Whittier College President's Blog

The mural is sketched

Whittier College President — Tue, 29 May 2012 15:05:43 +0000

I was excited to see the details of the mural sketched and ready for painting. See the attached photos of my favorite parts.

Students leaning against the Rock, under the Light of Learning

Whittier prepares graduates for the wide, wide world

Graduate honoring ancestors, Dia de Los Muertos style

: And here is the whole wall

Honoring a history of speaking out for causes

John Greenleaf Whittier with an RN campaign button on his lapel

Memorial Day Tribute

Whittier College President — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:44:15 +0000

On this Memorial Day, I pay tribute to all of our Poet alumni who are serving or who have served in the military. Our founders believed in freedom of conscience and looking within oneself, deciding what is right, and then doing it. For many Poets that has meant serving their country honorably in the military. Today, along with a grateful nation, I want to honor this choice.

The things presidents do for their school

Whittier College President — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:18:04 +0000

The librarians of Whittier College are too dignified to appear on film talking about one of the College’s most prized possessions, which of course is Friday, the stuffed pet squirrel of our namesake John Greenleaf Whittier. I have no such inhibitions; so here I am in the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library archives with a WDN reporter: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGTCB8HUKMs

NCAA All-Americans Alyssa Sialaris and Kevin Curbelo!

Whittier College President — Sun, 27 May 2012 02:14:07 +0000

We have much to be happy about with two Poets earning NCAA All-American honors at the track and field competition — Alyssa winning 5th place in the discus and Kevin 5th in the 400 meter (his second NCAA All-American honor). Kimble Tilman missed securing All-American status in the 100 meter by .01 second. All return to Whittier next year. Congratulations to our coaches too!

Check out more on the athletics page: www.wcpoets.com

Yosemite vacation

Whittier College President — Sun, 20 May 2012 16:03:29 +0000

The entire way up and down the trail to Nevada Falls and through the Mariposa Grove, David displayed his Poet Pride on his cap and on the “Go Poets” tag hanging off his backpack.

My husband David, son Ben, and I hiked in Yosemite this past week. We hiked up to Vernal and Nevada Falls — next time Half Dome!

Whittier’s Board celebrates Kristine Dillon ’73

Whittier College President — Sat, 19 May 2012 18:00:50 +0000

Many thanks to Kristine Dillon ’73 for spending her birthday at Whittier for trustee meetings and Commencement this past weekend (see the photo of her flanked by Don Herrema ’74 and Ruth B. Shannon LHD ’92) and for her devotion to her alma mater. When Kristine talks, we all listen — was that true when she was a “mere” undergraduate?

With Trustees Don Herrema ’74, Kristine Dillon ’73, and Ruth B. Shannon.

Senior dinner photos

Whittier College President — Fri, 18 May 2012 09:15:13 +0000

I thought you might enjoy seeing the photos from photo booth at the senior dinner: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.409207685776169.96263.135764873120453&type=1

Special Olympics at Whittier

Whittier College President — Wed, 16 May 2012 15:22:36 +0000

Just before the end of the academic year, our SAAC (Student Athletic Advisory Committee) hosted a day of Special Olympics basketball on campus. The GAC was filled with happy competitors and perhaps even happier scholar-athlete helpers. Thanks to all involved for showing great Poet spirit.

Special Olympics in the GAC

Walk down the path by Stauffer academic building towards the Campus Center

Whittier College President — Tue, 15 May 2012 15:55:09 +0000

Mural in progress

All of a sudden the beginnings of the mural come into view, and what an amazing sight! All who want to help with the painting are welcome (just call Professors Orozco and Norden for times). I have been assured that the “real artists” will fix our errors.

Thank you to all senior givers!

Whittier College President — Mon, 14 May 2012 22:14:49 +0000

I join the staff, faculty, and your senior gift committee in thanking all of the seniors who donated to the Whittier Fund in celebration of graduation. You made a larger gift than any senior class in history, and even more important 56% of you participated. Since the College’s reputation is in part determined by “participation rate,” you are already helping to raise the reputation of your alma mater. This helps you, and will help all who come after you. If your class exceeds 60% by the end of June — tell your friends to get on board — I’ll pledge to do some weird thing at your fifth year reunion!

Thank you!