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Molly Zeiger, '09, harvests vegetables for distribution to people in need at the Good Cheer Food Bank, on South Whidbey Island.

Earlier this year, Karl Zeiger, '75, beamed as he watched his daughter, Molly Zeiger, '09, don a Whitworth cap and gown and receive her degree in peace studies through the Whitworth Political Science Department. Karl's connection with Whitworth goes way back: He is the son of Whitworth alumni and is an alum himself. He also served Whitworth at one time as cross-country coach. But watching his daughter graduate added an extra dimension to Karl's Whitworth experience.

The Zeiger-Whitworth connection began more than 60 years ago. Karl's late mother, Wilma (Greene) Zeiger, '47, attended Whitworth first, followed a few years later by his father, Ed Zeiger, '49. Karl's aunt, JoAnne (Greene) French, '60, and his sister-in-law, Kim (Nisker) Zeiger, '79, are also Whitworth alumni.

After Karl's dad, Ed, completed his education, he began a long career in the Puyallup School District. He served as a principal and a mentor to thousands over his 42 years of service to the school district.

The value of a university education is very important to Ed, who says that "Not including grandchildren, my family has 55 years of college combined." Ed and his late wife, Wilma, recognized the important role that Whitworth has played in their family's life, and they have donated to The Whitworth Fund for nearly 50 years.

Karl Zeiger followed in his parents' footsteps, completing his bachelor's and master's degrees at Whitworth. He recalls many professors whose impact continues in his life even 34 years after his graduation: Bill Johnson, professor emeritus of psychology; Leonard Oakland, current professor of English; and Howard Stien, professor emeritus of biology, are among his favorites.

"So many professors had an impact on me; it's not fair to single some out," Karl says. He particularly values how he was taught to think deeply about the people and the world around him. "When I was attending Whitworth," he says, "some students viewed it as a utopia, as if that were a bad thing. I viewed it as a good thing. Where else on Earth is there a place like that where you can live for a part of your life?"

Karl's time at Whitworth helped prepare him for a successful career as an attorney. "Law is a peacemaking enterprise," he says. "I don't look like the missionary in Africa, but I'm still in the peacemaking business, if I'm doing it correctly."

Reflecting on his time at Whitworth, Karl says, "I've come to realize that, for me, Whitworth is hallowed ground." Because of the lasting impression Whitworth has had on his family, Karl and his wife, Suzan, decided to include the university in their will as a way to leave a lasting legacy and to inspire others to support Whitworth's mission to provide "an education of mind and heart."

Now, the Zeigers' daughter, Molly, is carrying on the family's legacy of giving back to the community. Her choice to attend Whitworth was made during a tour of colleges with her family. "Whitworth was the college I went to where the students seemed happy," she says.

Molly is now putting her Whitworth degree to work: She serves with AmeriCorps in South Whidbey, at the Good Cheer Food Bank and Island Coffee House. Molly hopes eventually to work in a high school or university in a service-learning program.

These three generations of Whitworth alumni are making a difference in the world, built upon a foundation laid during each family member's time on campus. Their continued support of the Whitworth mission ensures that many more students will have the same opportunity.

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