News
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December
Buddhist Grand Master Honored by Whittier College
12.22.08 The Venerable Grand Master Hsing Yun, head of one of the largest Buddhist sects in the world, is the most recent recipient of a Whittier College honorary doctorate of humane letters (L.H.D.). On December 20, a Whittier cohort in full regalia, led by President Sharon Herzberger, met with Yun for a small, private ceremony to bestow the award at the Hsi Lai Temple in nearby Hacienda Heights. Read more in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune. More »
Richard Nixon '34 Bucked the Ivy League
12.08.08 In light of President-elect Barack Obama's recent appointment of several Ivy League educated officials to his cabinet, Whittier President Sharon Herzberger was interviewed by The New Yorker's Lauren Collins on former Richard M. Nixon's '34 educational experience. "Originally, he wanted to get away from Whittier, go East to one of those highfalutin Ivy League schools. In the end, he appreciated the education he got." More »
James Dunkelman Named Vice President of Finance and Administration at Whittier College
12.04.08 Following an extensive search, James L. Dunkelman has been named vice president of finance and administration at Whittier College, effective December 1. Dunkelman replaces long-time College administrator Janice Legoza.
"We are pleased to welcome Jim Dunkelman to Whittier College. Jim has considerable experience and leadership in finance and administration. His most recent position, navigating and negotiating between the seven institutions that comprise the Claremont Colleges, speaks directly to the collaborative approach Whittier College espouses and will be an invaluable asset to our leadership team," said Whittier President Sharon Herzberger. "In addition, I am confident that Jim's successful history of strong client focus will further build on the great community partnerships and good work accomplished by the outgoing vice president, Janice Legoza." More »
Whittier Named as "College of Distinction"
12.03.08 Student Horizons Inc. has issued its annual guidebook for college-bound students, and for the third consecutive year, Whittier is cited as one of the 240 American "Colleges of Distinction." The Bethesda-based organization was founded by parents and admissions professionals to help students find the college best suited for their interests; the guide reviews institutions based on four distinctive qualities: "engaged students, great teaching, vibrant community, and successful outcomes."
Professor Fred Bergerson Comments on Content of New Nixon Recordings
12.03.08 In the Whittier Daily News, political science professor Fred Bergerson comments on the newly released Richard Nixon tapes that chronicle the late president's Vietnam strategy between 1972-73. Bergerson, a specialist in public policy and civil-military relations and a Vietnam Veteran, said in the article that "political pressure of the time likely influenced wartime decisions" that led to events during that period.
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November
Whittier College Family Loses Leader, Philanthropist, and Longtime Friend William "Mo" Marumoto '57
11.26.08 The Whittier College community mourns the sudden passing of William "Mo" Marumoto '57 on November 25, 2008. An active member of the Whittier College Alumni Association, a leader in the Lancer Society, and a longtime advocate and ambassador for the College, Marumoto leaves a legacy of leadership and accomplishment that extends well into his professional life. In June of this year, Marumoto was one of two recent recipients of the nation's highest honor for community service—the President's Volunteer Service Award—given in recognition for his more than 35,000 dedicated hours between 1958 and 2008 in support of various organizations and agencies. To read a press release issued by Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies, where Marumoto served as president, More »
Whittier College Couple Severely Injured in Southland Fire
11.20.08 Lance and Carla (Hewitt) Hoffman, who met while attending Whittier College 10 years ago, are recovering from third- and second-degree burns as a result of a fire that swept through their Montecito home. The Santa Barbara Independent reports that the couple suffered the "most dire injuries of anyone affected by the Tea Fire." Both Lance and Carla are still being held at UC Riverside's Regional Burn Center and are expected to remain in the hospital for a few months. Santa Barbara firefighters have set up the "Lance and Carla Burn Fund" to help the couple pay their substantial medical bills. More »
Whittier vs. Occidental Rivalry Intensifies
11.17.08 On November 14, during the rivalry football match between Whittier and Occidental Colleges, the Whittier Senior Class issued a challenge to their Oxy peers to see which school can get the highest percentage of seniors to make a donation to their respective school. Click here to read the Challenge. More »
Dr. Joseph Price Expands on the Spiritual Life of Whittier College Students.
11.14.08 "Most students today report that they have keen spiritual concerns and expectations," writes Dr. Joseph Price, professor of religious studies in a recent Whittier Daily News editorial. The piece looks at the religious and spiritual practices of college-going youth. Price adds that while student may acknowledge a decline in traditional religious behavior, such as attending weekly services, they "actively pursue questions of truth and issues of justice in distinct biblical ways."
College to Participate in Southern California Disaster Drill
11.12.08 On Thursday, November 13, the entire Southern California region will participate in the "Great ShakeOut," the largest earthquake preparedness activity in U.S. history, involving businesses, schools, city, county, and state emergency responders, and everyday citizens. Whittier College is among 57 fellow colleges and universities in Los Angeles County that will take part in this event, giving campus community members and the College's emergency management team an opportunity to further train and prepare for a fictional disaster scenario in conjunction with various local agencies and city resources. More »
Whittier College Lending a Helping Hand
11.10.08 The 15th Annual Whittier College Helping Hands Day brought together hundreds of Whittier College students, faculty, and staff in volunteer service projects throughout the local community this past Saturday, November 8. In collaboration with current community organizations and assistance leagues, teams from Whittier College worked cleaning streets, tending gardens, painting, working in senior centers and homeless shelters, and feeding those in need, among other projects. The Whittier Daily News covered the event.
John Poet Makes the Grade
11.08.08 John Poet is part of a New York Times "pop quiz," featuring unique college symbols. Whittier's new mascot made his official campus debut during Whittier Weekend 2008. More »
Dr. Eric Lindgren Comments on Redistricting Referendum
11.05.08 On election day, Californians voted in record numbers to choose a new president, but also decided the fate of numerous statewide propositions and elected congressional representatives. Political science professor Eric Lindgren spoke to the Christian Science Monitor on the effect of Proposition 11, which passed and will establish nonpartisan redistricting for state legislators. In a Whittier Daily News article, Lindgren also commented on on how gerrymandered districts affected outcomes of local congressional races. More »
Music Department to Debut "Inside Latin Jazz" Series at the Shannon Center
11.04.08 The Whittier College Music Department, in conjunction with Emerson Bran Management, welcomes its first guest, Justo Almario, in an new, ongoing series "Inside Latin Jazz." Slated for November 13 and 14, the two-day event will feature a 90-minute, intimate interview with international saxophonist Almario, as well as a concert featuring Almario and the Afro-Columbian Ensemble. The series will be moderated by Danilo Lozano, professor in the Whittier College Music Department and Grammy-winning Cuban flautist. More »
Alumnus, Lawyer, and Author Geoff Shepard '66 to Discuss New Take on Watergate
11.01.08 "What if almost everything you think you know about Watergate is wrong?" This is the provocative question posed by the next Dezember Alumni House Speaker, Geoff Shepard ’66, in his new nonfiction book, Inside the Watergate Conspiracy: The Secret Plot to Make Ted Kennedy President. On November 6, Shepard returns to Whittier College to offer a new look behind arguably the most notorious political scandal in American history. This event is co-sponsored by the Whittier Republican Women's Federated.
A former White House Fellow and Domestic Council staffer for the Nixon Administration, Geoff Shepard knows his way around the intricacies of D.C. conflicts, characters, and plots. In fact, following the 1973 triumvirate resignation of top Nixon advisors Haldeman, Ehrlichman, and Dean, Shepard assumed a key role in the Nixon defense team, transcribing White House tapes, running document rooms, and briefing senior spokesmen. In his book, Shepard draws on his own experiences to analyze the politics behind Watergate, and sheds surprising new light on how opposing partisan ambitions and the use of scandal as political weaponry contributed to the downfall of the 37th President. More »
Internships Offer Whittier Freshmen and Sophomores an "Out of the Box" Experience
11.01.08 Twenty-two Whittier College students participated in the inaugural year of the Professional Opportunities Program (POP) and were recognized during a special ceremony in October at A.J. Villalobos Hall. Sponsored by the Weingart Foundation and targeted to a select number of first- and second-year students, POP delivers accelerated professional development experiences that apply classroom learning to real-world scenarios, help students discern and devise viable education and career goals, and, ultimately, result in the development of a marketable resume prior to graduation. More »
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October
AIDS Quilt on Display at Whittier College
10.30.08 Five panels of the AIDS Memorial Quilt are on exhibit on the first floor of the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library at Whittier College. The display is part of Whittier's AIDS Awareness Week. Other events are scheduled including a talk by Helen Epstein, author of The Invisible Cure: Africa, The West, and the Fight Against AIDS. The author will speak about her work with people with AIDS in Africa in the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts on November 3.
President Herzberger Delivers Speech on Athletics to College Presidential-Hopefuls
10.30.08 At the American Council on Education's fall summit in Atlanta, Advancing as Leaders: Celebrating Achievements, Addressing Challenges, President Herzberger shared her perspective on "Understanding the Demands of Campus Athletics." More »
College and Community Program Hosts Local Community Based Organizations
10.27.08 The College and Community Program, directed by Professor Joyce Kaufman, brought together nearly 30 local non-profit organizations for a networking lunch and workshop. One of the goals of the event is to create a space for networking among the groups, many of which host student interns from the College.
Professor Fred Bergerson Studies Terrorism in Tel-Aviv
10.24.08 Political science professor Fred Bergerson received an Academic Fellowship on Terrorism from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a nonpartisan policy institute. As part of the fellowship, Dr. Bergerson participated in an intensive, 10-day course in Tel-Aviv this summer. In the following article, Dr. Bergerson shared some of his experiences on the trip that took him through various sites in Israel, including a terrorist prison. More »
Professor John Neu Offers Insight On Proposition 8
10.22.08 Among the key election issues this year is the question of same-sex marriage. As California voters prepare to cast their ballots on this controversial issue, the outcome will be watched around the US and beyond. Political science professor John Neu is quoted in the Christian Science Monitor on the issue. More »
Justice Richard Goldstone H'08 to Receive MacArthur Award for International Justice
10.20.08 Justice Richard J. Goldstone H'08, former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, is being honored with the MacArthur Award for International Justice. The award given by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation provides Goldstone with $100,000 for his own work and invites him to suggest an additional $500,000 in support for non-profit organizations working on international justice issues. In April of 2008, Justice Goldstone received an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Whittier College, where he delivered the 2008 Sheldon and Betty Feinberg Lecture. More »
Sports As An American Religion
10.15.08 As we find ourselves in the midst of the hockey, football, basketball, and baseball seasons it can appear that the country has become a bit "sports obsessed." Professor of religious studies Joe Price, author of Rounding the Bases: Baseball and Religion in America, commented on this topic for the Chicago Tribune. "Just as the Roman Catholic church has its incredible array of saints, sports heroes get revered for a career of accomplishment," said Price. More »
Whittier College Delivers "Portal to the World"
10.08.08 "In some ways, Whittier College is a typical small liberal arts college: it has around 1,400 students, small class sizes, a focus on teaching, and a mostly residential campus; but Whittier is one of the most diverse private institutions in the country...one of the few selective liberal arts colleges to be designated a Hispanic-Serving Institution
...and its location puts the resources of one of America's most international cities within easy reach."
So begins a profile, published in the American Association of Colleges & Universities October newsletter, in which Whittier is cited for providing students with a "Portal to the World" through its innovative global curriculum. More »
Charles Bock '91 Featured in 2008 Whittier College Writers Festival
10.08.08 New York Times bestselling author and Whittier College alumnus Charles Bock '91 was a featured speaker in this year's Whittier College Writers Festival. Bock added to the impressive slate of writers which included two Pulitzer Prize-winners and two award-winning Middle-Eastern poets. "I think that it was the best Writers Festival yet," said English Professor Tony Barnstone, one of the festival organizers. "Every event was extraordinary." More »
Professor Joe Price Breaks Down the Curse of Cubs
10.07.08 Professor of religious studies Joe Price speaks to The Current radio on CBC Canada on the curse of the Chicago Cubs baseball team. Listen here. More »
Whittier College Students Study State of US Economy
10.05.09 Speaking to the Whittier Daily News, economics professor Geetha Rajaram says the recent $700 million federal bailout package has raised interest in economics at Whittier College. As a result, she recently hosted a discussion table during lunchtime near the Campus Inn for students who had questions. "A big part of our class discussion was very emotional. Students want to know why we're bailing out people they think are very wealthy," Rajaram said. "What I tell them is that we do want them back and running."
Jenae Davis '12 Wins "Generation Next" Scholarship
10.02.08 Jenae Nicole Davis '12 has been named as one of five "Generation Next" scholarship winners. Davis and her fellow winners were chosen from nearly 1,000 entries, selected based on their academic record, financial need, and essays. Each of these young African-American women will receive a $5,000 college scholarship from The Sallie Mae Fund, will attend the first-annual Essence Young Women Leadership Conference, and will be featured in the October issue of Essence magazine. A pre-med student at Whittier, Davis said her disability helped make her all the more motivated to achieve her educational goals. "My parents taught me never to lose sight of my dreams," she says. She plans to specialize in women's health. More »
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September
Martin Ortiz '48 Receives Lifetime Achievement Award
09.29.08 Martin Ortiz '48 founder of the Center for Mexican American Affairs (Martin Ortiz Programs) at Whittier College received a lifetime achievement Award from the Raytheon Hispanic Organization for Leadership and Achievement - Hispanic Network (HISNET). "Your life's work has raised a beacon that has helped our children and their parents dream of an opportunity to attend college, and the programs that you have created have enabled so many in making their dream into a reality," said Jose F. Silva, past president and founder of Raytheon HISNET, in awarding the honor to Ortiz. More »
Martin Ortiz Programs Honored by Excelencia
09.25.08 Whittier College's Martin Ortiz Programs were recently recognized with an honorable mention for the 2008 Examples of Excelencia Award. As part of the award, the Ortiz Program's profile will be included in the 2008 edition of Excelencia in Education's Works for Latino Students: Examples of Excelencia Compendium and will be part of Excelencia's national campaign to promote institutional practices that increase the number of Latino students earning higher educational degrees.
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College Dedicates Time Capsule and Plaque in Campus Center
09.22.08 Leaders from Whittier College and the City of Whittier dedicated a historic plaque inscribed with a poem that John Greenleaf Whittier sent to the town and College that bear his name. The plaque, now installed in the Campus Center, was originally a gift from town's people to the College in 1911. A time capsule was also installed during the ceremony. "My hope is that the many students who participated in the ceremony on Saturday will start writing to the president of Whittier College early in 2058 and say that it is about time we open the time capsule," said President Sharon Herzberger.
Ed Shannon Left His Mark at Whittier College
09.22.08 Businessman and philanthropists Edfred L. Shannon, who received an honorary Doctor of Letters from Whittier College in 1992, passed away Sunday night. Mr. Shannon and his wife Ruth have been long-time supporters of the College and well-known city residents. The Ruth B. Shannon Center of the Performing Arts at Whittier is named after Mrs. Shannon. "Many strengths of this College are attributable to the Shannon's strong support and cheerleading for students," said President Sharon Herzberger.
Professor Gil Gonzalez tackles Monday Night Football
09.07.08 Look for theater Professor Gil Gonzalez in between football games this season. Professor Gonzalez stars in a light-hearted national commercial for ESPN promoting Monday Night Football. More »
Poets Shine on the Small Screen
09.08.08 The "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz Show" series, showcasing a Whittier College Team, will air nationwide during Hispanic Heritage Month. In Los Angeles, the series will air on KABC/Channel 7 on Sept. 27, Oct. 4, 11, and 18 at 3:35 a.m. and again on KNBC/Channel 4 on Oct. 11, 18, and 25 and Nov. 1 at 11:30a.m. Be sure to tune in and show your Poet Pride! Watch a promo of the quiz show here.
Elizabeth Power Robison Speaks on Role of Advancement at Whittier College
09.08.08 In a virtual roundtable discussion with University Business Magazine, Vice President of Advancement Elizabeth Power Robison spoke about trends and technological advancements within her field. More »
Whittier College Named "Exemplary School" for Sustainability by National Wildlife Foundation's 2008 Campus Ecology Report
09.04.08 Campus Environment 2008: A National Report Card on Sustainability in Higher Education Trends and New Developments in College and University Leadership, Academics and Operations is a comprehensive study conducted by the National Wildlife Federation and Princeton Survey Research Associates International that reviews trends and new developments in environmental performance and sustainability at 1,068 institutions. It recognizes colleges and universities for exemplary efforts and awards academic letter grades (A through D) for collective, national performance on environmental literacy, energy, water, transportation, landscaping, waste reduction and more. The report analyzes collective trends in the areas of management, operations, and academics.
Whittier College was among the 334 individual schools cited in the report for "having exemplary levels of sustainability activities and a strong commitment to do more." More »
Professor Joe Price Speaks About the 2008 Political Arena
09.04.08 Both GOP vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin and Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama have recently made big speeches in large sports arenas. "It's a place where there is always hope," says Professor Joseph Price speaking with NPR's Mike Pesca on the motivation behind using such a backdrop. More »
Sunny Skies Welcome Class of 2012
09.01.08 California Dreaming seemed an appropriate title for Whittier College's 2008 new student orientation as sunny skies greeted all newcomers to campus. More than 450 first-year and transfer students were on site to check into their dorms, register for classes, and meet new classmates and professors.
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August
President Herzberger Discusses Amethyst Initiative
08.28.09 A signatory for the controversial Amethyst Initiative, President Herzberger discusses "Why I signed on to Amethyst" in two published op-eds. In her remarks, she clarifies her position, urges for reasoned and thoughtful discussion, and recommends all participants in this important debate "pause, listen, and try to find some common and higher ground"—emulating the practice of Whittier College's Quaker founders. To read the San Diego Union-Tribune op-ed, click here. To read the Los Angeles Times op-ed, click here. More »
Professor Weighs In on Cell Phone and Driving Issue
08.22.08 Whittier College psychology professor Chuck Hill provides "sage answers" on why people continue to use hand-held phones while driving despite a new state law requiring the use of hands-free devices. Read more in the Pasadena Star-News More »
Nixon Fellows Head Off to National Political Conventions
08.18.08 2008 Richard M. Nixon Fellows Steve Addezio '09 and Dan Strauss '09 are heading off to the national political conventions to be held at the end of summer. Addezio, who has been following the Democrats' bid for the presidency, will be in Colorado for the DNC. Strauss will be in Minnesota for the GOP caucus. Both will hold volunteer positions during the conventions and will participate in a seminar conducted by the Washington Center. Read more in the Whittier Daily News. More »
Austin Sperry '00 Goes for the Gold
08.18.08 Star Class sailor Austin Sperry '00 is competing in his first Olympic Games this summer. Sperry, who grew up sailing on San Francisco Bay, will go for the gold alongside his father-in-law, skipper John Dane III. His medal race will take place August 20.
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Whittier College Mourns Olive Clift '41
08.13.08 Alumna and long-time Whittier College supporter, Olive (Chandler) Clift passed away yesterday afternoon from the effects of congestive heart failure. Mrs. Clift worked as assistant manager of the campus bookstore for 30 years, alongside her husband Bob Clift '40. She was also an advisor for the Metaphonian Society and a member of the Women's Auxiliary. In 1978, she received the Alumni Service Award and was among the 100 Distinguished Graduates honored during the centennial celebration. "We will remember her fondly each time we visit the Olive and Bob Clift '40 Bookstore at the new Campus Center," said President Sharon Herzberger in a letter to the Whittier community. The Clift Bookstore dedication will take place on Friday, October 17th at 5 p.m.
A memorial service for Mrs. Clift will be held on Tuesday, August 19th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Memorial Chapel. A reception following the service will be held in Mendenhall.
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Athletic Renovations Right on Schedule
08.13.08 The new turf is in place on Newman Field and Aubrey Bonham Track is getting the finishing touches on a new paint job. Everything is running smoothly and on schedule with the Memorial Stadium renovations that are expected to be finished in the coming weeks. The final piece is the new, state-of-the-art press box placed atop the 7,000-seat stadium, expected to be completed before the season begins. More »
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July
Earthquake Rattles Southern California
07.29.08 A magnitude 5.4 earthquake shook the Southern California region at 11:42 a.m. (PST). While the quake was felt on the Whittier College campus, there were no reports of damage and no injuries occurred. The quake has been categorized "moderate" according to U.S.G.S. standards. More »
Whittier Among Nation's "Best Colleges," Says Princeton Review
07.28.08 Whittier College is one of the nation's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review. The New York-based education services company features the college in the just-published 2009 edition of its annual book, The Best 368 Colleges—which encompasses about 15% of America's 2,500 four-year colleges and two Canadian colleges.
According to student comments included in the Whittier College profile: "...One would be hard pressed to find better professors. They're here 'because they love to teach and it shows'; all do most of the teaching themselves [Whittier does not employ teaching assistants], which means that teachers and students have the opportunity to be peers and 'defy typical "college classroom" norms.' Most classes are very small and are structured around discussion rather than straight lectures, and the instructors 'keep the busywork to a minimum, basing your grade on a handful of papers, a midterm, and and a final.' 'Really, the professors MAKE Whittier College,' sums up a senior." More »
Spanish Professors Crossing Borders
07.22.08 Spanish Professor Doreen O'Connor-Gomez and Adjunct Lecturer Mariano Zaro, gave a workshop at the 90th Annual American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese in San José, Costa Rica in July. The workshop, entitled, "Thinking España: Borrando Fronteras/Thinking Spain: Erasing Frontiers" examined contemporary Spanish poets, born after the Franco regime, who address democracy in Spain, the rise of neo-fascism in an age of increased immigration, and the role of Spain in a global, multicultural world. More »
Professor Cheryl Swift Named SENCER Leadership Fellow
07.15.08 Cheryl Swift, the James Irvine Foundation Professor of Biology, has been appointed as a Leadership Fellow for the Science Education for New Civic Engagement and Responsibilities (SENCER) program. SENCER is a faculty development and science education reform initiative that engages student in science and math by focusing on real world problems. The initiative is the signature program of the National Center for Science and Civic Engagement. The selection committee gave special note to Swift's course, "Globalization and the Environment," that was co-developed with Professor Becky Overmeyer-Velasquez. As a fellow, Swift will coordinate Whittier's participation with the SENCER program, develop additional courses that teach science through issues of global consequences, and support regional collective efforts to limit carbon emissions. More »
Gangloff Named Academic All-American
07.10.08 Whittier College track and field athlete Shuree Gangloff ’09 was named an Academic All-American by the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) for her performance on the field and in the classroom during the 2007-08 academic year. In May, Gangloff earned a spot in the College's President's Club for her superior academic record, and last spring, she represented Whittier College at the NCAA Championships. More »
Whittier Student Film Flying High
07.10.08 "Day 2255," an award-winning short film produced by Whittier College students, is airing on Virgin America's inflight entertainment system during the month of July. The film, a poignant story about a homeless man, was produced as part of the Campus MovieFest in November 2007. More »
Whittier Summer Movie Watching
07.01.08 With summer movie season in full swing, two film reviews from Whittier College professors give an insight to recent popular movies. Spanish professor Gustavo Geirola reviews Under the Same Moon, a tale of an immigrant child's journey through the Southwest, while English professor Sean Morris takes on the latest installment of the Indiana Jones series. More »
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June
Alumnus Honored by White House for "Powerful Example" of Volunteerism
06.26.08 William H. "Mo" Marumoto '57 was one of two recent recipients of the nation's highest honor for community service—the President's Volunteer Service Award. Marumoto and a fellow colleague from the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) were heralded by President George W. Bush during the White House celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month: "They have served important causes...These acts of kindness have changed lives; they've laid the foundation for stronger communities. And they really speak to the strength of America...The true strength of the country lies in the hearts and souls of citizens who hear the call to love a neighbor and do something about it."
APAICS President Marumoto has a history of more than 50 years of volunteer service in non-profits, devoting approximately 35,000 hours of service from 1958 to 2008. His philanthropic work encompasses fields such as education, social service, the arts, and leadership development. He is a proud Lancer Society alumnus, and former member of the Whittier College Board of Trustees; he has received both the
Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award (1991) and the Alumni Service Award (1978).
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Summer Makeover for Whittier Athletic Fields
06.24.08 The Whittier Daily News reports on the renovation of five Whittier College athletic facilities, including Memorial Stadium's Chief Newman Football Field.
The current grass turf on the field will be replaced with Sprinturf Ultrablade DF synthetic turf.
In the article, President Sharon Herzberger said the renovations will benefit both the college and the community. For his part, Poets football coach B. J. Hammer sees the improvements as a way to attract new student athletes.
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Whittier Theatre Professors (and Students) Take to the Stage in SoCal, Colorado
06.17.08 Looking for a little "Poet" theatre this summer? Then just a short trip west or south of the Whittier campus will meet your needs. In July, sample from either the Kingsman Shakespeare Festival in Thousand Oaks, where you can see Professor Brian Reed's set designs or catch theater apprentice Cody Goulder '08 onstage in either As You Like It or Henry IV, or Shakespeare Orange County in Garden Grove, where you can see Associate Professor Gil Gonzalez in the Bard's Henry V (For review in the Orange County Register click here.). For those nearby or heading to Denver, check out the more modern Volver, Volver, Volver, by Leonard Madrid, at the Association for Theatre in Higher Education's New Play Development Workshop; the production will be directed by Gonzalez, with assistance in dramaturgy by Lara Hurlburt '09. More »
Professor Ayesha Shaikh Honored by Social Services Commission
06.13.08 Ayesha Shaikh, assistant professor of psychology will be honored as one of the"Volunteers of the Year" by the City of Whittier Social Services Commission for her outstanding contribution to the InterCommunity Counseling Center (ICC). The ICC is a non-profit organization offering sliding-scale counseling services to Whittier residents. Shaikh served as board president of ICC for the 2007-08 year. During her tenure on the board the ICC moved to a larger facility and the board gained 10 new members, including three individuals from Whittier College. "It is nice to really strengthen the connection between Whittier College and the ICC," she said.
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Alumnus' Book To Launch, Followed By Talk at Nixon Library
06.06.08 Geoff Shepard, Whittier College trustee and alumnus (Class of 1966), will celebrate the launch of his new book, The Secret Plot to Make Ted Kennedy President: Inside the Real Watergate Conspiracy, with a talk given at the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Library and Museum in Yorba Linda on Tuesday, June 24, at 10:30a.m. The non-fiction work
centers on the politics of the Watergate scandal—and how political forces were "mustered, aligned and deployed' to impact the presidential election following Watergate.
Shepard worked in the Nixon White House for almost six years, first as a White House Fellow, then as a senior member of the Domestic Counsel staff. After leaving the Ford Administration in 1975, he spent the next 30 years in corporate law, primarily in the insurance industry. For the June 24 event, Shepard will be interviewed by the Library's director, Tim Naftali; this event is free and open to the public. More »
Whittier College Announces Partnership With Universidad Autónoma de Baja California
06.06.08 A Whittier College delegation consisting of President Sharon Herzberger, Professors Rafael Chabran, Daniel Duran, Chuck Hill, Les Howard, and Peter Reich, as well as Luz Maria Galbreath, director of the Ortiz Programs, traveled to Mexicali, Mexico to meet with officials of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. President Herzberger signed an official agreement for an academic exchange between the flagship campus of UABC and Whittier College. More »
Professor Joyce Kaufman To Chair ISA Status of Women Committee
06.03.08 Joyce P. Kaufman, professor of political science and director of the Whittier Scholars Program, has been appointed chair of the newly-formed committee on the Status of Women for the International Studies Association (ISA). Founded in 1959, ISA is the major professional organization in the field of international studies and international relations. As a long time member of ISA, Kaufman hopes to establish procedures to regularly assess the status of women in the field. "In so doing, I hope that ISA can get a better sense as to how women are faring in the generally male-dominated field of international relations." More »
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May
105th Whittier College Commencement Ceremony
05.23.08 The 105th Whittier College Commencement Ceremony took place at Memorial Stadium against the golden hillside backdrop on May 23. More than 350 graduate and undergraduate students braved gusts of wind and chilly rain for the opportunity to walk on stage and receive their diplomas. As the rain miraculously ceased just prior to the two-hour event, keynote speaker Dr. Michael Shermer—noted science historian, columnist, and founder of the Skeptics Society—brightened the mood with his humorous speech.
More »
Whittier College Finalizes Plans For Stadium Renovations
05.19.08 Whittier College will begin the renovation of its athletic facilities with the resurfacing of Newman Field and Bonham Track in Memorial Stadium this summer. The project is set to begin in late May and will be completed in time for the 2008 football and soccer seasons.
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419 W. Lime Ave. Receives Top Honors
05.16.08 Senior Conner McClure's 419 W. Lime Ave. received top honors during the art department's annual student art exhibit. McClure's work, along with his peers', was juried by Los Angeles painter Devon Tsuno. Four students in all received special recognition. The students exhibits will be on display at the Greenleaf Gallery until graduation.
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The Poet is Mightier
05.13.08 Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Harvey revisits Whittier College's "less-than ferocious" Poet mascot and is impressed with the "Fear the Poet" maxim. More »
Whittier Celebrates "College & Community" Partnerships
05.12.08 This year about 90 college students from diverse majors partnered with 36 community service organizations as part of the annual "College and Community Program" coordinated by the Whittier Scholars Program and funded by grants from the McCabe Foundation and the California Campus Compact.
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Latino Poets Know their Heritage
05.05.08 The Poet team for the first-ever "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz" is featured in the Whittier Daily News for their superior showing in the quiz show which was taped last month. More »
Doing What is Right
05.01.08 In a commentary published in Inside Higher Ed, President Sharon Herzberger shares ideas on how wealthier institutions of higher education can do more to serve low-income students. More »
Expelled A Parade of Logical Fallacy
05.02.08 Biology professor David Bourgaize takes a critical look at Ben Stein's new documentary, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. The film focuses on how proponents of intelligent design have been shunned by academia. Unfortunately, Bourgaize writes, Stein takes on "everything from evolution, science, religion, communism, eugenics, and racial extermination."
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April
Student-Faculty Research Presented at American Chemical Society National Spring Meeting
04.28.08 Assistant Professors of Chemistry Ralph Isovitsch and Amy Moskun, along with Whittier students Tenzing Doleck '08 (of Kathmandu, Nepal) and Jonathan Attard '09 (of Lakeview, CA), presented posters detailing their research into organic-inorganic polymers at the 2008 national meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS),held in New Orleans during April. One of the team's posters was also selected for inclusion in an additional session, the "Sci-Mix," which showcases posters deemed to be of general interest to all divisions of the ACS. More »
Nixon Fellows on the Campaign Trail
04.28.08 Five Whittier College students have been named 2008-09 Richard M. Nixon Fellows. As part of the fellowship the students will participate in internships, seminars and activities aimed at increasing their understanding of the political system and U.S. government. Political science majors Stephen Addezio '09 and Daniel Strauss '09 who will participate in the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado, and the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, respectively, will be blogging about their experiences and observations before, during and after the conventions.
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Humanitarian Justice Goldstone Becomes Honorary Poet
04.25.08 On April 24, Richard J. Goldstone, Justice of the South African Constitutional Court, spent the day at Whittier College, meeting with students and ending his visit by delivering the 2008 Feinberg Lecture. Preceding the lecture, Goldstone was awarded an honorary degree from Whittier College in recognition of his work in the development, protection, and preservation of human rights in countries such as Rwanda, Kosovo, and his native South Africa. More »
Whittier Alumnus, Professor Featured at 13th Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, April 26-27
04.25.08 Charles Bock, Whittier Class of 1991 and author of the 2008 acclaimed novel Beautiful Children, and Tony Barnstone, English professor and noted poet, will both be participants in this two-day, annual Los Angeles event, focusing on writers from a variety of genres and drawing crowds in the hundreds of thousands. On Saturday, April 26, Bock will take part in a panel discussion on fiction about urban renewal (10:30a.m.); also on Saturday, Barnstone will give a staged poetry reading from his work"The Golem of Los Angeles" (4:30p.m.). More »
Whittier's Top 10
04.16.08 Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger welcomed 166 potential Poets and their families to the campus. During the Admitted Students Reception, Pres. Herzberger gave her "Top 10 highlights of Whittier College." More »
Whittier Students Compete in Hispanic College Quiz
04.14.08 Whittier College students participate in the first "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz." Going up against students from seven other private and public colleges and universities, the Poets knowledgeably answered enough questions to qualify them as somewhat experts in the field. More »
Spring Honors Convocation
04.11.2008 In a Celebration of Scholarship and Service, Whittier College seniors were bestowed with a number of honors from departments and college heads. Sean Morris, associate professor of English and 2007 Harry W. Nerhood Teaching Excellence Award recipient, delivered the keynote address, "WWRHD: What Would Robin Hood Do?" More »
Origins gets Spanish Translations
04.11.08 History Professor Robert B. Mark's book "The Origins of the Modern World: A Global and Ecological Narrative from the Fifteenth to the Twenty-first Century" (Rowman and Littlefield, 2002 and 2007) has recently been translated and published in Spanish as "Los Origenes del Mundo Moderno: Un Nueva Vision." This is the book's fifth translation into a foreign language, the others being Swedish, German, Chinese, and Norwegian. More »
Whittier College Student Sings National Anthem at Dodger's Opening Night
04.02.08 Raquel Gutierrez '10 sang before tens of thousands of baseball fans during the Dodger's Opening Night game against the San Francisco Giants on April 1, 2008. Gutierrez won the "Dodger National Anthem Challenge," a contest sponsored by K-Earth 101 to celebrate the Dodgers 50th Anniversary in Los Angeles. Read more and see photos in the Whittier Daily News. More »
Nerhood Award for Excellence in Teaching Awarded to Van Oosbree
04.01.08 Whittier College Professor Patricia Van Oosbree is the recipient of the 2008 Nerhood Award. Named for Professor Harry W. Nerhood, Professor Emeritus of History, the award recognizes overall excellence in teaching. Van Oosbree teaches in the department of kinesiology and leisure science and brings to Whittier College her extensive knowledge of health, nutrition, and exercise physiology. More »
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March
Los Angeles Times reports on changes in Whittier
03.24.08 Los Angeles Times' Column One looks at the city of Whittier's growing Latino community. Whittier College Professor Dan Duran and Trustee Ruth B. Shannon comment on this trend. More »
President Herzberger Speaks at City of Whittier Event
03.21.08 Evoking Quaker beliefs, Whittier College President Sharon Herzberger gave the morning prayer for the city, state and nation during the Mayor's Annual Prayer Breakfast. "The Quakers used silence to listen to disparate voices and search for commonality," she said. "The world would be better if we all realized the common humanity in all people."
Read more in the Whittier Daily News. More »
Prof. Rosemary Carbine Joins Conversation on Review of Senator Obama's Speech
03.19.08 Sen. Barack Obama's speech, responding to criticism of his relationship with Rev. Jeremiah Wright, touched on controversial issues regarding race, religion, and politics that had not been at the forefront of his campaign. The speech urged Americans to deal with the issue of race in this country and received praise from local experts according to an article in the Whittier Daily News. Rosemary Carbine, visiting assistant professor of religious studies at Whittier College says, "He described how the U.S. as a nation is more than the sum of its parts, and when he talked about Wright he noted the pastor is more than the sum of his sermons. He wants to find common ground with Wright, even as he rejects certain aspects of his worldview." Read more in the Whittier Daily News. More »
Whittier Students To Compete in "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz" Game Show
03.13.08 A team of four from Whittier College will be among eight college and university student teams selected to compete in the first annual "Know Your Heritage: Hispanic College Quiz" game show series, which will be hosted by NBC news anchor Zoraida Sambolin and will air across the country during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 - October 15. Produced by Central City Productions, the four half-hour shows will pose multiple-choice questions on Latino history. Each of the participating institutions are members of HACU, the Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities. More »
Spanish Professor Invited to Present Papers at Two March Conferences
03.11.08 This month, Doreen O'Connor-Gómez, professor of Spanish, is covering miles while delivering the results of recent research. On March 8, she traveled to Florida International University to present the paper "La guinda de la mierda: Immigration and Madrid's Urban Youth" at the Sexta Conferencia Bianual de Estudios Culturales Españoles y Latinoamericanos. On March 14-15, she will head for the University of North Texas in Denton, where she has been invited to give a version of her forthcoming article, "Spectacle and Violence: Immigration in Spain Today" (Hispania, March 2008), at the Second International Conference: "Spanishness" in the Spanish Novel and Cinema of the 20th-21st Century. The latter work will be included as a chapter in her upcoming book, currently in progress.
Activists and Monks Speak About Struggle for Freedom in Burma
03.07.08 "Please use your liberty to promote ours." This was the message expressed by Burmese activist, Ko Pyay, during a forum designed to foster awareness of current political activism in Burma. The event held in Whittier College's Memorial Chapel was co-organized by Professor Jason Carbine and Ko Pyay. Read more and see photos on the Whittier Daily News website. More »
Kuwaiti Fulbright Scholar Hopes to Dispel Myths about Middle East
03.06.08 Alanoud Al-Sharekh, visiting Fulbright scholar and specialist in Middle Eastern feminist literature, hopes that through open dialogue and the sharing of her own experiences living in the region, she can help dispel some of the myths and hype that the Western media has fed to the American public.
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Nixon Fellows go to Washington
03.06.08 The Nixon Fellowship program is taking full advantage of the 2008 presidential election year hubbub to bring exciting new opportunities to Whittier College students. The newly selected Nixon Fellows will attend the Republican and Democratic National Conventions this summer. Stephen Addezio '09 will attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado and Daniel Strauss '09 will attend the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Both will also be part of the Washington Center's National Political Convention Seminar this summer.
Two other Nixon Fellows will be selected to attend the Presidential Inauguration in January 2009. One other fellow will carry-out a self-designed program. More »
Studio Exec Tim Clott '70 Named Distinguished Alumni Speaker for March 2008
03.04.08 Seasoned studio executive Tim Clott '70 will share stories and lessons learned throughout his career in the entertainment industry as the March 2008 Alumni House Distinguished Speaker.
Have you heard of popular children's programs like "Hi-5" or "Gordon the Garden Gnome"? Wondered at the re-birth of Barney the Dinosaur®? Caught an episode of five-time Emmy-winning show "Wishbone®"? Whittier grad Tim Clott was the management force behind these successes and many others. Regarded as a pioneer of the home entertainment video industry, he has driven a revolution in how the public watches movie and TV programming.
This "Dinner & Fireside Chat" is scheduled for March 19 at 6:30p.m. Reservations are required; please contact the Office of Alumni Relations, 562.907.4222. More »
City Council Candidates Debate at Whittier College
03.01.08 Local politics will heat up the Shannon Center as the City of Whittier turns out for its first debate of this election season, slated for Tuesday, March 11, at 8a.m. Among the participating candidates vying for three city positions will be incumbents Owen Newcomer, Joe Vinatieri, and Catherine Warner, as well as challenger Jeanette Fasone. Moderated by Jeff Ball, president of local business Friendly Hills Bank and Whittier alumnus (Class of 1989), debate topics will include hot-button issues such as development and preservation projects, general city safety issues, and land re-use proposals. More »
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February
Women's Auxiliary Announces "Garden of Fashion" Annual Scholarship Fundraiser
02.27.08 On Saturday, March 15, the Women's Auxiliary of Whittier College presents its annual scholarship fundraiser luncheon and fashion show, "Garden of Fashion." This event will take place in Memorial Chapel at 11:30a.m.; tickets are $35 and may be purchased at the door or in advance by contacting Lina Pelzer, 562.693.6690.Established in 1904,the Women's Auxiliary has been raising funds for Whittier College programs and projects for more than 100 years; proceeds from their annual fashion show/luncheon go toward scholarship awards for promising female students at Whittier. More »
Poet Athlete Swims Away with Highest Conference Honor in the Sport
02.26.08 Aquatic sensation Manny Sanchez '08 was named SCIAC Male Swimmer of the Year after winning his sixth, seventh, and eighth career conference titles at the 2008 SCIAC Championships at the Cerritos Aquatics Center, February 21-23.
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Martin Ortiz '48 Featured in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune
02.26.08 At 88, Martin Ortiz '48, director emeritus of the Center of Mexican American Affairs at Whittier College, is dealing with the effects of Parkinson's Disease. But as Bill Bell writes in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, for the man who dedicated his life to opening doors for generations of underprivileged would-be college students, it's all "mind over matter." More »
STEVE HARVEY's "Only in L.A."
02.26.08
In his weekly column for the Los Angeles Times, Steve Harvey pondered on the outcome of an imagined match between UC Irvine and Whittier College. "I'm not sure who I'd take in a battle between Irvine's Anteaters and the Poets of Whittier College. Some poets can get pretty rowdy."
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"The Listening Array" Exhibit Opens at Greenleaf Gallery
02.25.08 Greenleaf Gallery at Whittier College is pleased to present the upcoming exhibition by Megan and Murray McMillan, "The Listening Array." As a husband and wife artist-partnership, Megan and Murray McMillan collaborate to create videos, photographs and installations that incorporate elements of sculpture and performance. Each finished work contains fabricated structures and costumed performers and is designed with both highly crafted elements, such as walls engineered to move, and spontaneous elements, such as unrehearsed choreography. An Artist Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, February 27, at 7:15p.m. in Alumni House. An Opening Reception for the artists and their exhibit will be on Thursday, February 28, 7-9p.m.
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President Responds to NY Times Article, "Endowments Widen Higher Education Gap" (02.04.08)
02.10.08 In a letter to the editor, President Sharon Herzberger makes the case that size of endowment does not necessarily equate quality education. More »
Professor's Work Featured in New-York Historical Society (N-YHS) "Books that Matter" Campaign
02.10.08 Tigers, Rice, Silk and Silt: Environment and Economy in Late Imperial South China by Robert Marks, the Richard and Billie Deihl Distinguished Professor of History, is reviewed by fellow historian Elizabeth Blackmar, in a series presented by the N-YHS and published monthly in the New York Times' Book Review section. The series relates "what historians are reading now"; Marks' book was included in the February 10, 2008, edition of the Times. More »
Alumnus' First Book Generates Buzz, Reviewed in Sunday New York Times
02.03.08 Beautiful Children, the inaugural novel by alumnus Charles Bock '91, has decidedly attracted the attention of New York Times, landing as a feature in the February 3 Sunday Book Review, and within an in-depth interview with author Bock in the January 27 edition of the weekly magazine. Evoking shades of the gritty Las Vegas in which Bock grew up, the novel is anchored by the disappearance one night of a 12-year-old boy, but delivers a range of intersecting lives. More »
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January
Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest Winners Share Modern Take on Hero's Message
01.24.08 The annual contest honors the premier civil rights leader of the 20th century, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., by asking students to consider King’s vision for justice and how these lessons still apply in today’s world. Winners from the 7th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratorical Contest are: 1st Place, Jonathan Brasfield '11; 2nd Place, Angelie Montesa '09; 3rd Place, Carlos Salazar '08.
To read Brasfield's speech, click here.
To read Montesa's speech, click here. To read Salazar's speech, click here. More »
Kourtney Zilbert '11 Named "Player of the Week" by SCIAC
01.16.08 Women's basketball forward Kourtney Zilbert '11 has been named the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) for her performances in two games during the week of January 7, which contributed to consecutive wins against Caltech (59-40) and Cal Lutheran (62-54). More »
Whittier Professor-Composer Premieres Original Works at Carnegie Hall
01.10.08 A concert featuring original works by composer and associate professor of music at Whittier College Teresa LeVelle, with performances by two of her Whittier colleagues, Grammy-winning flautist Danny Lozano and pianist Stephen Cook, will be given at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall in New York More »
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