I probably repeat the phrase “I want to be a Whittier student” three or four times a week, but never more than during Janterm or Mayterm when I hear from students who are participating in one of our intense travel study courses. What an opportunity to study somewhere around the world in a small group, guided by a Whittier professor and mentor. I would have a hard time deciding whether to study art and architecture in Greece and Rome, biodiversity in South Africa, jazz and culture in Cuba, politics in Argentina, multinational business opportunities in China or Chile, or — closer to home — Arts in LA, among other courses. And this is just the beginning, as Whittier expands the catalogue of courses we will offer in the years ahead. Last night I received the photos you see here from Professor of Business Administration Jeff Decker and Trustee Edwin Keh (the former SVP of Walmart, Global Procurement, who is helping students learn about the rise of China as a world business force), showing class members posed after a walk along Shanghai’s Bund and in a seminar on Sunday morning at their hotel. Students and faculty out there in the world: Send me photos and stories of your experiences and make me even more jealous.
