Of Mind & Heart Newsletter: November 2001

An update from Whitworth University President Bill Robinson

A couple of weeks ago, about 80 of our students moved into Boppell Hall, our newest campus residence hall. They absolutely love it. Last night I was in Los Angeles and stayed in "Boppell House," complete with Boppells. It's even better than Boppell Hall. When I lumbered downstairs this morning, I ran across a copy of last month's Mind and Heart, so I reread it. Besides finding it interminable in length (sorry!), I found it distant in substance. The world that seemed new then seems almost normal now. Last night we went through metal detectors to get into a basketball game. This afternoon my daughter and I had to take off our shoes, belts and hats to enter a secured area of a Los Angeles airport. Neither of these screens seemed particularly odd. Quite automatically, we accepted the new security measures. I think the human capacity to adapt moderates the trauma of life-changing events. At a remarkable speed, the environment changes, our behavior adapts, and our psyche knits things back together. But our adaptability is a two-edged sword. I think as individuals we have made some unhealthy adaptations, letting culture redefine what we call "normal." Certainly, I am thankful that Americans seem to be adapting well to a huge change in our national security. But in some areas I fear we have adapted unthinkingly. I hope we at Whitworth are not indiscriminate "adapters." We want our students to be adaptable, but I trust we have shown them the value of looking deep within their souls before signing on the dotted line of whatever culture presents to them. Thanks for your part in helping our students become critical thinkers.

Academics

As I'm sure you would expect, we continue to probe the implications of the Sept. 11 attacks. I have heard several reports that the younger generations were so stunned by the catastrophe that the trauma they felt was delayed. So we want to keep providing opportunities for our students to come to terms with these awful events. Our faculty has adjusted classes and syllabi to use these grim but teachable moments for our students' benefit. Many faculty have also served as resources for local and national media, including Jeannine Graham (Religion), Raja Tanas (Sociology), Rob Wilson (Business) and John Yoder (Politics and History). This month we have scheduled another faculty panel at which Raja, John and Carol Smucker (Modern Languages) will talk about the ways in which Americans and U.S. foreign policy are perceived outside our borders.

One of the most provocative stimuli for these discussions was our Theatre Department's presentation of Steven Dietz's God's Country. We considered canceling this play that delves into the heart of the white supremacy movement and its adherents' distorted view of the Christian faith. Did we really want to look at more violence committed in the name of religion? But in thinking about this question with the play's director, Diana Trotter (Theatre), we agreed that this sober portrayal of hatred was a reality we had to face at this time in our history. The play, based largely on the trial proceedings that led to the conviction of some of the leaders in the white supremacy movement, was not one that any of us "enjoyed." But we saw first-hand that hate-based violence can flourish within the borders of our country and our faith.

November may be a little dark, but we have incredibly bright speakers here this month. I mentioned in October's Mind and Heart that David Rawson, former U.S. ambassador to Rwanda, will be at Whitworth Nov. 13. This Friday, Shakespearean scholar and author Steven Marx, a respected authority on links between the Bard and the Bible, will be Whitworth's 2001-2002 Ada Redmond Reader. Hosted by the English Department, Marx will discuss Shakespeare's The Tempest and its connection to the chapters of Genesis and Revelation in the Bible. Then, as part of our Freshman Seminar series, we'll hear from a rising star in the Washington State Legislature, Rep. Jeff Gombosky, who will speak from the perspective of a Christian serving in politics.

Because of this fall's board meeting, I was able to catch only a part of our Faculty Development Day late last month. The topic was how a predominantly white campus and community like ours can embrace the diversity found in our world and upheld by our mission. The faculty heard an excellent presentation from Jim Waller (Psychology), who has earned a national reputation for his research and writing on racism. The other highlight of the day was a panel of Whitworth friends, including our local rabbi, a representative of the Islamic community, an African-American sociologist from Gonzaga, a member of the Spokane Tribe, and a former Spokane TV anchor, a Japanese-American, now involved in diversity issues in the community. I hold the abiding belief that if Whitworth is to be truly Christ-like it should be a more affirming environment for people of different faiths and cultural backgrounds.

The first time I heard Susan Mabry (Computer Science) refer to "softbots," I said to myself, "I hear ya, Susan. I got one of those." But when it was announced that Susan was receiving a $188,000 National Science Foundation grant to support her research, I suspected she was examining something other than what we sit on. "Softbots," Susan explains, "form the brains of so-called 'smart' computers. Just as humans and other organisms learn to adapt to survive in the world, computers can be programmed to monitor information in their environment and to recommend courses of action and evaluate the results of those actions to inform future recommendations." In the medical arena, for example, embedded intelligent computer systems can monitor an individual patient's vital signs and health profile to make independent diagnostic and treatment decisions. So now my "softbot" can tell my doctor, "I'm getting bombarded with donuts in here," and I'll be a healthier guy. Cool. Congratulations to Susan, as well as to Kent Jones (Computer Science), who just received a Xilinx Corporation University Program grant for hardware and software totaling approximately $4,500. We have an absolutely incredible computer science program at Whitworth.

Enrollment

Good news! Parents who will be filing the FAFSA form for financial aid for 2002-2003 can apply now (at www.pin.ed.gov) for an electronic PIN that will allow you to sign the FAFSA form electronically. FAFSA renewal information will be sent from the federal processor in December.

Student Life

Last Wednesday I saw a huge bus pull away from campus as ASWC ended October with a road trip to Walla Walla to support our championship volleyball team. Since it was Halloween, all the fans dressed as pirates and swashbuckled through Walla Walla before a great barbecue at the home of student Sarah Lamb. November begins with a coffeehouse featuring the Christian rock group The Carolines, along with several Whitworth student talent acts. And next weekend our award-winning Whitworth Jazz Ensemble will present its fall concert featuring guest trombonist Steve Turre, one of our country's jazz greats.

This year's International Education Week, Nov. 12-16, will be one during which we'll be especially grateful for our students from around the world. The week's events will include international meals, educational presentations and entertainment. The annual International Banquet will be on Friday evening, and Kanikapila, a Hawaiian celebration, will conclude this cultural festival.

Parents, have you ever found yourselves thinking it might be nice if your children found gainful employment at some point in their lives? Well, just in case your student hasn't mentioned this, I want you to know that we have seriously upgraded our career services. For example, if you go to the website of any academic department, in addition to the majors/minors/tracks, course listings, degree requirements, faculty pages and contact information, you can find a career-opportunities section. Check it out.

Resources

Right in the middle of our board of trustees' committee discussion on finding funds for the new Weyerhaeuser Hall, we received word of a very generous gift of $100,000 from PACCAR for the new building. PACCAR is a leader, not only in building great trucks, but also in supporting Whitworth (and other colleges in the state of Washington) with generous general-fund donations through the Independent Colleges of Washington as well as with major support for renovations to both our library and our science building. In this season of thanksgiving, we extend deep appreciation to PACCAR.

When US Bank execs Craig Korthase, Bob Wigren and Larry Kissler take you out to lunch, they don't mess around. Recently, they bought us lunch, then generously presented us with a check for $65,000 from US Bank for Weyerhaeuser Hall. It was a warm moment because all three of these guys believe in what we're doing in a way that goes deeper than simple corporate philanthropy. We're thankful to US Bank and to Vice President and Community Relations Manager Mary Moore, who worked so well with us to make this happen.

I can't say that I love deskwork, but there is one duty in this sedentary part of my life that I do enjoy. Each month I look at the "contributions list" made up of many of you. It is gratifying to see your faithfulness. Thank you so much. At last night's scholarship dinner I was reminded of all the students who couldn't be at Whitworth without you. Next month, we are likely to hit our $50-million campaign goal. We'll probably make a lot of noise when that happens. But amidst the celebration I want you to know that we never take for granted any gift, big or small, that serves to make Whitworth a possibility for our students. These gifts are every bit as important as the ones I've mentioned above.

Athletics

The Whitworth men's soccer team has earned its first Northwest Conference title since 1993. The Pirates are 13-4-1 overall and 10-3-1 in the NWC after Saturday's win over Whitman. Whitworth set a school record for shutouts in a season with 12. The Bucs host Colorado College Wednesday in a first-round NCAA playoff game. The Pirates were able to win this season with one of the best defenses in the country. Netminders Doug Lupton and Ben Oakley have been solid in goal, while Matt Stueckle has anchored a defensive backfield that has limited the opposition's shot attempts. If the Bucs can get their three best offensive players healthy for the playoffs, they could be a dangerous team for anyone to face.

The Whitworth women's soccer team finished the season in fine fashion last weekend with a win and a tie on the road at George Fox and Pacific. That enabled the Pirates to tie for fourth place in the Northwest Conference. Whitworth was able to overcome a six-game losing streak early in the season. The team was led this season by a pair of sophomores, which bodes well for the future. Heather Sale scored six goals and Mary Hultgrenn added four goals and an assist.

Whitworth's volleyball team tied Puget Sound for the NWC title. Whitworth won its final three road matches, including a dramatic 3-2 win at UPS, to force the tie with the Loggers. The Pirates own the tie-breaker over the Loggers based on their win over UPS at the Whitworth Invitational in early September. Whitworth is the #2 seed in the West Region of the NCAA Div. III tournament; they'll play at Cal State Hayward this weekend. Julie Weatherred was named NWC MVP for 2001, while Kristen Turner and Lindsey Wagstaff were also named first-team All-NWC. Setter Nicole Weedman was named to the second team.

And Whitworth football steams toward its best finish in 40 years. If they beat L&C on Saturday, the Pirates could do no worse than tie for the NWC title. Doing so would give the Bucs their first NWC title since 1975. Whitworth's playoff fate would be up to the NCAA's national committee. Though the guys lost a big game to Linfield last weekend, quarterback Scott Biglin continues to work his magic. He has led the Pirates to six late game-winning touchdowns over the last two years. The offensive line, led by seniors Bob Adsero, Takashi Atkins and Scott Sulpizio, continues to be one of the best in small-college football. And the defense "just makes plays," in the words of Head Coach John Tully. Linebacker Doug Edmonson is having an all-conference season, and the defensive line has been more than solid, led by seniors Shane Lyman and Roger Sherwood.

The Pirate cross-country teams ran well at the Northwest Conference championship meet. The Whitworth women finished in fourth place as a team, led by Leslie Nelson and Jessica Austin, who both earned All-NWC status with top-seven finishes. Nelson finished third overall, while Austin took sixth. Both have a chance to qualify for nationals at the NCAA West Regional Meet Nov. 10. Senior Adam Thornton closed out his cross-country career with a best-ever 19th-place finish to lead the men.

Alumni

Please join us for one of our wonderful 2001 Christmas Festival Concerts. The concerts, titled "Sing We Noël," will take place 11/30, 7:30 p.m., at First Pres Tacoma; 12/1, 7:30 p.m., at First Pres Bellevue; 12/2, 3 p.m., at First Pres Seattle, and 12/7, 8 p.m., and 12/8, 3 and 7 p.m., at First Pres Spokane. The prelude begins 20 minutes prior to each concert. Please call our music office, (509) 777-3280, for ticket information.

Enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the Harbor Club Seattle on Sun., Dec. 2 at 5 p.m., following the Christmas Concert at First Presbyterian Church in Seattle. All alums, parents and friends are invited; you'll be receiving more information in the next few weeks. Bonnie and I will be there, and we hope to see you.

For additional information regarding these events, please call the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (800) 532-4668 or (509) 777-3799, e-mail twisenor@whitworth.edu, or visit our webpage at www.whitworth.edu/alumni.

Closing Thoughts

September launches the academic year with warmth and optimism. October settles us in and paints the campus with color. But November seems to descend upon us rather harshly. Shorter days, colder weather, fatigue and the fact that there's still more than a month left in the semester - all gang up on our spirits. Then, just as we are really feeling sorry for ourselves, the perfect antidote comes to the rescue: Thanksgiving. This year will be a time in which we are especially aware of God's abundant blessings. Sometimes loss magnifies the goodness of what remains. Know that you will be central to many of my Thanksgiving prayers. In trying times, we rely upon the foundation of your faithful support. May this be a season in which our thankfulness for who God is overwhelms our concerns about who we are not. So I wish you grateful hearts. Truly, you have made us grateful.