The Whitworthian Who Changed My Life | Whitworth Today Magazine

By Julie Riddle '92

You know who they are: the Whitworth faculty and staff (and even their spouses) who came to mean so much to us. They reflected back to us the strengths and abilities we couldn't see in ourselves and helped us imagine who we could become. They guided us forward, to meaningful work, service, faith and relationships.

Here, alumni share about the Whitworthians who made a lasting imprint.

Don Liebert (sociology) saw potential in me that I hadn't yet discovered in myself. One afternoon after class, he invited me to discuss my interests and goals. He encouraged me to consider the impact I could have by pursuing sociology and guided me toward focusing on research methodologies and statistics, a field I not only excelled in but also grew to love.

Through his guidance, I pursued a master's degree in sociology, and that foundation led to a fulfilling career where I could contribute to creating positive change. Dr. Liebert's legacy is not just in the lessons he taught but in the lives he transformed – mine included.
TAMMY JONES '84, SOCIOLOGY

Ron Pyle's communication studies classes have paid dividends in our roles in healthcare, education and teaching the Bible. Ron and his late wife, Julie, welcomed us into their home, helped us work through conflict, and performed our premarital counseling. We were tremendously blessed to be mentored by them.
DAVID POMMER '96, CHEMISTRY, AND HEIDI (SCHMIDT) POMMER '94, ENGLISH

Harry Dixon (business & economics) was my professor, advisor, landlord (!), mentor and friend. He and his wife, Marj, changed the way I do so many things, from marriage to reaching out to others to my aspirations in life. I quote them both frequently, remember our times together with fondness, and hope I am mentoring others with the same love that Harry and Marj did.
LORI (CLONINGER) SWEENEY '83, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

As a sophomore, I started a work-study job with the MBA program. Mary Alberts (director) showed me it was possible to be an ambitious businesswoman and follow your values. When it was time to graduate and apply for jobs, I sheepishly asked Mary for a letter of recommendation. I remember reading Mary's letter and feeling stunned. It was glowing and full of rich details. It made me feel she had seen my unconventional strengths and that I had real potential. Thank you, Mary. You changed my life.
ELIZABETH (EADS) REISNER '06, THEATRE