Associate Professor Keith Lambert Receives AILACTE’s Diversity & Inclusion Change Agent Award

Whitworth University is pleased to announce Associate Professor of Education Keith Lambert has been awarded the 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Change Agent Award presented by the Association of Independent Liberal Arts Colleges for Teacher Education (AILACTE). 

The award was announced last month. Lambert will be presented his award at the AILACTE annual convention in March 2022 and recognized for his efforts to grow and diversify teacher candidates through the Wai‘anae-to-Whitworth scholarship program. The primary goal of the program is to assist an underrepresented population in Hawai‘i with growing its own teaching workforce. 

The program has allowed Native Hawaiian students interested in attending Whitworth to complete their education and then return to their communities to serve as teachers and other professionals. It has also provided Whitworth education students with an intercultural teaching experience during which they complete practicum hours in the elementary and secondary schools along the Wai‘anae coast. This special partnership between Whitworth, Kamehameha Schools and the Hawai‘i  State Department of Education resulted from relationships forged between a number of Whitworth alumni, now in Hawai‘i, and Whitworth faculty. 

Whitworth has graduated more than 300 students from Hawai‘i, many of whom are of Native Hawaiian ancestry and have returned home to work, raise families and give back to their communities. These include many graduates and people like University of Hawaii Professor of Law & Hawaiian Studies Malia Akutagawa ’93, Kamehameha School land asset manager Kalani Fronda ’92, and Wai‘anae High School educators Desiré DeSoto ’96 and Walter Young ’03, who all played crucial roles in the success of the Wai‘anae-to-Whitworth program.

Lambert, one of the co-creators of the program, has worked for years to identify and support many diverse candidates in the teaching profession.

“I am honored to have been selected as the Diversity & Inclusion Change Agent recipient for 2022,” Lambert says. “This award is not possible without the collective work of this team and the vision cast by Desiré, and so many others from Wai‘anae and Kamehameha Schools who set out to grow leaders and change the lives of a community from within.”

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 International Studies Student to Study in Senegal on Boren Scholarship

Whitworth University is proud to announce international studies and French double major Alexis Dubreuil ’23 has been awarded the prestigious David L. Boren Scholarship. 

Roberta Wilburn Named Interim Chief Diversity Officer at Whitworth University

Whitworth is pleased to announce Roberta Wilburn, Ed.D., Th.D., associate dean and professor emerita of graduate studies in education, will be the university’s interim chief diversity officer beginning Aug. 1. 

New Agreement Will Allow Whitworth Students to Enroll in Air Force ROTC Classes

Whitworth University and Washington State University’s Air Force ROTC Detachment 905 have signed a crosstown agreement that will allow Whitworth students to enroll in Air Force ROTC classes offered on WSU’s Pullman campus. 

Whitworth University Launches Institute of Leadership for Rising Career Professionals

Whitworth’s School of Business is pleased to announce the launch of its Institute of Leadership. This valuable opportunity for ambitious professionals with a passion for leadership is made possible, in part, by a large grant from founding sponsor Northwest Farm Credit Services.

Whitworth Office of Church Engagement to Hold 2021 Ministry Summit June 22-24

Please join the Whitworth Office of Church Engagement for the annual Ministry Summit on June 22-24. Participants can attend in person or online from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. 

Whitworth Receives STEM Grant to Support Faculty-Student Collaboration

Whitworth University is pleased to announce it has been awarded a grant of nearly $200,000 as part of the Supporting Structures: Innovative Collaborations to Enhance STEM Research at CCCU Member Institutions grant program. The program is designed to support STEM research among faculty and students at member institutions of the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities (CCCU).

Whitworth Commencement Ceremonies for Classes of 2020 and 2021 to Take Place in the Pine Bowl May 22-23

Whitworth University, in celebration of the Class of 2020 and the Class of 2021, will hold three in-person commencement ceremonies on campus in the Pine Bowl over Commencement Weekend, May 22-23:

• Saturday, May 22, 10 a.m.: Class of 2021 Graduate Ceremony (130 graduates degree candidates participating)

• Sunday, May 23, 11 a.m.: Class of 2021 Undergraduate Ceremony (421 undergraduate degree candidates participating)

• Sunday, May 23, 5 p.m.: Class of 2020 Combined Ceremony (56 graduate degree recipients and 277 undergraduate degree recipients participating)

Bestselling Author Ron White to Give Rare Glimpse Inside the Mind of President Abraham Lincoln

Whitworth University is pleased to host a virtual discussion with New York Times bestselling author and historian Ron White on Tuesday, May 25, at 7 p.m.(PST).

White will talk about his new book Lincoln in Private: What His Most Personal Reflections Tell Us About Our Greatest President. In it, White explores the meaning behind a dozen notes that President Abraham Lincoln wrote to himself.

“A deeply private man, Lincoln captured ‘his best thoughts,’ as he called them, in short notes to himself,” White says. “He did not date, title or sign them because he never expected anyone to see them.” 

In the book, White walks readers through 12 of the most fascinating notes, showcasing the president’s brilliance and empathy, but also his very human ambitions and anxieties. 

White writes: “We look over Lincoln’s shoulder as he grapples with the problem of slavery, expresses his private feelings of failure after a bid for a Senate seat, and, for a president many have viewed as not religious, writes a sophisticated theological reflection on the purposes of God in the midst of the Civil War.”

Jon Meacham, Pulitzer-prize winning author, writes: “In this elegant and illuminating book, the great biographer Ronald C. White takes us on a fascinating tour inside the mind – and the heart – of Abraham Lincoln.”

White has emerged as one of the nation’s leading scholars on Lincoln. His other books include Lincoln’s Greatest Speech: The Second Inaugural; The Eloquent President: A Portrait of Lincoln through His Words; and A. Lincoln, A Biography. He has received wide acclaim for his analysis of the context and content of Lincoln’s speeches and the ways in which they add new depth to our understanding of one of the nation’s most revered leaders.

White served as a religion professor and chaplain at Whitworth in the 1970s. But, in the 1990s, while teaching history at UCLA, he taught an elective course on Lincoln that turned into a personal passion. After reading Lincoln’s second inaugural address, he said in an interview, “I was just blown away. I wanted to find a book on the address, but I couldn’t – so I wrote one.” 

The event is free and open to the public. To register, click here. White’s book is available for purchase here. 

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:

Michelle Drennen, director of university events, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3449 or iaevents@whitworth.edu.

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

Singer, Actor Leslie Odom, Jr. to Perform With the Spokane Symphony for Whitworth’s Fall President Leadership Forum Concert

Whitworth University, in partnership with the Spokane Symphony, is pleased to announce award-winning vocalist, songwriter, actor and author Leslie Odom, Jr. will perform at Whitworth’s fall President’s Leadership Forum Concert, to be held Friday, Oct. 15, at 7:30 p.m. at the Fox Theater. 

Odom received two Academy Award nominations this year for the movie One Night in Miami. He was nominated for best supporting actor for his role as legendary singer Sam Cooke and received a nod for writing, composing and performing the film’s original song, Speak Now. Odom was also nominated for a BAFTA, Critics Choice, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild award for the same performance.

Odom is perhaps best known for his role as Aaron Burr in the highly acclaimed Broadway musical Hamilton, for which he won a Tony Award in 2016.

Odom will be performing two sets with the Spokane Symphony under the direction of Music Director and Conductor James Lowe. 

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Leslie Odom, Jr. to Whitworth and to perform with the Spokane Symphony,” says Whitworth Interim President-Elect Scott McQuilkin. “His talents are immense, as a Tony Award winner for Hamilton, a Grammy Award winner, and most recently an Academy Award nominee. I believe this event will be a special opportunity for our community. Mr. Odom’s appearance aligns with the celebration of the university’s $155 million fundraising effort, The Campaign for Whitworth, for which the Cowles Music Center was a signature facility. We opened the public phase of the campaign celebrating the musical arts. We will close the campaign in similar fashion.”

Odom has released four studio albums, including two holiday records and his chart-topping, self-titled debut. He has performed at the White House, the Super Bowl, and on stages at the Lincoln Center and Rockefeller Center.  In 2018, he published his first book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher and Never Stop Learning. 

His upcoming film projects include The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to David Chase’s Award-winning HBO series The Sopranos set to be released this fall, and Needle in a Timestack, written and directed by John Ridley. Additional film and television credits include the limited series Love in the Time of Corona, Harriet, Murder on the Orient Express, Only, Red Tails and Smash.

Tickets can be purchased through the Fox Theater.

About Whitworth University: Whitworth, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Michelle Drennen, director of university events, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3449 or iaevents@whitworth.edu.

Alison Highberger, public relations manager, Spokane Symphony, (509) 842-2943 or alisonhighberger@spokanesymphony.org

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

Whitworth University Board of Trustees Elects Two Members

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees is honored to welcome two new members, the Rev. Kelly Hostetler and Jocelyn Wilson, M.D. ’07.

Arguing Bucs Make History with Award-Winning Season

The Arguing Bucs have made history at Whitworth University, ending their season as national champions.

Whitworth University Forms Presidential Search Committee

Whitworth University Board of Trustees Chair Brian Kirkpatrick announced today the launch of a 17-member presidential search committee to select President Beck A. Taylor’s successor. The committee hopes the 19th president will be in office by early to mid-2022. 

Whitworth’s Forensic Team Wins National Tournament for Eighth Time

The Whitworth University forensics team claimed the No. 1 spot for the eighth time in nine years at the National Christian College Forensics Association’s tournament March 25-28.

Whitworth Welcomes Spokane Author Jess Walter for a Virtual Conversation on “The Cold Millions”

The Whitworth History Department is pleased to offer An Evening with Jess Walter in which the award-winning Spokane author will talk about his latest book, The Cold Millions, on Tuesday, April 6, at 7 p.m.

Whitworth University to Welcome Nine New Act Six Scholars

Whitworth University is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Act Six Leadership Scholarships. 

Whitworth University Names Scott McQuilkin Interim President

The Whitworth University Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee has selected Scott McQuilkin to serve as the university’s interim president, starting June 1, 2021. The selection was made during a called meeting of the committee on March 18. President Beck A. Taylor, Whitworth’s 18th president, recently announced his acceptance of the presidency at Samford University in Birmingham, Ala., and will resign from Whitworth at the end of May. Whitworth’s full board will ratify McQuilkin’s selection at its April meeting.

Whitworth Theatre is proud to present its virtual spring production, Antigone, March 19-21. Although it is “rooted in the text of Ancient Greece,” the production is “brimming with original contributions that will appeal to a contemporary audience,” says Naphtali Leyland Fields-Forbes, visiting assistant professor of theatre and Antigone director.

Whitworth to Hold In-Person Commencement Ceremonies in May

Whitworth University will celebrate the Class of 2021 and the Class of 2020 during separate ceremonies May 22 and 23. 

Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor Leaving for Alabama Post

Whitworth University President Beck A. Taylor has accepted a university presidency in Birmingham, Ala., and will resign from Whitworth May 31 after leading the institution since 2010, Brian Kirkpatrick, chair of Whitworth’s board of trustees, announced today. On July 1, Taylor, 51, will become president of Samford University, a 6,000-student Christian institution and the 87th oldest university in the U.S. Taylor served Samford as dean of its Brock School of Business from 2005-10 prior to serving as Whitworth’s 18th president.

Whitworth and WSU Offer Free Online Tax Assistance Through VITA Program

Qualifying residents in Eastern Washington can get free online help with federal tax returns through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA).

Whitworth Named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s 2021 Transfer Honor Roll

Whitworth is pleased to announce it has been named to Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society’s Transfer Honor Roll for the second year in a row.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright to speak at Whitworth University’s President’s Leadership Forum Sept. 29, 2021

 WELLS FARGO IS THE TITLE SPONSOR FOR THIS EVENT

Whitworth University is pleased to announce Madeleine Albright, who served as the nation’s 64th secretary of state, will be the featured speaker at Whitworth’s fall President’s Leadership Forum, to be held Sept. 29, 2021 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Spokane Convention Center. Registration is now open. 

Whitworth University Announces Intentions for 2021 Fall Term

Whitworth University announced today its intention to resume normal operations for the 2021 Fall Term, including unrestricted occupancy in campus residence halls and a full array of in-person classes and co-curricular experiences. These are important and valuable aspects of a Whitworth education of mind and heart. 

Whitworth Named Military Friendly School for Fifth Consecutive Year

Whitworth University has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation, with bronze distinction, by Viqtory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs®, STEM Jobs SM and Military Spouse. This is the fifth consecutive year Whitworth has received this honor.

The Rev. Esau McCaulley to Give Whitworth’s First Emmaus Scholars Lecture

Whitworth University’s Emmaus Scholars Program and campus ministry are pleased to host award-winning author Rev. Esau McCaulley, Ph.D., who will give the inaugural Emmaus Scholars Lecture on Monday, March 1, from 7-8:30 p.m. 

Whitworth Forensic Team Makes History at the Western Washington University Online Tournament

The Whitworth University Forensics team made history this month by winning the Western Washington University online tournament on Jan. 22-24.

Whitworth to Host First Korean American NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim

**NEW DATE AND TIME**

Whitworth’s Speakers & Artists Series is pleased to welcome Jonny Kim, NASA’s first Korean American astronaut, on Feb. 23, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. for an intriguing virtual conversation with Associate Professor of Psychology Mark Baird titled “Never Give Up! How Resilience Can Help You Find and Focus on Your Calling at Any Stage of Life.” 

Professor of Music Brent Edstrom Named Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor

Whitworth University is pleased to announce Brent Edstrom, professor of music, has been named the next Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor within the College of Arts & Sciences. 

Whitworth’s Master of Education in School Counseling Degree Receives Accreditation

The Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) has approved accreditation for Whitworth University’s master of education in school counseling program through 2028.