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Activities & Involvement Opportunities

(Opportunities are listed alphabetically.)

ASWU: Abby Ruffcorn, aswu.president@whitworth.edu; Todd Sandberg, 509.777.3714 

Whitworth’s undergrads are an important part of Associated Students of Whitworth University (ASWU). This organization and its elected officers, hall senators and reps, program coordinators, club officers and student media are dedicated to serving the social, spiritual, educational and recreational needs of Whitworth students. ASWU is the voice of the student body: All students, from freshmen to seniors, are invited to participate. Come join us in the HUB every Wednesday at 5 p.m. 

ASWU Residence Hall Senators & Representatives: Eli Harris, aswu.vicepresident@whitworth.edu

During spring semester, each residence hall elects a senator to serve as its representative to ASWU. This student attends weekly assembly meetings at which s/he receives information about university business, policy and current issues. In turn, the senator reports to ASWU the business of their residence hall, along with any student issues that require action by the assembly. The senator is also responsible for coordinating hall-specific traditions (e.g., Mac Hall Haunted House, Ballard Tea, etc.)  

  • Arend Hall: Halley Price 
  • Baldwin-Jenkins Hall: TBD 
  • Ballard Hall: Josie Crandell 
  • Boppell Hall: Azalea Vlietstra 
  • Duvall Hall: Grace Reynolds 
  • McMillan Hall: Kaleb Capeller 
  • Commuter: Bennett Johnson 
  • Oliver Hall: Emily Edstrom 
  • Stewart Hall and the Village: Aloisa Morales-Saldana 

Get Involved: ASWU Leadership 2025-26, 509.777.3276 

Executives: 

  • Abby Ruffcorn, President 
  •  Eli Harris, Vice President 
  •  Jasmine Arevalo-Amaya, Finance Director 
  •  Chloe Crandell, Communications Director 

Coordinators 

  • Campus Activities Coordinator: Michael Barnes 
  • Gwen Brantner, Club Coordinator 
  • Student Advocacy & Cultural Engagement Coordinator: Vernon Glass 
  • Senior Class Coordinator: Avery Hamilton 
  • Traditional Events Coordinator: Aubrey Lathrom 
  • Spiritual Life Coordinator: Jasmine Schmidt 
  • Spirit Coordinator: Mary Penfield 

Senators: 

  • Arend Hall: Halle Price  
  • Baldwin-Jenkins Hall: TBD position elected in the fall 
  • Ballard Hall: Josie Crandell 
  • Boppell Hall: Azalea Vlietstra 
  • Duvall Hall: Grace Reynolds 
  • McMillan Hall: Kaleb Capeller  
  • Commuter Student: Bennett Johnson 
  • Oliver Hall: Emily Edstrom 
  • Stewart/Village: Aloisa Morales-Saldana 
  • International Student: Nina Susin 
  • Neighborhood: Cristian Martinez 

Whitworth Student Media: 

  • Eli Chapman, Whitworth Radio general manager 
  • Kaitlyn McConnell, Whitworthian editor-in-chief 

Building Unity & Cultivating Success (BUCS) Bridge Program: Marina Davis, 509.777.4845 

The Building Unity & Cultivating Success (BUCS) Bridge Program is a pre-orientation  program designed to serve first-year and transfer students from first-generation, Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC), and/or historically underrepresented student groups. This program starts with a pre-orientation, to help incoming students adjust to Whitworth University before the school year begins. The pre-orientation week consists of three pillars: community-building, identity development and college navigation. This five-day program introduces a variety of Whitworth resources, faculty and peers. After the pre-orientation, participants may opt in for a year-long mentoring program facilitated by our student leaders, peer guides, who will continue to assist them in college navigation and building the community.

Chapel Programming: Campus Pastor Forrest Buckner, 509.777.4506  

Whitworth’s campus ministry, housed in Seeley G. Mudd Chapel in the Beeksma Family Theology Center, offers a variety of programs that provide opportunities for every student to take steps closer to Jesus. Through weekly community worship gatherings, student-led ministries, opportunities for Christian growth in the residence halls (with the resident Campus Ministry Coordinators), Life Groups and special events, you can get involved in activities and relationships that enable you to discover God’s love, God's purpose for your life and how to share that love with the world. You are welcome to set up an individual meeting with a campus pastor to talk about life or faith as well – send Lauren or Forrest an e-mail or grab us at Chapel! 

Daily and Weekly Chapel Events:  

  • Chapel Community Worship: Students, faculty and staff join in worship together through Word, prayer, music, testimony, and the Lord's Supper every Tuesday and Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. 
  • Hosanna: A weekly student-led gathering in the Chapel at 9:45 p.m. on Tuesdays providing space for worship through music, prayer, Scripture, art and reflection. 
  • Awake: A welcoming community of students come together in the HUB Multi-Purpose Room every Wednesday at 9:00 p.m. to wrestle with who God is, who we are, and why that even matters. 
  • Morning Prayer: On Monday, Wednesday,  and Friday mornings from 8:30-8:50 a.m. in the Lantern room in the Music Building, a small group of students, staff, and faculty join together for a simple and peaceful service of prayer, hymn, and Scripture led by music professor and worship director Ben Brody. 
  • Life Groups: Weekly small groups for eight weeks each semester led by faculty and staff that are focused on building community and growing in relationship with God. Sign up on the chapel webpage at the beginning of each semester. 

Campus Ministry Coordinators: Campus Pastor Lauren Taylor, 509.777.4341  

Campus Ministry Coordinators (CMCs) live in the residence halls and help cultivate opportunities for students to grow closer to Jesus. This can look a variety of ways from small group Bible studies, theological discussions, prayer times, worship nights or just grabbing coffee with students who are looking to connect on a deeper level. Most programs are geared toward helping students grow in their faith, although the CMCs provide fun and relational support for all residents, including coming alongside those who are interested in exploring faith. 

Clubs: Gwen Brantner, gbrantner26@my.whitworth.edu

Whitworth’s clubs and organizations are listed below. For more information on how you can get involved in one of these organizations or begin your own club, email Gwen. Additional information is available at www.whitworthaswu.com/clubs-1.

  • ACT Club 
  • Artists’ Cooperative 
  • Asian Alliance Club 
  • Association of Minorities in STEM 
  • Astronomy Club 
  • Athletic Training Club 
  • Band of Whitworth Pirates (Pep-Band) 
  • Bangarang Ultimate Frisbee 
  • Beta Alpha Psi 
  • Black Student Union 
  • Bowling Club  
  • Business Club  
  • Camaraderie of the Armed Forces 
  • Camp Kesem 
  • Catholic Fellowship 
  • Chemistry and Other Sciences (CHAOS) 
  • Chess Club 
  • Cool Whip 
  • Disability Awareness Club 
  • En Christo  
  • Environmental Action Coalition (EAC) 
  • FASA (Filipino-American Student Association) 
  • Gaming Club  
  • Gender Equality Movement (GEM) 
  • Generation Action 
  • Generations Connect 
  • Guitar Club 
  • Girl Gains 
  • HOLA: Hispanic-American Club 
  • Hidden Opponent 
  • History Club 
  • International Club 
  • Jubilation Dance Ministry 
  • Martial Arts Club 
  • Math Club 
  • Meals in the Margins 
  • Men’s Club Soccer 
  • Network of Enlightened Women (N.E.W) 
  • Pirates United Club 
  • Pirates Fighting Against Hunger 
  • Political Science Club 
  • Polynesian Club 
  • Pre-Med/Science Club  
  • Pre-Occupational Therapy Club 
  • PRIDE 
  • Psi Chi/Psychology Club 
  • Roundnet 
  • Storyteller’s Club 
  • Students for Life  
  • Student Investment Club 
  • Swing & Ballroom Dance Club 
  • Teachers of Tomorrow 
  • Turning Point USA 
  • UMOJA (African Culture Club) 
  • United States Against Sweatshops (USAS) 
  • Westminster Round  
  • WhitCode 
  • Women in Finance 
  • Womxn Rock 
  • Women’s Club Soccer 

Commuter Student Senator: Bennett Johnson, aswu.commutersenator@whitworth.edu

Living off campus presents a completely new set of opportunities for students. Activities and services designed just for the commuter student include off-campus barbecues and other social outings. Whitworth’s commuter students have a strong tradition of fulfilling leadership roles in ASWU, and all off-campus students are strongly encouraged to participate in on-campus events. 

Cultural-Diversity Advocates: Shari Clarke, Ph.D., 509.777.4572 

Cultural diversity advocates (CDA) are part of Whitworth’s student leadership programs. They work to encourage the development of a community that values individual differences and respects the rights and opinions of all Whitworth students. One of their primary responsibilities is assisting international students as they make the transition to campus. Additionally, CDAs develop cultural programming around campus to inform, educate and provide social activities for all Whitworth students. They are trained and supervised by the Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion staff. Contact Shari Clarke, Ph.D. for a list of CDAs. 

Intramurals: 509.777.3714 

Intramurals engage the campus community in a variety of sports throughout the academic year.  They provide an excellent opportunity for both students and faculty to participate in competitions at either the recreational or competitive level. No athletic experience required!  

Sports are offered periodically throughout the year and include: basketball, volleyball, flag football, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, softball, dodgeball, floor hockey, cornhole and more. Individual participants pay a players fee to participate. More information can be found within the intramurals tab on the U-Rec webpage.

Outdoor Recreation: 509.777.4561  

Outdoor Recreation offers a wide variety of adventurous opportunities throughout the academic year. The program offers hiking, backpacking, rock climbing, snowshoeing, skiing & snowboarding, mountaineering, ice climbing and mountain biking trips. We seek to connect students with one another and the surrounding area through new and exciting ways of experiencing the great outdoors. Contact the U-Rec member services desk with rental equipment questions or visit the outdoor rec webpage. 

Resident Assistants: Krista Maroni, kmaroni@whitworth.edu  

Residence life is an opportunity for students, staff and faculty to explore what it means to be part of a community called to care for each other in cooperative ways. Resident assistants aid residents in creating a sense of community within their living areas through the programs they offer. They help students to develop a sense of responsibility for their actions and for their contributions to the community. RAs serve as role models and assist in the administration of their residence halls. In addition, RAs host "PrimeTime" programs every night in the resident hall lounges. Attending PrimeTime is a great way to meet other residents. 

  • Arend Hall:  Adamaris Serna-Ochoa, Dara Wiebe, Isabelle Mock, Jaegar Mohr, Phoebe Birchfield, Umar Khan, Tate LaejaMeyer 
  • Baldwin-Jenkins Hall: Conner Schulz, Eli Roberts, Erika Hernandez, Lili Nunez-Taylor, Maya Tucker, Megan Hirasaki, Spencer Jones, Zach Engelson  
  • Ballard Hall:  Zora Anetor-Ebhabha, Amari Murray, Kaylee Henning 
  • Boppell Hall: Hanna Vermeer, Maichoua Moua, Manny Valencia 
  • Duvall Hall:  Bronte Kaluza, Demi Tope-Babalola, Gavin Slaughter, Isabella Palmer, Joey Stallcop, Karla Silva-Guizar, Tad Moyo, Xander Frens 
  • McMillan Hall:  Eli Thiry, Joel Hernandez, London Meredith, Matthew Selle 
  • Oliver Hall:  Analia Avalos-McBain, Charlotte Martin, Chloe Baublits, Harmony Pakootas, Jack Odone, Jerrichalynn Stripedwolf, Noah Dunham 
  • Stewart Hall: Adina Stover, Andres Aguilera (fall), Josh Everest (spring) 
  • The Neighborhoods: Kolina Perreira-Alimoot, Leni Sjostrom, Noran Khalil 
  • The Village: Kady Murray, Katelyn Booth, Nate Ojeda-Lopez  

Residence Hall Area Coordinators: Krista Maroni, kmaroni@whitworth.edu  

The area coordinator (AC) is the full-time professional overseeing multiple residence halls. ACs work with the resident assistants (RAs) in each building to ensure safety and to build community. ACs specialize in roommate conflict, leadership development and creating learning for the co-curricular education. 

Residence Hall Leadership Staffs

Each residence hall has a group of student leaders who work together to provide for the health and happiness of their communities. ASWU senators, campus ministry coordinators, resident assistants, assistant area coordinators and the area coordinators make up each leadership working group.

Shalom Ministries: Assistant Chaplain for Shalom Ministries Lesly Acevedo, lacevado@whitworth.edu; Graduate Assistant Selma Hanna, shanna23@my.whitworth.edu 

Lesly and Selma (along with two student ministry leaders) cultivate opportunities for all students  to grow in their Christian faith with special attention to our BIPOC and international students. Lesly is a native Spanish speaker and is on campus Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Watch for Life Groups and special programming (like iworship worship event led by international students) or reach out directly to Lesly or Selma to connect.  

Student Advocacy & Cultural Engagement Coordinator 

Designed to offer special assistance to underrepresented populations at Whitworth, this position provides advising, programming and services to the campus community. Multicultural-student programs are designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. We encourage the exploration of personal leadership, academic excellence, community service, assistance with the recruitment of multicultural students, and full participation in the Whitworth community. 

Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Office of: Shari Clarke, Ph.D., 509.777.4572  

Located in Hendrick Hall, Whitworth’s Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (SDEI) seeks to support and sustain a welcoming campus environment for all students, staff and faculty. Our office strives to enhance persistence efforts for underrepresented student populations and works to identify possible engagement gaps. We seek to ensure that the campus community is open to the experiences of individuals who identify with underrepresented communities, through educational, informational and social programs. We support the campus university in intercultural competency skill development through intercultural educational programs and the provision of a resource center for students, staff and faculty. The premise that the development of intercultural skills will lead to individual, institutional and global reconciliation is central to our vision. Other resources and programs from the Office of Student Diversity, Equity & Inclusion includes the intercultural student center, international student services, cultural diversity advocates, Multicultural Leadership Program, Act Six Leadership scholarship, cultural heritage celebrations, Diversity Monologues and the BUCS Bridge Program. 

Student Employment: Kirsten TenHaken-Riedel, 509.777.4707 

The Whitworth Center for Career & Professional Development in the HUB will assist you in finding an on-campus or off-campus job. Stop by our center for an advising appointment, and we can support you with your job search process. We also encourage students to check out Handshake, our online career management system, at whitworth.joinhandshake.com. Click on the jobs tab and then select the on-campus filter to filter and apply for on-campus employment opportunities. 

Student Success & Equity: 509.777.4330 

The Student Success & Equity (SSE) Unit supports the mission of the university through its collaborative efforts to foster student learning and achievement by providing services and supports necessary for students to accomplish their academic goals. SSE works to ensure that our diverse student body has an equitable opportunity to live and learn at Whitworth University. Our programs and initiatives create an inclusive community that challenges students, faculty and staff to think critically and broaden their cultural knowledge bases in our ever-changing society. This area is committed to improving and strengthening greater synergy around retention, persistence and access efforts at Whitworth University. By coordinating campus-wide efforts to develop effective onboarding and support mechanisms along students' pathways toward their educational goals. Multiple programs support the work of advancing student outcomes. Offices connected to the student success & equity unit include the student success department, office of student diversity, equity & inclusion, and educational support services. 

Spiritual Life Coordinator: Jasmine Schmidt

Want to explore your own spiritual life or understand the belief system of someone else? Looking for creative opportunities to grow in your Christian faith or put your faith into practice? Seeking other like-minded people who care about things God cares about in the world? Interested in creative expressions of Christian worship or art? The spiritual life coordinator, whose office is located in ASWU, is ready to listen, empower and encourage students on their journey. 

Teaching & Research Assistants 

Many Whitworth faculty members would appreciate having student assistants to help grade assignments, assist with research, and teach small groups of students in their courses. Contact the faculty member you’d like to assist, and offer your services. For more information, please refer to the university catalog: http://catalog.whitworth.edu/academicinformation/directedstudies/ 

University Recreation Center: Courtney Fairhart; 509.777.4532, www.whitworth.edu/urec  

The University Recreation Center (U-Rec) invites the Whitworth community to pursue physical fitness and whole-self wellness.  Intramurals, climbing and outdoor recreation programs that can be found at the U-Rec. The facility includes cardiovascular equipment, powerlifting stations, weight equipment, an indoor track, a climbing wall and bouldering area, and a three-court gymnasium equipped for volleyball, badminton, pickle ball, soccer and basketball. Training equipment includes dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells and free weights are also available to complete your workout. No matter your current level of activity, the U-Rec staff will welcome you, answer your questions and help guide you with your pursuit of personal fitness and wellness. U-Rec access is free for all currently enrolled, full-time students whom have a current and valid student ID card. Shirts and tops must cover midriff. Water is the only beverage allowed in the facility. Come and check us out!

Volunteer Opportunities: Dornsife Center for Community Engagement, serve.whitworth.edu; Daniel Geiter, 509.777.4279. 

Whitworth’s Dornsife Center for Community Engagement connects students with service opportunities to help students learn while growing our local community. Students interested in volunteering with charitable, nonprofit, faith-based or government agencies can search opportunities online at serve@whitworth.edu or visit in person to learn about our partners. The Dornsife Center works with clubs, residence halls and community organizations to coordinate one-time and ongoing service projects. You can make a difference through philanthropy, direct service, activism and advocacy, research, policy, or social entrepreneurship. We can connect you with organizations across Spokane working to address critical issues that matter to you. Join us to gain a greater understanding of the needs of others, of your vocational interests, and your skills and values. We are located on the first floor in Weyerhaeuser Hall. Learn more about us at www.whitworth.edu/dornsife-center). 

Whitworth Radio Manager: Eli Chapman, 509.777.4560 

Whitworth Radio is the campus radio station streaming 24/7 online at www.whitworthradio.com funded by ASWU. The station includes all forms of music, talk shows, and coverage of Whitworth sporting events. For more information, email gm.whitworthfm@gmail.com. Follow @whitworthradio on Instagram for updates on how to get involved. 

The Whitworthian (campus news outlet) Editor: Kaitlyn McConnell, 509.777.3248 

The Whitworthian is the student news outlet with a daily news website and a once per semester print magazine called In The Loop. It is currently funded by ASWU. In the past, The Whitworthian has received a number of prestigious awards, including Best All-Around Non-Daily Student Newspaper from the National Mark of Excellence Awards sponsored by the Society of Professional Journalists. All aspiring journalists and photographers, as well as any other interested students, are invited to become a part of the team that reports on the latest breaking issues and events on the Whitworth campus. Visit www.thewhitworthian.news for current news, as well as the paper's various social media accounts.