Whitworth University News

Whitworth senior receives prestigious language scholarship from U.S. State Department

2012-05-18T09:11:00.001-07:00

Whitworth senior Grady Kepler, a sociology major from Lewistown, Mont., has been selected among 5,200 applicants nationwide to receive a Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) from the U.S. State Department to study critical languages this summer. Kepler will be studying Arabic in Tunisia through the scholarship program.

Kepler is among roughly 575 U.S. undergraduate and graduate students who have received such scholarships to study Arabic, Azerbaijani, Bangla/Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, Persian, Punjabi, Russian, Turkish, or Urdu languages. Kepler and his fellow scholarship recipients will spend seven to ten weeks in intensive language institutes this summer in 14 countries where these languages are spoken. The CLS Program provides fully-funded, group-based intensive language instruction and structured cultural enrichment experiences. CLS Program participants are expected to continue their language study beyond the scholarship and apply their critical language skills in their future professional careers.

Kepler says he applied for the program because he saw it as a way to further his knowledge of Arabic language and culture. He says studying Arabic has provided opportunities to build relationships and to become informed about a culture and language very different from his own. It also fits in with his desire to work with refugees in the long-term.

"Studying Arabic abroad will allow me to become immersed in the language and it is one of the best ways to become better acquainted with the political, cultural and religious issues of the Middle East," Kepler says. "Whitworth has challenged me to understand my role and responsibility in understanding and meeting the needs of our world, and I hope to use this opportunity to strengthen my ability to live and work in a cross-cultural environment and to address the needs of those in my community, both at Whitworth and wherever I may be called after I graduate."

The CLS Program is part of a U.S. government effort to expand dramatically the number of Americans studying and mastering critical foreign languages. Selected finalists for the 2012 CLS Program hail from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia and represent 239 institutions of higher education from across the United States, including public and private universities, liberal arts colleges, minority-serving institutions and community colleges.

During CLS Program outreach activities, particular attention is paid to states/regions of the U.S. that have been historically under-represented in the CLS applicant pool and to students from diverse backgrounds and academic majors. The CLS Program also encourages diversity in the independent review process, and includes readers and panelists from land-grant public universities, liberal arts colleges, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs), Ivy League institutions, and community colleges. In 2012, 256 professionals including critical language faculty, area studies specialists, international education professionals, and fellowship advisors participated in the selection process for the Critical Language Scholarship Program. Readers and panelists represented 44 states and 143 institutions.

CLS Program participants are among the more than 40,000 academic and professional exchange program participants supported annually by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) to promote mutual understanding and respect between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. The CLS Program is administered by the Council of American Overseas Research Centers (CAORC) and American Councils for International Education.

For further information about the CLS Program or other exchange programs offered by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, please visit http://www.clscholarship.org and http://exchanges.state.gov.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

James Lawrence, bureau of educational and cultural affairs, U.S. Department of State, (202) 632-3241.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth alum to pursue graduate studies in international development at Oxford

2012-05-17T14:40:00.000-07:00

After being accepted into four esteemed graduate schools in Great Britain, Whitworth alumnus Adrian Kitimbo, '12, has decided to attend the University of Oxford this fall, where he will conduct graduate work on international development and conflicts.

Kitimbo, who is from Uganda and studied at Whitworth as an international student, was also accepted to three other renowned universities in the United Kingdom: the London School of Economics, King's College, and University College. He says in the long-term he would like to either work for a development organization or to work directly within the Ugandan government as an expert on development and humanitarian emergencies, especially those resulting from civil conflicts.

"I am very passionate about engaging humanitarian problems in regions embroiled in civil conflicts, and helping to properly manage development in poor countries such as Uganda," Kitimbo says.

Kitimbo first heard about Whitworth through a friend who was an alumna. She told him how much she appreciated the school community and the professors in the political science department. After talking with professors and students, and being impressed with the content and structure of the international studies program, Kitimbo decided that Whitworth was where he belonged.

"I had a wonderful time at Whitworth," says Kitimbo, who graduated last January with a degree in international studies with an emphasis in political science. "The school's community was very friendly and supportive. I also felt like Whitworth was a very intellectually stimulating environment, where all sorts of discussions could be held."

Kitimbo credits Professor of Political Science John Yoder as the professor who most influenced him during his time at Whitworth.

"John's passion for resolving conflicts and his interest in developing countries were very much in line with my academic and career goals," he says. "John is also a mentor who always tries to be available for his students. His classes taught me to think independently and to believe in my work."

Kitimbo says Whitworth prepared him well to engage the world outside the university, and was a great place to grow intellectually and make great friends. He encourages students to apply themselves academically, to get to know their professors, to make friends, and to simply enjoy the close-knit community.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth alumnus appointed president of North Idaho College

2012-05-17T09:35:00.001-07:00

Joe Dunlap, '72, will assume new position July 1

On April 26, Whitworth alumnus Joe Dunlap, '72, currently president of Spokane Community College, was selected as the ninth president of North Idaho College, in Coeur d'Alene.

"I am most looking forward to working with faculty and staff and developing new relationships and partnerships that accelerate achievement of organizational goals," Dunlap says.

Dunlap has a long history in higher education, having served as both president and vice president of instruction at Spokane Community College. Prior to those positions, he was vice president of instruction at Clover Park Technical College, in Lakewood, Wash., and dean of science and industrial technology at Mt. Hood Community College, in Gresham, Ore. He was the the founding director of the School of Aviation Sciences at Western Michigan University, where he also served as a professor of military science.

Dunlap earned a doctorate in education from Oregon State University's Community College Leadership program and a master's degree in business administration from City University in Seattle. At Whitworth he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration.

During his time at Whitworth, Dunlap was a member of the ROTC and planned on entering the military as an Army aviator after graduation. He credits his Whitworth business professors for helping guide him through his change in major from education to business, as well as for instilling in him a sense of belonging.

"I initially started out majoring in education and was given to opportunity to student teach, which I thoroughly enjoyed," he says. "I later changed my major to business. The combination of education and business helped prepare me for a career in education."

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth alumna releases memoir, "Faith and Other Flat Tires"

2012-05-16T11:13:00.001-07:00

For the majority of her life, Andrea Palpant Dilley, '00, was surrounded by Christian influences. She spent her childhood in Kenya raised by Quaker missionary parents before moving to Spokane, where she was active in a Presbyterian youth group and later attended Whitworth. Yet when she reached age 23, she says, "I stepped over the threshold of the church and walked away. I had no idea if I would come back." Dilley has since returned to the faith, and decided to chronicle her struggles in a new memoir, Faith and Other Flat Tires: Searching for God on the Rough Road of Doubt (Zondervan, 2012).

Dilley says though struggling with faith is common, people often hide and stigmatize their own doubt. She cites Job, Lamentations, and the Psalms as illustrations of doubt being a healthy part of faith. Dilley wanted to normalize that struggle by sharing her story with others who might be going through similar experiences.

"As I correspond with readers, I've been surprised by the diversity of people who seem to resonate with the story: college students trying to figure out faith, retirees reflecting back on their own stories, and people in life stages in between," Dilley says. "Even readers with no religious affiliation have connected with the book. Recently, a young woman sent me a letter in which she described herself as a 'worn-out theist' who felt like the book offered solidarity in the ongoing struggle of the human condition. This book is written for her, and for anyone who's ever wrestled with questions of doubt, faith, and belief in God."

Though only recently released, Faith and Other Flat Tires has already received praise from pastoral and academic critics alike. Steve Sherwood, assistant professor of Christian ministry at George Fox University, says, "We are in need of people like Andrea, who do not shy away from their questions and doubts."

Dilley says attending a Christian college influenced her spiritual struggle in various ways.

"In some ways it prompted me to resist my surroundings, to push out beyond the bounds of that space. I wanted to find out what the world looked like if I walked out the doors of the church," she says. "But at the same time, I was surrounded by really smart, thoughtful Christians who listened to my questions, affirmed my search, and walked with me in my growing faith crisis. I imagine that—had I attended a secular university—that mentorship experience might have been qualitatively different. I might have felt less equipped for and lonelier in my journey through doubt."

Although Dilley left the church, she says she never fully left the faith. Rather, she says, her beliefs went underground for a period of time as she stepped outside the Christian community.

"I rediscovered my beliefs not through a road-to-Damascus epiphany, but through darkness," she says. "But then, after two years of spending time with people who didn't talk about faith, philosophy, or metaphysics, I became more dissatisfied with churchlessness than with church. I felt alone with my struggle. My angry questions about God didn't even have a place at the table. After a time, I realized that my doubts and questions belonged inside the sanctuary. They only made sense in a theistic framework. Paradoxically, my doubts about faith actually brought me back to faith and back to church."

Dilley says while nothing can fully prepare someone for writing a book, spending four years writing English papers at Whitworth prepared her for what's required: solitude, research, and the grueling discipline of writing daily.

"The inspirational muses don't come flitting into the room," she says. "You force them to come through habit and consistency."

Dilley encourages college students struggling with their faith to resist settling into that doubt. Push into it, she says. Try to see it as an outgrowth of your longing for God. Sift through evidence and ideas.

"Talk to professors and priests, atheists and agnostics," she says. "Read books. Ask hard questions. Even if you can't find answers, ask which worldview dignifies and affirms the questions themselves. In my experience, Christian theism most deeply validates questions about suffering, longing, and doubt. With that in mind, bring your questions inside the space of the church. Stay in community with other pilgrims."

She continues, "Try to accept that none of us, regardless of our worldview, will have complete answers to all of life's deep questions. The German poet Ranier Maria Rilke wrote in his Letters to a Young Poet, 'Live the questions now. Perhaps then, someday far in the future, you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer.'"

On Sept. 21, Dilley will give a public reading of Faith and Other Flat Tires at Whitworth's Robinson Teaching Theatre at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and after the reading Dilley will sign autographs.

Dilley graduated from Whitworth in 2000 with degrees in English writing, literature, and Spanish. She is a documentary producer whose work has aired nationally on American Public Television. Her writing has appeared in Rock and Sling, Geez Magazine, Utne Reader, and most recently on CNN.com. She is the recipient of Whitworth's 2009 Young Alumni Award and has collaborated with Whitworth to produce the documentaries In Time of War, Art in Me, and A Portrait of Leonard Oakland.

For more information on Dilley and her upcoming readings, visit www.andreapalpantdilley.com. Faith and Other Flat Tires is available at amazon.com, zondervan.com, Barnes & Noble, and local bookstores.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Gates Millennium Scholar chooses to attend Whitworth

2012-05-15T14:21:00.001-07:00

Recipient is a member of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe

Coeur d'Alene Tribal Member Vernie Ronald Johnson III, who was recently selected as a Gates Millennium Scholar (GMS), which provides a full-ride college scholarship, has decided to pursue his education at Whitworth University. He plans to major in kinesiology.

A senior at Lapwai High School, "Ronnie" Johnson has been on the Honor Roll throughout his high school career, has served as the captain of the LHS Knowledge Bowl team, and was the 2011 recipient of LHS's citizenship award. In addition, Johnson has participated in the Dual Credit Program to prepare for college and has earned college credits through both Lewis-Clark State College and the University of Idaho. He has also volunteered for the local Meals on Wheels program making and delivering meals to senior citizens in Lapwai and has served as a mentor for younger student athletes in local youth and middle school track and football programs.

In addition to his academic accomplishments, Johnson is a standout student athlete who has excelled in football, basketball and track throughout his high school career. Johnson will be attending Whitworth University starting in the fall, where he received an academic scholarship and an undergraduate minority diversity scholarship. He will play football for the Pirates.

"I knew I was a finalist for the program, but I was really surprised when my principal told me I had been chosen for the scholarship," Johnson says. "I'm really excited to be able to attend Whitworth – I visited their football program and I really liked their campus and the academic programs they offered. I just knew I wanted to go play football and get my degree there and I'm honored that the Gates Millennium Scholar Program is going to help me do just that."

Coeur d'Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan says, "The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is really proud of Ronnie – he has already accomplished so much both academically and athletically. He's a great role model for all of our tribal kids and he's definitely a rising star in our tribe."

Johnson was recommended and nominated to apply for the scholarship by the school's athletic director, Mary Lynn Walker and was encouraged by his science and English teachers to complete the application process. Approximately 24,000 students applied to the GMS Program and Johnson was one of 1,000 new students who received this year's award.

"Education continues to be the best pathway to opportunity, and we believe that college costs should not be an obstacle along that path," says Jim Larimore, deputy director for student success at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. "That's why scholarships like the Gates Millennium Scholars Program and others are so important. Scholarships provide students who have the will to get a postsecondary education with a way to get one, thereby securing a better future for themselves, their families and their communities."

The GMS Program is funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and was established in 1999 to provide outstanding low income African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American, and Hispanic American students with an opportunity to complete an undergraduate college education in any discipline they choose. The program provides recipients with leadership development opportunities, mentoring, academic and social support as well as financial support. The program is known for its recipients' high graduation rates – a six-year rate of 90 percent (45 percent higher than the national graduation rates for all students).

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Heather Keen, director of public relations, Coeur d'Alene Tribe, (208) 686-2023 or hkeen@cdatribe-nsn.gov.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Cowles announced as donors of $3 million endowed chair in gifted education at Whitworth

2012-05-02T09:31:00.002-07:00

James P. and Wanda Cowles, longtime Spokane community leaders and friends of Whitworth, have been announced as the donors who last fall pledged $3 million to fund an endowed chair in gifted education at Whitworth. The gift, which was named in honor of Margo Long, a long-serving associate professor of education who founded Whitworth's Center for Gifted Education & Professional Development, will support Whitworth's commitment to preparing teachers who pursue a vocation in serving gifted and talented students and ensure the future success of the center, which is the only one of its kind in Washington state.

"We are so grateful for the generosity and vision of Jim and Wanda Cowles in simultaneously celebrating the university's rich history of academic excellence and helping us point to a promising future for our students and faculty through this extraordinary gift," says Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor. "Jim and Wanda wanted the focus to be placed on Margo Long's remarkable legacy and on her national reputation in gifted and talented education, but we asked that they grant us permission to make their generosity and initiative known to the public. The news was simply too good for us to keep secret, particularly given their long history with Whitworth."

James P. Cowles is chairman of Inland Empire Paper Co., a subsidiary of Spokane-based Cowles Co. Wanda Cowles worked as an elementary school teacher in California, and has been a leader in Washington state education, most recently serving with Margo Long on the State gifted advisory Committee for the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The Cowles family's connection with Whitworth dates back to the early 1900s, when Jim Cowles' grandfather, William H. Cowles, who founded Cowles Publishing Co., worked with fellow Spokane businessman JP Graves to raise the necessary funds to relocate Whitworth to Spokane from Tacoma in 1914. Jim's father, William H. Cowles, Jr., served as a Whitworth trustee from 1960-71, and Wanda Cowles served as a trustee from 1988-95. Several buildings on campus are named after the Cowles family in honor of their long-standing support of the university, including Cowles Auditorium and the Harriet Cheney Cowles Memorial Library.

Whitworth established the Center for Gifted Education & Professional Development in 1979, in response to the growing need for leadership on the east side of Washington state to facilitate the distribution of materials and to provide services for the exceptionally able learner. Since state money was available at that time, public schools, particularly in rural districts, were eager to plan categorical programs and implement curriculum. These districts felt that their situations differed greatly from the large metropolitan districts west of the Cascades. Consequently, the Center for Gifted Education and Professional Development at Whitworth University was established to offer graduate courses and to provide in-service, consultant aid and other practical resources.

Whitworth's center supports and develops policies and practices that encourage and respond to the diverse expressions of gifts and talents in children and youth from all cultures, racial and ethnic backgrounds, and socioeconomic groups. To this end, the center supports and engages in research and development, staff development, advocacy, and communication and collaboration with other organizations and agencies that strive to improve the quality of education for all students.

In addition, the center's extensive library of current and classic gifted materials, including periodicals and major texts in the field, is a valuable resource for teachers in the areas of curriculum planning, classroom management, learning styles realization, and lesson planning for gifted children in all types of programs.

Margo Long served as director of the center from its inception until her retirement last spring. In addition to her work at Whitworth, Long helped propose the Washington state specialty endorsement for teaching the gifted and served on the committee of the OSPI that examined meeting the needs of underrepresented K-12 gifted and talented students. She also received the Courage Award from the Washington Association of Educators of Talented & Gifted.

The Margo Long Endowed Chair in Gifted Education will allow Whitworth to hire a national leader in this important field, thereby assuring Whitworth's national prominence as a center of excellence in gifted education.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Scott McQuilkin, vice president for institutional advancement, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4368 or smcquilkin@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Health sciences alumna receives esteemed scholarship for doctorate program

2012-04-24T15:20:00.001-07:00

Shortly before she graduated from Whitworth last spring, health sciences alumna Shannon Eshoff, '11, was named a University of Puget Sound Physical Therapy Fellow, offsetting more than half of her tuition costs for her graduate education. Eshoff was selected as one of two fellows in a program of 37 students. She is enrolled in the doctorate of physical therapy program at the university, where she will graduate in 2014.

Eshoff first heard about the fellowship when she visited the UPS campus as a prospective student. The program director mentioned that once the incoming class was determined, two students in the program would be selected to receive a fellowship based on their applications. Recipients of the fellowship must display leadership and characteristics that are essential in physical therapy, Eshoff says.

"When I first found out that I received the fellowship, I was in disbelief," says Eshoff, who is originally from Sacramento, Calif. "After the initial shock wore off, I felt very honored and humbled to be recognized with such a prestigious and generous award. I feel a continuing responsibility to uphold characteristics of leadership and to strive for excellence."

Eshoff highly recommends physical therapy as a career path to anyone who is interested in human anatomy and has a desire to make a difference in peoples' lives by improving their health. It's a profession that uses natural means and vast knowledge of anatomy for improving the health of those who suffer from skeletal-muscular impairments, she says. Therapists get to know their patients one-on-one and develop personal relationships with them.

Eshoff credits Whitworth for helping develop the mindset and skills she's further refining in graduate school. While at Whitworth, Eshoff took part in the Whitworth Choir, the Women's Choir, the Jazz Ensemble, intramurals, student life, and ASWU leadership.

"Whitworth has blessed me in many ways by expanding my knowledge, developing my character, and therefore preparing me for the future," Eshoff says. "The academic rigor and concurrent support of faculty and staff in the health science department encouraged me to strive for success, which I continue to do today. I cannot express how much I appreciate the investment my professors made in me and my education."

After graduate school, Eshoff would like to go into pediatric physical therapy, either in a children's hospital or in a private practice. Long-term she plans on specializing in a specific area of pediatric therapy. She also plans on becoming involved in the American Physical Therapy Association to help to grow and influence the profession.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Whitworth alumni live out their calling in the Peace Corps

2012-04-24T13:25:00.001-07:00

Since John F. Kennedy founded the Peace Corps in 1961, more than 150 Whitworth alumni have participated in the service-oriented program in dozens of countries. Alumni who have served in the Peace Corps span a variety of majors over many decades. In addition, several Whitworth professors have served in the Peace Corps, including Assistant Professor of English Nicole Sheets, who recently was assigned to the Republic of Maldova.

Brooke Evans, '01, and Susan Ahrens, '95, are two of the six Whitworth alumni currently working with the Peace Corps. They departed to their countries of service in 2011, where they will work until 2013.

Brooke Evans, '01, Mongolia

Brooke Evans' interest in the Peace Corps began at age 14, when a guest speaker came to her high school to talk about the opportunities within the organization. From then on, she says she knew it was something she would do at some point in her life.

Evans considered joining the Peace Corps after graduating from Whitworth, but she chose instead to accept an Emerson Hunger Fellowship with the Congressional Hunger Center. After graduate school, she discovered a fulfilling career as program director of community-based crisis mental health services in Hawaii. She also served as a part-time social work instructor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Evans decided she'd probably wait to volunteer for the Peace Corps until retirement, but a couple of years ago, she says she found herself at a good break point in her career and it felt like the perfect time to think about Peace Corps service again.

"As a social worker, I was looking for ways to practice and learn about my profession abroad, and working with Peace Corps felt like the perfect way to do that," Evans says. "I was also feeling excited about learning another language, and seeking a bit of an adventure and change of pace in my life. Peace Corps has been a wonderful way to accomplish all of those things."

Evans was placed in Mongolia, where she says social work is a relatively new profession. She is one of 14 volunteers with Mongolia's Community Youth Development (CYD) project. Each volunteer is placed in a different agency, and Evans is in the capitol city of Ulaanbaatar. She works with the Mongolian Association of School Social Workers, a nongovernment organization focused on training and professional development, capacity building, and advocacy for school social work in the country.

In her work, Evans trains school social workers, teaches university students, and gives community presentations on topics such as U.S. social work practice, mental health, sexual violence, substance and alcohol abuse, and youth-related depression and suicide. She also conducts research and is currently writing a paper and presentation on Mongolian school social work practice, which she will share at an international conference in Ghana. In her spare time, Evans is a part of Agaa-Egee, a start-up project for youth in orphanages that resembles the American Big Brother, Big Sister program.

Evans advises students considering entering the Peace Corps to understand their motivations for service, be realistic in their expectations, and be prepared for just about anything. If they feel open, flexible, drawn to service, and ready for personal change, she encourages them to apply.

"I love the Peace Corps expression that it is 'the toughest job you'll ever love' because it sums up the Peace Corps volunteer experience so well," Evans says. "Peace Corps service is amazing – it stretches you to think in new ways, it exposes you to alternative cultural beliefs and experiences, it pushes you to examine your privilege as someone from the United States, and it helps you learn to work and live in very different conditions than you are used to."

For Evans, who graduated from Whitworth with degrees in communication studies and political studies, learning to think critically at Whitworth was a skill she says she's used in graduate school, the workplace, and now in Mongolia. She says she appreciates being exposed to many different fields through a liberal arts education.

At Whitworth, Evans says her most influential professors were Professor Emeritus Ginny Whitehouse and Professors Mike Ingram and Ron Pyle, all of the communication studies department, and Professor of Political Science Julia Stronks.

"Each of these individuals helped me become the person that I am," she says. "They assisted me academically, professionally, and personally. In fact, they all still play a role in my life today. They taught me to think, synthesize information, write, speak, and find my place in the world."

Evans arrived in Mongolia last June and will leave in August 2013. When she returns to the U.S., she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in social welfare.

Susan Ahrens, '95, South Africa

Wanting a fresh start after her business closed, Susan Ahrens began considering work abroad. Her daughter suggested she look into the Peace Corps. Ahrens took her advice, and in July 2011 she left for her 27-month assignment in South Africa.

Ahrens' first two months were spent learning the Setswana language before starting her position as resource specialist for two primary schools. She spends most of her time teaching English and computer classes, but also occasionally teaches classes in math, social sciences, natural sciences, and arts and culture.

Part of Ahrens' work is also to support initiatives by government and non-government organizations promoting HIV/AIDS awareness and education in schools and communities, as well as to develop strategies for handling the subject in schools. She works with school administrators, educators, parents and community members to strengthen partnerships between schools and the community. She's also initiated community programs designed to empower youth who have finished school.

Ahrens says the people she's met have been very welcoming, and adds that the people are the most rewarding part of her job.

"To learn in-depth about another culture and make new friends both young and old is something that can't be compared to anything else," she says.

One of Ahrens' greatest challenges has been teaching in schools that lack basic supplies.

"People have been asking me what the schools need. They need everything," she says. "Supplies, balls, games, construction paper, compasses, protractors, rulers, scissors, playground equipment, crayons, colored pencils, money for uniforms, and books, books, books."

Ahrens encourages students considering the Peace Corps to learn patience, for both the organization's long application process and their actual work abroad.

"My teaching degree from Whitworth prepared me to be able to walk into classrooms a world away and teach in a respectful and professional manner," Ahrens says.

Since President John F. Kennedy established the Peace Corps by executive order on March 1, 1961, more than 200,000 Americans have served in 139 host countries. Today, 9,095 volunteers are working with local communities in 75 host countries. Peace Corps volunteers must be U.S. citizens and at least 18 years of age. Peace Corps service is a 27-month commitment and the agency's mission is to promote world peace and friendship and a better understanding between Americans and people of other countries. Visit www.peacecorps.gov for more information.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth appoints new business dean

2012-04-23T16:04:00.002-07:00

Timothy Wilkinson, currently interim dean at Montana State University, to begin July 1

Whitworth Senior Associate Provost for Academic Affairs Barbara Sanders announced on April 20 the appointment of Timothy Wilkinson as dean of the university's School of Global Commerce & Management. Wilkinson, who currently serves as interim dean of the College of Business at Montana State University Billings, brings significant experience in international business, entrepreneurship and marketing to his new position, effective July 1.

"Dr. Wilkinson's alignment with Whitworth's mission, his collaborative leadership style, his marketing and communications skills, and his strong faith uniquely qualify him to serve as the next dean of the School of Global Commerce and Management," Sanders says. "His experience in involving the business community in creative ways will provide a platform for Whitworth's increased local outreach in Spokane, and his many international connections will extend the university's global reach."

Wilkinson has nearly 20 years of experience in business education and administration. He has served as interim dean of MSU Billings' College of Business and as director of the university's Center for Business Enterprise since 2010, and he has been a professor of marketing there since 2006. He says he was attracted to Whitworth's mission and the level of enthusiasm displayed by students, faculty and staff for advancing that mission, as well as the reputation of the business school.

"Whitworth's mission of educating both the mind and heart is appealing to me because it recognizes that human beings are made in the image of God and that the meaning of life is about much more than the acquisition of material gain, which is particularly important in the realm of business education," Wilkinson says. "It's clear to me that Whitworth is a special place and the School of Global Commerce and Management has a bright future, and it is an honor to be associated with such a fine university."

As the Charles L. Boppell Dean of Whitworth's School of Global Commerce & Management (SGCM), Wilkinson will oversee faculty and staff serving nearly 400 students in traditional undergraduate programs in accounting, economics, business management, international business and marketing; a non-traditional program in organizational management primarily serving working adults; and master's programs in business administration and international management. The school has developed a reputation for its faculty's expertise in international business and for the global focus of its programs. The deanship is named in honor of California restaurant executive Chuck Boppell and his wife, Karlyn, who made a significant gift last year toward a new $3 million endowed dean position.

Wilkinson, a noted expert in the area of exports and export promotion, has published numerous articles in publications such as the MIT Sloan Management Review, the Journal of International Business Studies and The Wall Street Journal. In 2011, he won a prestigious Berry-AMA Prize for the best book in marketing published in 2010 for The Distribution Trap! How to Retain the Value of Your Innovation, which he co-authored with Andrew R. Thomas.

During his time as interim dean, Wilkinson worked to reposition MSU Billings' College of Business as an entrepreneurship school, such as by developing entrepreneur-in-residence and executive-in-residence programs, and he also led the creation of the Virtual Business Development Consortium. He strongly backed efforts to increase student diversity on campus, including by working with Montana tribal colleges and recruiting internationally, and he also developed international degree program partnerships with universities in South Korea, China, and Germany. In addition, he oversaw the business school's accreditation maintenance efforts, which will benefit SGCM as it pursues its accreditation with the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

Prior to coming to MSU Billings, Wilkinson served as associate director of the Institute for Global Business at the University of Akron, where he was also an associate professor of international business. Prior to that, he worked as an assistant professor of public policy and administration at Boise State University.

In addition to his work in academia, Wilkinson has served as a consultant to numerous businesses and organizations. He is a member of the Academy of International Business and the International Academy for Case Studies, and he serves on the boards of the MSU Billings Foundation and the Montana Business Incubator.

Wilkinson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming in 1985 and a master's of public administration at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1988. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Utah in 1996. He and his wife, Diane, have five children ages 14 to 24.

Members of the SGCM dean search committee included President Beck A. Taylor, Barb Sanders, Craig Hinnenkamp, Heather Rogers, John Hengesh, Christie Anderson, Rob Buckham, Maxine Lammers, and Ruth Pells.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Barbara Sanders, senior associate provost for academic affairs, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4303 or bsanders@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Two Whitworth teams take first place at regional business plan competition

2012-04-20T16:30:00.005-07:00

Whitworth teams win for lawn care and "green" maid services

Two Whitworth teams took first place in their respective categories in the 2012 Inland Northwest Business Plan Competition, winning a total of $10,000 in prize money.

Nine teams of students, from Whitworth University, Eastern Washington University, and Spokane Community College captured a total of $22,500 in cash awards for proposals they submitted for the competition, which is open to graduate and undergraduate students from throughout the region.

This year, more than 40 teams submitted plans in three project categories: social-enterprise, community-based, and student-generated. Fifteen teams were chosen to present their plans during the finals, on Thursday, April 19, in Whitworth's Weyerhaeuser Hall; the presentation was followed by an awards ceremony and reception.

Whitworth senior Kyle Jordan took home $5,000 for placing first in the student-generated category. His business plan, "Whitworth Lawn Boys," details the expansion of Jordan's current lawn care business through a franchise concept similar to that of College Pro Painters. Jordan also won $2,000 for taking second place in the social-enterprise category for his "Hoop Dreams" plan.

Whitworth graduate students Tara Lambert, Kimberlee Betts and Mandell Campbell won $5,000 for taking first place in the community-based category. The team's business plan, "MaidNaturally," outlines a management and growth strategy for the Spokane-based cleaning business, which started in 2006 and has since expanded nationally.

Whitworth senior Jeffrey Aly took second place in the student-generated category for his plan, Up & Down Golf Apparel, and Whitworth senior Jacob Klein took third in the social-enterprise category for his plan, Inland Mobility Services.

Following are all the winning teams for each category:

Student-generated category: Whitworth Lawn Boys, Whitworth (1st place); Up & Down Golf Apparel, Whitworth (2nd); Drunken Noodle, Eastern Washington University (3rd)
Community-based category: MaidNaturally, Whitworth (1st); Fresh Abundance, EWU (2nd); Focal Length Productions, EWU (3rd)
Social-enterprise category: Moon's Madhouse, EWU (1st); Hoop Dreams, Whitworth (2nd); Inland Mobility Services, Whitworth (3rd)

Faculty members from the Whitworth School of Global Commerce & Management assisted the Whitworth teams by providing academic and practical insight in areas including marketing, finance, e-commerce, legal issues and patents.

Major funding for the competition was provided by the Herbert B. Jones Foundation, Avista, STCU, Sterling Bank, and Paul Wham.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Mike Allen, business plan competition program coordinator, Whitworth University, (509) 280-2516 or mallen@whitworth.edu.

Tate White, assistant director, graduate studies in business, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4606 or twhite@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth alumna, founder of Blood:Water Mission to give keynote speech at May 13 commencement ceremony

2012-04-19T09:51:00.006-07:00

Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor to speak at graduate ceremony May 12

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Jena Lee Nardella,'04, who co-founded Blood:Water Mission with the Grammy Award-winning band Jars of Clay, will address graduates at Whitworth University's 122nd undergraduate commencement ceremony May 13. Whitworth President Beck A. Taylor will be the speaker at the graduate commencement ceremony May 12.

Nardella will give her address, "Slowly by Slowly," during the undergraduate ceremony, which will take place at 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 13, at the Spokane Arena. Nearly 590 Whitworth undergraduates will receive their degrees.

Taylor will speak at the university's graduate commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 12, at 10 a.m. in Whitworth's Cowles Auditorium. He will deliver his address, "Keeping it All in Perspective," to an audience including more than 100 graduates receiving master's degrees in education, teaching, counseling, business administration, international management, and theology.

Forrest E. Baird, professor and chair of philosophy at Whitworth, will offer the homily, "Be Realistic," for the baccalaureate service on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the Whitworth Fieldhouse. Baird has written or edited 10 books, and has been named Most Influential Professor five times by previous graduating classes.

Whitworth Commencement Weekend events begin Friday, May 11, and will include a senior communion and commissioning service, a senior reflections slideshow and showcase of senior class talent, an art exhibit, a music recital, and an English department reading featuring graduates' capstone achievements. For complete Commencement Weekend details, visit www.whitworth.edu/commencement.

During the undergraduate commencement ceremony, three students will receive President's Cup awards for maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout their undergraduate education. Recipients are Jacqueline DeJong, Sarah Flynn, and Aaron Korthuis. The Whitworth Servant Leadership Award, which honors a graduating senior who has exhibited an extraordinary commitment to serving the campus and the larger community, also will be given during the ceremony.

Nardella, who earned a bachelor's degree in political science and met Jars of Clay when they performed on campus, co-founded Blood:Water Mission with the band after graduating from Whitworth at the age of 22. She has been featured in Christianity Today, Sojourners Magazine, Relevant Magazine, and the documentary film Sons of Lwala. Her collaborative writing includes "Hope in the Dark" (Relevant Books, 2006), "Zealous Love" (Zondervan, 2009), and "The Revolution: A Field Manual for Changing Your World" (Relevant Books, 2006). Nardella serves on the board for the Center for Nonprofit Management and the Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health. She and her husband live in Nashville, Tenn., and travel often to Africa.

Since its founding in 2005, Blood:Water Mission has raised millions of dollars through the creative efforts of tens of thousands of individuals seeking to make a difference. To date, Blood:Water Mission has partnered with more than 1,000 communities in Africa, providing life-saving water and health care for more than 600,000 people in 13 countries. Along the way, its 1,000 Wells Project has expanded to include a variety of clean water solutions, sanitation and hygiene training, and capacity building of its local grassroots partners to improve their ability to develop sustainable programs. Blood:Water Mission has also funded health clinics, community health workers, and support groups, which help in the prevention, treatment, care and support of communities affected by AIDS.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Mark Baker, associate registrar, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4332 or mbaker@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Two Whitworth students share title at national debate tournament

2012-04-17T10:16:00.006-07:00

Following on the heels of a Whitworth team taking first place at the National Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl in March, two students have brought home the first individual national titles in a speech or debate event in school history by winning the International Public Debate Association's national tournament, held April 13-15 at Sam Houston State University, in Huntsville, Texas. The wins cap off a strong first year for the university's forensics program, which re-launched last fall after a 14-year hiatus.

Travis Walker, '12 (left), and Jacob Wilson, '15, were declared co-national champions after they both won semi-final rounds at the national competition, which included 94 student debaters from 28 schools across the country, including the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, Union University, and Sam Houston State University. The Whitworth team won a total of six awards at the tournament, as Krister Johnson, '13, advanced to the quarterfinals, and Rachel Busick, '12, Sam Director and Laryssa Lynch, both '15, all advanced to the round of the top 32. Team members also included Dee Ingram and Jonathan Kim, both '15.

"Both Travis and Jacob have high school debate experience that gave them a solid foundation for academic and forensics success at Whitworth, and both have worked hard at their craft this debate season," says Mike Ingram, director of Whitworth's forensics program and associate provost for faculty development and scholarship at the university. "Whitworth's liberal arts education enables our student debaters to draw quickly from a broad range of ideas they have already studied. In addition, the interdisciplinary nature of our forensics program means that we have students from a variety of majors, so teammates can help each other better understand key ideas in wide-ranging debate topics."

The International Public Debate Association promotes a form of debate that emphasizes clear argumentation, sound reasoning and excellence in public speaking. Students, who debate in a one-on-one format, select a topic from a list of five possible topics and then are given 30 minutes to prepare their arguments. The national tournament is divided into three divisions. Whitworth students competed in the novice division, which is reserved for students participating in their first year of college debate competition. Students in the novice division tournament this year debated a variety of subjects, including ethics in public journalism, freedom of expression for military personnel, taxing online businesses, and the proper role of skepticism.

The university's revived forensics program is off to a strong start, as students have won sweepstakes awards at six of the eight tournaments they have participated in this year. Sweepstakes awards are determined by adding the number of points received by each person on the team to determine the total number of points the team has earned. The team is coached by Ingram, who says this is the first time he has coached national champions in forensics since he started coaching in 1984.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:
Mike Ingram, professor of communication studies and associate provost for faculty development and scholarship, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4428 or mingram@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Sustainability expert Christian Gunter to present April 26 Great Decisions lecture on sustainable building and investing

2012-04-11T09:47:00.002-07:00

Whitworth alumnus Christian Gunter, '98, who serves as director of Sellen Sustainability, will discuss sustainable building and investing during the fifth and final lecture in the university's 55th annual Great Decisions Lecture Series. The series features five speakers who focus on current political, cultural and economic subjects of interest to the international community. The public is invited to attend the lectures free of charge. Gunter's lecture, "Beyond Green: Responsible Property Investing Trends and Strategies," will take place on Thursday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. For more information, please call (509) 777-4937.

Patrick Van Inwegen, an associate professor of political science at Whitworth, says one of the reasons he invited Gunter to campus was to help students see the connection between what they are studying now and how they can be active agents for positive social change in the world.

"Christian's work at Sellen and other companies has consistently involved meshing best business practices with a commitment to the communities and environments in which they operate," Van Inwegen says. "Many in our community are aware of the concept of sustainability, but Christian's perspective and experience allow us to see how this integration of economic, social and environmental sustainability is what really matters for viable communities."

Sellen Sustainability is the green-building consulting, education and training arm of Sellen Construction, the largest general contractor in the Northwest. Prior to joining Sellen, Gunter was vice president of responsible property investing at Bentall Kennedy, one of the largest institutional real estate investment advisors in North America. At Bentall Kennedy, Gunter secured LEED building certifications representing nearly $3 billion in value.

Gunter graduated from Whitworth in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in political studies. He also holds a master's degree in public administration from the University of Washington.

For information on the Great Decisions lecture series, please call (509) 777-4937. Great Decisions 2012 is sponsored by the Whitworth Political Science Department. Gunter's lecture is funded in part by the Daniel Fund, established by Floyd and Shirley Daniel to encourage education on environmental issues.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Kathy Fechter, academic program assistant, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4937 or kfechter@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth journalism alumna to release book on social media for businesswomen

2012-04-11T09:33:00.002-07:00

Whitworth alumna Sophie Sestero, '11, is sharing her expertise in social media marketing in a new book aimed at businesswomen. SNAP: A Social Networking After Party, which will be released later this year, has also inspired a seminar series sponsored by the Idaho Women's Journal.

SNAP stemmed from an article Sestero wrote for the Idaho Women's Journal last fall. After reading Sestero's work, the magazine's publisher, Karleen Andresen, told her the topic deserved more space than just an article. They collaborated on the idea of a book, which Andresen agreed to fund.

"The concept of SNAP is to make sure we take material that could be, let's be honest, a little boring, and make it fun to read by adding whimsical titles, artwork, and content," Sestero says.

SNAP is dedicated to two groups of women: those who would like to learn to use social networking but are nervous to get started, and those who are more experienced in the field and wish to incorporate social media into their businesses.

Currently, Sestero is an assistant account executive at Ritter Public Relations in her hometown of Boise, Idaho.

"As I break into Boise's business community, I'm surprised to find the number of people who are resistant to creating a Facebook page or a LinkedIn group for their companies when they could benefit so much from it," Sestero says. "However, I'm also finding it important to know what sites and services are not relevant for some companies. For instance, not every company needs a blog if they will not be updating it regularly when they could simply post content on Facebook or Twitter."

Idaho Women's Journal will use the information discussed in the book as the foundation for its seminar series, in which women can attend meetings on social media marketing and ask questions about getting started with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogs.

Sestero was inspired to write SNAP after helping her mother, an Idaho businesswoman, understand the world of social media marketing. She says she hopes businesswomen will come away from her book feeling that they now have the opportunity to get started in social media marketing.

"I hope SNAP inspires businesses to take the plunge, and women to personally start using social networking," she says. "If one person is able to find connectivity and feel more involved with friends and family because of this endeavor, it will have been worth the whole process."

Sestero received a degree in journalism and mass communication with a minor in visual communications from Whitworth. During her time at Whitworth, she served as an editor for The Whitworthian student newspaper.

"I firmly believe a Whitworth education is an exemplary one--one which prepared me to jump into any task with both feet and made me adaptable enough to learn to cope with any situation," Sestero says.

SNAP: A Social Networking After Party will be available later this year as an e-book to keep up with constantly changing websites, services, and layouts, Sestero says. Pre-orders are available on the Idaho Women's Journal website.

To learn more about Sestero's book or to follow her own social media, visit her blog http://sophiesestero.wordpress.com/ or her Twitter account http://twitter.com/#!/SRSestero.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Whitworth theatre students collaborate with Spokane residents on May 6 community-based production at Bing Crosby Theatre

2012-04-09T09:12:00.002-07:00

On May 6, Whitworth Assistant Professor of Theatre Brooke Kiener, her students, and Spokane residents will present a community-based theatre project, "Wizdom: Making Dollars and Sense," at 7 p.m. at the Bing Crosby Theatre in downtown Spokane. The hour-long performance will be followed by a discussion with the actors and director. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-3707.

"'Wizdom' tells the stories of real people who live and work in Spokane, and who experience discrimination and stereotyping based on perceived socio-economic distinctions," Kiener says. "It also highlights some of the economic injustices faced especially by Spokane's poor and working class citizens."

Kiener describes "Wizdom" as a parody of The Wizard of Oz. In the show, a Whitworth student named Dorothea experiences some interactions on the university's campus that cause her to begin to notice socio-economic labeling and assumptions. She falls asleep on a bench in the Loop, located at the center of campus, and wakes up in downtown Spokane, where she meets a Native American woman on the banks of the Spokane River. The woman tells Dorothea to go on a journey for wisdom. But Dorothea thinks the woman told her to search for "the Wizard" and sets off on a journey to find him. Along the way she meets Mr. Scarecrow (an unemployed man in a soup kitchen line), Mr. Tinman (the CEO of a corporation), and Ms. Lion (a working-class mom on a picket line outside of a mega-store). Together they search for the Wizard, but instead discover "the wonderful wisdom of us."

Kiener says the production is unique in that it features Whitworth students acting alongside community members who have had direct experience as low-income earners. "Wizdom" is a collaborative project with an organization called VOICES, a group of low-income citizens who do advocacy work about issues that affect low-income earners. The characters of Mr. Scarecrow, Mr. Tinman, the Good Witch, Ms. Lion and three others will be performed by VOICES members. The remaining 30 roles will be played by eight Whitworth students.

The script for "Wizdom" was written in January 2004 during a week-long institute on theatre for social justice held at Whitworth. As part of the program, two professional theatre artists from Fringe Benefits Theatre in Los Angeles facilitated a series of workshops, which were attended by more than 50 Whitworth students, faculty, and staff, as well as members from all socio-economic strata in the Spokane community. The script is made up of true stories from the institute participants about discrimination and economic injustices.

Despite completing the script eight years ago, a lack of time, money, and space prevented Whitworth from producing the show. Last August, Lynn Noland, Whitworth's director of sponsored programs and IRB administrator of academic affairs, informed Kiener that the Inland Northwest Community Foundation was offering a community strategies grant. With the Occupy protests beginning to spread across the country, Kiener says it seemed very timely to be doing a show about economic injustices.

Kiener secured the grant, which paid for the sets, costumes, and the rental of the rehearsal and performance space. The grant further allowed Kiener to reimburse the show's community participants for gas money and child care expenses. It's also allowing the cast and crew to share a meal together at the start of each rehearsal.

The production will also feature an original musical score written collaboratively by a community member with Whitworth junior Nick Kmet. The set designs were collaboratively created by the students and community members, under the direction of Whitworth's new assistant professor of theatre, Aaron Dyszelski, who specializes in set and costume design.

Community engagement through theatre is one of Kiener's areas of expertise. In 2010, she and her students created "What's in a Meal?", about local and national food sustainability. The script for "What's in a Meal?" is currently being considered for an edited anthology on food sustainability.

In 2008, Kiener and 12 Whitworth students in her community-based theatre class researched law-enforcement issues in partnership with Spokane's Center for Justice. The result was an original show, "Crossing the Line: An Investigation of the Police, Power and People," which they performed at CenterStage theatre. Kiener later published an article about "Crossing the Line" in The Journal of Religion and Theatre.

This summer, an article on the scriptwriting process for "Wizdom" will be included in a book, Setting the Stage for Social Justice (Southern Illinois University Press, 2012).

"I hope that people hear these stories with open minds and hearts, and that hearing them expands our understanding of economic realities and our compassion for people who are in need," Kiener says. "I also hope that ultimately this changes the way we interact with each other and advocate for change in our community."

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Jennifer Toulouse-Lee, program assistant, theatre department, Whitworth University, (509) 777-3707 or jtoulouse-lee@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth student wins prestigious Goldwater Scholarship for excellence in science

2012-04-05T13:50:00.004-07:00

Whitworth junior Micah Spaun was selected from 1,123 top math, science and engineering students nominated by their institutions out of a pool of more than 300,000 students nationwide to receive a Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for 2012-13. Spaun was among 282 Goldwater Scholars selected on the basis of academic achievement, research goals and experience, organizational contributions, and letters of recommendation, to receive one- and two-year scholarships of up to $7,500 per year. Spaun's one-year award will help pay tuition for his senior year at Whitworth.

"The Goldwater Scholarship is an extremely prestigious award, and we are incredibly honored for Whitworth to have a history of Goldwater Scholars," says Susan Mabry, an associate professor of math & computer science at Whitworth who also serves as the university's Goldwater faculty representative. "Our record of scholars and honorable mentions says much about the caliber of our students and our science, math and engineering programs. We have worked very hard in recent years to establish quality undergraduate research programs in these disciplines and these awards are an affirmation of the quality of those programs and of our strong track record of students continuing on to graduate school."

Spaun, an engineering physics major from Leavenworth, Wash., is the fourth Whitworth student in the last nine years to receive the award. His brother, Ben, '08, who now is pursuing a Ph.D. in atomic physics at Harvard University, won the scholarship in 2007. Of the 282 scholarships awarded this year, 10 went to students attending institutions in Washington state: three at the University of Puget Sound, two at the University of Washington, two at Washington State University, and one each at Central Washington University, Whitman College, and Whitworth.

During summer 2011, Spaun began conducting research with Whitworth Associate Professor of Physics Kamesh Sankaran through a 10-week internship funded by NASA. He has continued that research this year. His work involves calculating optimum interplanetary trajectories to minimize fuel and trip time needed for a spacecraft propelled by low-thrust plasma propulsion systems to travel to asteroids.

"Micah is an excellent student who takes ownership and initiative in learning," Sankaran says. "He also has demonstrated strength in working as a member of a team, which is essential to his success in scientific research."

This summer, Spaun will work at the NASA Ames Research Center, in California, with the NASA Aeronautics Academy through the most competitive and highest paid internship that NASA offers. He will be working on the "Next Generation Air Transportation System Design" project, in which he will investigate building a prototype cockpit tool for general aviation pilots.

"I believe my coursework at Whitworth has prepared me very well for a career within the engineering field, as it has provided me with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary for success," Spaun says. "I am greatly honored to receive the Goldwater Scholarship and will do my utmost to make good use of this blessing."

At Whitworth, Spaun competes on the men's tennis team and serves as a physics tutor. After graduating, he plans to attend graduate school and earn a master's degree or Ph.D. in aerospace, aeronautical, or mechanical engineering. After completing graduate school he hopes to work in the aviation design/manufacturing industry as an engineering consultant or designer. He's also considering starting his own firm as a mechanical engineering consultant or designer.

The Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Program was established by Congress in honor of former Senator Barry M. Goldwater (R-Arizona). The program is designed to foster excellence and to encourage outstanding students to pursue careers in the fields of mathematics, the natural sciences and engineering.

Students must undergo a competitive internal process before each university nominates their candidates for the award. In addition to Spaun, Whitworth's nominated candidates this year included juniors Brayden Hollis and Peter Landgren. Previous Whitworth students who have won the Goldwater Scholarship include Ben Spaun, '08, Ashley Gibbs, '07, and Caleb Hug, '04. Whitworth senior Patrick Yoho received an honorable mention from the Goldwater program in 2011.

Most Goldwater Scholars go on to doctoral programs, where they continue to receive prestigious scholarships and fellowships for their graduate study. Recent Goldwater Scholars have received 78 Rhodes Scholarships, 112 Marshall Awards, and numerous other distinguished fellowships and scholarships.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Susan Mabry, associate professor of mathematics & computer science, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4686 or smabry@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth physics students accepted to prestigious graduate programs, internships

2012-03-30T14:29:00.004-07:00

The Whitworth University Physics Department has plenty of good news to share about its students this spring.

A number of physics majors have been accepted to some of the nation's top graduate programs in their fields of study, while others have landed highly competitive internships that will give them valuable experience and networking opportunities. Below is a list of some of the students' recent achievements:

Amanda Blunt, '12, who is earning a B.S. in engineering physics, has been accepted into several graduate programs in engineering, include Lehigh University and Columbia University, which is the No. 10-ranked engineering program in the U.S.
Brisa Calderon, '12, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to Carnegie Mellon University, the nation's No. 1-ranked engineering program, to study in their graduate program in computer engineering, specializing in human-machine interactions.
Josue Calderon, '12, who is majoring in engineering physics, has been accepted to the University of Washington, the 13th-ranked engineering program in the U.S., to study in their graduate program in aerospace engineering.
Chris Frick, '12, who is earning a B.S. in biophysics, has been offered full-tuition scholarships to several highly-ranked Ph.D. programs in molecular biophysics, including Princeton University, the California Institute of Technology, and Johns Hopkins University.
Ben Hamming, '12, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to several graduate programs in engineering, including the No. 5- ranked University of Illinois.
Ben Rose, '12, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to several graduate programs in nuclear astrophysics, including Notre Dame University.
Andrew Ritchie, '13, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to the U.S. Department of Energy's national undergraduate fellowship to conduct research at the Princeton University Plasma Physics Laboratory.
Micah Spaun, '13, who is majoring in engineering physics, was selected from 1,123 top math, science and engineering students nationwide to receive a prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for 2012-13. Spaun also landed a NASA Academy internship, the most competitive and highest paid internship NASA offers, to work at the NASA Ames Research Center this summer.
Brayden Hollis, '14, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to a summer research internship program at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.
Hannah LeTourneau, '14, who is majoring in physics, has been accepted to summer research internships at the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center and the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Fulbright journalism fellow David Wolman to present Great Decisions lecture April 12 on role of social media in the Arab Spring

2012-03-29T10:57:00.003-07:00

>> Listen to Podcast

Amid continuing political and social turbulence in the Arab world, former Fulbright journalism fellow and author David Wolman will discuss the role of social media during the Arab Spring protests in the fourth lecture of the university's 55th annual Great Decisions Lecture Series. The series features five speakers who focus on current political, cultural and economic subjects of interest to the international community. The public is invited to attend the lectures free of charge. Wolman's lecture, "Digital Dissent: the Origins of Revolution in Egypt and the Role of Social Media in the Arab Spring," will take place on Thursday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University. For more information, please call (509) 777-4937.

Whitworth Associate Professor of Political Science Patrick Van Inwegen says Wolman's on-the-ground reporting and investigative journalism in Egypt during what's come to be known as the Arab Spring provide crucial perspective on one of the most important trends currently shaping our world. He adds that Wolman's expertise on the changing role of media as social media becomes more popular is incredibly important for understanding how people receive and evaluate information.

"Wolman's work provides thoughtful insight into complicated events, elevates the voices of the voiceless and spans a variety of disciplines and academic fields, making it the perfect match for what Whitworth strives for in our interdisciplinary liberal arts education," Van Inwegen says. "His ability to convey complex ideas to a diverse mainstream audience aligns with our goal for the Great Decisions Series: to engage the entire Spokane community in foreign affairs issues that shape our lives."

Wolman is the author of three books, the most recent of which is The End of Money (Da Capo Press, 2012). He is currently a contributing editor at Wired, and he has written for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Outside, Mother Jones, and Newsweek. A former Fulbright journalism fellow in Japan and graduate of Stanford University's journalism program, he now lives in Portland, Ore., where he received a 2011 Oregon Arts Commission Individual Artist Fellowship.

The final Great Decisions lecture will take place on April 26 at 7:30 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall's Robinson Teaching Theatre. For information on the Great Decisions Lecture Series, please call (509) 777-4937. Great Decisions 2012 is sponsored by the Whitworth Political Science Department.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Kathy Fechter, academic program assistant, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4937 or kfechter@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth junior receives new scholarship designed for computer science majors

2012-03-28T16:33:00.001-07:00

Whitworth's mathematics and computer science department has finalized an annual scholarship for computer science majors through a collaboration with Logos Bible Software. Last month, Whitworth junior Michael Weidemann became the first recipient of the Logos Bible Software Annual Scholarship, worth $2,000.

"The scholarship will help me not have to take out as much for loans, which means I'll be able to pay off my debts a lot more quickly once I graduate," says Weidemann, a double major in computer science and mathematics who is originally from Carson City, Nev.

He adds, "It also helped, along with other scholarships, to allow me to go to Whitworth for my education instead of to a state college. I've really enjoyed my time here and I think I'm learning a lot more not just about computer science, but also about how I see the world."

The scholarship's recipients will be selected each year by faculty in the mathematics and computer science department. Susan Mabry, an associate professor of the math and computer science at Whitworth, was on the selection committee that chose Weidemann as this year's recipient.

"Michael is one of our top-performing computer science students in his cohort," she says. "Beyond his excellent performance in the classroom, he is intelligent, skilled, and adept at critical thinking – all of which lay the basis for exceptional problem solving and are critical for success in computer science."

Mabry says Logos has one of the most organized and impressive internship programs among the many companies with which the computer science program networks. She says Whitworth's computer science faculty were also impressed with the quality of Logos' development and technology.

After a number of successful student internships through Whitworth, Jim Straatman, director of IT at Logos Bible Software, approached the university with the idea for a scholarship. Straatman says Logos seeks top colleges and universities, both regionally and nationally, for long-term scholarship and recruiting partnerships.

"Whitworth has a top-notch computer science program and has produced some great long-term talent," says Straatman.

Weidemann is currently researching Celiac disease with Whitworth faculty and North Central High School students, through help from a $15,000 grant received last December by Empire Health Foundation. Last April, Weidemann gave a presentation at the Spokane Intercollegiate Research Conference on some of his findings, titled, "Creating a Framework to Fight Celiac Disease with Varied Machine Learning Techniques by Combining Desired Protein Traits."

Weidemann says he is planning to pursue a career related to software development, specifically game development.

"I really enjoy building and creating things, and computer science lets me do that," he says. "I especially like building things I can play with later, or that I know will give someone a lot of enjoyment and happiness."

Logos Bible Software has worked with several Whitworth student interns and has employed a number of Whitworth alumni. Logos has also published books by Whitworth President Emeritus Robert H. Mounce, Professor Emeritus of Theology F. Dale Bruner, and Professors of Theology Roger Mohrlang and James R. Edwards. This year, Logos' team will include one returning Whitworth senior and four new interns. Straatman says Logos is always looking for new employees and interns. To learn more, visit http://www.logos.com/jobs or http://www.logos.com/interns.

Weidemann says that he is very grateful to Logos for his scholarship.

"I really appreciate the work they do, and know several other students that have interned there who enjoyed it and learned a lot," he says. "I think they're really helping the computer science students of Whitworth prepare for their careers."

Founded in 1992, Logos Bible Software is the leading publisher of multilingual Bible software on Mac, Windows, and mobile platforms. Logos partners with more than 130 publishers to make nearly 17,000 electronic books available to customers in more than 180 countries. The company serves church, academic, and lay markets, bringing the best in software innovation to Christians worldwide. Logos Bible Software is headquartered in Bellingham, Wash.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Nancy Rau, associate director for donor relations and special events, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4250 or nrau@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Nuclear energy expert to speak at annual Science & Society Series April 9 at Whitworth

2012-03-27T11:18:00.002-07:00

One year after the tsunami in Japan and the subsequent meltdown at the country's Fukushima nuclear plant, which prompted a discussion in the U.S. about the use of nuclear power, noted physicist Rich Wolfson will present the 2012 Science & Society Lecture, "Nuclear Energy: An Environmentalist's Perspective," on Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4243.

Wolfson is a professor of physics at Middlebury College, in Vermont, where he also teaches environmental studies. His ability to communicate scientific concepts to a non-scientific audience is evidenced by the popularity of his lectures in the "Great Courses" series run by The Teaching Company.

Wolfson has published extensively on energy issues, nuclear technology, climate change and the interaction of science and society. He is the author of Energy, Environment and Climate (W.W. Norton & Company, 2011), Simply Einstein: Relativity Demystified (W.W. Norton & Company, 2003), Physics for Scientists and Engineers (Addison Wesley, 1999), and Nuclear Choices: A Citizen's Guide to Nuclear Technology (MIT Press, 1993). He earned a Ph.D. in physics from Dartmouth College, a master's in environmental studies from the University of Michigan, and a bachelor's in physics and philosophy from Swarthmore College.

During his lecture, Wolfson will address the rewards and risks of nuclear energy, specifically the opportunities it offers in reducing carbon emissions associated with energy production, as well as the challenges it posts to the environment.

"Our goal with the Science & Society Lecture Series is to address challenging and relevant problems that involve a complex interplay of scientific and social issues," says Kamesh Sankaran, an associate professor of physics at Whitworth. "We felt that it was appropriate to consider this topic of nuclear energy and the environment in the wake of the one-year anniversary of the Fukushima accident in Japan."

The Science & Society Lecture Series was created by Whitworth trustees, faculty members and administrators to increase understanding and awareness of scientific advances and issues that influence areas that include public policy, law, ethics and business. The annual series features experts who address current scientific issues of interest to the general public.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Julie Shanholtzer, Speakers and Artists Series and psychology department program assistant, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4263 or jshanholtzer@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth one of 40 sites nationwide to host traveling exhibition in honor of King James Bible's 400th anniversary

2012-03-26T10:14:00.007-07:00

Exhibit to run April 11-May 13

This spring, Whitworth University will be one of 40 sites nationwide, and only two in Washington state, selected to host "Manifold Greatness: The Creation and Afterlife of the King James Bible," a traveling exhibition that celebrates the 400th anniversary of the first printing of the King James Bible in 1611 and examines its fascinating and complex history. The exhibit will open at Whitworth's Harriet Cheney Cowles Library April 11 and run through May 13. Admission is free. For more information, please call (509) 777-4751.

The Cowles Library is sponsoring free programs and other events for the public in conjunction with the exhibit. An opening reception and lecture by Whitworth Professor of Theology James R. Edwards will be held Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall. A panel discussion about the King James Bible will take place Monday, April 23, at 7 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall. The panel will feature Whitworth Assistant Professor of Art Meredith Shimizu, who will talk about the Bible and art; Whitworth Professor of English Leonard Oakland, who will discuss the Bible and literature; and Gonzaga Professor of Religious Studies Linda Schearing, who will discuss the Bible and popular culture.

Schearing also will address this topic during presentations sponsored by the Spokane County Library District at the North Spokane Library on Wednesday, April 25, at 7 p.m., and at the Spokane Valley Library on Monday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

The traveling "Manifold Greatness" exhibit was organized by the Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington, D.C., and the American Library Association Public Programs Office. It is based on an exhibition of the same name developed by the Folger Shakespeare Library and the Bodleian Library at the University of Oxford, with assistance from the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas, to mark the King James Bible's 400th anniversary. The traveling exhibit was made possible by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.

The traveling exhibit consists of high-quality reproductions of rare and historic books, manuscripts and works of art from the Folger and Bodleian collections, combined with interpretive text and related images. The only other site in Washington state that will host the exhibit is the Mid-Columbia Library District, in Kennewick.

"We are delighted to have been selected as a site for this exhibition," says Amy Rice, a librarian in Whitworth's Cowles Library. "The captivating history and influence of the King James Bible will interest many viewers. This exhibition shows how important this book has been in history and helps audiences to develop a new understanding of its social, cultural, literary, and religious influence over four centuries. We are also happy to involve our community partners—the Spokane Public Library, the Spokane County Library District, and Gonzaga University. Their contributions, in addition to those of Whitworth University's Archives and Special Collections, will complement the exhibit well."

The story behind the King James Bible remains surprisingly little known, despite the book's enormous fame. Translated over several years by six committees of England's top scholars, the King James Bible became the most influential English translation of the Bible and one of the most widely read books in the world. For many years, it was the predominant English-language Bible in the United States, where it is still widely read today. Even many of those whose lives have been affected by the King James Bible may not realize that less than a century before it was produced, the very idea of the Bible translated into English was considered dangerous and even criminal.

Equally compelling is the story of the book’s afterlife—its reception in the years that followed its first printing, and how it came to be ubiquitous. Essential to this story is the profound influence that it has had on personal lives and local communities—for example, the Bible became a place for many families to record births, deaths, marriages, and other important events in their history. The afterlife of the King James Bible is also reflected in its broad literary influence in both the United Kingdom and the United States. Many authors have demonstrated the influence of the language and style of the King James Bible on their work; among them John Milton, William Blake, Walt Whitman, Emily Dickinson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Allen Ginsberg, and Marilynne Robinson. In the 20th century, many poets and novelists – such as John Steinbeck in The Grapes of Wrath, William Faulkner in Absalom, Absalom, and Toni Morrison in The Song of Solomon – allude to the Bible in ways that enrich their narratives.

The words of the King James Bible are also heard in a far broader diversity of contexts, from Handel's Messiah and Linus's telling of the nativity story in A Charlie Brown Christmas, to sermons, public speeches, and the words of the Apollo 8 astronauts – heard live by half a billion to a billion listeners – as they orbited the moon on Christmas Eve 1968.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Amy Rice, librarian, Harriet Cheney Cowles Library, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4480 or arice@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Experts in women's & gender studies to discuss future of field April 3 at Whitworth

2012-03-23T13:17:00.001-07:00

Linda Beail, Beth Martin Birky and Kristina LaCelle Peterson to participate in public panel discussion

WHAT: A public panel discussion, "The Future of Women's and Gender Studies at Christian Universities," with Linda Beail, from Point Loma Nazarene University, Beth Martin Birky, from Goshen College, and Kristina LaCelle Peterson, from Houghton College, moderated by Whitworth political science professor Julia Stronks.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 3, at 3:15 p.m.

WHERE: Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall at Whitworth University.

COST: Free admission. For more information, please call (509) 777-4937.

Whitworth currently offers a minor in women's & gender studies. The program seeks to prepare students to use an interdisciplinary framework to engage with a pluralistic culture; to identify and investigate the intersections of gender, race, class and religion with gender experiences; to seek an increased understanding of gender issues from various Christian perspectives; and to explore, develop, articulate and critique feminist views.

In keeping with the goals and values outlined in Whitworth's 2021 strategic plan, the university is assessing its women's & gender studies program to identify strengths and areas of growth and opportunity. To aid in that process, Whitworth is bringing to campus April 3-4 three national experts who specialize in the combination of religion and women's & gender studies. Those experts include Linda Beail, department chair of political science and director of the Women's Studies Program at Point Loma Nazarene University, in San Diego; Beth Martin Birky, department chair of English and director of the Women's Studies Program at Goshen College, in Goshen, Ind.; and Kristina LaCelle-Peterson, department chair of theology and associate professor of religion at Houghton College, in Houghton, N.Y.

During their visit to campus and consultation with students and university leaders, Beail, Birky and LaCelle-Peterson will participate in a public panel discussion, "The Future of Women's and Gender Studies at Christian Universities," moderated by Whitworth political science professor and Edward B. Lindman Chair Julia Stronks, on Tuesday, April 3, at 3:15 p.m. in the Robinson Teaching Theatre in Weyerhaeuser Hall.

"Christians have a responsibility to be engaged in the world, and the WGS program provides a wonderful opportunity to consider different perspectives on matters that impact all people," Stronks says. "Male and female students express a growing interest in the way that our assumptions about gender influence law, families, businesses, churches and governments. It's a pleasure to be involved in a consultation that we all hope will strengthen our program."

Goal three of Whitworth's strategic plan calls for preparing students to be global citizens, and goal four of the plan calls for the university to demonstrate its leadership in an increasingly diverse world by focusing on issues of intercultural competency and equity related to gender, race and ethnicity. In addition, the plan's fifth goal, which calls for elevating a liberal arts education as essential and relevant to all careers and majors, includes as one of its objectives supporting interdisciplinary scholarships and programs, such as the women's & gender studies program, that equip students and faculty to connect ideas across multiple disciplines, to expand boundaries of knowledge, and to address complex contemporary problems.

"This consultation represents a substantive step toward strengthening Whitworth's women's and gender studies program as a significant contributor to the university's mission of educating the mind and heart," says Larry Burnley, assistant vice president for diversity and intercultural relations at Whitworth. "Helping students to think critically and theologically about the complex issues related to gender, and its intersection with other dimensions of diversity, is an essential component to a liberal arts education committed to excellence. This consultation will play a key role in framing our conversation about gender and about the women's and gender studies program as we move forward in equipping our diverse student body to honor God, follow Christ, and serve humanity."

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Larry Burnley, assistant vice president for diversity and intercultural relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4215 or lburnley@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Business class gives students hands-on experience with IRS fraud

2012-03-22T10:21:00.001-07:00

You won't often find accounting students serving search warrants, interviewing witnesses, and digging through trash for business documents.

But Whitworth Associate Professor of Business Heather Rogers's Occupational Fraud and Abuse class isn't exactly a typical business course. Instead of crunching numbers at a desk, students in the class are expected to solve fraud cases with the help of IRS agents.

As part of the course, which is offered during Jan Term, five federal agents spent a day collaborating with Rogers's students during a hands-on simulation run by the IRS's Criminal Investigation Division. Agents described to students a variety of situations they might face on the job. They demonstrated defensive tactics on a mat at the front of the class and showed some of the equipment investigators use. Then students divided into groups, each investigating a mock crime scenario such as tax evasion, embezzlement or fraud.

"This project is evidence of a deep commitment to support higher education by law enforcement, particularly the IRS," says Rogers, who is also a CPA.

Students also pored over fake bank records and tax returns, some found in garbage on public sidewalks. They armed themselves with bulletproof vests, plastic guns and handcuffs as they arrested mock embezzlers, some of whom were role played by Whitworth professors.

Agents are brought to Whitworth through the Adrian Project, an IRS campus recruiting program that shows accounting and business majors alternatives to typical accounting careers. Coordinated by Silvia Reyes, an IRS special agent in Seattle, past participants have included agents from the FBI, Spokane Police Department, and the Gaming Commission. Some travel across the state to take part, and Rogers says she and her students are very grateful for their sacrifice of time and talent.

"Students who have participated in this project loved the experience of working as a fraud investigator," Rogers says. "The application of tools and concepts learned in the classroom with real fraud cases provides them with experiential learning that is both challenging and exciting."

After the simulation, many of Rogers's students have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in fraud prevention and detection.

One such student is junior accounting major Marisa Shumake. She says working with the Adrian Project was an eye-opening experience, and she would now consider a career in forensic accounting or fraud investigation.

"Acting out and applying forensic accounting skills with real IRS agents taught me just how open the field of accounting is," Shumake says. "To know that criminal investigation teams need accountants to handle cases of fraud and embezzlement taught me I have plenty of options with what I want to do with my accounting knowledge after college."

The occupational fraud and abuse class first incorporated the Adrian Project in 2010, when Rogers's class was the first in the Northwest to participate in the program.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Hawaiian Club presents 42nd annual Lu'au April 14

2012-03-20T10:00:00.001-07:00

Tickets on sale beginning April 2 at the Hixson Union Building Information Desk

The Whitworth Hawaiian Club, Na Pu'uwai o Hawai'i (The Heart of Hawai'i), will share food and culture with the Whitworth and Spokane communities during the club's 42nd annual Lu'au on Saturday, April 14. This year's theme is "Do the Hula." Roughly 40 Whitworth students will dance in several Hawaiian and Polynesian dances. The menu will include kalua pig, lomi salmon with diced tomatoes and onion, macaroni salad, pineapple, rice, and haupia, a coconut dessert.

The annual Hawaiian Club Lu'au draws about 700 Whitworth students, parents, alumni, administrators and Spokane community members.

Sarah Sagarang, president of Whitworth's Hawaiian Club, encourages members of the Whitworth and Spokane communities to experience the Hawaiian-style food and entertainment, as well as to support the hard work of the students participating.

"One thing that will make this Lu'au unique is that about half of the songs we are performing this year are in English," Sagarang says. "The dancers find them really fun and we are hoping the audience will, too."

The dancing this year will include several kinds of hula, including a traditional Kahiko; Tahitian-style dance; the famous men's haka, a warrior intimidation dance from New Zealand Maori; a faculty dance; and a finale. A portion of the dances will be accompanied by Hawaiian instruments, including the uli uli, a red-feathered gourd that is shaken like a rattle; the pu'ili, comprised of split bamboo that is tapped together to make a sound; and the ipu, a hollowed-out gourd tapped with the hand to make a light percussive sound.

The entertainment portion of the program will feature a Hawaiian singer, a raffle giveaway, and a country store selling Hawaiian goods.

When: Saturday, April 14. Doors open and dinner begins at 5:30 p.m.; entertainment begins at 7 p.m.

Where: Whitworth Fieldhouse, 300 W. Hawthorne Road, Spokane, Wash.

Tickets: $20 general admission; $15 for children ages 12 and under and seniors 65 and over; $10 for students with I.D.

To purchase tickets: Tickets will be available for purchase beginning Monday, April 2 at the information desk in the Hixson Union Building (HUB) at Whitworth University. The desk is open Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-1 a.m., and Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-12 a.m. The Hawaiian Club also will be selling tickets at a table in the HUB April 2-6 and April 9-13 during lunch (11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.) and dinner (5-6:30 p.m.). Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. For ticket information, call the information desk at (509) 777-3796.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Sarah Sagarang, Hawaiian Club president, Whitworth University, ssagarang13@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.

Whitworth Wind Symphony to perform at university's new Costa Rica Center in first international tour

2012-03-16T10:25:00.001-07:00

Ensemble to perform homecoming concert in Spokane April 1

In its first international concert tour, the Whitworth University Wind Symphony will travel to Costa Rica and perform at the university's new Costa Rica Center as part of the center's grand opening celebration. The ensemble also will perform and provide workshops at various other venues across the country during their spring tour March 17-22.

After returning to the U.S., the wind symphony will perform their spring concert, "Pura Vida!" on April 1 at 3 p.m. at the Martin Woldson Theater at the Fox in downtown Spokane. General admission is $7; $5 for seniors age 62 and older; and free for students ages kindergarten through college. Tickets can only be purchased at the door prior to the concert. Internationally-renowned classical saxophonist Lawrence Gwozdz, who will accompany the wind symphony in Costa Rica and during the Spokane concert, will premiere the Concerto for Alto Saxophone, composed by Whitworth Professor of Music Emeritus Michael Young.

In addition to regular tours throughout the region, Whitworth's major music ensembles – wind symphony, orchestra, jazz, and choir – all undertake a major tour outside of the Inland Northwest once every four years. The wind symphony's last two major tours took place in Hawaii. Richard Strauch, professor of music and director of the Whitworth Wind Symphony, says he was looking for another location that was interesting and affordable for this year's tour.

"When Whitworth opened the Costa Rica Center, we realized that this might be a great opportunity for us both to undertake our first international tour and to elevate the center's presence in the community," Strauch says. "The Costa Rica Center offers us a very affordable base from which we can travel around the country to perform."

In a concert sponsored by the Costa Rican cultural ministry, the ensemble will perform March 17 at Morazan Park in downtown San José as part of a celebration called, "Enamorate de tu Ciudad," or, "Fall in Love with Your City." That evening, they will perform at Hotel La Condesa in San Rafael. The ensemble's performance at Whitworth's Costa Rica Center will take place March 18.

On March 19 and 21, the symphony will perform and provide workshops and concerts for students at two music schools for students ranging from middle-school to high-school age in the cities of Desamparados and Puntarenas, respectively. The schools are a part of Sistema Nacional de Educación Musical (SiNEM), Costa Rica's national music education system, which has established around 30 schools to serve underprivileged and at-risk students.

Founded in 2007, SiNEM was based on a similar successful program in Venezuela, "El Sistema." The workshops given by Whitworth wind symphony members will add a service-learning dimension to the tour, Strauch says. Whitworth recently began accepting music education students from SiNEM for intercultural placements at the Costa Rica Center, where they complete internships for class credit.

The tour will conclude with a concert March 22 at National University in the city of Heredia, as part of that school's intercultural concert series.

In addition to performing, wind symphony members will explore Heredia, the city nearest Whitworth's Costa Rica Center; the capitol city of San José; and the Pacific Coast. They will also zip-line in the country's rainforests.

Whitworth's Costa Rica Center, which opened in 2010, offers an innovative cross-cultural studies curriculum. The center sits on a 27-acre property in the hills above Costa Rica's central valley, where just to the north lies Costa Rica's renowned Braulio Carrillo National Park. A short bus ride to the southwest is the city of Heredia, with a population of about 110,000, the main campus of Costa Rica's largest university, and abundant opportunities for family home stays, service-learning and cultural activities. For more information about the Costa Rica Center, please visit http://www.whitworth.edu/Academic/Department/OffCampusStudies/Programs/Semester/CostaRica.htm.

The Whitworth Wind Symphony specializes in the performance of traditional and contemporary literature for concert band and wind ensemble, and presents several concerts on and off campus throughout the year. The group has been recognized as one of the outstanding college bands in the region, and it has performed at conferences of the Washington Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The university, which has an enrollment of nearly 3,000 students, offers 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

Contacts:

Richard Strauch, director of the Whitworth Wind Symphony and professor of music, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4587 or rstrauch@whitworth.edu.

Emily Proffitt, public information officer, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or eproffitt@whitworth.edu.