President Kristine Dillon ’73, Ph.D., welcomed Poets back for Homecoming Weekend with the 2025 State of the College Address and Poet Awards ceremony. Under the theme “The Journey Forward,” Dillon highlighted how the College is moving ahead with clarity, purpose, and pride.
The address reflected on progress made under the Short-Range Strategic Plan and outlined initiatives designed to preserve Whittier’s identity as a personalized, residential liberal arts college rooted in Quaker values of service and leadership.
Now in its third year, Whittier’s Short-Range Strategic Plan has produced measurable results. Applications, deposits, and overall enrollment continue to rise, with a projected 5,800 applications for fall 2026. The College increased its footprint in the Western U.S. and doubled inquiries since fall 2024.
“We have made great investments in talented staff and technology …[and] we are now seeing results,” Dillon said.
Financially, the College celebrated a record fundraising year, exceeding its 2024–25 goal by achieving $7.19 million — 101.8% of target. The Trustees Leadership Challenge targeted $1 million, and for the second year, overachieved by 166%. Faithful Friends, the dedicated annual donors, achieved 150% of their goal. It was also the most successful Big Poet Give to date, 60% higher than the College’s prior best.
Whittier remains committed to access and affordability: 100% of students receive financial aid, with half qualifying for Pell Grants. Expanded scholarships — including new Trustee, Presidential, and Dean’s Scholars — ensure talented students can thrive regardless of financial barriers.
Athletics continue to energize campus life, with 35% of incoming students competing across collegiate sports. The reinstatement of football and men’s lacrosse, coupled with renovations to the George Allen Fitness Center, reflects Whittier’s investment in a dynamic student experience.
“Athletes will soon have an amazing, renovated facility to use, and all students will have access to fitness equipment conveniently distributed across campus,” Dillon said.
The new Whittier Works initiative links classroom learning to career pathways through community engagement and experiential education. Led by Professor Cinzia Fissore, Assistant Dean for Experiential Education Megan Gray and Director of Career and Professional Development Sandra Arana, the program is gaining steam around interdisciplinary projects in kinesiology and sport management, physics and aerospace, and art and design. Among its signature ventures is the Whittier College’s coffee orchard.
“Our on-campus coffee orchard shows what’s possible when the College bridges academic instruction, research, industry partnerships, and hands-on experience — the kinds of connections that Whittier Works will broadly foster,” Dillon said.
Dillon also touched on student excellence, spotlighted internships and fellowships, and highlighted a sampling of the scholarship and creative activity of Whittier’s talented faculty.
Whittier’s influence continues to grow nationally. Thought leadership from faculty experts and scholarly expertise have been elevated in platforms including U.S. News & World Report, MarketWatch, The Hechinger Report, Time, Newsweek, and other leading outlets, contributing to Whittier’s rise to No. 92 among national liberal arts colleges and No. 14 in social mobility.
“We may be small, but we are recognized for our outsize effect,” Dillon said. “Thank you all for coming and for supporting Whittier College on our journey forward.”
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