Whitman Today
 

Friday, October 6, 2023

Davis UWC Scholars Break Record at Whitman

Dozens of students holding flags from around the world.

At a recent Globe Ceremony, first-year Davis UWC Scholars received commemorative glass globes representing their leadership potential and celebrating their Whitman College experience.

Whitman College is proud to celebrate a record number of Davis United World College (UWC) Scholars enrolled for the 2023–2024 academic year.

“As we work to prepare our students for a world of constant change and complex challenges that reach beyond borders, Whitman College is pleased to once again welcome a record number of Davis UWC Scholars to our campus,” says President Sarah Bolton. “Our Davis UWC Scholar cohort is more than 100 strong this year, including 35 first-year students!” 

Founded in 2000 by philanthropist Shelby M.C. Davis, the Davis UWC Scholars program aims to “advance international understanding through education” and has grown into the largest, privately-funded, international scholarship program for undergraduate students in the world.

Whitman College has been a UWC partner school for more than two decades. Although the numbers of students admitted to Whitman College were modest in earlier years, those numbers have increased dramatically in recent years through focused efforts from the Office of Admission. 

This year’s cohort of 101 Davis UWC Scholars represents more than 60 countries on five continents. These scholars have many varied perspectives and backgrounds as do other international students who enroll at Whitman through different paths. Both are an important part of ongoing recruitment efforts at Whitman College.

Noteworthy

Professors Publish Brain Health Research Article 

Associate Professor of Biology Leena Knight and Associate Professor of Biology Thomas Knight co-authored an article in Frontiers, titled “Making the case for prophylactic use of betaine to promote brain health in young (15–24 year old) athletes at risk for concussion.” In the article, they explore betaine uptake in the central nervous system and contribute to evidence that betaine may be uniquely protective to the brain. They propose a therapeutic strategy that is singular in its proactive approach to reducing injury to the brain and to promoting recovery following sport-related concussions. They also intentionally center female athletes to draw much needed attention to an underrepresented cohort in sport, exercise and brain health research. This research was supported by the faculty sabbatical program. 

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Announcements

Employee Flu Shot Clinic Today

Influenza vaccines will be available for faculty and staff members, while supplies last, today from Noon–1:30 p.m. at Cordiner Hall. No appointment necessary! For a faster visit, print and sign the consent form in advance (alternate consent form for ages 65+) and bring it with you. Physical consent forms will also be available.

 

Climbing Center Hours This Weekend

As a reminder, the Climbing Center is closed today and tomorrow, but resumes normal hours on Sunday, Oct. 8, from 2–6 p.m. Whitman faculty/staff and their families will have access from Noon–2 p.m.

 

Campaign Launch Celebration Next Week

Please join us next week for the public launch of a comprehensive fundraising campaign to advance our mission, support our students and expand the impact our alumni make in the world. The launch event takes place on Friday, Oct. 13 from 3:30–5 p.m. at Ankeny Field. Festivities will include student and faculty musicians, food trucks and a brief presentation. Whitman College offices will close during this event to enable everyone to attend.

 

The World Needs Whitties Panel Next Week

As part of the campaign launch celebration, President Sarah Bolton will moderate a panel of Whitman alumni on Friday, Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. in Chism Recital Hall. 

  • Cecilia Kang ’94 (English Language and Literature), New York Times reporter & best-selling author.
  • Tom Lapham ’99 (Asian Studies), CEO of CHEQ, founder of renewable energy ventures.
  • Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger ’97 (Geology), astronaut, educator and geologist.
  • Drew Shoals ’05 (African-American Studies), Corporate Counsel at Amazon Music, former drummer of Train.
  • Jonathan Sposato ’89 (Political Science), serial tech entrepreneur, Founder of JoySauce, Chairman of GeekWire, & owner of Seattle Magazine.

Photo Finish

A cement bridge crosses over a small creek.

You’ve likely walked across the bridge spanning College Creek between Maxey Hall and Boyer Avenue many times. But did you know that this bridge is more than a century old and was the first ever Whitman College class gift from the Class of 1908?

Happening This Weekend

 

Friday

10 a.m. to Noon

Open Garden

Organic Garden

Noon–1:30 p.m.

Flu Shot Clinic (Faculty & Staff)

Cordiner Hall

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Yoga

Sherwood Athletic Center

1 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho)

Whitman Tennis Courts

1 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. College of Idaho vs. LCSC

Bratton Indoor Tennis Center

6 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. LCSC vs. UCSC

Whitman Tennis Courts

Saturday

8 a.m.

Men’s Ultimate Big Sky Gun Show Tournament

Away

9 a.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. The College of Idaho (Scrimmage)

Whitman Tennis Courts

Noon

Women’s Soccer vs. George Fox University

Whitman Athletic Fields

1 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. Whitworth vs. LCSC

Whitman Tennis Courts

2:30 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. George Fox University

Whitman Athletic Fields

5 p.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. Whitworth vs. College of Idaho

Whitman Athletic Fields

6 p.m.

Women’s Volleyball at Linfield University

Away

Sunday

TBD

Men’s Golf Whitworth Invitational

Away

8:30 a.m.

Women’s Tennis vs. University of California, Santa Cruz

Whitman Tennis Courts

10 a.m. to Noon

Open Garden

Organic Garden

10 a.m.

Outdoor Program Trip: Flatwater Kayaking

Palouse River

Noon

Women’s Soccer vs. Lewis & Clark College

Whitman Athletic Fields

Noon–2 p.m.

Faculty/Staff Climbing Hours

Climbing Center

2:30 p.m.

Men’s Soccer vs. Lewis & Clark College

Whitman Athletic Fields

Whitman Events Calendar

Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.

“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students.

All submissions are welcome! If you have accomplishments to celebrate, an event to publicize or other content to share with the Whitman community, email whitmantoday@whitman.edu. Submissions of 125 words or less are due by noon for the following day’s newsletter. Submissions may be edited and/or held for a later date according to space and editorial needs. Your submission also authorizes use on Whitman's social media unless otherwise specified.

Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.

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