious backgrounds.” Kirtley said that this is a national trend. “What they’re seeing more and more is an increase in what’s loosely called ‘spirituality.’ While [college students] might move away from their traditional religious practices they also indicate an increase in their awareness ... Keep reading

Whitman’s religious roots run deep

Before Whitman became an official college in 1882, it opened its doors as Whitman Seminary in 1866. The Reverend Cushing Eels obtained the charter for the school in 1859 to honor his friends and colleagues, missionaries Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were killed by Cayuse Native Americans in 1847. Contrary to some present student-held beliefs, the school did not open as the kind of seminary which prepares students for ministry. Seminary instead meant only that school served as a pre-collegiate academy. However, that is not to say that Whitman Seminary did not have religious roots. According to G. Thomas Edwards’ “The Triumph of Tradition,” the school was founded primarily with the support of Congregationalists and the Congregational Church. Founders omitted any denomination in the charter, yet because the first trustees were ... Keep reading

More than black and white: second annual symposium and diversity and community

“Remember: A freer world begins with a freer mind,” said junior Aisha Fukushima in a “Reflection on Identity.” Five students presented their reflections on identity as part of the Plenary Session of Whitman’s second annual Symposium on Diversity and Community. The theme of this year’s Symposium was “Unfolding Identities.” “When we talked to faculty and staff and students about last year’s Symposium, one of the things they suggested was to include aspects of our community that were more varied,” said Dayle Smith, professor of physics and chair of the Symposium planning committee. “I loved that the different topics covered were in themselves diverse,” said first-year McKenna Milici. “Everyone could take something different away.” Senior Nani Gilkerson, who was a member of the planning committee, agreed that many people on campus wanted to include aspects of difference besides race. “So what we ended up doing, I think, was creating a really broad theme, and in my ... Keep reading

Their own words: two leaders speak on their workshops

Dayle Smith: "Under-Represented Groups in Science" Q: How did you decide to run a Symposium workshop? A: A lot of people are interested in increasing the diversity of people who take science classes. It’s something that the National Science Foundation and our local and national government are interested in, and that’s something that I care about as a minority who does science. There’s never anyone who looks like me when I go to a conference and, in order to change the face of what science looks like, people will have to get pretty active. So that’s what my workshop was about, diversity and identity formation as a scientist in particular, what some people are trying to do to make science classes more welcoming to all sorts of different kinds of people, and also just sort of what some of the statistics look like. Q: What kind of work went into planning that? A: I ... Keep reading

Williams delivers keynote on race, class

The keynote lecture on Whitman’s second annual Symposium on Diversity and Community last Monday night almost did not happen. Patricia J. Williams, the Columbia University law professor and columnist for The Nation magazine who was slated to speak, experienced a flight delay that left her stranded in an airport in Denver for hours. Though she was scheduled to arrive early in the afternoon and have dinner with faculty and organizers, her flight into town landed only minutes before the lecture had to begin and she took the stage immediately following her arrival on campus. Interspersing sociological analyses with humorous personal anecdotes, Williams spoke on the state of affairs of race and identity as they exist in the United States today. She identified this particular moment in American history as a pivotal crossroads. At the same time, she lamented the decline of true political activism and the lack of relevant and accurate information ... Keep reading

Whitties get to ask questions of Iraqi students

What are your impressions of Americans? Do you see any improvements in your life since the fall of Saddam Hussein? Are your daily activities impaired because of the war? These are three of many questions that have been sent by Whitman students to students in Iraq. Jyotsna Shivanandan, a senior politics major, and Paul Burdett, a senior philosophy major, have worked on a project designed to create intercultural dialogue by allowing Whitman students to ask questions of Iraqi students. Topics ranged from questions about favorite sports and the nature of school syllabi to perception of the U.S. involvement in Iraq. The questions have been sent to Iraqi students at the American University in Sulaimani with the help of Mr. Nathan Musselman. Musselman, who Shivanandan and Burdett finally reached after scouring the Internet for potential resources, is the prefect and deputy to the chancellor at the school. “Paul and I thought it would be cool ... Keep reading

It is time for everyone to serve their country

I am thankful that I haven’t found a letter from the selective service in my mailbox. Although I would gladly serve in the military if I were called upon to do so, I am glad that I haven’t had to interrupt my life to be shipped out. The United States military is so strong because it is a volunteer organization whose members believe in its cause. Without this conviction, the military’s strength would evaporate. I am opposed to the current policy of selective service because it destroys this strength. It has never been more obvious that a minority of individuals could ruin the futures of so many who may or may not support the way that the United States is using its military. While I am steadfastly opposed to how a draft would presently occur, I am in complete support of mandatory enlistment policy for all United ... Keep reading

Draft would be counterproductive

Soldiers die every day all around the world and with the war in Iraq more troops are dying all the time. This poses a problem for the military, which must find ways to keep their number high in order to continue the war. In the past during extended engagements the U.S. government has instituted a draft to solve this problem. Yet, as history has shown us, the draft is not a good solution to troop levels. In the modern age, gender brings up several problems around the draft. The rate of rape for women inside the military is much higher than for the same-aged women who is a civilian living in the United States. It is hard to say that it would be just to force women to go into the military knowing what awaits them. It would raise many social problems not to draft women, though. Much of the ... Keep reading

THE WAR BY THE NUMBERS

• 464: Number of U.S. deaths in Operation Enduring Freedom (the military response to 9/11) • 10: Number of Washington deaths in OEF • 3,876: Number of U.S. deaths in Operation Iraqi Freedom (invasion of Iraq) • 78: Number of Washington deaths in OIF (as of Nov. 24, 2007; Statistical Information Analysis Division of U.S. Department of Defense) • 36 million: Number of people worldwide that participated in close to 3,000 protests against the Iraq War between Jan. 3 and Apr. 12, 2003. (French political scientist Dominique Reynié) • 6-10 million: Number of people worldwide who participated in protests to the Iraq War on Feb. 15, 2003, in the largest mass protest movement in history. (2004 Guinness Book of Records) • 2 million: Number of U.S. citizens who participated in the Peace Moratorium on Oct. 15, 1969, the largest demonstration against the Vietnam War (bbc.co.uk) • 30: Average age of U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq • 19: Average age of U.S. soldiers ... Keep reading

Reading for pleasure: A survey of Whitman reading habits

Winter is setting in on campus. It is getting dark before dinnertime, too cold to leave the house without a sufficient amount of bundling. What better way to welcome in the season than by curling up by a fire, tea in hand and reading a book? Do Whitman students have time to just, well, read? In a survey conducted over the students’ listserv, results on students’ attitude towards pleasure reading varied. In general, students felt that they would read more if they had more time, and that reading what they wanted to once in a while positively impacted their well-being. Forty-six percent of those surveyed said that they only spend one hour or less per week reading for fun. The next largest category of students fell in the ... Keep reading

READ MORE: Five books you didn’t know were at Penrose

That’s right: The illustrious Penrose Library offers more than the boring academic criticisms on Virginia Woolf and complicated theories on psychology you attempt to digest for research papers. When you’re finally in the market to read for pleasure, try one of these truly satisfying reads, available for free at our very own campus book house. -Sophie Johnson NONFICTION: “Hubris: The inside story of spin, scandal, and the selling of the Iraq War” by Michael Isikoff and David Corn CALL NUMBER: E902 .I84 2006 DESCRIPTION: I know you’ve been wanting to read a book about the Iraq War and why, exactly, it’s so wrong. This is the one to read. It’s not convoluted in the way these journalism texts usually ... Keep reading

THE POLITICS OF POLITICS: Whitman students on and off party lines

The current display in the Stevens Gallery in the downstairs Reid Campus Center is a political art show. It’s a by-submission student effort to exemplify the idea that art and politics are necessarily intertwined. After all, as George Orwell brilliantly put it, “The opinion that art should have nothing to do with politics is itself a political attitude.” That said, the show is pretty pathetic. The Stevens Gallery committee received a few hastily-made print-outs from campus activism groups, a hand-made book of American flag block prints, paintings depicting the violence of international crises (like the Iraq War), an anonymous, ambiguous upside down work in oils called “Autumn Leaves” and little else. To make up for the ... Keep reading

WHITMAN STUDENTS: Active or apathetic?

If political activism is defined merely as street demonstrations and participation in the political process, then college students today are politically apathetic. The protests against the Iraq War on college campuses pale in comparison to the thousands of campus demonstrations against the Vietnam War. Suffrage among college students is also low; in 2006 the voter turnout rate for ages 18-29 was only 25.5 percent. But political activism is more than voting or demonstrating. To gain perspective on activism at Whitman, I interviewed five active seniors about what role they think activism plays in their lives and future careers. “There are so many little things that go on here that aren’t loud protests and so they get swept under the table. Working in the organic garden might ... Keep reading

Whitman clubs offer political forums for students

College campuses are known for being places where political activity is especially high. Whitman is among those with three important political groups, each representing a different view and hosting different activities. The Young Democrats have all first-years in officer positions. The club is currently working on regrouping, with their new campaign focused on the education of political issues. “We are going to try and do some education so that people know what they are voting about, no matter which way they are voting,” said first-year Rebecca Sexton, President of the Young Democrats. The club is still interested in being active about Democratic issues here on campus. The club plans on having a one-year kick-off party on Sunday, Nov. 4, for the upcoming presidential election year. They hope to attract many new active members in this effort. The club is active in the community as well as on the campus. “People on campus ... Keep reading

Web sources for the Left and Right

Web sources for the Left THE DAILY KOS dailykos.com Widely considered the original progressive blog for the everyman. TRUTH DIG truthdig.com Thorough analysis of what’s going on in the major news articles. CAMPUS PROGRESS campusprogress.org Student offshoot of the Center for American Progress, aiming to make the United States a more socially and politically liberal place day to day. WONKETTE wonkette.com Fantastically edgy and biting socio-political commentary and funny little news bits that might otherwise be easy to miss. THE NATION thenation.com The oldest liberal rag around, digitalized and updated with editorial blogs, message boards and even a Facebook group. HUFFINGTON POST huffingtonpost.com Just-the-facts news articles coupled with minute-by-minute opinion pieces by a wide network of like-minded thinkers. Web sources for the Right NRO Online nationalreview.com The Web site of America’s most widely-read Republican news commentary and opinion magazine. DRUDGE REPORT drudge.com Simplistically-designed blog with ample op-eds ... Keep reading

Gender balance skewed in activities: Females head clubs, males hold positions of leadership

At a school where 56 percent of the student body is female, it’s not surprising to see more female faces at club meetings and events. But at Whitman, it seems that a gender gap exists in campus involvement. Junior Elliott Okantey, who serves as ASWC Finance Chair, has direct involvement with clubs and club heads. He reported that 39 clubs turned in recognition update forms this year to renew their ASWC club status. Of the 39, 26 clubs listed a female as a president or co-president, 19 listed a female as a budget manager/congressional contact and 24 listed a female as an alternate congressional contact. The Center for Community Service has definitely noticed a growing gap between male and female participants in their programs. Mentor Program intern Andrea Seymour said that in the first round of mentor applications this year, the office received 103 applications, of which fewer than 20 were from men. ... Keep reading

College gender gap changes campus dynamics

From the happiness gap recently reported in The New York Times to the gender gap at colleges that has spawned alarmist articles, there seems to be a habit within the media of portraying male and female achievement as a zero-sum game. Over the past few years, a national trend has emerged of women outnumbering men both in college applicant pools and on campus. Whitman is no exception. Whitman College is predominantly female, with overall enrollment currently at 56.3 percent female and 43.7 percent male. "It's a national trend; it's not unique to Whitman. It's not really even sudden, it's really been over maybe the last seven to 10 years. There are more women graduating from high school than men and certainly more matriculating to ... Keep reading

Students share stories from U.S.-Mexico border

In a series of creative Remolinos (“whirlwinds”), students who went on Whitman’s U.S.-Mexico Border Trip this past summer gave a reading of their experiences in a presentation Tuesday, Sept. 25. The presentation was given as part of the series of events related to the community reading of Luis Urrea’s book “The Devil’s Highway.” The book was also the required summer reading for all first-year students this year. Trip leader and Assistant Professor of Politics Aaron Bobrow-Strain spoke of the Border Trip experience as a “whirlwind of intellectual upheaval.” His view of the trip is a combination of experiences and reflection which he hopes will incite action in participants that will lead to further experiences and reflection. ... Keep reading

Club Latino spices things up

This year Whitman’s Latino community is making itself heard, both on campus and off. From Club Latino to Spanish professors to the immigration group, this year promises to be full of Latino culture. “The first word that comes to mind is energy,” said Spanish Professor Andres Lema-Hincapie about the Latino community. “I think they are all very active, very energetic. They have a strong presence in Walla Walla and on campus.” Club Latino has already made their presence felt this year. They hosted a dinner at La Casa Hispana featuring Brazilian chicken soup for Brazil’s Independence Day. They were also essential to informing the Latino community in Walla Walla that Luis Alberto Urrea was coming to speak. They used creative methods to get out the word, walking around neighborhoods ... Keep reading

Immigration gets personal

When “Devil’s Highway” author Luis Alberto Urrea spoke last week, he announced that the question he was most asked but least able to answer was what should be done about the current immigration debacle. If he had the answer, Urrea said, he would be the president of the United States and Mexico, too. Immigration policy remains not only a cosmic issue affecting our entire globe but also a personal and emotional issue that affects the Walla Walla community. The actual number of unauthorized migrants in the United States is highly disputed. The U.S. Census Bureau puts the current estimate at around nine million, whereas Bear Stearns research group, based on an extensive 2005 survey, says there could be as many as 20 million unauthorized migrants within U.S. borders. Meanwhile, President Bush’s proposed immigration reform bill, which aimed to create a path to citizenship for some of the 12 million unauthorized migrants ... Keep reading

Safety pins: Making the best of Whitman campus security

“I think the biggest lesson learned from that whole situation at Virginia Tech is don’t wait. Once you have an incident, start notifying the community,” said Delaware State University spokesman Carlos Holmes on Friday, Sept. 21. That day, two students were shot and wounded at Delaware State. University President Allen Sessoms said that the school had applied lessons from the Virginia Tech tragedy that helped quicken communication during Friday’s violent episode. Colleges across the country, including Whitman, have reexamined their approaches to security, communication and counseling services following the tragic events in Blacksburg, Va. last April. LOOKING BACK The Virginia Tech shootings occurred on Apr. 16, 2007 when senior student Seung-Hui Cho killed 32 people with a pair of handguns before committing suicide. It was the worst school ... Keep reading

Is your computer at risk at Whitman?

Every year, Whitman hires a security audit firm to try to break into its computer network. Aside from trying to hack in, the company also tries to gain confidential information from individuals. Company workers will do this in a variety of ways, including pretending to be Whitman College Technology Services (WCTS) staff, bargaining for passwords and looking to see if passwords are written on sticky notes in various offices. After conducting a comprehensive investigation, they then deliver Whitman a report as to how secure their network is. “The quote that we got from the security people last time is that we’re better than most banks and hospitals,” said Director of Network Technology Kevin Kelly. “While all that’s good, we still don’t want to let down our guard.” The security audit firm is just ... Keep reading

Dining hall options slim for campus weight watchers

The Napkin Comment Board, a wall in both Prentiss and Jewett Dining Halls where students can leave suggestions, asks for “more meat” next to a request for “more vegetarian entrees.” Even some vegetarians disagree. “The chefs relay heavily on carbs like pasta for their vegetarian options,” said vegetarian Nicole Pexton. “It can be difficult to find alternatives to the meat main course. Sometimes there is a soy option but when there’s not I’m left to scramble to find something to eat.” Erin Kaufman, also a vegetarian, feels she eats well on campus but acknowledges the concerns that Pexton raised. “My concern with eating in the dining hall is that I feel like I eat more here than I would at ... Keep reading

Counseling Center lends an open ear to Whitties

Counseling Center, Richard Jacks, 22 percent of the Whitman student body was seen in some capacity by a counselor last year. That’s a little over 300 students. Students at rigorous schools like Whitman often complain of the stress of college life, so the question is why more aren’t taking advantage of the mental health resources offered to them. In most cases it seems to be because no one knows what these resources actually are. First-year Lissa Erickson heard about the Counseling Center “during opening week, mostly about sexual misconduct.” When asked what she knew was offered there, she replied “I know there’s counseling for free.” She’s referring to the half-hour sessions students can get with a therapist, eight per semester free of charge. The Counseling Center currently employs four clinical psychologists and one religious counselor. One senior, who asked to be quoted anonymously, pointed out that eight ... Keep reading

GETTING NAKED: Whitman students want to take it all off

“It’s about acceptance,” said senior Zac Strode. “It’s a way of claiming space,” said sophomore Lisa Mattson. “It makes you feel at one with nature,” said sophomore Devon Spika. “It’s a major right of passage to college,” said sophomore Camila Thorndike. “It’s a bonding thing,” said sophomore Spenser Meeks. “It lets you toy with social norms,” said senior Clint Kalan. Different students have different reasons for getting naked. Regardless of the reason, it is not uncommon to find naked students roaming Whitman’s campus. Although not technically legal, many students maintain that not wearing clothes is not really that big of a deal. “Everyone’s nude under everything,” said sophomore Cassie Lee. College and nudity often go hand in hand. “It’s a part of popular college culture. In movies it’s usually college kids that you see getting naked. That’s not why I do it but I think that this is a unique time in ... Keep reading

Switch: Whitman through a WWC student’s eye

This story starts with chapel. [For all the Whitties reading this article, chapel is a weekly worship service that all Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University) students are required to attend]. I was sitting behind my friend Jason Friedrich and a girl I did not recognize—which was odd because I pride myself on being at least familiar with most the faces on WWC’s campus. I proceeded to introduce myself and found out that her name was Elsbeth Otto, a sophomore Whitman College student who swapped places with a WWC college student for the day. The only problem was that the WWC student was not able to “swap” on Tuesday so they were looking for another volunteer on Thursday. Enter me. So, on Thursday of that week, I spent the day attending classes, having lunch and touring the Whitman campus with Elsbeth. Notes and Musing From My ... Keep reading

Whitman impacts downtown businesses

Senior Dean Peterson might have put it best: “As nice as downtown is—specifically Main Street—there is more to do on Whitman’s campus. I don’t feel like a lot of people hang out down there; I don’t run into Whitties.” Whether the “Whitman Bubble” is a product of campus life or a more ingrained cultural effect, it still controls the actions of students. Even without many visiting Whitties, Whitman colors the surrounding business culture through its presence. Business owners note that while their economic livelihood does not depend on Whitman being in session, the existence of the campus a few blocks away does impact the way they do business. “Whitman students are part of our life blood. We like Whitman for the culture it brings to town through its radio station and concerts [it hosts],” said Jim McGuinn, owner of Hot Poop, a local music and stereo equipment shop. However, this cultural impact does not ... Keep reading

A Whitman student and a Walla Walla student switch places for a day to see how other side really lives

At Merchant’s this past April I began talking with Susan Bungard, a religion professor at Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University). At some point, Bungard off-handedly mentioned that a few years ago a reporter from the Pioneer switched spots with a reporter from the WWC Collegian for a day and they shared their experiences in articles for their respective newspapers. Immediately, I became enthralled with the idea of a WWC—Whitman switch. I began developing elaborately grandiose visions of this switch being the event that opened the floodgates of communication between all Walla Walla college students (including Walla Walla Community College’s 13,000 students). United in our newfound commonalities we would come together to force Walla Walla to keep places that aren’t Sheri’s open past 9 p.m., force the fascist movie theater to give student discounts and greatly increase the size of our prospective dating pool while we’re at ... Keep reading

Students opt for varied summer internships

Working with a favorite writer from a favorite magazine, following the research of a Nobel Prize winner and hiking through the Alaskan wilderness: these are but a few experiences that internships have offered the students of Whitman. Brett Addis, a sophomore Biology/environmental Studies major, applied for an internship with the National Science Foundation and was accepted to do work based out of Juneau this summer. “Brief projects I’ll be working on are studying the migration patterns and genetic flow of Boreal toads, a pilot study of the forest canopy and studying the costal estuaries and the river otters that live there,” said Addis. Addis grew up hiking and camping in western Montana, but claims she has never done outdoor activities as intensely as she will this summer. The internship offers Addis mostly field research. “It’s an opportunity to get out there and actually participate in a real research project; I don’t really ... Keep reading

Teal and Josh talk summer movies: Summer flips and flops

With summer comes lemonade, bikinis and, of course, the inevitable summer blockbusters. Through the hustle and bustle of summer madness, it is difficult to know which flicks to anticipate and which to stay far, far away from. Luckily, we are here to help. Use this guide of upcoming summer films to guide you when you find yourself trying to beat the heat in a nice, air-conditioned theatre. Delta Farce (May 11) Boris: I would rather be shipped to Iraq than watch a movie where Larry the Cable Guy, Bill Engvall and DJ Qualls are shipped to Iraq. Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End (May 25) Boris: I haven’t really heard anything about this movie, though supposedly it’s based on two obscure prequels. Pirates are so 1692, so it’s probably a good bet to stay away from this snoozer. Day Watch (June 1) Greyhavens: The preview for this Russian movie from “visionary director” Timur Bekmambetoc is ... Keep reading

Finding WW jobs is no piece of cake

Finding a job in Walla Walla during the summer can be like trying to look for a needle in a haystack. “Finding a job here is hard,” said German professor Susan Babilon. “Trust me, I know. I’ve lived here for over ten years!” Seemingly more difficult is trying to find a full-time position that will pay over the minimum wage per hour. While Whitman’s Career Center Web site speaks on its ability to find summer jobs for students, it has little to offer those who wait until May or June to begin applying. Only one or two on-campus jobs are listed. Likewise, many off-campus positions the Web site lists have either already been filled or require year-round commitments. The Plant Company, for example, has already filled its part-time summer positions. Similarly, 26brix restaurant prefers workers who will commit themselves to working year-round, something that most Whitman students simply can’t commit to. ... Keep reading

Hot Hot Heat: Best of the best of summer live music

Whether you want to pack your bags for a major festival or just see who’s making music in your own back yard, summer is the time to ditch academia for the far-more-interesting world of rock ‘n’ roll. Here’s all the information you’ll need this summer for the most promising (and not-so-promising) imminent performances. And yes: Hot Hot Heat is playing this summer. So the headline isn’t a total misnomer. Pitchfork Music Festival Pack a windbreaker, because Chicago is the place to be if you want an inexpensive but utterly fantastic summer music festival. The Pitchfork Music Festival is perhaps your best bet if you’re looking for flea market-shoppin’ indie kids who spent all their money on button-making machines; the festival is $15 for a Friday pass and $25 for a Saturday or Sunday pass. The headlining acts this year are splendid: Sonic Youth, GZA/ Genius and Splint on Friday; Yoko Ono, Cat Power and ... Keep reading

Whitman without Whitman: Walla Walla summer

“Am I staying in Walla Walla over the summer? God, no!” said first-year Allison Gill. Many other Whitman students had similar reactions to this question, expressing the belief that there is not enough to do to occupy their time when school is not in session. Those who actually have spent summers in Walla Walla think otherwise. “It can be a lot of fun if you try,” said junior Rand Biersdorff. Biersdorff spent the last summer in Walla Walla and said it was enjoyable for her. “My favorite part of the summer was just getting to know other Whitties who also stayed,” said Biersdorff. “I’d run into people I recognized from campus, and we’d start talking and end up hanging out.” Sophomore Aisha Fukushima also spent the last summer in Walla Walla and enjoyed spending time with other Whitman students. “I got together with a bunch of other juniors and we planned bowling parties every Monday,” ... Keep reading

Required Reading: Best books for the beach, bathtub and back yard

I can tell you haven’t been pleasuring yourself lately. What’s that you say? Too much work, too tired, anxious, busy to spend that extra hour in the evening indulging in that one guilty something that sent you under the covers as a child with a flashlight? Whitman is supposed to have one of the happiest student bodies in the nation, but I see through those superficial smiles, those nimble frisbee-clad fingers out on Ankeny couldn’t form a thumbs-up sign that would convince me. Hell, Bon Appetit keeps us overfed, but when was the last time you satiated your mind with a nice, long, page-turner of a pleasure read? With summer just around the corner, give yourself the time you deserve to crack open a good book. Stop off at Powell’s Books before you catch your flight home and stock up. Just in case the prospect of choosing a winner to ... Keep reading

Dragfest’s message impared by atmosphere, students say

Drinking, dancing detract from event’s serious message Men in dresses and women sporting usually male-associated clothing flocked to Reid Campus Center on Friday night to celebrate Dragfest. Dragfest is a dance party, the last event of drag week—an attempt to familiarize students with what it means to be transgender and to raise awareness about issues surrounding transgender people and those that dress in drag. Other events during Drag Week included a make-up session that was poorly attended and a transgender panel that took place on Tuesday night. While the dance can be a great way for students to begin the weekend, there are students that have objections to the concept or presentation of the dance party. “The dance seems to be great fun for everyone. My point hinges on the fact that there’s a political goal involved.” ... Keep reading

Gender distinctions blur at Dragfest

For Dusti Thurman, President of Coalition Against Homophobia, Dragfest marked the ending of a very successful week. “This, I think, is the first time we’ve successfully pulled off drag week,” said Thurman. “Our Transpanel brought in a lot of people.” As Drag Week’s crowning glory, Dragfest is the playful ending to a week dedicated to broadening people’s conception of gender. “Dragfest is primarily a fun event. At the same time, however, it shows how gender is much more fluid than most people think,” said Thurman. Proving gender’s ability to be fluid were the hundreds of people who showed up to the event wearing clothes from the opposite genders; following the event’s theme of “Alice in Wonderland,” men came dressed up as Alices while women came dressed ... Keep reading

CON: Dragfest distracts from CAH’s message

Every year, we at Whitman celebrate the various incarnations of sexual diversity. We celebrate it for one week, and afterwards the community that brought us the informative lectures and the Saturnalia of music and dance in Reid disappears back into the obscurity from which it came. One wonders if Dragfest—and by extension, Drag Week—is effective, or if it has become another excuse to drink, be merry and, above all, be shocking. The lack of gravity seen during Drag Week is indicative of this phenomenon. How many people can say they saw the speakers brought by CAH? How many Whitties went to the Drag Week Writer’s Colony? The events surrounding Dragfest—those that engage our intellect—are ignored. Dragfest, the one event all week that engaged our common licentiousness, garnered the highest turnout by far. The attendees of Dragfest were not engaged in critical or ... Keep reading

PRO: Dragfest is positive exposure

Dragfest is a dance held once a year where everyone comes dressed in drag. It is a Whitman tradition, like Ren Fair or the Beer Mile, and it champions our social liberalism as a campus. Thus, needless to say, it is fairly popular event on campus. Yet, dressing in drag certainly does not mean boys must dress in skirts and high heels and girls have to wear boxers and big shoes. No. Get one thing straight: dressing in drag does NOT require dressing like you have a vagina if you really have a penis or vice versa. It is a personal definition. Maybe you are a girl who usually likes to wear soccer jerseys and jeans. Dressing in drag could mean wearing a sundress and sparkles. Maybe you are a guy who never takes off ... Keep reading

Organic Garden to celebrate Dirt Day

Whitman’s organic garden is a resource available to students and the community that remains largely untapped. The garden is located across the street from the Physical Plant, on the corner of Penrose Ave. and Pacific Ave. The garden is run by a core group of about five to 10 students. They are advised by Bob Biles, who works at the Physical Plant and is knowledgable about organic farming practices. The garden is run rather informally. “Anyone can go to the garden whenever they want to and pick fruits and vegetables, and the only rule is if you pick something you should do a little bit of weeding,” said Mica Quintana, who is president of the club. The garden is a place for people of all skills. “It’s not a very intimidating place at all. I actually don’t really know that much about gardening. We’re all learning together,” said Quintana.... Keep reading

Urban farming challenges urban space’s accepted notions of utility, practices

Urban farmers attempt to transform suburbia into more than a sea of manicured lawns. As self-proclaimed “aspiring urban farmer” junior James Most said, urban farming is “producing food in a landscape that is not stereotypically a food-producing landscape … like chickens on a lawn.” Most and junior Will Davidson have been “co-conspirators,” as they put it, in a series of urban farming projects this semester, from raising five chickens from birth to barbecue to beginning a gardening project in January. Their aim: to experience where food comes from. Urban farming is not a novel concept. The roots of urban farming extend back to the Victory gardens of WWII, when suburban families planted gardens to produce fruit and vegetables as a patriotic war effort. There was also a “back to the land” movement in the 1960s and 1970s, prompted by disillusionment with the Vietnam War, Watergate and, more generally, consumerism ... Keep reading

Politics class gives students insight into workings of global food system

In Aaron Bobrow-Strain’s politics course, Whitman in the Global Food System, students approach the political economy of food from local, national and global perspectives so as to make advancements that might benefit all people at those levels. Professor Bobrow-Strain, who has studied at University of California, Berkeley, Stanford University and Macalester College, has been working on projects interested in political economy, cultural studies and critical human geography. “The goal of the class is to give students a solid set of tools with which they can understand their world food system at a whole series of levels, from the politics of local food banking and emergency food relief in Walla Walla all the way to the kinds of global trade politics around NAFTA and the WTA,” said Bobrow-Strain. Students learned about the development of the United States food system, particularly how it came to be what Bobrow-Strain called “this world grain ... Keep reading

Lack of GLTBQ culture stifles same-sex dating

“Obviously, there is no dating scene at Whitman,” said senior Kyle Martz. For Martz and other GLBT (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered) students on campus, trying to date within the group is a frustrating experience. Martz believes that in order to have dating among the GLBT students, there must actually be a GLBT community to date in. “We have same-sex couples on campus, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we have a queer community . . . . The problem is that people don’t date if they don’t know each other. We have a lot of queers here who don’t know how to deal with queer culture since they haven’t been exposed to it.” “It’s indicative of Whitman’s recruiting process. We recruit uptight, tight-ass overachievers that have no way of dealing with themselves or each other [in ... Keep reading

Con: Inherent dangers of sex make intercourse more risky

Casual sex is dangerous. People diagnosed with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise. According to the National Coalition of STD Directors (ncsddc.org), the reason HIV and STD cases are on the rise is because in the United States “people do not fear HIV/AIDS as much as they used to, and there is more casual sex in society.” These days, approximately one out of four women and one out of five men is infected with an STD. One out of four people in the U.S. will contract a STD by the time they reach adulthood. These statistics are incredibly high. If you have casual sex, you are at very high risk that you will contract an STD. I doubt that every time a person has casual sex, they test their new partner for STDs that night or ever at all. Rather, people who have casual sex like to put ... Keep reading

Health Center helps students make informed sexual decisions.

Whitman doesn’t flaunt its sex life. In general, the campus is fairly modest about its sexual activity—but that does not mean it doesn’t exist; Whitman students are still sexually active. There are condom cups in the bathrooms of all dormitories. The RAs of every section are required to pick up a large bag at the beginning of the year, and keep the cup replenished all year long. In fact, the Whitman health center has to re-order condoms to refill these cups. Whitman’s liberal sex policy allows students to make their own decisions about sex—there are no curfews or rules about where you can or cannot sleep. The Health Center is the sex resource center on campus, with everything from condoms to HPV vaccines available. They make these resources are readily available to students so that students can take extra precautions and make smart decisions about sex. The Health Center also disperses the ... Keep reading

Pro: Humans are naturally flirtatious

In 2006, the very hot Scarlett Johansson told reporters, “I don’t think human beings are monogamous creatures by nature.” That’s right: Scarlett Johansson believes in casual sex. According to Wikipedia.org, “Casual sex refers to sexual activity outside the context of a romantic relationship, consisting of a range of informal sexual encounters.” So basically it means you can fuck Nathonius from your philosophy class on Friday and Matt from the Mellow Bean on Saturday and everyone will be okay with it. When I was 11, my mom told me, “There are only two things that make life really worth living: Food and sex. And food makes you fat.” My mother, ever the wise sage, was right: Sex is like food that doesn’t make you fat. Sex can make you pregnant and it can give you STDs. So keep some rubbers in your pocket and make sure you take your birth control pill on time, too. We’ve all ... Keep reading

First-years vocal about establishing Whitman ‘queer community’

The move to create a GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgendered, Questioning) group on Whitman campus was pushed in the late 1980s. When Robert Tobin, professor of German Studies, arrived on campus for the 1989/90 school year, there was not yet a formal organization. Tobin and Whitman counselor Sharon Kaufman-Osborn were very interested in creating safe place for non-heterosexuals to talk about their experiences. In discussing how to design a safe place for questioning and non-heterosexual students to talk about and share in each others’ experiences, Tobin and Kaufman-Osborn, among others, decided it would be most beneficial to create two different groups on campus. Tobin, who had been previously employed at Princeton, suggested that Whitman model their GLBTQ and Coalition after support groups at Princeton. Both GLBTQ and Coalition are designed as safe spaces in which to address issues of sexuality, but they have subtle differences that make them separate entities. GLBTQ is ... Keep reading

“I cannot speak for all non-heteronormative people”

by Kyle Martz GUEST WRITER Being what one could label a ‘high-profile,’ openly gay man at Whitman College has been a lesson in the complexities of diversity, tolerance and the differences between ideology and lived practice. I have found Whitman to be one of the easiest places to be queer-identified, or as I like to put it, “hypothetically queer.” At the same time, I have also learned what it means to be tokenized on this campus, to be seen more as a poster child for the post-modern, supposedly tolerant liberal world than as an actual person. In order to understand the above statements, a couple of things about the state of GLBTQ affairs at Whitman should be noted. The queer community at this college is, contrary to what many people have intimated to me, quite small and fractured. There is not a lot of cohesion or visibility in the ... Keep reading

Coalition Against Homophobia draws inspiring leaders

Two organizations on campus, Coalition Against Homophobia and GLBTQ, may initially seem similar. They both function to support Whitman’s queer community, yet their methods of support are extremely different. Coalition Against Homophobia, commonly referred to as Coalition, is the public face of support for the queer community, whereas GLBTQ (an organization for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning students) is private. Coalition began in the 1990s as a student-run group committed to bringing about the end of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia and heterosexism. The group uses social events, activism and education to achieve these goals. Around campus Coalition is especially well known for its two major social events: Queer Prom and Dragfest. Coalition also promotes national events on campus, such as National Day of Silence and National Coming Out Day. In recent years Coalition has partnered with other Whitman organizations to bring speakers, such as Annie Sprinkle and Judy Shepard, to campus. While ... Keep reading

In small town like Walla Walla, creating inclusive spaces is step number one for GLBTQ community

by Andrea Miller STAFF WRITER Considering the subcultures of Walla Walla—the onion growers, the wine makers, the inmates, the kids lurking outside Coffee Perk—the GLTBQ community is isolated and forced underground by the town’s dominating social values. Brenda Gordon, a member of the local PFLAG (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays), social worker and director of the Walla Walla Community College Women’s Center, said that in Walla Walla there is a “strong support, but a strong opposition” to the GLTBQ community. Gordon and Sharon Kaufman-Osborne founded the Walla Walla chapter of PFLAG about seven or eight years ago. The organization has survived despite a few years of very low membership. PFLAG meets monthly and aims to provide support for its members and create an open forum for future members. Gordon said PFLAG hopes to put out a diversity guidebook of businesses and organizations “self-identified as being ... Keep reading

GLBTQ community held back by conservative lifestyles

by Janna Stone STAFF WRITER A Web site with a liquid rainbow background and the occasional, somewhat hushed, reference: this is all most Whitman’s students see of the campus club known as GLBTQ, an acronym for Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Questioning. The club, started in the late eighties, is primarily focused with providing a support system and community for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, transgenders and people questioning their sexuality on campus. Unlike its partner club, Coalition Against Homophobia, which puts on several campus-wide events each year, its presence is largely silent on campus. GLTBQ’s quiet nature seems typical of Whitman’s queer community in general who, rather than announcing themselves loudly and conducting large parades, prefer to remain silent and incognito. “The queer community is pretty damn quiet here,” said Beth Frieden, a member of GLBTQ. “They [are] very welcoming [though]. It’s a really nice community, small but friendly, kinda ... Keep reading

Whitman’s drug subculture takes a philosophical turn

by Leah Bloomberg & Grant Margeson STAFF WRITER & GUEST WRITER N.B. This article is meant to provide a glimpse into the drug use on campus, not to either condone or condemn it. The views expressed by those interviewed in no way reflect the views and opinions of the Whitman College Pioneer. On a typical Friday night, some students may be studying in the library, others watching a movie, others still drinking at a party or in their dorm room. But there are also students who are snorting cocaine, rolling on ecstasy or dropping acid. Many are aware that drug use occurs on campus—casual marijuana use is no mystery—but some may be surprised to find out to what extent “harder” drugs are used. The types of illicit drugs used within this underbelly on campus include cocaine, ecstasy, OxyContin (a pain killer that ... Keep reading

A nation all its own

by Andrea Miller STAFF WRITER While some students navigate through the discos of European metropolises or come face-to-face with the hardships of no running water in Africa, others turn to the challenges of an American city for their study abroad program. Programs in Chicago, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. offer students “hands-on” experience in bridging the gap between a liberal arts education and “real life.” The Associated Colleges of the Midwest Urban Studies Program in Chicago and the Philadelphia Center provide participants with course work, which predominantly includes lectures from guest speakers, field trips to areas of study, and internships in which students may apply what they learn. Recent speakers at the Urban Studies Program in Chicago included Senator Barack Obama, musician Dead Prez and author Sandra Cisernos. At the Philadelphia Center, students work four days a week at an internship they choose and apply to themselves. At both the Urban Studies ... Keep reading

Semester in the West gives college life the runaround

by Hailey Rogge STAFF WRITER The romantic stereotypes of the American West have all been dashed away, and a very intricate human and ecological landscape redrawn—at least for the 21 Whitman students who spent last fall rediscovering their country on an environmental studies odyssey. The members of the 2006 Semester in the West program have returned to a more conventional classroom setting, prepared to apply the fall term’s experiences to their studies within the walls of academia—if not quite prepared for the stationary lifestyle. Last semester, politics professor Phil Brick and his students went mobile, traveling almost 9,000 miles total throughout the western United States. Instead of desks, they had Crazy Creek chairs. Instead of Penrose Library, they had a solar-powered horse trailer. They camped out everywhere they went, and although there were tents at their disposal, most nights they slept out under the stars. “One of the best ... Keep reading

Inside out: Students reflect on experiences

by Jamie Soukup STAFF WRITER Aubrey Gallegos: Botswana Probably one of the coolest places I visited in Botswana was Chobe National Park, where we literally camped among the animals. At night none of us were allowed to leave our tents without yelling for a guide because, as our guides told us, we could be eaten or trampled by the animals. We couldn’t even go to the bathroom without having a guide escort us. After our first night in the camp we realized why the guides were so serious about the rule; at night we could hear lions roaring as we fell asleep, and in the morning would find elephant tracks just a few feet from our tents. One evening, as we were all eating dinner outside, we heard a noise and looked up to find an elephant meandering through our campsite, no more than 20 feet from where we were ... Keep reading

The world beyond Whitman College opens eyes

by Janna Stone STAFF WRITER Susan Holme Brick, director of Whitman’s Study Abroad program, works in a small, non-descript office on the second floor of Memorial Building. Her office, no more extraordinary than any other of the offices in Memorial, does little to suggest the fact that, to many students on Whitman campus, it is the gateway to the world. “The goal of Whitman’s study abroad program is to enable students to see the world from a different perspective” says Brick, who has worked in the Study Abroad office since the early nineties. “Living in another country allows people to really get to know the values and concerns of people from other societies.” The study abroad program’s larger goal is to prepare students for the new millennium where the need for a more internationally-informed citizenry will be vital to global cooperation. According to Brick, “Spending time abroad teaches students to challenge their ... Keep reading