Andrew Hamstra, '11, is living the athletic training dream working as a graduate assistant athletic trainer to the varsity football team and the indoor track and field team at Boise State University.

Whitworth Executive VP Michael Le Roy elected president of Calvin College

Christian Reformed Church synod to vote in June on whether to ratify board's decision

Michael K. Le Roy, an alumnus and current provost and executive vice president of Whitworth University, has been selected to be the next president of Calvin College, a Christian Reformed liberal arts school located in Grand Rapids, Mich. Calvin College's current president, Gaylen J. Byker, is stepping down at the end of this school year after 16 years of service. Calvin's presidential search committee submitted their unanimous recommendation to the college's board of trustees Dec. 14, and the board voted to approve the nomination on Jan. 7. The Christian Reformed Church's synod will vote in June on whether to ratify the board's decision.

Whitworth School of Education scores high marks on national professional standards

Whitworth renews certification with teacher-education's most respected accreditation body

Last year, Whitworth University graduated nearly 60 students from its undergraduate teacher preparation program. Whitworth's Continuing Studies Evening Teacher Certification program and Master in Teaching program – tailored especially for people seeking to make a career shift into teaching – also produce about 60 teachers per year. The university is committed to ensuring that those teachers are prepared according to accepted national standards of excellence and qualified to teach in today's classrooms, and has once again received a seal of approval from the most rigorous and recognized accreditation for teacher-education programs in the U.S. What's more, the university met all standards with no areas for improvement cited, thus receiving a very rare perfect score.

Whitworth team takes second place in Northwest Regional Ethics Bowl

Team earns berth to nationals for second straight year

For the second year in a row, a team of Whitworth University students took second place at the 10th annual Northwest Regional Ethics Bowl, hosted Nov. 5 by Seattle University, in Seattle, Wash. The Whitworth team defeated teams from Seattle University, Cascadia College, Washington State University, and defeated rival Montana State University in a semifinal match. They lost a closely contested final match to the University of British Columbia.

Whitworth to present 2011 Christmas Festival Concert, "Arise, Shine!"

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The 2011 Whitworth University Christmas Festival Concert, "Arise, Shine!" will take place in Bellevue, Seattle and Spokane, featuring the Whitworth Choir, the Whitworth Women's Choir, the Whitworth Men's Chorus, and the Whitworth Chamber Singers. More than 130 student performers will include members of the four choirs, as well as student-instrumentalists and narrators. For more information, please call (509) 777-3280.

Essayist Patrick Madden to present Endowed English Reading Nov. 18 at Whitworth

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Award-winning essayist Patrick Madden will give Whitworth's Endowed English Reading on Friday, Nov. 18, at 7 p.m. The reading will take place in Room 102 of the Lied Center for the Visual Arts on Whitworth's campus. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3253.

Whitworth Cultural Awareness Week to promote understanding of diverse perspectives

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Whitworth will sponsor its sixth annual Cultural Awareness Week Nov. 14-18 featuring Whitworth clubs and community groups representing traditions, beliefs and lifestyles of different cultures. The event will promote learning and understanding of various cultures at Whitworth, in the surrounding community and throughout the world.

Whitworth ranks among nation's leading schools for second time in three years

For the second time in three years, the Fulbright Program has listed Whitworth as a top producer of students who received Fulbright awards in 2011-12. The only school, public or private, in Washington state that had more Fulbright recipients than Whitworth was the University of Washington. The success of the top-producing institutions was highlighted in the Oct. 24 online edition of The Chronicle of Higher Education. Whitworth, which submitted five applications and had four Fulbright scholars selected, is listed in the master's institutions category, along with 13 other institutions, including the University of Texas at San Antonio and Villanova University. Please visit http://chronicle.com/article/Top-Producers-of-US/129452/ to view the top-producers list.

Fourth annual Whitworth forum Nov. 17 to feature speaker from Pioneer Middle School

International Education Week also to include student poster presentations, workshops by Spokane-area educators

In honor of International Education Week Nov. 14-18, the Whitworth School of Education, in conjunction with several other departments on campus and Mukogawa Fort Wright Institute, will sponsor a forum, "Courage Beyond the Border," featuring a keynote speech by Mira Gobel, principal of Pioneer Middle School, located in Walla Walla, Wash. Gobel will speak on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 6 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall. The forum also will feature student poster presentations and workshops led by local educators and community members. Admission to the forum is free; the event is open to the public.

Whitworth named a Kiplinger's best value among private universities

Whitworth remains one of the highest-ranked schools in the Pacific Northwest

In an economic environment that makes a college education even more essential and yet also more difficult to afford, Whitworth University was included for the fifth straight year on Kiplinger's annual rankings of the 100 best values among private liberal arts colleges and 100 best values among private universities in the United States. The university joins some of the most elite schools in the country in the magazine's 2011-12 rankings. Whitworth is one of the smallest universities to appear on the list, yet it is the third-highest-ranked school in the Pacific Northwest and ranks ahead of all but a handful of other private universities on the West Coast.

Judy Shepard to share "The Meaning of Matthew" Nov. 10 at Whitworth

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Just over 13 years ago, on Oct. 13, 1998, 21-year-old University of Wyoming student Matthew Shepard was brutally beaten and left to die in a remote area east of Laramie, Wyo. His murder sparked a national dialogue about anti-LGBT hate crimes that continues to this day. Determined to turn tragedy into a crusade for justice and to prevent others from suffering his fate, Matthew's mother, Judy Shepard, established The Matthew Shepard Foundation, which advocates for LGBT rights. Shepard, who travels the country telling her son's story, will present "The Meaning of Matthew," on Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4263.

Anonymous donors pledge $3 million to endow chair in gifted education at Whitworth

Chair to honor longtime Whitworth professor, leader in gifted education Margo Long

Donors who wish to remain anonymous have pledged $3 million to fund an endowed chair in gifted education at Whitworth. The landmark gift recognizes Whitworth's commitment to preparing teachers who pursue a vocation in serving gifted and talented students and will support the university's Center for Gifted Education & Professional Development, which is the only one of its kind in Washington state.

Award-winning actress Adilah Barnes to perform Oct. 26 at Whitworth

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Who: Award-winning actress Adilah Barnes

What: A one-woman show, "I Am That I Am: Woman, Black"

When: Wednesday, Oct. 26, at 7 p.m.

Where: Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University

Cost: Free admission. For more information, please call (509) 777-3253

Award-winning actress Adilah Barnes is perhaps best known for her role as "Anne Marie" on Roseanne for five seasons. She has also appeared on TV shows including Gilmore Girls, Cold Case, and The Middle, as well as the movie Erin Brockovich.

Whitworth is pleased to announce that Mary Torres, '13, has won first place in the Adult Students in Scholastic Transition (ASIST) scholarship competition, receiving a prize of $10,000.

Whitworth featured by Colleges of Distinction as a leader in education excellence

For the second year in a row, Whitworth University is featured as a top school in the country for 2011-12 on CollegesofDistincton.com, an online guide that takes a fresh look at colleges and universities appealing to students' unique and varied interests. Based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators, and admissions professionals, Colleges of Distinction honors colleges excelling in key areas of educational quality.

Three new members elected to Whitworth's board of trustees

New trustees include former Advantage IQ CEO Stu Stiles, physician Jennifer Ratcliffe and pastor Paul Cunningham

Stu Stiles

Stu Stiles, former CEO of Avista Corp. subsidiary Advantage IQ, and Jennifer Ratcliffe, a Whitworth alumna and physician working in the San Francisco Bay area, were both elected to the Whitworth University Board of Trustees on Oct. 13 during the board's fall meeting. They join fellow new trustee, the Rev. Paul Cunningham, who was elected to the board last spring.

Whitworth education alumna featured on MSNBC

Whitworth Master's in Teaching alumna, Amy Esmay, '11, recently was featured in an msnbc.com article detailing the steps being taken across the country to tackle a "classroom crisis" that is happening as the result of many children being taught my teachers who have little or no experience due to the increasing numbers of Baby Boomer teachers retiring.

Whitworth University graduates join JVC Northwest

Recent graduates dedicate a year to serving as Jesuit volunteers

Three Whitworth alumni have recently embarked on a year of full-time volunteer service with Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest:

• Kristin Nilsson, St. Labre Youth & Family Services, Ashland, Mont.
• Jeff Upton, L'Arche Tahoma Hope, Tacoma, Wash.
• Laura Viducich, YWCA, Missoula, Mont.

Nilsson previously served JVC in San Jose. To read more about her time there, visit http://news.whitworth.edu/2011/03/theology-and-peace-studies-alumna.html.

Two-time Grammy nominee Joshua Redman to perform Nov. 5 with Whitworth Jazz Ensemble

Redman also to present free jazz clinic Nov. 4 at Whitworth

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Jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman, an international jazz giant and two-time Grammy nominee, will perform in concert with the award-winning Whitworth Jazz Ensemble on Saturday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. in Cowles Memorial Auditorium at Whitworth. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students/senior citizens over 62. Tickets can be purchased purchase online at www.whitworth.edu/musictickets or www.ticketswest.com/. Tickets also can be purchased at the Whitworth Information Desk in the Hixson Union Building on campus.

Noted slam poet Taylor Mali to present reading Oct. 18 at Whitworth

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Mali known best for "What Teachers Make" YouTube video
What: A reading by slam poet Taylor Mali

When: Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m.

Where: Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University

Cost: Free admission. For more information, please call (509) 777-3253.

Taylor Mali is one of the most well-known poets to have emerged from the poetry slam movement and is the author of two books, The Last Time As We Are and What Learning Leaves. Mali is perhaps best known for his poem "What Teachers Make," which has been viewed more than 4 million times on YouTube and was quoted by The New York Times' Thomas Friedman during one of his commencement addresses. View the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xuFnP5N2uA.

"Mali is a rollicking showman; he’s witty, amusing, and inspiring," says Casey Andrews, an assistant professor of English at Whitworth. "He is an electrifying performer and a YouTube sensation, and I think the audience will have a great time."

Mali studied drama at Oxford University with members of The Royal Shakespeare Company and uses those presentation skills during his performances. He also draws heavily on his nine years spent in the classroom teaching a variety of subjects. He has performed and lectured for teachers all over the world and has a goal of creating 1,000 new teachers through "poetry, persuasion, and perseverance."

Mali is currently working entirely as a spoken-word and voiceover artist, traveling around the country performing and teaching workshops.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Annie Stillar, program assistant, English, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3253 or astillar@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Theatre to stage "Hay Fever" Oct. 14-22

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This October, Whitworth Theatre will present its fall production, "Hay Fever." Performances will be Oct. 14, 15, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. and Oct. 16 at 2 p.m., in Cowles Memorial Auditorium on Whitworth's campus. General admission is $8; students and senior citizens (62 and up) pay $6. Tickets may be purchased at the door, in advance by calling the theatre box office at (509) 777-3707, or online at http://www.whitworth.edu/theatretickets/.

Whitworth revives popular interdisciplinary forensics program

This fall, Whitworth's forensics program is getting back in full swing after a 14-year hiatus.

The rebirth of the program comes on the heels of a string of successful years for Whitworth students engaged in similar academic activities. Last spring, a team of Whitworth students tied for third place at the 15th annual National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl. It marked the second time in three years that Whitworth had placed in the top five at the national bowl; Whitworth teams have placed in the top tier at regional ethics bowls for the past decade.

Whitworth's Homecoming to feature grand opening of $32 million Robinson Science Hall

Weekend also to include liberal arts lecture, job-search seminar

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees and President Beck A. Taylor will host a grand opening celebration Oct. 8 for the university's new $32 million William P. and Bonnie V. Robinson Science Hall. The ceremony will be part of Homecoming 2011, which also will feature a lecture by Primal de Lanerolle, a 1968 Whitworth alum and biophysicist, and a career seminar by 1968 Whitworth alum and executive coach Packard (Scott) Brown.

Brent, '06, and Amy Hendricks, '09, are actively dedicating their lives to others through the nonprofit organization they founded four years ago, Global Neighborhood, which serves Spokane's refugee community. They've made such an impact on the region that they were awarded the prestigious Peirone Prize, awarded by The Inlander newspaper last month.

Whitworth, Gonzaga faculty to discuss the decade after 9/11 on Oct. 3

What: Dean's Dialogue on the 10th Anniversary of 9/11

Who: Whitworth professors Kathryn Lee, Patrick Van Inwegen, and Raja Tanas and Gonzaga professor Greg Jacobsen

When: Monday, Oct. 3, at 7 p.m.

Where: Multipurpose Room in the Hixson Union Building at Whitworth University

Cost: Free admission. For more information, please call (509) 777-3702.

Innocent man released after 17 years on death row to speak at Whitworth Sept. 25



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In 2002, Juan Melendez was released from prison after spending more than 17 years on Florida's death row for a crime he didn't commit. He will share his story of survival, faith and hope, and talk about his Voices United for Justice project on Sunday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3275.

Roughly 1,500 Whitworth volunteers to partner with Spokane nonprofits for Sept. 20 Community Building Day

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On a brisk fall morning in September, hundreds of Whitworth students, faculty and staff, including Whitworth President Beck Taylor and his wife, Julie, will gather on campus and then fan out to nonprofit organizations across Spokane to lend a hand in efforts to improve the community.

Whitworth claims No. 2 spot in "U.S. News" rankings of best values in the West

Whitworth listed in top 10 of annual rankings of best regional universities for 12th year in a row

Whitworth University climbed three positions to capture the No. 2 spot in U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of the best values in the West, and held its position in the top 10 of the rankings of best regional universities in the West, marking the 12th year in a row that Whitworth has made the top 10 on the best regional universities list.

Attorney in Otto Zehm case to present Whitworth's annual Constitution Day Lecture Sept. 14

The Whitworth University 2011 Constitution Day Lecture will feature a lecture by Jeffry Finer, a Spokane criminal-defense attorney working on the Otto Zehm case, who will discuss the importance of the Sixth Amendment and the rights of defendants. His lecture, "Your Best Friend You Never Want to Meet – Your Criminal Defense Lawyer," will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 14, at 7 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3774.

Whitworth named one of the best universities in the West by Princeton Review

Whitworth University has again been designated one of the best colleges and universities in the West in a recent college guide published by The Princeton Review. The education services company ranked Whitworth among 121 institutions it recommends in the "Best in the West" section of its website, "2012 Best Colleges: Region by Region," which posted this month on http://www.princetonreview.com/.

Whitworth mourns loss of longtime economics professor

Harry M. Dixon, a former long-serving business and economics professor at Whitworth University, died peacefully at the age of 92 in his home in Simi Valley, Calif., on Aug. 18.

Governor appoints Whitworth President Emeritus Bill Robinson to higher education task force

Committee to examine state's governance of higher education

Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire has appointed Whitworth President Emeritus Bill Robinson to a new higher education steering committee formed by the Washington Legislature to review the structure of higher ed governance for the state. The committee's recommendations to the Legislature are expected to mark an important step toward improving the effectiveness of the state's higher education system.

Whitworth alumna Jessica Shawley, '03, has been named both the Idaho and Northwest District Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year. Shawley, who teaches at Moscow Junior High School, was nominated by her peers and honored with the state award in October 2010, and selected for the Northwest District award (encompassing Alaska, Washington, Idaho, Oregon and Montana) in April. She now will compete for the National Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced at the annual convention for the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), to be held in Boston in 2012.

Whitworth ranks among top six private schools in Pacific Northwest on Forbes' 2011 list of Best Colleges

Whitworth listed as one of Forbes' top 40 schools in the West

Whitworth University has landed once again on Forbes' annual rankings of the top undergraduate institutions in the United States. Whitworth joins some of the most prestigious schools in the country on the magazine's latest rankings, and it is listed as one of the top six private schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Whitworth president announces Rhosetta Rhodes as new chief of staff

Rhodes currently serves as university's director of service-learning and community engagement

Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor announced today the appointment of Whitworth Director of Service-Learning and Community Engagement Rhosetta Rhodes, '99, to the position of chief of staff in the Office of the President. The appointment is effective Sept. 1.

Two Whitworth alums selected for esteemed Lilly Graduate Fellows Program

Whitworth alumni Chris Holmes, '06, and Heather Wallace, '11, are among 16 people nationwide selected to the prestigious Lilly Graduate Fellows Program this year. The graduate program is part of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts that supports outstanding students who want to explore the connections among Christianity, higher education, and the vocation of the teacher-scholar.

Whitworth wins national CASE award for video on Robinson presidency

With Grace and Truth: The Robinson Presidency receives esteemed Silver Award

Whitworth has won a prestigious Silver Award in the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) 2011 Circle of Excellence Program for a video, With Grace & Truth: The Robinson Presidency, commissioned to celebrate Whitworth President Emeritus Bill Robinson.

F. Dale Bruner, Timothy George, and Karen Petersen Finch to lead 36th annual Whitworth Institute of Ministry

F. Dale Bruner

Beloved Whitworth theology professor emeritus F. Dale Bruner, noted divinity school leader Timothy George, and current Whitworth theology professor Karen Petersen Finch will lead the 36th annual Whitworth Institute of Ministry July 11-15 on the Whitworth campus, in north Spokane. WIM provides clergy, laity, and their spouses and children with a week of spiritual encouragement, equipping for ministry, and inspiring worship.

UPDATE: To listen to podcasts from WIM 2011, please visit http://www.whitworth.edu/podcast/index.aspx.

Whitworth chief of staff appointed acting VP for admissions and financial aid

Greg Orwig brings success as communications director, strategic planner to new role

Whitworth Chief of Staff in the Office of the President Greg Orwig, '91, has been asked to put his extensive experience promoting Whitworth to internal and external audiences, as well overseeing strategic planning for the university, to work in a new role as the school's acting vice president for admissions and financial aid.

Whitworth psychology major awarded full-tuition scholarship from Woodrow Foundation

Working mother will finish degree thanks to scholarship

Whitworth senior Jessie Hodet didn't know if she would be able to return to school in the fall. A working mother to two special needs children, Hodet had returned to college after a nearly 10 year hiatus to finish her degree and make a better life for her family. But increasing financial pressures were threatening to delay those plans once again. Now Hodet will be able to graduate next spring after all, thanks to a $32,240 scholarship from the Woodrow Foundation. The scholarship covers tuition and books for the 2011-12 academic year.

Tacoma welcomes home fifth cadre of Act Six graduates from Whitworth University

Tacoma's urban communities have reason to celebrate as eight more of the city's emerging urban leaders graduate from Whitworth University as part of the Act Six Leadership and Scholarship Initiative.

Two Whitworth Act Six scholars selected for prestigious medical internships

Gifti Abbo

Two Whitworth Act Six Scholars were recently confirmed in the highly-competitive Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP). As part of the program, Gifti Abbo will conduct an internship at the University of Louisville, and Helya Peyman will conduct her internship at the University of Washington.

Whitworth recognized among top schools in the U.S. for its commitment to community service

Whitworth University has again been placed on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll by the Corporation for National and Community Service.

Two Whitworth seniors take first and second place in national essay competition

Heather Wallace

Two Whitworth students have taken first and second place in the Presbyterian Outlook annual essay competition. Senior Heather Wallace won the $1,000 first prize, and senior Sarah Glady won the $200 second prize.

Students packaged more than 10,000 meals for the hungry

On April 2, Whitworth students met in the Duvall Hall lounge to package more than 10,000 meals in two hours as part of Feed the Hunger, a citywide, multi-staged event sponsored by Spokane-based Generation Alive.

Whitworth Symphony Orchestra to perform tour in Hawaii May 18-22

The Whitworth Symphony Orchestra will present "European Splendor" in several venues in Honolulu May 18-22 during its second bi-annual concert tour. In conjunction with one of the concerts, Whitworth President Beck Taylor will host a reception as part of the Taylor Tour 2011.

Two Whitworth students receive 2011 Samuel Robinson Award

Whitworth student wins top prize for second straight year

Amy Erickson

Whitworth junior Amy Erickson and senior Rachel Kelly have won the 2011 Samuel Robinson Award. Erickson won the top prize in the award competition, marking the second consecutive year a Whitworth student has taken the top spot. The students received up to $5,000 based on their recitation of the Westminster Shorter Catechism and a 2,000-word essay.

Four Whitworth seniors win prestigious Fulbright scholarships

Record number of scholarships awarded to Whitworth students this year

A record number of Whitworth seniors have been awarded Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship grants for the 2011-12 academic year. Corey Dugan will be teaching in Spain, Angie Hartley will teach in Argentina, James Mitsuyasu will teach in Germany and Katie Williams will teach in Colombia.

Eugene Peterson, author of popular Bible translation, The Message, to speak at baccalaureate


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>> View Undergrad Commencement photos
>> View Graduate Commencement photos

Deborah Wilds, president of the College Success Foundation, which provides college scholarships, mentoring and support to low-income students and students of color, will address graduates at Whitworth University's 121st undergraduate commencement ceremony May 15. President Beck A. Taylor will be the speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony May 14.

Whitworth Act Six scholar gains valuable experience through internship with state legislature

Whitworth Act Six student Jordon Keller is currently interning with the Washington State Legislature and is learning what it takes to become an advocate for his community.