I am very excited about these changes and grateful to the committed alumni who’ve stepped up and taken on leadership roles and committee assignments. I encourage all alumni to continue your involvement with Whittier.
In addition to myself, our executive board consists of Amanda (Vaughn) Wherritt ’99, vice chair; Ellie Rose Maas ’10, secretary; Robert (Duarte) Allarte ’16, communications director; Sophin Zoe Pruong-McCreery ’01, diversity, equity, and inclusion committee chair; Cody (Allman) Allarte `16, development committee chair; and Raye Thomas ’08, Poet Network committee chair.
We intend to be a working board and thus have established various committees that are designed to give back to Whittier College in the areas that are most needed. Below are descriptions of the committees and its members.
Chaired by Pruong-McCreery, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee is intended to consist of a diverse membership including representatives from the other cultural/identity-based affinity alumni organization (e.g., Black Alumni Association, Alianza de Los Amigos, APIDA, etc.). The committee will work closely with Alumni Relations and the Office of Equity & Inclusion. Committee members: Dorian Almaraz ’14, Rodolfo “Rudy” Marquez ’18, Robert Jacobo ’11, Gaby Gil ’17.
Chaired by Cody Allarte, the focus of the Development Committee is on financial sustainability efforts for the alumni association. The committee will work closely with the Development Office. Committee members: Bill Francis ’64, Frank Olson ’64, Cassandra Ronquillo ’14, Amanda Settlage ’09.
The Poet Network Committee is chaired by Thomas and works with Alumni Relations and Center for Career & Professional Development to implement networking opportunities for alumni, initiates possible mentorship and/or employment opportunities with students or campus departments, and assists Alumni Relations with social media engagement. Committee members: Kevin Perez-Allen ’05, Magaly Perez ’10, Kristine Mariscal ’10, and Amer Rashid ’17.
Join our greater Poet network now, and make new friends or reconnect with old ones, find career connections and resources, and help build the future of your alma mater! Volunteer opportunities range from career mentors and guest speakers to affinity organizations and fundraising groups to leadership councils and student campaigns.
Currently, we have established and are developing affinity alumni groups such as the Black Alumni Association, Alianza de Los Amigos (Latinx), Choir alumni, LGBTQA+ Alumni Association, APIDA Alumni Association, and athletics-focused groups. Contact alumni@whittier.edu to learn more about current alumni opportunities and leadership organizations that need your talent, your time, and your input.
We appreciate your continued commitment and enthusiasm to stay connected to Whittier College.
Go Poets!
Vincent Vigil ’02, Chair
Whittier College Alumni Association