Interfaith Chaplain Reflection
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Feature by: Adam Kirtley, Interfaith Chaplain
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Sunday marks the confluence of Ramadan, Passover and Easter. These holiest of days invite people of faith to remember some of the most extraordinary stories that are woven into the tapestry of their spiritual practice.
Most of the world’s religious traditions involve narratives of miracles and supernatural events. Ramadan marks the month in which the angel Gabriel appeared to Muhammad and revealed to him the first verses of the Quran. On Sunday, Christians will celebrate Easter which commemorates the story of Jesus returning to life three days after he was crucified. And, tonight after sunset, Jewish people will observe the first night of Passover—a time to remember how the Israelites escaped from bondage in Egypt. This story involves numerous miracles, including the famous account of Moses parting the Red Sea so that his people could escape their advancing enemy.
As a child, I loved those stories. Before intellectual scrutiny got in the way, I was delighted to imagine those fantastical narratives. But at some point I had to engage the question: “Wait a minute. Do I really believe that happened?”
I suspect most people of faith, as they mature, engage that question. How they answer it, though, will vary widely, which is precisely why I’ve opted to write this piece as a first person reflection. How I answer that question will likely be different from how many would answer it, and I happen to think that’s okay!
Do I really believe it happened? My answer: It really doesn’t matter to me if it did or didn't. In other words, fiction or nonfiction, it is the interpretation and contemporary application of those stories that most informs my spiritual journey. Or, to borrow a phrase, I look to these stories for TRUTH, and am less concerned with the FACTS. The stories of Easter and Passover recall miraculous events and each can be framed in a context that centers justice and compassion.
Read more.
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Men’s Golf Wins Spring Classic Tournament
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The Whitman College men’s golf team claimed the 2023 Northwest Conference Spring Classic last weekend at the Link Golf Course in Post Falls, Idaho. Senior Tom Hoyne ’23 won the individual title with a final score of four under par. The Whitman College women’s golf team placed third overall, and both teams will compete in the Northwest Conference Championships later this month.
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Tom Hicks Named Yamaha Artist
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Yamaha Entertainment Group recently named Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Tom Hicks as a new Yamaha Artist. Hicks, along with Visiting Assistant Professor of Music Jessica Posada, will present “Serenata: A Celebration of Latin American Art Song” on Friday, April 7 at 4 p.m. in Chism Recital Hall as part of the Fridays@4:00 concert series.
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Visiting Writers Reading Series Tomorrow
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The Visiting Writers Reading Series continues with a virtual event with author Jane Miller at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 6 (register in advance). Miller is the author of 12 books, the recipient of a Wallace Award, a Guggenheim Fellowship, two National Endowment for the Arts Fellowships, the Western States Book Award and the Audre Lorde Award.
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This Friday, join a panel of folks involved in the world of entrepreneurship and startups for a day of discussion and exploration. The Startup Lab will include a morning discussion on startup business plans and models, a lunch discussion on the skills that startup founders and funders are seeking and a reception discussing healthcare, technology and everyday life. Questions? Reach out to Kim Rolfe, Director for Career Development.
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The Northwest 5 Consortium (NW5C), a collaboration between Whitman College, Willamette University, Reed College, the University of Puget Sound and Lewis and Clark College, will present “Centering Community Engagement in Equity and Excellence” at noon on Friday, April 7 (register in advance). This is the first of two virtual professional development sessions scheduled in April (see attached flyer).
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Taste of Africa: Fun Fact #3
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Senegal is a treasure trove of UNESCO World Heritage sites, with seven stunning locations that highlight the country’s vibrant history and cultural richness. From the natural beauty of the Niokolo-Koba National Park to the majestic architecture of the Island of Saint-Louis, Senegal is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Reminder: Taste of Africa is this Saturday, April 8 starting at 6 p.m.
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Show Your Appreciation for Alumni Volunteers
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The Office of Alumni Relations is looking forward to celebrating alumni volunteers during Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 16–22). Let us know about the good work alumni are doing to support your departments by filling out this quick form and Alumni Relations will send them a small token of gratitude. (Alumni volunteers are Whitman graduates who contribute time and talent in support of the college, while being compensated $599 or less annually.)
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In accordance with Washington State Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, nobody with Whitman access was confirmed positive for COVID-19.
Please continue to follow all our campus COVID-19 protocols and if you have any symptoms that may be COVID-19 or know that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please be tested.
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Would you like to share an event with campus? Submit the information to the Events Calendar.
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Previous issues of Whitman Today are archived on our website.
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