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President Emeritus Bill Robinson

  1. Whitworth University
  2. President Emeritus Bill Robinson
  3. Of Mind & Heart Newsletter
  4. January 2009

Of Mind & Heart Newsletter: January 2009

An update from Whitworth University President Bill Robinson

Happy new year! A lot of people seem to be expressing relief to have 2008 in their rear-view mirrors. We did break a few "falling" records. Both the stock market and the snow in Spokane fell with a vengeance. And both of these falls put pressure on Whitworth's budget, but we'll manage. I just read an editorial about last year's woes. The final sentence read, "Here's the lesson of 2008: If something seems too good to be true, it probably is." I'm sure that principle applies to glitzy bank loans and Bernie Madoff-type schemes, but it doesn't apply to everything. What about grace? Who among us has lifted the communion chalice without feeling that Christ's sacrifice for "a wretch like me" is too good to be true?  Who among us has experienced a life-giving relationship without feeling it's just too good to be true?  We see grace daily when we're looking for it. I hope Whitworth gives our students the eyes to recognize the truth of some things that seem just too good to be true. I admit that 2008 was harsh, but it was filled with stories of immense goodness. At Whitworth, we saw miracles big and small that enabled our students to study here. We witnessed enabling gifts that came from people who were already sacrificing to give their own children a Whitworth education. Even in the most difficult times, grace abounds. In 2008 I saw a wedding, an ordination, a family, a school, and a little guy in Boise, Idaho, that all seemed too good to be true. I guess that's the whole point of grace. I hope 2009 brings our students and all of you grace upon grace.

Academics

Jan Term begins this week with students traveling to distant lands. Our students are studying a variety of disciplines in some pretty far-flung places: 

  • Research techniques in tidal pools along the Washington coast with Craig Tsuchida (Biology)
  • International business in Central America with Karla Morgan (Economics)
  • The national media with Jim McPherson (Communication Studies) in New York and Washington, D.C., during the presidential inauguration
  • The arts in New York City with Brooke Kiener, '99, (Theatre) and in Germany and Italy with Ben Brody, '97, and Richard Strauch (Music)
  • Prejudice Across America with Terry McGonigal (Theology)
  • The culture and language of Mexico with Lindy Scott (Spanish)
  • Cultural anthropology in Hawaii with Raja Tanas (Sociology) 
  • African culture with Rick Hornor, '70, (Theatre) and Moses Pulei, '97, (Theology) in Tanzania 
  • The Reformation in Germany with Jim Edwards, '67, and Adam Neder (Theology)
  • Spiritual renewal at the Tall Timber Lodge with Jerry Sittser (Theology)

We are fortunate to have Callie Crossley on campus for several days this month. She is a noted television and radio commentator and documentary and TV news producer who frequently appears on NPR, CNN and C-SPAN. Crossley was a producer for Eyes on the Prize: America's Civil Rights Years, the critically acclaimed documentary series that received an Oscar nomination and won several film and journalism awards, including an Emmy and the Gold Baton of the DuPont-Columbia Award. She will be speaking in several classes and presenting a public lecture, "For Better AND Worse: The Shotgun Marriage of New and Old Media and Its Impact on Election '08," this week in the Robinson Teaching Theatre. 

The art department is hosting an exhibit of Lanny DeVuono's work through Feb. 7. DeVuono presented a lecture following the opening reception for her exhibit on Jan. 6. 

Pamela Corpron Parker, '81, (English) was awarded a short-term visiting fellowship at Baylor University's Armstrong Browning Library. Pam is the only American professor receiving this award for 2008-09. She will spend Jan Term at Baylor working on the Browning chapter for her book on literary tourism. 

Nancy Bunker (Library) has been selected to serve on the Library Council of Washington representing four-year academic libraries. The appointment was made by Secretary of State Sam Reed and State Librarian Jan Walsh. The appointment represents a significant professional responsibility and honor. We're proud of Nancy!

Dan Keberle (Music) just received word that his original composition for jazz ensemble, Blues for LK, and his arrangement for jazz ensemble, Oracle, have both been selected for publication by the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Press. This makes a total of 15 of Dan's arrangements to be published by NCJP.  Pretty amazing.

Spanish professors Ángeles Aller and Kim Hernández served with their students as Spanish interpreters for the Revolve 2008 All Access Tour at the Spokane Arena last November. Revolve is a ministry created by the Women of Faith organization that uses music, drama and testimonies to minister to young women. During the conference, Angeles and Kim provided simultaneous interpretation for the speakers and musicians. Can you imagine?

Enrollment

It's financial-aid season. The 2009-10 FAFSA website is now available for students who wish to renew their need-based financial aid for 2009-10. Families can file the electronic pre-filled FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our priority deadline for returning students wanting financial aid for 2009-10 is May 1. For new students and students who wish to apply for summer work-study, the deadline is March 1. Students planning to attend summer school should contact the Whitworth Financial Aid Office to discuss their plans. Students who receive only academic scholarships don't need to file the FAFSA form. In late January, we will be mailing Federal Form 1098-T to verify full- and part-time enrollment. This form is used to support Hope or Lifetime Learning tax-credit eligibility. Please consult your tax advisor or go to the IRS website, www.irs.gov, for more information on available educational tax credits. You can also go to the IRS website or use the Worksheet for Reporting Scholarships/Grants on the Federal 2008 Tax Return found on the Financial Aid Forms webpage at www.whitworth.edu/financialaid to determine if any of your financial aid received in 2008 is taxable.

Student Life

December was an abbreviated month, but it saw more than a month's worth of celebrations. It began with a feast of cookies, appetizers and wassail at the President's Christmas Reception. While they attended the reception, folks could shop for handmade baked goods from The Whitworth Women's Auxiliary. As always, students see December as a special time of giving.  Many residence halls and clubs adopted families in the area, supplying them with food and gifts. Our students even sent gifts (including boatloads of chocolate) and pine cones to Westmont College, just to let them know of our support as they dealt with the aftermath of devastating fires.  And, of course, Bonnie and I hosted our annual  Finals Study Break/Christmas Carol Sing, with students crammed into our living room singing in full voice. 

Jan Term presents a different rhythm for our students. Those who like to focus on one course love the concentrated format. Even though hundreds of students will be studying off campus, we'll still have well over 1,000 in our residence halls. I'm sure they will turn out strong for athletics events, including the ones in which they slide down the side of a mountain. We enjoy nine excellent ski areas within two hours of campus.

Resources

We installed the roof on our new residence hall not a minute too soon. Work continues as everyone is pushing to stay on schedule for a summer completion. It's a little scary to imagine the construction site quagmire when all this snow melts.

I don't know how to express our gratitude for your support this year. In spite of all the economic challenges, you have kept The Whitworth Fund on track. Like so many private universities, we were nervous about December, but it looks as if it will turn out well. With your help, we can keep our momentum as we enter 2009 and press on to the end of our fiscal year in June. We are encouraged by our faithful annual donors, and we are excited about those of you who made a Whitworth Fund gift for the first time. If you did not see our video messages, you can check the Whitworth Fund webpage at www.whitworth.edu/whitworthfund to find out some of the specific ways in which Whitworth is benefitting from your support.

Athletics

Men's basketball is 8-1 and ranked 19th in the nation in the latest d3hoops.com poll. The Pirates went 2-0 at the Ameriprise Whitworth Classic at Burlingame High School in Burlingame, Calif. Sophomore Nate Montgomery had 17 points in a 77-56 win over Simpson (Iowa) on Sunday. The following day, David Riley scored 24 in a 79-58 win over Gustavus Adolphus. (This past weekend, the men opened conference play in the fieldhouse with two wins. Unfortunately, the women lost both of their games.)

Women's basketball had a record of 6-3 as they headed into Northwest Conference play. The Pirates went 2-0 at the NBC Camps Whit Classic, including a big comeback victory over nationally ranked Washington (Mo.). Junior Cassie Pilkinton is leading the team in scoring, while junior point guard Leah Pomante leads the squad in assists. 

The swimming teams had a strong performance at the University of Washington Husky Invitational, competing against powerful NCAA DI competition like USC, Cal and the hosts from UW. Natalie Turner posted a pair of national qualifying times for the women, while Michael Woodward swam the NWC's best times this season in the 200 freestyle and 200 individual medley.

Because Whitworth has two superb soccer coaches, we were able to make a change that will bring more focus to both the men's and women's programs. Sean Bushey will continue his conference-winning ways as head coach of the men. Daman Hagerott, who has been assisting Sean, will return to the position of women's head coach, a job he held from 1993-96, during which he won a pair of conference titles.

Though the mighty University of Oregon Ducks beat Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl, it's worth noting that 100 years ago, Whitworth was even mightier. Outweighed at nearly every position and considered heavy underdogs, Whitworth beat the Ducks 16-10 with a combination of speed and uncommon teamwork. Drawn from a student body with only 31 males, Whitworth's team was led by two extraordinary players. Ernie Tanner, the first African American player on any team in the Pacific Northwest, overcame racial discrimination to become a leader in the labor movement in Tacoma. William Paul, Whitworth's quarterback, was a Tlingit Indian raised in Sitka, Alaska, who was later sent to the Carlisle Indian School, in Dickinson, Penn., where he played for the legendary coach Pop Warner. After his time at Whitworth, Paul went to law school, passed the bar in Alaska and became the first native elected to the Alaska Territorial Legislature. Through a series of successful lawsuits, he won native Alaskans the right to vote, gained access for natives to public schools and won freedom from segregation in restaurants, theaters and public transportation. A century ago, these Whitworth men beat the odds on the gridiron and then went on to beat the odds where it really counts. You can find the link to an article on the 1909 team by Dale Soden (History/V.P. for Planning) under "Campus News" at www.whitworth.edu.

Alumni

Alumni can enjoy free home Pirate basketball until Jan. 20. On Jan. 17, we will hold our annual Alumni Night at the Fieldhouse (free admission, snacks, and door prizes); the Bucs will take on Pacific Lutheran at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Other home games (Jan. 16 & 20) are also free to alumni and their families. Start times and matchups are available at www.whitworth.edu/athletics.

We will host an alumni and parents reception at UPS on Feb. 13. The men's game could decide the conference basketball championship. Currently, both teams are nationally ranked and undefeated in conference play. The women play at 6 p.m. and the men at 8 p.m. Complimentary refreshments will be served near courtside during the intermission between the women's and men's games. 

This spring I will be joining the Whitworth Office of Alumni & Parent Relations for a series of president's receptions. In addition to providing a university update, I'll give a preview of a book I wrote coming out next month:  Incarnate Leadership; 5 Leadership Lessons from the Life of Jesus (Zondervan). We would love to see alumni, parents, friends and prospective students and their families. We'll be in Southern California (March 12 &13), Colorado (March 19 & 20), the Bay Area (March 26 & 27), Seattle (April 2), Portland (April 3) and Spokane (TBD). Jesus led his disciples in a way that looks very different from most of the leadership styles we see today, including my own. In this short book, I have tried to make the case that people are inspired and empowered by the characteristics we find in Jesus the leader. We'll be sending you more details about times, locations and registration for the receptions.

February is Heritage Month, celebrating Whitworth's 119th anniversary. You can find all of the details at www.whitworth.edu/heritagemonth. The featured program this year is the inaugural Leonard A. Oakland Film Festival Feb. 20-22. On Saturday, participants can watch Bull Durham on the big screen at the AMC Theatre downtown and then head to the Davenport Hotel for a banquet celebrating Leonard's service to Whitworth. The dinner program will feature a conversation with Bull Durham's writer/director Ron Shelton, a friend of Leonard's for many years, and the premier of the documentary short A Portrait of Leonard Oakland. We hope you will join in the celebration. We love Leonard on so many levels. This will be great. Online registration is now available. 

Whitworth will host two alumni reunions in 2009. The classes of 1959 and 1949 will celebrate their 50th and 60th reunions during Commencement Weekend, May 16-17. All alumni from 1958 and earlier are invited to the festivities. The classes of 1999 and 1989 will celebrate their 10th and 20th reunions during Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 25-27. All alumni are invited back to campus for these great events.

Closing Thoughts

Today is the first day back for our students. As soon as I finish this paragraph, I'm headed for the HUB to see them. I'll ask about Christmas Break, and I'll hear everything and nothing. It's a little like being a parent. The standard deviation of information provided is huge. Bill: "How was your break?" Student: "Awesome!" Bill: "What'd you do?" Student: "Nothin'." On the other hand, I could get pummeled with about a trillion times more information than I need. Somehow, both responses are great. One thing is for certain: On the first day back from semester break, students are in a good mood. Home is sweet for their souls, and they like coming back to their school. There's a lot to be thankful for in 2009. We're thankful for you.