Whitworth Receives $10 Million Commitment from Philanthropists Dana and David Dornsife

Whitworth University has received a $10 million pledge, the largest single gift in its history, from international philanthropists and humanitarians Dana and David Dornsife to support Whitworth’s growing graduate health science programs. 

Whitworth University Earns AACSB International Accreditation

Tampa, Fla., USA (December 2, 2020)—AACSB International (AACSB) announces that Whitworth University has earned accreditation for its School of Business. Founded in 1916, AACSB is the longest-serving global accrediting body for business schools, and the largest business education network connecting students, educators, and businesses worldwide.

Two Whitworth Students Win Awards at Murdock College Science Research Conference

Whitworth University is pleased to announce two Whitworth students received honors at the 2020 Murdock College Science Research Conference, which was held online Nov. 6-7.

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl Team Qualifies for the National Bowl

Whitworth’s Ethics Bowl team, the Philosoraptors, has qualified for the national bowl again. The team took second place at the Northwest Regional Ethics Bowl on Nov. 7, competing in an online format.   

Whitworth University to Hold Virtual Ceremony to Honor Veterans

Whitworth University will honor veterans during its annual Veterans Day ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at 11:45 a.m. This year, the event will be livestreamed on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2U3sKdQ.

Whitworth has a long history of support for our nation’s military. Beginning with World War I in 1917, Whitworth students both volunteered and were drafted in the military. One student, Harry Olson, was killed in action. Since then, Whitworth students have served in World War II, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq. Several have paid the ultimate price in defense of the United States.

Today, Whitworth supports veterans as well as collaborates with Gonzaga University as part of the ROTC program. Each year, Whitworth pays homage to those who have served the United States by holding a Veterans Day ceremony on campus.

“It’s an honor to participate in this ceremony and work for an institution that places so much value on our military,” says Phil Labrie, assistant director of veterans outreach. “The fact that Whitworth has been holding a ceremony every year for the past 29 years is a testament to the importance this institution places on our veterans.” 

The presentation of colors will be made by the Fairchild Air Force Base Honor Guard. Whitworth student and U.S. Air Force veteran Kevin Partridge ’22 will sing the national anthem. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., will attend.

The keynote speaker will be Mark Baird, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and U.S. Army veteran. 

President Beck A. Taylor will present special Whitworth coins to these students and alumni:

• Renee Barton ’07, U.S. Army, ROTC collegiate advisor for Whitworth

• Peter Borg ’19, U.S. Army, Vets Corp Navigator for Whitworth

• Scott Cole, U.S. Army

• Tyler Eudy, U.S. Army, current Army ROTC cadet

• Mark Flippen, U.S. Navy

• Gregory Harmon, U.S. Marine Corps

• Stuart Henry, U.S. Navy

• Loyd Patton, U.S. Air Force

• Kevin Partridge ’22, U.S. Air Force

• Collin Visser, U.S. Marine Corps

• Christopher Warren, U.S. Air Force, current Army ROTC cadet

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Phil Labrie, assistant director of veterans outreach, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3302 or plabrie@whitworth.edu 

Whitworth’s Arguing Bucs Take First Place in Pacific University’s Online Tournament

The Whitworth University Forensics team is celebrating its first online victory. 

The Arguing Bucs took first place, defeating 17 schools from 11 states in combined speech and debate during the Pacific University online tournament on Oct. 24 and 25. 

Whitworth defeated regional and national rivals including Arizona State University, Lewis & Clark College, Mississippi State University, the University of Alaska and Weber State University. 

The Arguing Bucs brought home 12 speech awards and 19 debate awards. Jericho Simone ’22 tied for the third best competitor at the tournament out of 111 competitors.  

“All college speech and debate programs are having to adapt to an online format, and examine speeches from a mass media perspective, paying attention to technical sound and lighting in addition to good argumentation,” says Mike Ingram, director of forensics and professor of communication studies. “I’m proud of the team’s hard work making this transition a success. COVID can hinder us, but it cannot stop us.”

In speech awards, AhLana Ames ’22 took second place in programmed oral interpretation, Nathan Cooper ’24 took third in novice extemporaneous, and Chauncella Koulibali ’22 took third in programmed oral interpretation and in poetry.

Aidan Hollister ’23 was the top speaker in the debate category, with Sanjay Philip ’21 taking third place.

Guest judges for Whitworth included Elizabeth Jacobs Bone ’17, Kat Duarte ’17, James Eccles ’17, Jacob Farrell ’19, Rebecca Korf ’15 and Travis Walker ’12.  

The team’s next online tournament is sponsored by Linfield College on Nov. 13-15. 

The Arguing Bucs are coached by Ingram, Stephanie Gibbons ’15 and Lori Welch ’90. 

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Trisha Coder, media relations manager, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu

Whitworth to Dedicate State-of-the-Art Athletics Leadership Team Center

Whitworth University will dedicate the new Whitworth Athletics Leadership Team Center (the WALT) on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 3:15 p.m. 

Whitworth Office of Church Engagement Receives Nearly $1 Million Grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. for “Resilient Church” Program

Whitworth University has received a $999,873 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the “Resilient Church: Discovering the Past, Discerning the Present, Designing for the Future” program. 

Whitworth Theatre Tackles 2020 in Its First Virtual Production: "Hindsight"

It’s raw. It’s real. It’s 2020. Whitworth Theatre’s original fall production, Hindsight, gives the audience a look at the people, places, challenges and circumstances that have shaped our world in 2020, all through the eyes of student artists. And for the first time, remote locations will be their stage. 

Whitworth Professor Vange Ocasio Hochheimer and Terrain Co-Founder Ginger Ewing ’01 named Inland Northwest Women of the Year by “The Spokesman-Review”

Whitworth is pleased to announce Associate Professor of Economics Vange Ocasio Hochheimer and Terrain co-founder Ginger Ewing ’01 have been named Inland Northwest Women of the Year by The Spokesman-Review.

Whitworth Receives "INSIGHT Into Diversity" 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award

Whitworth University is pleased to announce it is a recipient of the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine, the oldest and largest diversity-focused publication in higher education. This is the third time in the last four years Whitworth has received this award.

Whitworth Professor of History Dale Soden Receives Washington State Historical Society’s Highest Award

Whitworth Professor of History Dale Soden, Ph.D., has been awarded the Robert Gray Medal by the Washington State Historical Society. This is the society’s highest honor and recognizes distinguished and long-term contributions to the study and teaching of Pacific Northwest history.

"U.S. News & World Report": Whitworth No. 4 Best University in the West

Ranked No. 3 (tie) for best undergraduate teaching
Ranked No. 2 for best colleges for veterans 
Ranked No. 3 best value

Whitworth’s Class of 2020 Commencement Ceremony Moved to May 2021

Whitworth University announced today that in light of the ongoing public health crisis and in accordance with both state and local public health guidelines, it must reschedule the Class of 2020 commencement ceremony to May 23, 2021.

Whitworth Named to The Princeton Review’s “Best in the West” List

Whitworth University is one of the best colleges in the West, according to The Princeton Reviewâ.

Whitworth’s “Balance Your Bucs” Program Wins National Award

Whitworth’s School of Business is proud to announce its personal finance education program, Balance Your Bucs, has received the Diamond Award from the Credit Union National Association (CUNA).

Brian Kirkpatrick Elected Chair of Whitworth Board of Trustees

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees has elected Brian Kirkpatrick to be the next chair of the board, succeeding Jason Thackston ’92, who served as chair from 2014-2020.

Whitworth’s Chief Diversity Officer Lorna Hernandez Jarvis Appointed to Spokane Human Rights Commission

Whitworth’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lorna Hernandez Jarvis, Ph.D., has been appointed to the Spokane Human Rights Commission.

Whitworth Ministry Summit to Focus on Lament and Hope

The Whitworth Office of Church Engagement is bringing the 46th annual Whitworth Ministry Summit (formerly WIM) to you online from June 23-25.

Whitworth University Board of Trustees Elects Three Members

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees is honored to welcome new members Julie Levi and Barbara Richter ’77 and welcome back the Rev. Paul Cunningham. The three trustees were elected in April.

Whitworth Office of Church Engagement Undergoes Changes, but Key Leaders Will Remain Active

After 26 years of service to Whitworth, Terry McGonigal, Ph.D., will retire from his position as the director of the university’s Office of Church Engagement (OCE). However, he will continue his work as a senior fellow in the OCE, supporting pastors and the office’s large network of churches.

Racial Violence in America: A Message from President Beck A. Taylor and Chief Diversity Officer Lorna Hernandez Jarvis

Dear Whitworth community,
There is a deadly epidemic in our country. Unlike the coronavirus, this sickness isn’t novel, but as we’ve been reminded in recent weeks, it’s just as deadly.

Whitworth Pirates Post Best DIII Winning Percentage of Decade

The Spokane County Board of Commissioners Tuesday recognized the extraordinary accomplishments of the Pirates men's basketball team this season.

Whitworth University Honors Class of 2020 Award Winners

Whitworth University is proud to honor this year’s seniors who have excelled in academics and leadership. These students are typically recognized at commencement, but with commencement postponed until October this year, the university elected to notify the students the week of their originally scheduled commencement ceremony in May.

Two Whitworth University students, Victoria Robbins ’20 and Shasta Brooks ’20, have been selected as Fulbright scholarship finalists. They have been awarded the English Teaching Assistantship (ETA) Award.

Whitworth Senior Receives the Governor’s Student Civic Leader Award

Whitworth University is pleased to announce Nadia Sarfraz ’20 has been awarded the 2020 Governor’s Student Civic Leader Award.

Whitworth University Introduces Student Ambassadors for 2020-21

Seven outstanding students have been named Whitworth student ambassadors for the 2020-21 academic year.

Whitworth University’s Senior Art and Design Majors Celebrated Online

The Whitworth University Art Department is proud to present the 2020 senior exhibition. This year, the students will be celebrated in an online gallery.

Whitworth Announces Summer Course Information

Whitworth University's highest priority is to protect the health, welfare and safety of its students and employees while remaining committed to its rigorous academic offerings during the COVID-19 pandemic. For these reasons, the university announced today it will continue using online instruction for all undergraduate and continuing studies courses through June 26, the end of the first summer session for most of those courses.

Whitworth University 2020 Commencement Postponed Until October

Whitworth University, in an effort to protect the health and safety of the community, announced today it will reschedule its May 2020 commencement ceremonies for Sunday, Oct. 11. The decision was based on the results of a survey sent to graduating students last month.

Three Whitworth Students Named 2020 Goldwater Scholars

Three Whitworth University undergraduate students have been awarded prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarships.

Whitworth University Welcomes Author and Historian Jemar Tisby

Whitworth University invites author and historian Jemar Tisby to present the 2020 Staley Distinguished Christian Scholar lecture on March 17 at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall, Robinson Teaching Theatre.

The Whitworth Hawaiian Club, Nā Pu‘uwai o Hawai‘i (The Heart of Hawai‘i), will share food and culture with the community as they celebrate the club’s 50th anniversary of the first lūʻau,  Friday, March 13.

Whitworth University Names New Provost & Executive Vice President

Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor announced Feb. 19 the appointment of Gregor Thuswaldner, Ph.D., as Whitworth’s next provost & executive vice president.

El Departamento de Teatro de Whitworth Presenta Su Primera Producción Bilingüe

El viernes, 6 de marzo, la Universidad Whitworth estrena una obra de teatro bilingüe original, La Algajira.  Con una incorporación de inglés y español, será la primera obra bilingüe presentada por la universidad y la primera producción que inaugura el nuevo Cowles Auditorio renovado.

Whitworth University is honored to once again be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities that produced the most 2019-20 Fulbright U.S. students.

Whitworth Theatre Presents the University’s First Bilingual Production "La Algajira"

On Friday, March 6, Whitworth University will debut an original bilingual play, La Algajira. Incorporating English and Spanish, it will be both the university’s first bilingual play and the first production staged in the newly renovated Cowles Auditorium.

Whitworth Named One of the Nation’s Top Military Friendly® Schools by Viqtory Media

Whitworth University has earned the 2020-21 Military Friendly® School designation, with bronze distinction, by Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs SM and Military Spouse. This is the fourth consecutive year Whitworth has received this honor.

Carnegie Foundation Selects Colleges and Universities for 2020 Community Engagement Classification

The Carnegie Foundation has announced Whitworth University is one of the 119 U.S. colleges and universities to receive the Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, an elective designation that indicates institutional commitment to community engagement. The university is among only 44 institutions to be newly classified in 2020. This is the highest form of achievement for universities partnering to make a difference in the world.

Whitworth Presents Distinguished Leader Award to Camp Spalding Executive Director Andy Sonneland

Whitworth University will present the Distinguished Leader Award, on behalf of its board of trustees, to Camp Spalding’s Andy Sonneland on Jan. 30.

How Whitworth Communicates in the Event of Weather-Related Closures or Delays

Decisions to suspend some or all of Whitworth’s instructional program or change the regular operating schedule will be announced in the following ways:

Whitworth to Hold Gifted Education Institute

The Whitworth Center for Gifted Education invites community members, parents and educators to a one-day institute, Breaking Barriers: Understanding and Responding to Diversity in Student Potential, Feb. 8, from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Whitworth’s campus.