All Whittier College residence halls will be air conditioned as of fall 2026, thanks to a generous gift from Trustee Fred Anderson ’66 and his wife Marilyn Anderson supporting upgrades to three first-year residence halls.
The project represents a significant investment in student comfort and academic success, particularly for first-year students arriving on campus during the warmest weeks of the academic year. The upgrades reflect Whittier’s commitment to creating supportive environments where students can thrive academically, socially, and personally from the moment they arrive on campus.
“For many students, especially those living away from home for the first time, the residential experience shapes their sense of belonging and connection,” said President Kristine E. Dillon ’73. “Offering individual room temperature control in all remaining traditional residential halls represents a huge improvement for Poets' ability to study, sleep and socialize comfortably on campus. We are deeply grateful to Fred and Marilyn Anderson for their support."
Residence halls are often where students form their first friendships, establish routines, and adjust to college life. The addition of cooling systems will help ensure these living and learning environments support rest, concentration, connection, and overall wellbeing.
“The residential experience is such an important part of a student’s college journey,” said Fred and Marilyn Anderson. “We hope these improvements will help students focus on learning, building lasting relationships, and realizing their full potential during their time at Whittier.”
The installation of high-efficiency air conditioning units in Ball, Johnson, and Stauffer Halls builds on the College’s ongoing efforts to promote student wellbeing and a vibrant campus community.
“This gift is both practical and meaningful because it directly impacts students every day,” said Delite Travis, vice president of development. “Fred and Marilyn Anderson’s philanthropy demonstrates a powerful commitment to creating spaces where students can learn, grow, and feel a sense of belonging within the Poet community.”
