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Whitworth once again named a Kiplinger’s Best College Value among private universities

December 21, 2015
For the eighth consecutive year, Whitworth University has been named a top-rated higher-education institution on Kiplinger’s annual rankings of colleges and universities in the United States. Whitworth joins some of the country’s most elite schools in the magazine’s 2016 rankings.

Whitworth Trustee Jim Munyon to serve as Interim Vice President of Finance and Administration

November 25, 2015
As Whitworth University bids colleague and friend Gerry Gemmill farewell due to his new role as CEO of Spokane County, attention turns to planning for the interim position and the search for Gemmill’s replacement.

Whitworth choirs to present 2015 Christmas Festival Concert, “Ring Out Your Joy: Peace to the World is Given”

November 17, 2015
The 2015 Whitworth University Christmas Festival Concert, “Ring Out Your Joy: Peace to the World is Given,” will take place in Seattle Dec. 5 and 6, and in Spokane Dec. 12 and 13. The concerts will feature more than 120 student-musicians, including members of the Whitworth Choir, the Whitworth Women’s Choir, the Whitworth Men’s Chorus and the Whitworth Chamber Singers, as well as student instrumentalists and narrators. For more information, please call (509) 777-3280.

Whitworth Mourns Passing of Pirate Legend Sam Adams

November 13, 2015
The entire Whitworth University community mourns the passing of Sam Adams, a man who influenced the lives of an entire era of Pirate student-athletes. Adams passed away peacefully early Friday morning, Nov. 13, 2015.

Whitworth University Board of Trustees elects David Nelson as newest member

November 12, 2015
The Whitworth University Board of Trustees has elected economics professor and businessman David Nelson, Ph.D., ’71, as its newest member.

Jeremy Begbie presents on “Why the Arts Matter to Faith” at Whitworth University

November 6, 2015
Whitworth University welcomes Jeremy Begbie, Langford Research Professor in Theology at Duke Divinity School and a fellow of the Royal School of Church Music, to present a lecture, “Out of this World – Why the Arts Matter to Faith.” Begbie’s lecture will be illustrated extensively with his performance at the piano, and will take place on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4215.

** Update: Due to the wind storm, the event location has moved to Seeley G. Mudd Chapel at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 19. **


Whitworth to host International Education and Diversity Forum, featuring Raymond Reyes, Nov. 19

November 5, 2015
The Whitworth School of Education presents its eighth annual International Education and Diversity Forum on Thursday, Nov. 19. The event is free and open to the public, and will take place from 6-9 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room of the Hixson Union Building at Whitworth University. For more information, please call (509) 777-3228.

Jerry Sittser joins Office of Church Engagement as Senior Fellow, launches new Academy of Christian Discipleship

October 29, 2015
Jerry Sittser, professor of theology at Whitworth University, recently joined the Whitworth Office of Church Engagement (OCE) as part-time senior fellow. In addition to teaching part time, Sittser works with the OCE team to create, sustain, and cultivate a deeper relationship between Whitworth and the larger Christian movement on the West Coast. The OCE provides outreach and learning programs as a way to begin building those relationships in programs such as the Ekklesia Fellows Program, the Gospel Conference, the Whitworth Institute of Ministry, and, most recently, the Academy of Christian Discipleship.

Randy Woodley to present Nov.10 Native American Heritage Month Lecture at Whitworth University

October 28, 2015
The Rev. Randy Woodley, Ph.D., will present a Native American Heritage Month lecture, “America Before Columbus and Now,” on Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4215. Woodley’s books will be available for sale during the evening, and a short book signing with Woodley will follow his lecture.

Whitworth University to present winter art exhibit, "John Holmgren: Selected Works"

October 27, 2015
Man Camp, 2015, archival inkjet,
screen print and transfer, 17x22 inches
Whitworth University’s winter art exhibit, John Holmgren: Selected Works, will run Nov. 10, 2015-Jan. 29, 2016, in the Lied Center for the Visual Arts’ Bryan Oliver Gallery at Whitworth. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays.

Whitworth University receives $2.05-million gift from the Hugh Johnston estate to endow chemistry professorship and research fund

October 16, 2015
Whitworth University has received a $2.05-million donation from the estate of long-time Whitworth professor and library archivist Hugh Johnston. Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor announced that with this gift, the university will establish the Hugh W. Johnston Endowed Professorship of Chemistry and will initiate an interdisciplinary research fund. Because of Johnston’s generosity, the university will place $550,000 into this endowed fund, moving Whitworth more than halfway toward a $1-million goal for this fund.

Blood:Water Executive Director Jena Lee Nardella to present Oct. 27 lecture at Whitworth

October 14, 2015
Jena Lee Nardella, ’04, cofounder and executive director of Blood:Water and author of One Thousand Wells, will present a lecture, “One Thousand Wells: How an Audacious Goal of Bringing Water to Africa Taught Me to Love the World, Instead of Save It,” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, at 7:30 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3834.

Decorated jazz guitarist Pat Metheny to perform Nov. 7 with Whitworth Jazz Ensemble

October 12, 2015

Metheny to lead free jazz clinic Nov. 6; all elementary, middle and high school students in attendance will receive free concert tickets


Pat Metheny, one of the world’s most prominent and celebrated jazz guitarists and a 20-time Grammy Award winner, will hit Spokane Nov. 6 and 7 for a jazz clinic and concert. Metheny will lead a free jazz clinic at Whitworth University on Nov. 6, and he will perform in concert Nov. 7 with the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble at the historical Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, in downtown Spokane.

Whitworth University to host “Faith, Fiction and Film, with Ron Hansen” Oct. 19-20

October 5, 2015
Ron Hansen, a celebrated American novelist, essayist and screenwriter, will be on the Whitworth campus Oct. 19-20 for a movie screening, Q&A, lecture and reading. Hansen, an ordained Roman Catholic deacon, is an articulate speaker on the intersections of faith and art.

Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu to present Oct. 16 lecture on breaking barriers

October 1, 2015
Washington State Supreme Court Justice Mary Yu will present a lecture, “Breaking the Barriers: Being the First Latina, Asian, LGBT Justice on the Washington State Supreme Court,” on Friday, Oct. 16, at 4 p.m. in the Hixson Union Building’s ABC Conference Room (second floor) at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3834.

Nydia Martinez to present Oct. 12 Hispanic Heritage Month lecture at Whitworth University

September 29, 2015
Nydia Martinez, Ph.D., will present a Hispanic Heritage Month lecture, “Honoring Diversity or Homogenizing Identities?,” on Monday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4215.

Whitworth Theatre presents contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s “Richard III”

September 24, 2015
Whitworth Theatre will stage its fall production, William Shakespeare’s Richard III, Oct. 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 7:30 p.m., and Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. The performances will take place in Cowles Auditorium at Whitworth University. General admission: $10; students and seniors: $8; Whitworth students free with valid student I.D. For tickets, please call (509) 777-3707, visit www.whitworth.edu/theatretickets, or purchase at the box office starting one hour prior performance (cash or check only).

Dena Samuels to present Oct. 5 lecture at Whitworth on minimizing bias in classrooms

September 21, 2015
Dena Samuels, Ph.D., will present an Inclusive University Classroom lecture, “Minimizing Implicit Bias in Educational Settings,” on Monday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4215. Samuels’ book, The Culturally Inclusive Educator: Preparing for a Multicultural World, will be available for sale during the evening and a short book signing with Samuels will follow her lecture.

Whitworth English major awarded full-tuition scholarship from Woodrow Foundation

September 16, 2015
Each academic year, the Woodrow Foundation awards a scholarship to one Whitworth student based on academic excellence, leadership skills and financial need. This year’s recipient is English major Karlin Andersen, ’17. Andersen’s Woodrow Foundation scholarship covers full tuition, books and fees for 2015-16.

New York Times columnist and best-selling author David Brooks to speak at Whitworth University President’s Leadership Forum Oct. 13

September 15, 2015

Wells Fargo Bank is title sponsor for the event


David Brooks, a columnist for The New York Times and a best-selling author, will be the featured speaker for Whitworth University’s fall President’s Leadership Forum, held on Tuesday, Oct. 13, from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Spokane Convention Center. Costs for this event are $50 per person or $500 for a corporate table (10 seats per table). Breakfast will be served. To learn more or to RSVP for this event, please visit www.whitworth.edu/leadershipforum.

Whitworth professor Anthony Clark to deliver Lindaman Chair Lecture Sept. 24

September 14, 2015
Whitworth Associate Professor of History and Lindaman Chair Anthony Clark, Ph.D., will present the annual Lindaman Chair Lecture, “An Elusive Dream? Religious Freedom and the Reign of God,” on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Hall Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3270.

Whitworth political science professor to present Constitution Day lecture Sept. 17

September 11, 2015
Whitworth Professor of Political Science Kathryn Lee, Ph.D., will present the 2015 Constitution Day Lecture, “From Selma to Shelby County v. Holder: Voter Suppression in 21st-Century America.” The lecture will take place on Thursday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth University. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3834.

Whitworth community to join Spokane nonprofits Sept. 23 for Community Building Day

September 10, 2015
On Wednesday, Sept. 23, approximately 1,000 Whitworth students, faculty and staff, including Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor and his wife, Julie, will lend a hand to organizations across Spokane in efforts to help strengthen the community. Community Building Day is foundational in fostering a lifelong ethic of social and civic responsibility in Whitworth students; it also provides valuable services to nonprofit agencies across Spokane.

Whitworth University is No. 3 in “U.S. News” rankings of best values in the West

September 9, 2015

Whitworth remains in top 10 of annual rankings of best regional universities for 16th year in a row


Whitworth University maintained the No. 3 position in U.S. News & World Report's annual rankings of the best regional university values in the West. For the 16th consecutive year, Whitworth is also ranked one of the top 10 best universities out of 118 master's-level universities in the 15-state region of the Western United States.

Whitworth University presents fall art exhibit, “The Devil Is in the Details”

August 31, 2015
“wanna do right, but not right now” by Elisabeth Higgins O’Connor
“wanna do right, but not right now”
by Elisabeth Higgins O’Connor
Whitworth University’s fall art exhibit, “The Devil Is in the Details,” explores the idea of making as knowledge. The artwork in this exhibition unleashes the possibilities of material, process and content to absurd, evocative and delightful ends. The exhibiting artists are Benjamin DeMott, Claire Hedden, Elisabeth Higgins O’Connor, Andy Messerschmidt and Joetta Maue.

Whitworth again named Washington Monthly’s No. 1 master’s-level university in Pacific Northwest

August 26, 2015
For the fourth consecutive year, Whitworth has been named Washington Monthly’s highest-ranking master’s-level university in the Pacific Northwest. Whitworth ranks No. 12 among 673 colleges and universities nationwide. Washington Monthly magazine was founded in 1969 and is based in Washington, D.C.

Whitworth among top 10 private schools in Pacific Northwest on Forbes’ 2015 list of Best Colleges

August 10, 2015

Whitworth ranked fifth highest in the state


Whitworth 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 in the magazine’s latest rankings, where it is listed as one of the top 10 private schools in the Pacific Northwest.

Whitworth once again named a College of Distinction for education excellence

August 6, 2015
For the seventh time in eight years, Whitworth University has been recognized as a top school in the country by Colleges of Distinction, an online guide that identifies colleges and universities that are the best places for students to learn, grow and succeed. The guide features schools that excel in key areas of educational quality, based on the opinions of guidance counselors, educators and admissions professionals.

Whitworth president appoints Rhosetta Rhodes as interim vice president of student life

July 10, 2015
Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor announced today the appointment of Rhosetta Rhodes, ’99, as interim vice president of student life and dean of students for the 2015-16 academic year. Rhodes has served as chief of staff in the office of the president since 2011; from 2007-11 she served as director of the then-named Center for Service-Learning & Community Engagement (now the Dornsife Center for Community Engagement).

Whitworth to welcome new Gates Millennium Scholar

July 1, 2015
This fall, Whitworth will welcome Haley Abrahamson-Fernandez, ’19, as its newest Gates Millennium Scholar. Abrahamson-Fernandez is a graduate of Lakeside High School in Nine Mile Falls, Wash. Her scholarship will provide full coverage of her tuition as she studies at Whitworth. Scholarship recipients are also provided with leadership-development opportunities, mentoring, and academic and social support throughout their time in college.

Whitworth recognized on 2014 President’s Honor Roll for Community Service

June 22, 2015
The Corporation for National and Community Service has once again recognized Whitworth University for its commitment to community service.  Whitworth has been recognized in the 2014 President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll in two categories: General Community Service and Community Service in Education. This is the second consecutive year that Whitworth has been recognized in two categories.

Whitworth theology professor earns Lautenschläger Award for outstanding theological research

June 8, 2015
Whitworth Assistant Professor of Theology Will Kynes  recently received the Manfred Lautenschläger Award for Theological Promise in recognition for his book, My Psalm Has Turned into Weeping: Job’s Dialogue with the Psalms (de Gruyter, 2012). He traveled to the Heidelberg University, in Heidelberg, Germany, to receive the award alongside nine other scholars recognized for their outstanding theological research.

Whitworth University receives top recognition in CASE Circle of Excellence Awards

June 5, 2015
On Tuesday, June 2, Whitworth University received two gold and one bronze award during the Council for Advancement and Support’s Circle of Excellence Awards. The awards acknowledge superior accomplishments in higher-education communications that have lasting impact, demonstrate the highest level of professionalism and deliver exceptional results. To view a complete list of the awards given and the institutions that received them, click here.

Longtime Whitworth communications professor publishes book on Christianity and censorship

May 28, 2015
Gordon Jackson, who retired in May after 32 years as a communications professor at Whitworth University, recently published a new book, Christians, Free Expression, and the Common Good: Getting Beyond the Censorship Impulse (Rowman & Littlefield). In it, Jackson argues that in Western democracies, Christians of all theological and political backgrounds should be ardent advocates of advancing, not curbing, freedom of speech.

Whitworth to host 40th annual Whitworth Institute of Ministry conference July 20-24

May 26, 2015
The 2015 Whitworth Institute of Ministry will welcome author Walter Brueggemann, musician, editor and author Andy Crouch and Professor Anne Zaki to its 40th conference, to be held July 20-24 at Whitworth University. The featured guests and other speakers will focus on the theme “Pursuing the Common Good: Engaging Culture with the Gospel,” and will offer participants four days of fellowship, worship and scriptural teaching.

Whitworth Symphony Orchestra to launch its “Monuments of Music” tour on East Coast May 18

May 13, 2015
The Whitworth Symphony Orchestra is embarking on its East Coast “Monuments of Music” tour from May 18- 26. The tour will include concerts at historical structures in Washington, D.C., Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City.

Whitworth School of Business dean publishes sequel to award-winning book

May 6, 2015
Dean of Whitworth’s School of Business Tim Wilkinson and co-author Andrew Thomas recently published a new book, The Customer Trap: How to Avoid the Biggest Mistake in Business (Apress). The duo’s book is a follow-up to The Distribution Trap: Keeping Your Innovations from Becoming Commodities (Praeger, 2009), which won the Berry-American Marketing Association Prize for the best marketing book of 2010.

Author Bob Goff, President Beck A. Taylor to deliver keynote speeches during Whitworth’s 125th commencement ceremonies

April 30, 2015

Bob Goff, a best-selling author and the founder of Restore International, will address Whitworth’s class of 2015 during the university’s 125th undergraduate commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 17, at 3 p.m. at the Spokane Arena, located at 720 W. Mallon Ave. Goff will speak to approximately 622 undergraduate students receiving degrees this year.

Whitworth dance and theatre programs perform in Broadway Unbound May 8

April 27, 2015

Whitworth Theatre will present its annual "Broadway Unbound" showcase performance on May 8 at 7:30 p.m. on Stage II in Cowles Auditorium. Admission for this event is $3. An annual highlight for Whitworth’s theatre department, "Broadway Unbound" draws hundreds of people from Spokane and Whitworth to witness one of the most visually and musically exciting performances of the year.

Whitworth to begin construction on Cowles Music Center this summer

April 21, 2015

Whitworth University’s board of trustees voted to begin construction on the Cowles Music Center, with an anticipated start date of July 1. Construction is currently scheduled to be completed by August 2016, giving the music department time to move into the new space and begin utilizing it for the 2016-17 academic year.

Whitworth Board of Trustees renames East Hall in honor of Walt Oliver

April 16, 2015

Whitworth University’s board of trustees today announced it will rename its newest student residence hall, East Hall, to Oliver Hall, in honor of former board chair and longtime board member Walt Oliver, ’67.

Whitworth music ensembles present concerts during month of April


A variety of Whitworth University’s music ensembles will be performing on campus and in several Spokane locations during the month of April.

Whitworth appoints new occupants to endowed chairs

April 15, 2015

Whitworth University has named two new occupants to existing endowed chairs and has chosen the inaugural holder of a newly created endowed professorship.

First female senior minister of NYC’s Riverside Church to speak at Whitworth April 9

April 8, 2015

The Rev. Amy Butler, senior minister of the historic Riverside Church in New York City, will deliver a lecture, “Wishful Thinking: Diversity, Community and the Future of the Church,” on April 9 at 7 p.m. in the Hixson Union Building’s Multipurpose Room. Butler’s Whitworth lecture is sponsored by the university’s political science, women’s and gender studies, and U.S. cultural studies departments. The lecture is free and open to the public.

Whitworth Hawaiian Club presents 45th annual lu’au April 25

April 7, 2015

The Whitworth Hawaiian Club, Na Pu’uwai o Hawai’i (The Heart of Hawai’i), will share food and culture with the Whitworth and Spokane communities during the club’s 45th annual lu’au on April 25. The doors will open and dinner will be served at 5 p.m. in the Whitworth Fieldhouse, and entertainment will begin at 7 p.m.

Elizabeth Porter,16, honored with 2015 Newman Civic Fellows Award for civic leadership


Whitworth student Elizabeth Porter, ’16, was recently named a Newman Civic Fellow for 2015, along with 200 other community-engaged college students around the U.S. The honor is sponsored by the KPMG Foundation and is awarded by Campus Compact, a national coalition of nearly 1,100 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility.

Whitworth Forensics team wins third consecutive NCCA National Tournament

April 2, 2015

The Whitworth University Forensics team, the Arguing Bucs, took first place at the National Christian College Association National Tournament, held March 20-22 at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, Colo. The tournament included 22 schools from 18 states, including Azusa Pacific University, Biola University, Colorado Christian University, Dordt College, Liberty University and Wheaton College.

Whitworth Great Decisions series to feature April 9 lecture on digital privacy

March 31, 2015

Whitworth Assistant Professor of Communication Studies Erica Salkin will present the university’s next Great Decisions lecture on Thursday, April 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. The event is free and open to the public. Salkin’s lecture “’I declare to Facebook that…’ and Other Digital Privacy Myths” will explore privacy issues in the digital world.

Whitworth celebrates $1.5-million gift from Dana and David Dornsife on Whitworth Serves Day

March 30, 2015

On Saturday Whitworth University will celebrate a gift of $1.5 million from Dana and David Dornsife, given in support of Whitworth’s Center for Service-Learning and Community Engagement, which will be renamed the Dana and David Dornsife Center for Community Engagement. The gift is being celebrated on the same day that hundreds of Whitworth alumni, students, faculty and staff are serving their communities across the country during Whitworth Serves Day, a celebration of Whitworth’s 125th anniversary and a major component of The Campaign for Whitworth.

Feminist cultural critic wraps up Women’s History Month at Whitworth with March 31 lecture

March 27, 2015

Whitworth University’s Women and Gender Studies Program will host feminist writer and cultural critic
Andi Zeisler for a public lecture on March 31 at 6 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall’s Robinson Teaching Theatre. The lecture, “Don’t Just Change the Channel: Why Pop Culture Matters to Feminism, Activism and Social Justice,” is free and open to the public.

Whitworth to honor former trustee Carol Wendle with Distinguished Community Service Award

March 17, 2015

Whitworth University will formally recognize former trustee Carol Wendle for decades of exemplary service to the Spokane community in a special ceremony April 27.

Whitworth to host inaugural conference in media law and ethics April 11

March 12, 2015
Undergraduates invited to submit original research by March 15

Whitworth University invites media professionals, faculty, students and the general public to attend its inaugural Gordon S. Jackson Conference in Media Law & Ethics on Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Whitworth’s campus.