News
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January
Nixon Fellows Head to Washington D.C. for Historic Presidential Inauguration
01.06.09 Whittier College Nixon Fellows Teresa Baranowski '10 and Neslie Tumulac '11 are heading to Washington D.C. this month to be part of the 44th Presidential Inauguration celebration. The two have been blogging about president-elect Barack Obama and the election process since November.
In an article looking at how colleges are planning for this historic inauguration, Inside Higher Ed highlighted excerpts of the fellows' blogs.
"There is an overwhelming sense of joy and hope stemming from the change that Obama has promised," writes Baranowski from Spain, where she had been studying abroad. "It will be interesting to see if this feeling stays the same or changes as Obama begins his presidency."
More »
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December
Buddhist Grand Master Honored by Whittier College
12.22.08 The Venerable Grand Master Hsing Yun, head of one of the largest Buddhist sects in the world, is the most recent recipient of a Whittier College honorary doctorate of humane letters (L.H.D.). On December 20, a Whittier cohort in full regalia, led by President Sharon Herzberger, met with Yun for a small, private ceremony to bestow the award at the Hsi Lai Temple in nearby Hacienda Heights. Read more in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. More »
Richard Nixon '34 Bucked the Ivy League
12.08.08 In light of President-elect Barack Obama's recent appointment of several Ivy League educated officials to his cabinet, Whittier President Sharon Herzberger was interviewed by The New Yorker's Lauren Collins on former Richard M. Nixon's '34 educational experience. "Originally, he wanted to get away from Whittier, go East to one of those highfalutin Ivy League schools. In the end, he appreciated the education he got." More »
James Dunkelman Named Vice President of Finance and Administration at Whittier College
12.04.08 Following an extensive search, James L. Dunkelman has been named vice president of finance and administration at Whittier College, effective December 1. Dunkelman replaces long-time College administrator Janice Legoza.
"We are pleased to welcome Jim Dunkelman to Whittier College. Jim has considerable experience and leadership in finance and administration. His most recent position, navigating and negotiating between the seven institutions that comprise the Claremont Colleges, speaks directly to the collaborative approach Whittier College espouses and will be an invaluable asset to our leadership team," said Whittier President Sharon Herzberger. "In addition, I am confident that Jim's successful history of strong client focus will further build on the great community partnerships and good work accomplished by the outgoing vice president, Janice Legoza."
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Whittier Named as "College of Distinction"
12.03.08 Student Horizons Inc. has issued its annual guidebook for college-bound students, and for the third consecutive year, Whittier is cited as one of the 240 American "Colleges of Distinction." The Bethesda-based organization was founded by parents and admissions professionals to help students find the college best suited for their interests; the guide reviews institutions based on four distinctive qualities: "engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes." More »
Professor Fred Bergerson Comments on Content of New Nixon Recordings
12.03.08 In the Whittier Daily News, political science professor Fred Bergerson comments on the newly released Richard Nixon tapes that chronicle the late president's Vietname strategy between 1972-73. Bergerson, a specialist in public policy and civil-military relations and a Vietnam Veteran, said in the article that "political pressure of the time likely influenced wartime decisions" that led to events during that period. More »
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November
Whittier College Family Loses Leader, Philanthropist, and Longtime Friend William "Mo" Marumoto '57
11.26.08 The Whittier College community mourns the sudden passing of William "Mo" Marumoto '57 on November 25, 2008. An active member of the Whittier College Alumni Association, a leader in the Lancer Society, and a longtime advocate and ambassador for the College, Marumoto leaves a legacy of leadership and accomplishment that extends well into his professional life. In June of this year, Marumoto was one of two recent recipients of the nation's highest honor for community service—the President's Volunteer Service Award—given in recognition for his more than 35,000 dedicated hours between 1958 and 2008 in support of various organizations and agencies. To read a press release issued by Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, where Marumoto served as president, click here. More »
Whittier College Couple Severely Injured in Southland Fire
11.20.08 Lance and Carla (Hewitt) Hoffman, who met while attending Whittier College 10 years ago, are recovering from third- and second-degree burns as a result of a fire that swept through their Montecito home. The Santa Barbara Independent reports that the couple suffered the "most dire injuries of anyone affected by the Tea Fire." Both Lance and Carla are still being held at UC Riverside's Regional Burn Center and are expected to remain in the hospital for a few months. Santa Barbara firefighters have set up the "Lance and Carla Burn Fund" to help the couple pay their substantial medical bills. For more information click here.
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Whittier vs. Occidental Rivalry Intensifies
11.17.08 On November 14, during the rivalry football match between Whittier and Occidental Colleges, the Whittier Senior Class issued a challenge to their Oxy peers to see which school can get the highest percentage of seniors to make a donation to their respective school. Click here to read the Challange. More »
Dr. Joseph Price Expands on the Spiritual Life of Whittier College Students.
11.14.08 "Most students today report that they have keen spiritual concerns and expectations," writes Dr. Joseph Price, professor of religious studies in a recent Whittier Daily News editorial. The piece looks at the religious and spiritual practices of college-going youth. Price adds that while student may acknowledge a decline in traditional religious behavior, such as attending weekly services, they "actively pursue questions of truth and issues of justice in distinct biblical ways." More »
College to Participate in Southern California Disaster Drill
11.12.08 On Thursday, November 13, the entire Southern California region will participate in the "Great ShakeOut," the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history, involving businesses, schools, city, county, and state emergency responders, and everyday citizens. Whittier College is among 57 fellow colleges and universities in Los Angeles County that will take part in this event, giving campus community members and the College's emergency management team an opportunity to further train and prepare for a fictional disaster scenario in conjunction with various local agencies and city resources. More »
Whittier College Lending a Helping Hand
11.10.08 The 15th Annual Whittier College Helping Hands Day brought together hundreds of Whittier College students, faculty, and staff in volunteer service projects throughout the local community this past Saturday, November 8. In collaboration with current community organizations and assistance leagues, teams from Whittier College worked cleaning streets, tending gardens, painting, working in senior centers and homeless shelters, and feeding those in need, among other projects. The Whittier Daily News covered the event.
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John Poet Makes the Grade
11.08.08 John Poet is part of a New York Times "pop quiz," featuring unique college symbols. Whittier's new mascot made his official campus debut during Whittier Weekend 2008. More »
Dr. Eric Lindgren Comments on Redistricting Referendum
11.05.08 On election day, Californians voted in record numbers to choose a new president, but also decided the fate of numerous statewide propositions and elected congressional representatives. Political science professor Eric Lindgren spoke to the Christian Science Monitor on the effect of Proposition 11, which passed and will establish nonpartisan redistricting for state legislators. In a Whittier Daily News article, Lindgren also commented on on how gerrymandered districts affected outcomes of local congressional races.
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Music Department to Debut "Inside Latin Jazz" Series at the Shannon Center
11.04.08 The Whittier College Music Department, in conjunction with Emerson Bran Management, welcomes its first guest, Justo Almario, in an new, ongoing series "Inside Latin Jazz." Slated for November 13 and 14, the two-day event will feature a 90-minute, intimate interview with international saxophonist Almario, as well as a concert featuring Almario and the Afro-Columbian Ensemble. The series will be moderated by Danilo Lozano, professor in the Whittier College Music Department and Grammy-winning Cuban flautist. More »
Alumnus, Lawyer, and Author Geoff Shepard '66 to Discuss New Take on Watergate
11.01.08 "What if almost everything you think you know about Watergate is wrong?”
This is the provocative question posed by the next Dezember Alumni House Speaker, Geoff Shepard ’66, in his new nonfiction book, Inside the Watergate Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Make Ted Kennedy President. On November 6, Shepard returns to Whittier College to
offer a new look behind arguably the most notorious political scandal in American history. This event is co-sponsored by the Whittier Republican Women's Federated.
A former
White House Fellow and Domestic Council staffer for the Nixon Administration, Geoff Shepard knows his way around the intricacies of D.C. conflicts, characters, and plots. In fact, following the 1973 triumvirate resignation of top Nixon advisors Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Dean, Shepard assumed a key role in the Nixon defense team, transcribing White House tapes, running document rooms, and briefing senior spokesmen.
In his book,
Shepard draws on his own experiences to analyze the politics behind Watergate, and sheds surprising new light on
how opposing partisan ambitions and the use of scandal as political weaponry contributed to the downfall of the 37th President.
More »
Internships Offer Whittier Freshmen and Sophomores an "Out of the Box" Experience
11.01.08 Twenty-two Whittier College students participated in the inaugural year of the Professional Opportunities Program (POP) and were recognized during a special ceremony in October at A.J. Villalobos Hall. Sponsored by the Weingart Foundation and targeted to a select number of first- and second-year students, POP delivers accelerated professional development experiences that apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, help students discern and devise viable education and career goals, and, ultimately, result in the development of a marketable resume prior to graduation. More »
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October
AIDS Quilt on Display at Whittier College
10.30.08 Five panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt are on exhibit on the first floor of the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library at Whittier College. The display is part of Whittier's AIDS Awareness Week. Other events are scheduled including a talk by Helen Epstein, author of The Invisible Cure: Africa, The West, and the Fight Against AIDS. The author will speak about her work with people with AIDS in Africa in the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts on November 3.
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President Herzberger Delivers Speech on Athletics to College Presidential-Hopefuls
10.30.08 At the American Council on Education's fall summit in Atlanta, Advancing as Leaders: Celebrating Acheivements, Addressing Challenges, President Herzberger shared her perspective on "Understanding the Demands of Campus Athletics." More »
College and Community Program Hosts Local Community Based Organizations
10.27.08 The College and Community Program, directed by Professor Joyce Kaufman, brought together nearly 30 local non-profit organizations for a networking lunch and workshop. One of the goals of the event is to create a space for networking among the groups, many of which host student interns from the College. More »
Professor Fred Bergerson Studies Terrorism in Tel-Aviv
10.24.08 Political science professor Fred Bergerson received an Academic Fellowship on Terrorism from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a nonpartisan policy institute. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Bergerson participated in an intensive, 10-day course in Tel-Aviv this summer. In the following article, Dr. Bergerson shared some of his experiences on the trip that took him through various sites in Israel, including a terrorist prison.
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Professor John Neu Offers Insight On Proposition 8
10.22.08 Among the key election issues this year is the question of same-sex marriage. As California voters prepare to cast their ballots on this controversial issue, the outcome will be watched around the US and beyond. Political science professor John Neu is quoted in the Christian Science Monitor on the issue. More »
Justice Richard Goldstone H'08 to Receive MacArthur Award for International Justice
10.20.08 Justice Richard J. Goldstone H'08, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, is being honored with the MacArthur Award for International Justice. The award given by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation provides Goldstone with $100,000 for his own work and invites him to suggest an additional $500,000 in support for non-profit organizations working on international justice issues. In April of 2008, Justice Goldstone received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Whittier College, where he delivered the 2008 Sheldon and Betty Feinberg Lecture. More »
Sports As An American Religion
10.15.08 As we find ourselves in the midst of the hockey, football, basketball, and baseball seasons it can appear that the country has become a bit "sports obsessed." Professor of religious studies Joe Price, author of Rounding the Bases: Baseball and Religion in America, commented on this topic for the Chicago Tribune. "Just as the Roman Catholic church has its incredible array of saints, sports heroes get revered for a career of accomplishment," said Price. More »
Whittier College Delivers "Portal to the World"
10.08.08 "In some ways, Whittier College is a typical small liberal arts college—it has around 1,400 students, small class sizes, a focus on teaching, and a mostly residential campus; but Whittier is one of the most diverse private institutions in the country...one of the few selective liberal arts colleges to be designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution
...and its location puts the resources of one of America's most international cities within easy reach."
So begins a profile, published in the American Association of Colleges & Universities October newsletter, in which Whittier is cited for providing students with a "Portal to the World" through its innovative global curriculum. More »
Charles Bock '91 Featured in 2008 Whittier College Writers Festival
10.08.08 New York Times bestselling author and Whittier College alumnus Charles Bock '91 was a featured speaker in this year's Whittier College Writers Festival. Bock added to the impressive slate of writers which included two Pulitzer Prize-winners and two award-winning Middle-Eastern poets. "I think that it was the best Writers Festival yet," said English Professor Tony Barnstone, one of the festival organizers. "Every event was extraordinary." More »
Professor Joe Price Breaks Down the Curse of Cubs
10.07.08 Professor of religious studies Joe Price speaks to The Current radio on CBC Canada on the curse of the Chiago Cubs baseball team. Listen here. More »
Whittier College Students Study State of US Economy
10.05.08 Speaking to the Whittier Daily News, economics professor Geetha Rajaram says the recent $700 million federal bailout package has raised interest in economics at Whittier College. As a result, she recently hosted a discussion table during lunchtime near the Campus Inn for students who had questions. "A big part of our class discussion was very emotional. Students want to know why we're bailing out people they think are very wealthy," Rajaram said. "What I tell them is that we do want them back and running."
More »
Jenae Davis '12 Wins "Generation Next" Scholarship
10.02.08 Jenae Nicole Davis '12 has been named as one of five "Generation Next" scholarship winners. Davis and her fellow winners were chosen from nearly 1,000 entries, selected based on their academic record, financial need, and essays. Each of these young African-American women will receive a $5,000 college scholarship from The Sallie Mae Fund, will attend the first-annual Essence Young Women Leadership Conference, and will be featured in the October issue of Essence magazine. A pre-med student at Whittier, Davis said her disability helped make her all the more motivated to achieve her educational goals. "My parents taught me never to lose sight of my dreams," she says. She plans to specialize in women's health. More »
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September
Martin Ortiz '48 Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
09.26.08 Martin Ortiz '48 founder of the Center for Mexican American Affairs (Martin Ortiz Programs) at Whittier College received a lifetime achievement Award from the Raytheon Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement - Hispanic Network (HISNET). "Your life's work has raised a beacon that has helped our children and their parents dream of an opportunity to attend college, and the programs that you have created have enabled so many in making their dream into a reality," said Jose F. Silva, past president and founder of Raytheon HISNET, in awarding the honor to Ortiz. More »
Martin Ortiz Programs Honored by Excelencia
09.25.08 Whittier College's Martin Ortiz Programs were recently recognized with an honorable mention for the 2008 Examples of Excelencia Award. As part of the award, the Ortiz Program's profile will be included in the 2008 edition of Excelenica in Education's Works for Latino Students: Examples of Excelencia Compendium and will be part of Excelencia's national campaign to promote institutional practices that increase the number of Latino students earning higher educational degrees. More »
College Dedicates Time Capsule and Plaque in Campus Center
09.22.08 Leaders from Whittier College and the City of Whittier dedicated a historic plaque inscribed with a poem that John Greenleaf Whittier sent to the town and College that bear his name. The plaque, now installed in the Campus Center, was originally a gift from town's people to the College in 1911. A time capsule was also installed during the ceremony. "My hope is that the many students who participated in the ceremony on Saturday will start writing to the president of Whittier College early in 2058 and say that it is about time we open the time capsule," said President Sharon Herzberger. More »
Ed Shannon Left His Mark at Whittier College
09.22.08 Businessman and philanthropists Edfred L. Shannon, who received an honorary Doctor of Letters from Whittier College in 1992, passed away Sunday night. Mr. Shannon and his wife Ruth have been long-time supporters of the College and well-known city residents. The Ruth B. Shannon Center of the Performing Arts at Whittier is named after Mrs. Shannon. "Many strengths of this College are attributable to the Shannon's strong support and cheerleading for students," said President Sharon Herzberger. More »
Professor Gil Gonzalez tackles Monday Night Football
09.07.08 Look for theater Professor Gil Gonzalez in between football games this season. Professor Gonzalez stars in a light-hearted national commercial for ESPN promoting Monday Night Football. More »
Poets Shine on the Small Screen
09.08.08 The "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz Show" series, showcasing a Whittier College Team, will air nationwide during Hispanic Heritage Month. In Los Angeles, the series will air on KABC/Channel 7 on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, and 18 at 3:35 a.m. and again on KNBC/Channel 4 on Oct. 11, 18, and 25 and Nov. 1 at 11:30a.m. Be sure to tune in and show your Poet Pride! Watch a promo of the quiz show here. More »
Elizabeth Power Robison Speaks on Role of Advancement at Whittier College
09.08.08 In a virtual roundtable discussion with University Business Magazine, Vice President of Advancement Elizabeth Power Robison spoke about trends and technological advancements within her field. More »
Whittier College Named "Exemplary School" for Sustainability by National Wildlife Foundation's 2008 Campus Ecology Report
09.04.08 Campus Environment 2008: A National Report Card on Sustainability in Higher Education Trends and New Developments in College and University Leadership, Academics and Operations is a comprehensive study conducted by the National Wildlife Federation and Princeton Survey Research Associates International that reviews trends and new developments in environmental performance and sustainability at 1,068 institutions. It recognizes colleges and universities for exemplary efforts and awards academic letter grades (A through D) for collective, national performance on environmental literacy, energy, water, transportation, landscaping, waste reduction and more. The report analyzes collective trends in the areas of management, operations, and academics.
Whittier College was among the 334 individual schools cited in the report for "having exemplary levels of sustainability activities and a strong commitment to do more." More »
Professor Joe Price Speaks About the 2008 Political Arena
09.04.08 Both GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama have recently made big speeches in large sports arenas. "It's a place where there is always hope," says Professor Joseph Price speaking with NPR's Mike Pesca on the motivation behind using such a backdrop. More »
Sunny Skies Welcome Class of 2012
09.01.08 California Dreaming seemed an appropriate title for Whittier College's 2008 new student orientation as sunny skies greeted all newcomers to campus. More than 450 first-year and transfer students were on site to check into their dorms, register for classes, and meet new classmates and professors. More »
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August
President Herzberger Discusses Amethyst Initiative
08.28.08 A signatory for the controversial Amethyst Intiative, President Herzberger discusses "Why I signed on to Amethyst" in two published op-eds. In her remarks, she clarifies her position, urges for reasoned and thoughtful discussion, and recommends all participants in this important debate "pause, listen, and try to find some common and higher ground"—emulating the practice of Whittier College's Quaker founders. To read the San Diego Union-Tribune op-ed, click here. To read the Los Angeles Times op-ed, click here. More »
Professor Weighs In on Cell Phone and Driving Issue
08.22.08 Whittier College psychology professor Chuck Hill provides "sage answers" on why people continue to use hand-held phones while driving despite a new state law requiring the use of hands-free devices. Read more in the Pasadena Star-News.
More »
Nixon Fellows Head Off to National Political Conventions
08.18.08 2008 Richard M. Nixon Fellows Steve Addezio '09 and Dan Strauss '09 are heading off to the national political conventions to be heald at the end of summer. Addezio, who has been following the Democrats' bid for the presidency, will be in Colorado for the DNC. Strauss will be in Minnesota for the GOP caucus. Both will hold volunteer positions during the conventions and will participate in a seminar conducted by the Washington Center. Read more in the Whittier Daily News. More »
Austin Sperry '00 Goes for the Gold
08.18.08 Star Class sailor Austin Sperry '00 is competing in his first Olympic Games this summer. Sperry, who grew up sailing on San Francisco Bay, will go for the gold alongside his father-in-law, skipper John Dane III. His medal race will take place August 20. More »
Whittier College Mourns Olive Clift '41
08.13.08 Alumna and long-time Whittier College supporter, Olive (Chandler) Clift passed away yesterday afternoon from the effects of congestive heart failure. Mrs. Clift worked as assistant manager of the campus bookstore for 30 years, alongside her husband Bob Clift '40. She was also an advisor for the Metaphonian Society and a member of the Women's Auxiliary. In 1978, she received the Alumni Service Award and was among the 100 Distinguished Graduates honored during the centennial celebration.
"We will remember her fondly each time we visit the Olive and Bob Clift '40 Bookstore at the new Campus Center," said President Sharon Herzberger in a letter to the Whittier community. The Clift Bookstore dedication will take place on Friday, October 17th at 5 p.m.
A memorial service for Mrs. Clift will be held on Tuesday, August 19th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel. A reception following the service will be held in Mendenhall. See Whittier Daily News article.
More »
Athletic Renovations Right on Schedule
08.13.08 The new turf is in place on Newman Field and Aubrey Bonham Track is getting the finishing touches on a new paint job. Everything is running smoothly and on schedule with the Memorial Stadium renovations that are expected to be finished in the coming weeks. The final piece is the new, state-of-the-art press box placed atop the 7,000-seat stadium, expected to be completed before the season begins. More »
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July
Earthquake Rattles Southern California
07.29.08 A magnitude 5.4 earthquakeshook the Southern California region at 11:42 a.m. (PST). While the quake was felt on the Whittier College campus, there were no reports of damage and no injuries occured. The quake has been categorized "moderate" according to U.S.G.S. standards. More »
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