Notable Alumni of Whitman College: A Legacy of Achievement
Whitman College, a private liberal arts college nestled in Walla Walla, Washington, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1859. Over the years, it has produced a diverse array of accomplished individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, arts, sciences, business, and athletics. This article highlights some of the college's most prominent alumni, showcasing the breadth and depth of their achievements.
A Foundation of Liberal Arts Education
Whitman College emphasizes undergraduate studies in the liberal arts, providing students with a broad intellectual foundation. The college offers courses in 48 major fields and 34 minor fields and encourages students to design independent study programs, elect special majors, and participate in internships and study-abroad programs. This flexible and comprehensive approach to education has fostered a spirit of inquiry and innovation among its graduates.
Leaders in Politics and Public Service
Whitman College has a strong tradition of producing leaders in politics and public service.
William O. Douglas, an alumnus of Whitman College, served as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States from 1939 to 1975. Appointed at the young age of 40, he became one of the youngest justices to serve on the court. Douglas was known for his liberal views and his commitment to civil liberties.
Ryan Crocker is a retired American diplomat who has served as United States ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon. A recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Crocker has dedicated his career to serving his country on the international stage.
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Jena Griswold is the 39th Colorado Secretary of State, serving since January 8, 2019. As a Democrat, she has been a strong advocate for voting rights and election security.
Jesse Kiehl is a Democratic member of the Alaska Legislature representing the State Senate's B district and a former member of the Assembly of the City and Borough of Juneau, Alaska.
Innovators in Science and Technology
Whitman College alumni have also made significant contributions to the fields of science and technology.
Walter Houser Brattain, a physicist, shared the 1956 Nobel Prize in Physics with John Bardeen and William Shockley for their invention of the point-contact transistor. Brattain devoted much of his life to research on surface states.
David R. Nygren is a particle physicist known for his invention of the time projection chamber. He is currently a Presidential Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of Texas at Arlington.
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Edith Quimby was an American medical researcher and physicist, best known as one of the founders of nuclear medicine. Her work involved developing diagnostic and therapeutic applications of X-rays.
Celebrated Figures in Arts and Entertainment
Whitman College has nurtured the talents of many individuals who have achieved recognition in the arts and entertainment industry.
Adam West, best known for his portrayal of Batman in the 1960s ABC series, remains a beloved figure in popular culture. His career spanned several decades, with appearances in film, television, and voice acting roles.
Dirk Benedict is an American film, television and stage actor, and author. He is best known for playing the characters Lieutenant Starbuck in the original Battlestar Galactica film and television series and Templeton "Face" Peck in The A-Team television series.
Patrick Page is an American actor, low bass singer, and playwright. Beginning his career in classical theatre and the works of Shakespeare, he originated the roles of the Grinch in Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical (2006), Norman Osborn/Green Goblin in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark (2011), and Hades in Hadestown (2019-2022).
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Otto Harbach was an American lyricist and librettist of nearly 50 musical comedies and operettas. Some of his more famous lyrics are "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes", "Indian Love Call" and "Cuddle up a Little Closer, Lovey Mine".
Anomie Belle is an American multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, producer, and artivist from Seattle.
Cullen Hoback is an American film producer and director. His documentary films include Monster Camp (2007), Terms and Conditions May Apply (2013), and What Lies Upstream (2018), as well as the HBO mini-series Q: Into the Storm (2021).
Accomplished Athletes and Coaches
Whitman College has a strong athletic tradition, with alumni achieving success in various sports.
Derrike Cope is an American professional stock car racing driver and team owner. He is best known for his surprise win in the 1990 Daytona 500.
Tommy Lloyd is an American college basketball coach who is the current head coach at the University of Arizona of the Big 12 Conference. His 61 wins in the first two seasons are the most for any head coach in NCAA Division I history.
Holly Brooks is an American cross-country skier who competed in the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics.
Mara Abbott is an American former women's bicycle racer. In 2010, Abbott became the first US cyclist ever to win the Giro d'Italia Femminile, one of the Grand Tours of women's bicycle racing.
Leaders in Business and Entrepreneurship
Whitman College alumni have also made their mark in the world of business and entrepreneurship.
John W. Stanton is an American businessman. He is the chairman of the board of Trilogy International Partners, as well as the majority owner of the Seattle Mariners of Major League Baseball.
Contributions to Academia and Literature
Whitman College has a proud legacy of producing scholars, writers, and educators.
Morten Lauridsen is an American composer and teacher. A National Medal of Arts recipient (2007), he was composer-in-residence of the Los Angeles Master Chorale from 1994 to 2001, and is professor emeritus of composition at the USC Thornton School of Music, where he taught for fifty-two years until his retirement in 2019.
John Markoff is a journalist best known for his work covering technology at The New York Times for 28 years until his retirement in 2016.
Debra Dean is an American writer, best known for her 2006 novel, The Madonnas of Leningrad.
Linnie Marsh Wolfe was an American librarian. She won the 1946 Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography for her 1945 biography of John Muir titled Son of the Wilderness: The Life of John Muir.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Whitman College is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The college has implemented various initiatives to support students from underrepresented backgrounds and to promote intercultural understanding.
Continued Growth and Development
Whitman College continues to evolve and adapt to meet the changing needs of its students and the world around it. The college has invested in new facilities, expanded its academic programs, and strengthened its commitment to sustainability.
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