Home > Parents >
There's something very powerful about being called by name. Many of your students chose Whitworth for that very reason. It makes a difference to be known by our names and not feel as though we are just an anonymous number. As Christians, we feel that God has called us each by name to serve him as a part of our vocation.
You've likely heard the news that Bill Robinson has informed the Whitworth community that 2009-2010 will be his last year as president. As an alumnus, I still remember meeting Bill for the first time. When I crossed paths with him later, what stood out to me was that he remembered my name. Bill is quite notorious on campus and beyond for remembering people's names. During his 17-year tenure at Whitworth, he has been known as a leader who serves others, a leader who cares deeply for each of us as individuals, and a leader who remembers our names.
Although I'm saddened by Bill's year-end departure, I am also hopeful and optimistic for Whitworth's bright future. His caring and excellent leadership have led Whitworth to a wonderful place and I'm confident we will continue to grow under new leadership. One of Bill's many gifts is the priority he places on servant leadership; its effects can be seen in faculty, staff and students across campus. After Bill's tenure as president concludes, his legacy will remain as we head into the future as a strong community.
This is going to be a great year! In the office of alumni & parent relations, we look forward to supporting you, celebrating with you, and informing you in the best ways possible. We're glad you're "in the loop!"
Regards,
Aaron McMurray, '95
Director of Alumni & Parent Relations/Annual Giving & Special Gifts
Click here to read the full Whitworth University news release about Bill's recent announcement.
Summer Send-Offs Summary
Numbers-wise, we held 27 Summer Send-Off events for 170 incoming students and more than 300 family members and friends. Food-wise, we consumed ice cream pie, brownies, sorbet in fruit cups, huckleberry bars, cherry chocolate cobbler, and much more. Host-wise, we were blessed by current students, alumni, parents of current Whitworth students, parents of Whitworth alumni and Starbucks.
Thanks to our fabulous hosts who opened their homes or packed up coolers to welcome the Class of 2013 and their families. The Whitworth community is better because of you. If you are interested in hosting a Summer Send-Off next year, please contact Kari Dykhouse at kdykhouse@whitworth.edu or 509.777.3732.
Parents' Council
As your student was making his or her final decision about Whitworth, you might have received a warm phone call from a current Whitworth parent. This is one of the many services the wonderful members of our Parents' Council provide. The Parents' Council hosts events such as Summer Send-Offs, provides valuable feedback to the university, makes phone calls, encourages participation in the Parents' Fund, and assisting at area college fairs.
If you are interested in being a part of the Whitworth Parents' Council, please contact Kari Dykhouse at kdykhouse@whitworth.edu or 509.777.3732.
Parents' Fund
The Parents' Fund is designed for parents of current and former Whitworth students who would like to donate directly to student scholarships. As a parent whose son or daughter is attending Whitworth, you are probably well aware that the price of higher education is a principal concern for most families. That's why we're thankful for the financial support of parents like you who help hold down the costs for our students receiving aid. Thank you for considering a gift to The Parents' Fund to help make a Whitworth education more affordable for students and their families.
Exam Survival Kits
E-mails and letters about exam survival kit orders will go out to parents in October. Students love getting notes and packages from home, and we provide a kit featuring a variety of goodies to help them get through that long exam week. This year we will also offer a fruit alternative. Watch your mail and inbox for more information. The order deadline is Nov. 16.
Phonathon Calling
Whitworth’s Phonathon is back in full swing for the new academic year, and our student callers are hard at work raising support for The Whitworth Fund. In a matter of weeks, they will be calling you! In recent years, parents have become some of our most important advocates in advancing our fundraising goals, especially since the launch of The Parents’ Fund, a division of The Whitworth Fund that allows parents to give directly to student scholarships. Since more than 96 percent of students receive aid, these gifts are more important than ever. Regardless of the amount you are able to contribute, our Phonathon students truly love talking with parents – perhaps they even have a class or share a dorm with your son or daughter. It will only take a few minutes out of your evening to chat, so when you see 509.777.3291 on your caller I.D., we hope you’ll answer!
To learn more about The Whitworth Fund Phonathon, visit www.whitworth.edu/phonathon.
Emergency Communication
Hundreds of institutions including Whitworth learned in late summer that Jyngle, an emergency text messaging system, was folding. Whitworth is currently testing two new mass-communication systems that will replace Jyngle for students, faculty and staff. Because the systems are tied to Whitworth's network accounts, they will not be available to parents. While notifying the on-campus community is a priority, we hope to look into systems that broadcast text messages to parents. In the meantime, parents can expect to receive emergency notices from Whitworth via e-mail (if we do not have your e-mail address, please send it to us). Please also ask your student to alert you in the event of an emergency.
Orientation Weekend
By Kari Dykhouse, Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent RelationsOrientation Weekend is one of my favorite times of the year. The energy throughout campus is contagious. Whole rooms in the Hixson Union Building (HUB) are stocked with pre-purchased textbooks, younger brothers and sisters feel so cool walking around a college campus with their older college student/sibling, and, somehow, all that stuff fits into one little dorm room.
|
| Special thanks to our 2009 dorm hosts |
The campus atmosphere is so vibrant that many Spokane-area parents and friends of Whitworth volunteered to return for opening weekend this fall to serve as dorm hosts. More than 30 faithful supporters pointed folks to the HUB and Cowles Auditorium on campus, and to Target off campus, and offered kind words of support and an occasional reassuring hug. It's exciting that the Whitworth family extends beyond the borders of Hawthorne and Division avenues, and that the entire Whitworth community seeks to "honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity."
The class of 2013 may be new, but Whitworth's mission is not. I overheard one parent talking to her freshman son, and, pointing to a hand sanitizing dispenser on the wall, said, "That's where the common phone used to be where I talked to your dad while we were engaged." The son didn't seem terribly impressed, but I thought that moment fit beautifully with this year's orientation theme, "For the Crimson and the Black: Honoring the Traditions of the Mind & Heart." It's exciting to think about the lives that will be changed and the world that will be better as students pass on the gifts that have been given to them.
The Tradition of Traditiation
By Rachel O'Kelley, '12 
Leaving the comfort of family and home to live in an unknown place among unknown people can be quite frightening. Whitworth faculty, administrators, and students know how difficult this can be and make it their personal duty to warmly welcome each freshman they enter this new chapter of their lives. The first two days away from the security of home are known to be the most difficult for new students; for this reason, Whitworth developed Traditiation, a two-day program designed to create bonding among freshmen. Traditiation events include fancy dinners, residence-hall activities, deep discussions, the Mock Rock competition between residence halls, and, most importantly, building dorm pride! Freshmen are urged to "go all out" during those first 48 hours. Though much of the activities that occur are to be kept secret, some students would like to share their experiences with you.
For freshman Lauresa Smith, Traditiation was a fun experience that made the college transition easier by giving her a chance to meet and feel comfortable with other Whitworth students. "Because of Traditiation, I now have people to eat meals with and no more awkward, ‘Can I sit with you guys?' situations," she says.
Traditiation involves many opportunities to be outgoing and sometimes embarrassed (in the best way possible). Through these experiences, students engage with and learn about the people they will live with for the next four years. Lauresa is glad that Whitworth has the Traditiation program. "It is a good way for students to get to know each other and to become comfortable being yourself around a lot of new people," she says.
Sophomore Joseph Westenberg is a strong advocate for Whitworth's Traditiation program. The events and activities helped him meet people within his dorm and on his hall. The bonding experience did not end when the Traditiation events did; Joseph considers his hall mates from last year to be some of his best friends at Whitworth. For Joseph,Traditiation was a way to relax and meet people, which made the transition to campus living that much easier. "Traditiation is one of the most important aspects of how Whitworth University welcomes its freshmen," he says.
Work Study at Whitworth
By Rachel O'Kelley, '12
According to the student employment guide available in the career services office, more than 70 percent of Whitworth's students work to help pay educational expenses. Because of the important role student employment plays in covering tuition, Whitworth offers a variety employment resources, including an extensive list of on and off campus job opportunities. In addition, the career services staff is available to help students who are seeking work-study positions. Debbie Ide, assistant to the vice president for student life, urges students to visit the career services website, www.whitworth.edu/careerservices, where they can search a comprehensive database for on and off campus jobs. While many jobs are filled at the beginning of the academic year, openings are posted online throughout the year; if your student would like to apply now, they still can and will most likely find a job that suits them.
Sophomore Nanda Navis holds a work-study position on campus in the office of alumni & parent relations. She found the job on the career services website during her freshman year. To ensure that students land jobs, Nanda recommends that they "make sure to have a résumé already prepared and to keep a close eye on the employment website."
As a freshman last year, Nanda knows that job hunting can sometimes be difficult. "But", Nanda says, "at the same time, freshman applicants are a bonus, because most on-campus employers prefer to hire students who can work in the same position throughout their college career."
Junior Christina Wiese, who works in the institutional advancement office, obtained her position under the work-study program at the end of her freshman year.
Christina, like Nanda, found the job on the Whitworth website. "Any time is a good time to start looking for work-study jobs because new jobs are frequently posted," Christina says.
 Greetings from the Whitworth Health Center!
The Whitworth Health Center, now located in Schumacher Hall, is dedicated to serving all full time students regardless of their insurance carrier. We pride ourselves on maintaining a nurturing and supportive environment with personal touches that make students feel welcome and cared for. It is our intention to help make the college experience a time of growth in mind and heart. In order to do this, we want to assist students in caring for their bodies in a way that is proactive. Awareness of how our medical system works is key to an individual taking responsibility for his or her own health care while a student and on into their post-Whitworth life.
This year we are seeing a much higher than normal number of students with respiratory symptoms, some of whom have flu-like illness. For the past few years, Whitworth has been planning and preparing for a flu outbreak, and we have instituted the initial policies and procedures to care for students and prevent the spread of the virus. We are also following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines and are updating our procedures as needed to be in line with their recommendations. This includes offering seasonal influenza vaccine and H1N1 vaccine when it is available.
Since Sept. 8, we have seen several students with flu-like illness. Reports have also come from other sources of students who have been diagnosed off campus. Some students have gone home to recuperate and some are in self isolation across campus. Recovery time is ranging from five to seven days. Students are released from self isolation when they have been fever free for 24 hours. To date, numbers remain quite steady, at less than 2 percent of the student population being affected.
The Whitworth Health Center professional staff and our student workers (known on campus as medics) are doing their best to care for all affected. The health center is open 40 hours per week providing primary care. We provide illness and wellness care by appointment, including immunizations. We have RNs, NPs and student nurses on staff. Each residence hall has student medics to assist with after-hours and weekend health concerns. The medics are supervised by the health center director. Some have first-aid training; others are trained EMTs who can assist with more complex medical questions.
Please visit the Whitworth Health and Counseling Center website for further information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at 509.777.4450 or jmurray@whitworth.edu.
Jan Murray, RN M. Ed.
Whitworth Health Center Director
Whitworth alumni Charlie, ’84, and Kim (White) Blake, ’84, recently brought their oldest daughter, Shelby, to Whitworth to begin her freshman year. The Blakes are residents of Portland, Ore.
What do you remember about your first days as a Whitworth student?
“I remember the buzz on campus. It was like going to camp with all the fun of getting to know everyone and the anticipation of my expectations coming to pass. However, I do remember distinctly that after about two weeks the academics were a reality check!”
What was the biggest difference you noticed between your “off-to-college” experience and Shelby’s?
“The biggest difference I noticed was STUFF! I also think Shelby was more prepared as to what to expect because she had a number of interactions with the administration. I was so impressed by all the activities the arrival weekend; very well done and organized.”
What are you most excited about as Shelby begins her college career?
“I am so excited to see how Shelby becomes even stronger academically and spiritually...truly how she chooses her path...her future.”
What was the hardest part of dropping Shelby off on campus?
“It was surreal! I still can’t believe she’s in college. My tears were that I will miss seeing her every day, but also more important emotions of a new chapter in her life. I continually hope that I taught her everything she will need to move forward, trusting that the Lord is her truth.”
What words of advice did you give to Shelby before she started at Whitworth?
“I told her that because this is a new chapter in her life, to go for it and to enjoy every moment. I also said that I made some lifelong friends with not only the students but the professors. Sleep. Exercise. Eat right. Have times to let go so you can be more effective when you study.”
What words of advice would you add?
“This is a time for her to see how amazing she really is and to grow with such depth in the Lord. Trust herself that she is worthy!”
Shelby Blake is a freshman from Portland, Ore. She is carrying on her family's Whitworth tradition as the daughter of Whitworth alumni Charlie '84 and Kim (White) Blake, '84.
What is one of your favorite stories of your parents' time at Whitworth?
"Oh my.... I have heard so many stories. The one I really love is how my parents met. My mom was walking in his dorm and my dad, who wasn't wearing a shirt (he is going to kill me for telling this story) looked at my mom and said, ‘How can I help you?' I just think it is so funny. This is the story that started it all."
What are you most excited about as you begin your college career?
"I am so excited to take classes that I like. I am here by choice so it changes the feel of being a student. I am excited to make new friends, get to know my professors, and start over. There are endless possibilities right now and that is so exciting."
What was the hardest part about your parents leaving after dropping you off?
"It was so hard. I grew up in a home where Friday night before football games we had pizza with all my friends at my house. Thursday night small group was at my house and whenever anyone wanted to hang out we always ended up at my house. I am so close to my parents, and so were all my friends. I had the ‘cool' parents. When they left it hit me: I am on my own. That was by far the hardest thing to face. It was a bit of an identity crisis, a ‘What do I do now?' type of thing."
What has been one of your best experiences in the first few weeks of classes?
"All my professors are so nice! When I thought of college I thought of scary classes where the professors would not help at all. That could not be further from the truth. I also really love the class sizes; I feel I am more a part of the learning process."
What words of advice did your parents share with you as you headed off to Whitworth?
"They said STUDY and stay away from those California boys (considering my dad was one and ended up marrying my mom)."
What words of advice do you have for your parents as they adjust to having you at Whitworth?
"Hmmm.... Considering we talk about 950,347,501,374 times a day, it would have to be that I am just a phone call away. I know they miss me a lot and I really miss them, too. It is nice to be able to call them whenever. Also, Skype is a gift from God. On Sunday they put the computer on the table while they had dinner. It was like I was right there with them. P.S. Don't let Chas (my little brother) take over my room. No matter what he says, I am coming back!"
The Quarterly Question is an opportunity to share your perspective as a parent and to hear from other parents as well. The results of each quarterly question are published in the next edition of "The Loop." (Please note that this is not a scientific study; the results are an informal indication of perspectives.)
Results of the Summer 2009 Quarterly Question
Based on feedback from your student, what Whitworth class sounds the most interesting to you?
Art History
Creative Nonfiction Writing
British Literature
Core Worldview Studies (including heckling from co-instructors and costumed appearances)
Women Writers, with Professor of English Laurie Lamon
Just about any music-based class
Jan Term studies abroad
Fused Glass
Fall 2009 Quarterly Question
Whether just this fall or a couple of years ago, what was the gist of your student's first call (or text message) home after starting at Whitworth?
- Send more money!
- Let me tell you about this roommate….
- Which machine do I put the detergent in again?
- When do I get to see you next?
- Apparently, I have to go to class here. Isn't that crazy?
- Mom and Dad, how are you doing?
- I think I'm going to need a car.
- I'm changing my major. Since last week, I've really felt a new calling.
- What phone call?
- Other
Vote here.
Parents’ Weekend
Parents’ Weekend is Oct. 23-25. Be sure to make your accomodations plans soon, since the event falls on the same weekend as Gonzaga University’s Homecoming and Parents’ Weekend. We’re looking forward to having you on campus and we’re sure your student is, too. Parents’ Weekend is hosted through the Student Activities Office. The deadline for registration is Thursday, Oct. 8, but register early as weekend activities fill up quickly. For more information and to register online, click here. For questions regarding registration and weekend activities, please contact Linda Yochum at lyochum@whitworth.edu.
Football at the University of Puget Sound
Whitworth is coming to Tacoma on Oct. 17, when the Whitworth Pirates take on the Loggers. If you’re in the area, join us for a reception prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff. More information will be in the mail and available online shortly.
Football at Lewis & Clark
Whitworth is coming to Portland on Nov. 7, when the Whitworth Pirates take on the Pioneers. If you’re in the area, join us for a reception prior to the 1 p.m. kickoff. More information will be in the mail and available online shortly.
Jazz Concert and Dessert
On Saturday, Nov. 7, parents are invited to join us for a Whitworth jazz concert and pre-concert dessert. The concert will feature legendary jazz composer and alto saxophonist Lee Konitz and the award-winning Whitworth Jazz Ensemble. The dessert begins at 6:45 p.m. and the concert is at 8 p.m. at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox, in downtown Spokane. The cost for the dessert and concert is $30. Register online at www.whitworth.edu/alumnievents. Contact Nancy Kessler at nkessler@whitworth.edu with questions.
Christmas Festival Concerts
The annual Christmas Festival Concerts with the Whitworth Choir, Whitworth Women's Choir, and student instrumentalists will be held in the Seattle and Spokane areas in early December. The concerts will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Bellevue on Saturday, Dec. 5; Seattle First Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Dec. 6; and First Presbyterian Church of Spokane on Friday, Dec. 11 and Saturday, Dec. 12. Tickets are $18 and go on sale Nov. 2 at www.whitworth.edu/musictickets or on the Whitworth campus at the HUB information desk. For additional information, contact the music department at music@whitworth.edu or 509.777.3280.
Key Upcoming Dates
Oct. 23-25 Parents' Weekend
Oct. 30-Nov. 2 Fall Break
Nov. 25-27 Thanksgiving Holiday
Dec. 15-18 Final Exams
Dec. 19-Jan. 4 Christmas Break
Dec. 19 Residence halls close for the break at 10 a.m.
Jan. 3 Residence halls open at 1 p.m. for returning students
Featured Book
In I'll Miss You Too: An Off-to-College Guide for Parents and Students, mother-daughter authors Margo E. Bane Woodacre and Steffany Bane share their story of making the transition from high school to college. They also provide practical tips for keeping the lines of communication open between you and your student.
Featured Website
The College Years: A Parent's Survival Guide offers 11 practical tips on how parents can stay involved in their college student's life while fostering independence and success skills. As your student navigates his or her college experience, take a moment to visit this site and reflect on ways that you can continue to be supportive while empowering your student.
Whitworth University Office of Alumni & Parent Relations
509.777.3772, 800.532.4668
parents@whitworth.edu |
