We are proud to present in these pages a portrait of what I see on campus every day: an energized and dedicated community of which we can all be proud.
Since joining as interim president this summer, I have witnessed Whittier rising to meet a renewed sense of mission. The paint is fresh, the lawns are lush, and our signature buildings are stately — an irresistible enticement to prospective students and a source of pride for current students, employees, and alumni. The college garnered notice this fall as one of the nation’s top 10 performers on social mobility among liberal arts colleges as reported in U.S. News & World Report. The distinction recognizes our successful efforts to support economically disadvantaged students as they achieve not only graduation but relevant employment.
Whittier’s successes are due in no small part to our personalized approach to a liberal arts education for all students that is tied to careers or advanced study after graduation. Our professors not only tailor their teaching to their students, but they also nurture and encourage students’ professional ambitions beyond their time with us. That’s why Poet alumni, including me, are proud of where our college can take today’s students.
To harness all of this enthusiasm and to support the college’s forward momentum in enrollment and fundraising, we have launched an initiative — Whittier Now! — to raise an additional $12.5 million beyond the typical giving level over the next five years. We have already seen a significant uptick beyond previous levels in alumni giving both in terms of donors and dollars. Already, current and former members of our Board of Trustees have stepped up with more than $1 million before the end of this year. I hope you can see that the time is ripe for you, too, to give back to Whittier.
Enjoy this magazine, revel in the good things happening on campus, and, as always, Go Poets!
