Monday, November 20, 2023

Whitman College has received a leadership gift in support of naming Robart Hall in honor of alum James Robart ’69 in its envisioned junior-senior residential village.

The announcement was made earlier this month at T-Mobile Park in Seattle while celebrating the launch of the college’s Upward Together campaign.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’m thrilled to announce the naming of Robart Hall in honor of Emeritus Trustee, former Board Chair, and my friend, Jim Robart,” said Upward Together Campaign Chair and Whitman Trustee Nancy Serrurier.

Judge James Robart is a senior United States district judge for western Washington. Robart earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics at Whitman before going on to earn his law degree at Georgetown University. 

Robart served on the college’s Board of Overseers from 1988–1999 and the Board of Trustees from 1999–2012, including a term as chair. He was a member of at least eleven different committees and task forces, including as chair of both the nominations and trusteeship and diversity committees.

Robart has been a close advisor to Whitman presidents, including Tom Cronin, George Bridges, Kathy Murray and now Sarah Bolton.

Read more.

Associate Professor of Music and Paul Garrett Fellow Paul Luongo, has been selected as a Visiting Faculty Fellow in the Associated Kyoto Program (AKP) in spring of 2025, as part of his upcoming sabbatical. Luongo will teach a course titled “Music and Expressive Intent in Films of Japan and America,” and conduct research on works by two prominent Japanese composers in order to inform his conducting practice. His teaching and research experience at AKP will contribute to diversifying the Whitman Music Department’s curricular offerings and the repertoire of the Whitman Orchestra. 

Cleveland Commons (limited stations):

Reid Market is closed this week and reopens on Sunday, Nov. 26. Jewett Café is closed this week and reopens on Monday, Nov. 27. (See attached flyer.)

President Sarah Bolton invites any Whitman student who is staying in Walla Walla next week to join her for a Holiday Dinner on Tuesday, Nov. 21 from 5–7 p.m. in Cleveland Commons. This meal is open to all students, regardless of whether they have a meal plan or not.

All academic buildings with card swipe readers will be locked starting at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 22. Don’t forget your Whitman ID if you need access during break!

The Sustainability Department’s Bike Share Program will pause in consideration of upcoming winter weather conditions and academic breaks. If you currently have a program bike out for rent,  please return it to Facilities Services (804 Penrose Ave.) as soon as possible! Bike Share will return in the spring. Questions? Email Sustainability Manager Sarah Williams.

Each year, the Pete & Hedda Reid Award recognizes one Whitman faculty or staff member for their exceptional volunteer work within the community. The online nomination form is open now through midnight on Thursday, Nov. 30. The award recipient will be honored during a Chamber of Commerce Awards Ceremony and will receive $1,000. Candidates must have worked at Whitman for at least three years. (View past recipients.)

This weekend, Whitman College welcomed the community to campus for the inaugural Pášxapa Powwow—a cultural and social celebration featuring drumming, singing and dancing. (See more photos on Instagram.)

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Pilates

Sherwood Athletic Center

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: MELT

Sherwood Athletic Center

4 p.m.

Employee Information Session: Open Enrollment

Virtual Event (Zoom Link)

5–7 p.m.

President’s Holiday Dinner for Students

Cleveland Commons

11 a.m.

Whitman Men’s Basketball at University of Dallas

Away

12:10–12:50 p.m.

Movement That Matters: Stretch & Strength

Sherwood Athletic Center

3–5 p.m.

Open Office Hours: Off-Campus Studies

Memorial Building, Room 205

Noon–2 p.m.

Faculty/Staff Climbing Hours

Climbing Center

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