Rhosetta R. Rhodes ’99, ’12, Vice President for Student Life & Dean of Students
GEORGE F. WHITWORTH MEDAL
Scott McQuilkin ’84, ’88, Ph.D., President
John Pell, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President
Kenneth Roberts ’68, Trustee
SCRIPTURE
Romans 12:2
Ephesians 2:10
Margaret Byle, Class of 2025
Marvin Shawn Andrews, Class of 2025
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS
“If the Shoe Fits…”
HYMN
Great Is Thy Faithfulness
Song Leader: Kathleen Vertner, Class of 2025
Piano: Carly Bair ’20
Great is Thy faithfulness, O, God, my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changest not; Thy compassions they fail not; As Thou hast been, Thou forever will be.
Refrain:
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning, new mercies I see. All I have needed, Thy hand hath provided; Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me!
Summer and winter and springtime and harvest Sun, moon and stars in their courses above Join with all nature in manifold witness To Thy great faithfulness, mercy and love.
Refrain
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth; Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide; Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow; Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Refrain
STUDENT SPEAKERS
Nabi Ahmad Khan, Class of 2025
Ava Dennis, Class of 2025
W. Matt Silvers, Ph.D., Professor of Health Sciences
Music: William M. Runyan
Lyrics: Thomas O. Chisholm
CONFERRAL OF UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
Scott McQuilkin ’84, ’88, Ph.D., President
John Pell, Ph.D., Provost & Executive Vice President
Stacy Withrow Hill ’98, Ed.D., Associate Provost & Registrar
Academic Department Representatives
CHARGE TO NEW ALUMNI
Scott McQuilkin ’84, ’88, Ph.D., President
BENEDICTION
The Rev. Forrest H. Buckner, Ph.D., Storm Family Dean of Spiritual Life & Campus Pastor
RECESSIONAL
Angus Scott Pipe Band
The audience will remain seated until the graduates have recessed.
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER 2025
W. Matthew Silvers is a professor of health sciences at Whitworth University. Silvers received his B.S. from Washington State University and his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Idaho. While on the Palouse, Silvers spent time with both the Cougar and Vandal athletics strength and conditioning programs, served as the head cross country coach for Pullman High School, taught courses for both universities, and directed several running and triathlon events. Since joining the Whitworth faculty in 2010, Silvers has taught a variety of health science courses, including Exercise Physiology and Evidence-Based Health Science. He also oversees the Human Performance Laboratory and serves as advisor to the Human Performance Club. His most treasured time at work is spent mentoring students in research and life. His research interests are focused on unique cross-training strategies for runners, such as aquatic treadmill running, cycle sprint training and kettlebell training. On the side, Silvers serves as event director of the IronMay Challenge and ministry coordinator for his church, as well as operates Chaileo Tea, a family-owned, Spirit-led chai tea business. He enjoys physical activity, being outdoors, building things, pranks and hijinks, and spending time with his family and friends.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Emily Abraham
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Alisson Adame Pineda Bachelor of Arts: Psychology & Spanish Manson, Washington
Christian Aguilar Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Lakewood, Washington
Taira Yazmine Alaga Bachelor of Science: Biology Waianae, Hawai‘i
Erdembileg Altanzul
Bachelor of Arts: Art Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Austin Alteneder
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Telmen Amarbayasgalan
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Temuulen Amarjargal
Bachelor of Science: Applied Mathematics & Computer Science Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Jessa Rozlyn Hidalgo Ancheta
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Bremerton, Washington
Grace Elise Anderson
Bachelor of Arts: Art Walla Walla, Washington
Sydney H. L. Anderson
Bachelor of Arts: English & Theatre Spokane, Washington
Marvin Shawn Andrews
Bachelor of Arts: Public Service Administration summa cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Gerriann L. Armstrong
Bachelor of Arts: Humanities summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Nicole Arnold
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Colbert, Washington
Beckett Arthur
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education cum laude Missoula, Montana
Alexis Asato
Bachelor of Arts: Music summa cum laude Wailuku, Hawai‘i
Emma Nicole Ayresman
Bachelor of Science: Health Science magna cum laude Paia, Hawai‘i
Miles J. Balmores
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Covington, Washington
Emily Batchelder
Bachelor of Arts: Art History summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Megan Meredith Batie
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services cum laude Newport, Washington
Purev-Ochir Batmunkh
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Gantumur Battumur
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Megan Nicole Baumgartner
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services cum laude Ritzville, Washington
Uuriintuya Bayasgalan
Bachelor of Science: Environmental Science Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Nevaeh Elsie-lyn Bayne
Bachelor of Arts: Music Education & Secondary Education cum laude Colville, Washington
Fiona May Beattie
Bachelor of Arts: Theatre summa cum laude Anchorage, Alaska
Kylee Ann Beaver
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education magna cum laude West Richland, Washington
Michael Benjamin Begley
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ukiah Belarde
Bachelor of Science: Health Science magna cum laude Missoula, Montana
Marisa Standish Bell
Bachelor of Science: Health Science magna cum laude Kent, Washington
Marissa Bell
Bachelor of Science: Biology cum laude Spokane, Washington
Eric Bemish
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude Yona, Guam
Nolan Jeffrey Bentz
Bachelor of Arts: Art magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Elizabeth Addie Marie Berns
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology George Whitworth Honors summa cum laude Billings, Montana
Grace Marie Bestebreur
Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Prosser, Washington
Tristan Alexander Beyer
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics magna cum laude Mill Creek, Washington
Brittney Nicholle Biss
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Newport, Washington
Jacob A. Blair
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ryan Blair
Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Spokane, Washington
Jacob A. Blomdahl
Bachelor of Science: Engineering magna cum laude Chehalis, Washington
Ella Grace Bongat
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics & Secondary Education summa cum laude Puyallup, Washington
Madalyn Aifen Bookout
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology summa cum laude Woodinville, Washington
Joana Lisseth BorjasMartinez
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Moses Lake, Washington
Savanna Bowman
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Spokane, Washington
Haley Jo Britton
Bachelor of Arts: Biology Spokane, Washington
Zachary D. Brooks
Bachelor of Arts: English summa cum laude Davis, California
Ja’mya Niy’rae Broussard
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Chicago, Illinois
Katelyn Brianna Bumbeck
Bachelor of Science: Health Science
magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ryann Bunch
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology cum laude Sultan, Washington
Christine Louise Burdge
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ryan Burgess
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education & Special Education cum laude Gig Harbor, Washington
Kamrynn Alexa Burk
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry North Bend, Washington
Grady Burkett
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Bellingham, Washington
Destiny Moesha Butler
Bachelor of Arts: Criminology and Criminal Justice Spokane Valley, Washington
Margaret Byle
Bachelor of Science: Health Science George Whitworth Honors cum laude Elkton, Oregon
Sophia Byrne
Bachelor of Arts: HumanComputer Interaction summa cum laude Olympia, Washington
Ochirtbilguun Caldwell
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management Spokane, Washington
Mitchell Campbell
Bachelor of Arts: History summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Michael Paul Cannon V
Bachelor of Arts: Music Spokane, Washington
Luis Pablo Carrera-Lara
Bachelor of Science: Bioinformatics Federal Way, Washington
Mayeul Carrot
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Spokane, Washington
Emma Hope Carsey
Bachelor of Arts: Philosophy summa cum laude Beverly, Massachusetts
Jackson Cash
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Pleasanton, California
Gracie Caudle
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education cum laude Vancouver, Washington
Jóhanna Jeanne Caudron
Bachelor of Arts: Theatre cum laude Keflavík, Iceland
Anna Chase
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Goleta, California
Nishi Dayne Chase
Bachelor of Arts: Humanities summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Adilene Chavez Mendoza
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education & Special Education Ephrata, Washington
Emma Sue Childs
Bachelor of Arts: English & Theology summa cum laude Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Erik Mikkel Christiansen
Bachelor of Science: Engineering magna cum laude Sequim, Washington
Noah Clarke
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Snohomish, Washington
Ryan Clasen
Bachelor of Science: Biology Kent, Washington
Matt Cochran
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Studies
Bachelor of Science: Environmental Science cum laude Blaine, Washington
David Cade Conklin
Bachelor of Arts: Computer Science magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Madison M. Conley
Bachelor of Arts: Art & Secondary Education cum laude Cheney, Washington
Kevin Charles Corder
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude North Bend, Washington
Hannah Victoria Cordero
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology
George Whitworth Honors summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Margaret Elizabeth Fairborn
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics & Physics summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Makenna FalkensteinBarker
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education magna cum laude Lewiston, Idaho
Julia Sanaun Fehr
Bachelor of Arts: Chemistry Puyallup, Washington
Destiny Fields
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Vacaville, California
Lael Katelyn Finley
Bachelor of Arts: English & Secondary Education summa cum laude Wenatchee, Washington
Rylee Fischer
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics
Bachelor of Science: Biology summa cum laude East Wenatchee, Washington
Wilson R. Fisher
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology & Theology summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Penny Fitch
Bachelor of Arts: English Olympia, Washington
Douglas Fitzpatrick
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Melbourne, Australia
Caleb Flegel
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science & Individually Designed Major (Computer Engineering)
George Whitworth Honors summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Sage Olivia Fosnock
Bachelor of Arts: English Kailua, Hawai‘i
Hannah Noel Maria Foster
Bachelor of Arts: Art Spokane, Washington
Zakyla Foster
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education & Special Education Spokane, Washington
Cassidy Grace Franklin
Bachelor of Arts: English summa cum laude Meridian, Idaho
Sarah Elizabeth Franzen
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management magna cum laude Sandpoint, Idaho
Isabella Friedman
Bachelor of Arts: Art Portland, Oregon
Kiefer Furness
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Maple Valley, Washington
Ivy Galvin
Bachelor of Arts: Humanities Spokane, Washington
Cameron Gardner
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology & Secondary Education Renton, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Bryson Garza
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Pasco, Washington
Debora Elias Geneti Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Naomi George
Bachelor of Arts: Communication Richland, Washington
Casondra Myree Gerlich
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services summa cum laude Olympia, Washington
Tatum Getchell Bachelor of Arts: Political Science & Spanish magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
McKenna Gibson Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Deer Park, Washington
Eli Whalen Gilbert Bachelor of Science: Health Science Colbert, Washington
Riley Gish
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Tigard, Oregon
Kasey Gladson Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Rozet, Wyoming
Kaylee Golly
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Spokane Valley, Washington
Jesse L’Dama Golo
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Michika, Adamawa, Nigeria
Fabian Isaac Gomez Velasquez
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Seattle, Washington
Alexandra Ramona Gonzales
Bachelor of Science: Biology Spokane, Washington
Jade Gonzalez
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Othello, Washington
Kyle Gran
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Burien, Washington
Adam Tyler Grandieri
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services summa cum laude Deer Park, Washington
Jonathan Gray
Bachelor of Arts: Biology & Secondary Education summa cum laude Niamey, Niger
Andrew Donald Green
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Clackamas, Oregon
Nicholas Roy Green
Bachelor of Science: Applied Mathematics Graham, Washington
Vincent Allan Inayat
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Bachelor of Business Administration:
Business Administration
George Whitworth Honors cum laude Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Benjamin Janke
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Bailie R. Jansons
Bachelor of Arts: English & History cum laude Richland, Washington
Mostafa Fayeq Jawad
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Spokane, Washington
Kara Jade Jeffress
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Victoria Leigh Jensen
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Vancouver, Washington
Christopher Jimenez
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology Kettle Falls, Washington
Ella Jimenez
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Grass Valley, California
Emma Khan John
Bachelor of Arts: Applied Physics Spokane, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Annalee Teresa Joireman
Bachelor of Arts: Art magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Daniel Jones
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management Spokane Valley, Washington
Kamryn Jones
Bachelor of Arts:
Elementary Education cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Melissa Jones
Bachelor of Arts: Music cum laude West Richland, Washington
Jayla Aiko Jowers
Bachelor of Science: Biology Kailua, Hawai‘i
Rayne Judd
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Waianae, Hawai‘i
Casey Scott Justus
Bachelor of Science: Health Science summa cum laude Clinton, Washington
Matthew Kaczmarek
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Redmond, Washington
Jezika Lane Kalaitzian
Bachelor of Science: Biology Fort Mohave, Arizona
Noor Kamal
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Studies cum laude Spokane, Washington
Mary Isabel Kaschmitter
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Haden Keener
Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Lewiston, Idaho
Katie Y. Keppler
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Spokane, Washington
Nabi Ahmad Khan
Bachelor of Science: Health Science summa cum laude Fukuoka, Japan
Caleb Kimmelman
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ryan Kinney
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Snohomish, Washington
Grace Kleinknecht
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Sammamish, Washington
Maia Klimok
Bachelor of Science: Health Science summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Kody Knudson
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology cum laude Spokane, Washington
Kelti Jean Knutson
Bachelor of Arts: Art & Secondary Education Colville, Washington
Sheri Belle Knutson
Bachelor of Arts: History magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Kylie Koszykowski
Bachelor of Science: Environmental Science Eagle River, Alaska
Lauryn A. Kunkel
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Deer Park, Washington
Sandra Ann Arvilla Kunkel
Bachelor of Arts: Art Spokane, Washington
Madison Kutschkau
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Kennewick, Washington
David Matthew Laclair
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management summa cum laude Liberty Lake, Washington
Megan Elizabeth Lange
Bachelor of Science: Health Science magna cum laude Newman Lake, Washington
Cameron Lantagne
Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Vancouver, Washington
Jillian Jewell Larrabee
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Durham, California
Liam McGehee
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Mililani, Hawai‘i
Caleb McGever
Bachelor of Arts: English & Theology
George Whitworth Honors cum laude Phoenix, Arizona
Daniel Vern McKeirnan Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Spokane, Washington
Katherine McKinnis
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Mead, Washington
Kolbe McNaught
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry cum laude Keizer, Oregon
Adriana Isabel Mejia Birrueta
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Quincy, Washington
Darren Thomas Melville
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry cum laude Mill Creek, Washington
Maizie Mendenall
Bachelor of Arts: English magna cum laude Hamilton, Montana
Victor Manuel Mendoza
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Othello, Washington
Emma Alyn Mentser
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Taylor Miche
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Spokane, Washington
Rosie Michelotti
Bachelor of Arts: Biology Helena, Montana
Yanna Michelle Mikhailenko
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management summa cum laude Newport, Washington
Olivia Grace Miller
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Evans, Washington
Patton Miller
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Vacaville, California
Willow Miller
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Olalla, Washington
Mac Minnick
Bachelor of Arts: Art cum laude Chelan, Washington
Charlie Alene Minucciani
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology Covington, Washington
Ella Miramontes
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics & Secondary Education Haines, Alaska
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Tianna Isabeau Mitzel
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Bachelor of Science: Mathematics cum laude Issaquah, Washington
Taliya Malia Miko Miyama
Bachelor of Science: Mathematics summa cum laude Hillsboro, Oregon
Lounjin J. Mohamad
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Spokane, Washington
Seenam J. Mohamad
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Spokane, Washington
Rosalie Monkono Boole
Bachelor of Arts: Communication University Place, Washington
Max Vaden Moore
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Lynden, Washington
Payton Lynn Moore Bachelor of Arts: Psychology summa cum laude Richland, Washington
Alexia Morales Maciel Bachelor of Arts: Political Science magna cum laude Tonasket, Washington
Jonathan Morasch
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Victory Mossey
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology Spokane, Washington
Sarah Annalise Mott
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science summa cum laude North Bend, Washington
Ashley Hannah Mouser
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Maple Valley, Washington
Craig Mueller
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Tekoa, Washington
Melinda Mullet
Bachelor of Arts: American Studies & English George Whitworth Honors summa cum laude Hesston, Kansas
Juan Hernandez Munoz III
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Pasco, Washington
Mallory Quinn Munoz
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education Colbert, Washington
Tengis Murunbaatar Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Hailey Boone Nass
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education George Whitworth Honors summa cum laude Port Orchard, Washington
Cassidy Nelson
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Edgewood, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Jason Lee Nevills
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Snohomish, Washington
Nalia Tasia Kaui‘onalani Newman Bachelor of Arts: Political Science Waianae, Hawai‘i
Silas “Bomber” Ng Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Elk, Washington
Joseph Waita Njuguini
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Kiambu, Kenya
Carl Noel
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology Juneau, Alaska
Hope Elizabeth Noranbrock
Bachelor of Arts: Music cum laude Nine Mile Falls, Washington
Colton D. Nussbaum
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Raymond, Washington
Jacob O’Donnell
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology & Secondary Education Sammamish, Washington
Laurel Marie Oelke
Bachelor of Arts: History/Social Studies & Secondary Education summa cum laude Gig Harbor, Washington
Jacob Paul Ojennus
Bachelor of Science: Applied Mathematics cum laude Spokane, Washington
Rachel Brooke Olson
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education magna cum laude Selah, Washington
Tyler Roy Olson
Bachelor of Arts: Educational Studies summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Samuel Ortega
Bachelor of Arts: English magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Courtney Osborn
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics cum laude Spokane, Washington
Wesley Ostlund
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science cum laude Snohomish, Washington
Dylan Dean Owen
Bachelor of Science: Engineering Snohomish, Washington
Jaelyn Oyama
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Sophie Pancoast
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Kettle Falls, Washington
Niraj Pandey
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology & Sociology summa cum laude Kathmandu, Nepal
Jace Parbon
Bachelor of Science: Applied Mathematics cum laude Spokane, Washington
Lily Parker
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Liberty Lake, Washington
Dayanara Mary Partida
Bachelor of Arts:
Elementary Education magna cum laude Quincy, Washington
Richard B. Passmore
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management summa cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Ty Patterson
Bachelor of Science: Chemistry magna cum laude Newberg, Oregon
Sierra Dawn Pauley
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology cum laude Mesa, Washington
Thomas Peach
Bachelor of Science: Biology magna cum laude Snohomish, Washington
‘Auli‘i Journey Keli‘anakekupuna Peahi
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology magna cum laude Waimanalo, Hawai‘i
Samantha Nicole Pease
Bachelor of Science: Biology Vancouver, Washington
Fernando Peña-Gomez
Bachelor of Science: Health Science Othello, Washington
Brenda G. Peone
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services cum laude Cusick, Washington
Ismael Eliah Perez
Bachelor of Arts: Criminology and Criminal Justice Othello, Washington
Sara Perez
Bachelor of Science: Health Science cum laude Benton City, Washington
Caitlin Perry
Bachelor of Arts: Public Service Administration summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Alexander Peters
Bachelor of Science: Biophysics cum laude Post Falls, Idaho
Jordan Peterson
Bachelor of Science: Biology summa cum laude Brush Prairie, Washington
Raechelle Audrey Pidone
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology & Sociology cum laude Olympia, Washington
Christien Pierce-Bacon
Bachelor of Arts: History cum laude Spokane, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
Edwige Mana Rusimuka
Bachelor of Arts: French Bachelor of Science: Chemistry Bujumbura, Burundi
Jagjot Singh Saini Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Indore, India
Abigail Sanders
Bachelor of Arts: Art cum laude Kirkland, Washington
Libertad Sarmiento
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Tacoma, Washington
Connor Schlicter
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Maple Valley, Washington
Jacob Schlosser
Bachelor of Science: Engineering Colville, Washington
Hannah Carlin Schultz
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ron Schwencer
Bachelor of Arts: Human-Computer Interaction Las Vegas, Nevada
Jared Scott
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Deer Park, Washington
Mason George Self
Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics & Secondary Education West Linn, Oregon
Joseph Selle
Bachelor of Arts: Communication & Theatre cum laude Spokane, Washington
Fopefoluwa Seriki
Bachelor of Arts: Communication Lagos, Nigeria
Marissa Sety
Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Spokane, Washington
Stephanie Jo Sfeir
Bachelor of Arts: Art summa cum laude Sandpoint, Idaho
Katelyn Shaw
Bachelor of Science: Engineering cum laude Colbert, Washington
Caleb Shawen
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Spokane, Washington
Shayla M. Shea
Bachelor of Science: Biology cum laude Manhattan, Montana
Cameron Sheley
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Spokane Valley, Washington
Emma Shelton
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Blaine, Washington
Brittney Shining
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Greenacres, Washington
Spencer Shipman
Bachelor of Arts: Kinesiology Newman Lake, Washington
Lianna Shupe
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Deer Park, Washington
Tayah Michelle Siegel
Bachelor of Arts: Humanities summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Matheus Mielle Silva
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science cum laude Belo Horizonte, Brazil
Brianne M. Simpson
Bachelor of Arts: Human Services summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Alexis Sinclair
Bachelor of Science: Computer Science Spokane, Washington
Gwendolyn Skeen
Bachelor of Arts: Communication Spokane, Washington
Alexander J. Smith
Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Walla Walla, Washington
Elaina Smith
Bachelor of Arts: Art cum laude Helena, Montana
Gage Smith
Bachelor of Science: Biology Star, Idaho
Jacob Ryan Smith
Bachelor of Arts: Music Cheney, Washington
Myla Angel Smith
Bachelor of Arts: Criminology and Criminal Justice cum laude Honolulu, Hawai‘i
Gracie Smyley
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology magna cum laude Whitefish, Montana
Katie M. Snyder
Bachelor of Arts: Business Management magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Litzy Soltero
Bachelor of Arts: Political Science cum laude Kent, Washington
Alyssa Sorce
Bachelor of Arts: Art Spokane, Washington
Maesaiah Tielynne Sorokin
Bachelor of Arts: Communication Spokane, Washington
Madilyn Stansfield Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Edgewood, Washington
Courtney Margurette Starr
Bachelor of Arts: English/Language Arts & Secondary Education summa cum laude Republic, Washington
Michael Stavridis Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Port Alfred, South Africa
Ellie Stephens
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education & Special Education magna cum laude Portland, Oregon
Rhonda R. Stiffarm Bachelor of Arts: Business Management magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Noah Stifle Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Woodinville, Washington
Candice Stilwell Bachelor of Arts: Communication & English Oregon City, Oregon
Alison A. Stone
Bachelor of Science: Biology cum laude Spokane, Washington
Aaron Lee Storem Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Milton, Washington
Maggie Louise Suter
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education magna cum laude Portland, Oregon
Quentin Swett Bachelor of Arts: Human-Computer Interaction Deer Park, Washington
Carolyn Taisakan Peter Bachelor of Arts: Public Service Administration cum laude Northern Marianas Islands
Denise A. Ishimwe Tambwe
Bachelor of Arts: Chemistry Spokane, Washington
Priye Aaron Tam-George Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Abuja, Nigeria
Isabella M. Taylor Bachelor of Science: Health Science Benton City, Washington
Deborah Abraham Teressa Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration summa cum laude Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Robert William Thompson Bachelor of Arts: Human Services cum laude Spokane, Washington
Taylor Thorne Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Missoula, Montana
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
William Lee Tippitt Bachelor of Arts: Psychology Pasadena, California
Angi Brianne Tomson Bachelor of Arts: Management and Accounting summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
Ryan Alexander Trader Bachelor of Arts: Mathematics Bachelor of Science: Computer Science summa cum laude Benton City, Washington
Baylee Rose Trejo Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Spokane Valley, Washington
Camille Kathleen Tremblay
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology magna cum laude Spokane, Washington
Jake Arthur Trost Bachelor of Science: Health Science Maple Valley, Washington
Lillian Tucker Bachelor of Arts: Applied Physics Federal Way, Washington
Nandin-Erdene Tungalag Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration magna cum laude Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Centaya Isabel Turner Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration Omak, Washington
Valeriya Tyugay Bachelor of Business Administration: Business Administration cum laude Almaty, Kazakhstan
Grace Uppendahl Bachelor of Arts: Communication & English Mount Vernon, Washington
Katelyn Vaccaro
Bachelor of Arts: English summa cum laude Fresno, California
Gavin Alexander Valdez Bachelor of Science: Chemistry cum laude Englewood, Colorado
Vanessa Valentin Martinez
Bachelor of Science: Health Science magna cum laude Othello, Washington
Katie Jo van den Bogaert Bachelor of Arts: Communication summa cum laude Christchurch, New Zealand
Shaey Kaleilani Kamali‘i Hulali Maka Van Gieson
Bachelor of Arts: Sociology Nanakuli, Hawai‘i
Shayne Poai Makana Maka‘ala Maikalani Van Gieson
Bachelor of Arts: Criminology and Criminal Justice Nanakuli, Hawai‘i
Kalei Nalani Van Sickle
Bachelor of Arts: Elementary Education summa cum laude Spokane, Washington
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE CANDIDATES
CERTIFICATE OF VOCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NURSING:
Alia Alvarez Spokane Valley, Washington
Claire Michele Caldwell West Richland, Washington
Jessica Isabel Castellon Soap Lake, Washington
Avery Sandhop Moses Lake, Washington
Anneka Joy Siems Tacoma, Washington
A LOOK AT THE LAST FOUR YEARS
2021-22
WHITWORTH EVENTS
New Faculty : Micki Abercrombie-Donahue, Chris-Mike Agbelie, Ashley Beck, Jordan Broussard, Olivia Cope, Sophia Du Val ’16, Christy Gliniak, Aaron Griffith, Dawn Fitzgerald, Kevin Helgeson, Xiaosha Lin, Ernest Ofori, David Robbins, Dominic Severino, Tamra Stambaugh, Ingrid Van Duyne, Paul Werhane ’11
Visiting Faculty : Richard Cloutier
Faculty Retirements: Wendy Bleecker ’89, Daniel Keberle, Robert Krueger, Laurie Lamon ’78, Kathryn Lee, Randall Michaelis ’74, Leonard Oakland, Gordon Wilson, Steven Zemke
Campus News: Campus life gains a greater sense of normality as the pandemic response transitions to a new phase, with most courses being held in person and campus bustling with performances, activities and events, including the long-awaited 50th Polynesian Club Lū‘au; Whitworth hosts two President’s Leadership Forum events featuring former Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates and singer and actor Leslie Odom, Jr.; the Military & Veterans Resource Center opens for use by Whitworth’s student military members, veterans and ROTC cadets; Scott McQuilkin ’84, ’88, is appointed as Whitworth’s 19th president after serving in an interim capacity; the forensics team wins the National Christian College Forensics Association’s national tournament for the fifth year in a row; the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble performs with Maria Schneider; the university dedicates the Dana & David Dornsife Health Sciences Building, home to Whitworth’s doctoral programs in the health sciences and its master of science in athletic training program.
Sports News: Volleyball completes its Northwest Conference schedule undefeated, 16-0, for the first time and advances to the NCAA tournament; football garners its eighth straight winning season, marking the longest stretch of winning years in school history; men’s basketball claims its 14th NWC men’s basketball tournament championship; men’s swimming wins its fourth straight NWC championship and 18th in the last 21 years; both golf teams finish in second place; women’s tennis reaches the NWC championship match.
2022-23
WHITWORTH EVENTS
New Faculty: Joshua Chism, Lizzie Choma ’15, Jared Hall ’08, Aaron Hitefield, Mary Miller, Corey Morrow, Molly Quick, David Schipf, Renee’ Schoening, Vicky Tsang, Sharon Yurs
Visiting Faculty : Nicole Bouchard
Retiring Faculty : Keith Beebe, Judith Schoepflin, Anne Wilcox, Greg Wintz
Campus News: Whitworth shines in the U.S. News & World Report 2023 Best Colleges Rankings, ranking No. 1 best value and No. 1 in undergraduate teaching among regional universities in the West; the university welcomes the first cohorts of students in its physical therapy and occupational therapy doctoral programs; the bachelor of science in engineering program receives accreditation by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET; retired U.S. Navy Admiral James Stavridis speaks at the fall President’s Leadership Forum; the Whitworth community celebrates the inauguration of President Scott McQuilkin ’84, ’88, in October, with past presidents, trustees and other special guests attending; the theatre and music departments collaborate on the fall musical, The Sound of Music, and audiences pack the house; Whitworth launches the School of Health Sciences to house its growing programs.
Sports News: Volleyball wins a share of the Northwest Conference championship in the fall, while the men’s basketball team upsets top-seeded Whitman to win the 2023 NWC tournament; men’s swimming and men’s and women’s track & field all post strong runner-up finishes at the respective NWC championship meets; Whitworth finishes second overall in the 2023 NWC McIlroy-Lewis All-Sports Trophy standings; the athletics department selects men’s golfer Sam Pauly ’24 as the Dennis Spurlock Award winner and Samson Irish-Lodge ’23 (track & field) as the winner of the Aaron Leetch Inspiration Award; Madison Lee ’23 (volleyball), Carly Hoff ’23 (women’s swimming) and Colten Chelin ’23 (football) are the 2022-23 Senior Athletes of the Year.
A LOOK AT THE LAST FOUR YEARS
2023-24
WHITWORTH EVENTS
New Faculty: Molly Codd-Gaskell, Joelle Czirr, Jonathan Dawson, Benny Fountain, Chris Hansen, Carrie Killinger, Bonnie Kirkpatrick, Donna Mann, Peter Moe, Priscila Navarro, Bornell Nicholson
Visiting Faculty : Dawn Isherwood
Retiring Faculty : David Cherry, Debbie Tully
Campus News: For the second year in a row, U.S. News & World Report ranks Whitworth No. 1 in Best Undergraduate Teaching among regional universities in the West; Whitworth welcomes human rights champion and public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson back to the fall President’s Leadership Forum and awards him with an honorary doctorate; Whitworth launches Pines Press, a publication imprint under the Washington State University Press; Whitworth’s Office of Church Engagement receives two major grants from Lilly Endowment Inc. to establish the Formed in Faith Project and Compelling Preaching Initiative; the forensics team wins the national championship in debate at the National Christian College Forensics Association’s tournament; the Whitworth Jazz Ensemble and Whitworth Wind Symphony tour in Thailand over Spring Break, and the jazz ensemble wins first place in its division at the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.
Sports News: The Whitworth football team wins the Northwest Conference title and advances to the second round of the NCAA playoffs; the men’s basketball team also wins the NWC crown and reaches the second round of the NCAA tournament; swimmer Zachary Washburn ’24 leads the Pirate men to the NWC championship and earns All-American honors in two events; the Pirate athletics department selects baseball pitcher Hunter Dryden ’24 as the Dennis Spurlock Award winner and lacrosse player Sidney Nichols ’24 as the Aaron Leetch Inspiration Award recipient.
2024-25
WHITWORTH EVENTS
New Faculty: Elise Forier Edie, Katie Ericsson, Stephanie Hallam, Josh King MBA ’24, Donna Mann, Matthew Rains, Caitlin Morrison Reilly, Megan Slayton, Mary Stover, Jared Tawney M.A. in MFT ’21, Ann Wilson
Retiring Faculty: Robert Buckham, Frank Caccavo, Karin Heller, Doug Jones, Corliss Slack, Julia Stronks
Campus News: Whitworth receives the National Science Foundation’s Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics grant for nearly $2 million for a project that will aid high-achieving, low-income students; Melinda Mullet ’25 and Whitworth Honors Program Director Bert Emerson receive the Center for Public Justice 2025 Hatfield Prize; the university offers a speaker series to promote critical thinking and civil discourse during the 2024 election and beyond, culminating in the spring President’s Leadership Forum featuring former U.S. Rep. Liz Cheney; John Pell is named provost & executive vice president after serving in an interim capacity; the Whitworth Choir and Whitworth Symphony Orchestra travel to Taiwan for a concert tour; Whitworth graduates its first classes of occupational therapy and physical doctoral students, and the OTD program receives full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.
Sports News: Whitworth has another strong fall season as the volleyball team wins the Northwest Conference title with an unbeaten record and the football team wins 10 games and advances to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs for the second year in a row; the men’s basketball team wins the NWC regular-season title, while the swimming teams sweep the NWC titles for the first time since 2013; as of publication, the baseball team wins the NWC baseball tournament and advances to the NCAA playoffs for the first time since 2016 while the track & field teams have several athletes ranked among NCAA leaders, including Amblessed Okemgbo ’26 in the shot put and discus, Madison Carr ’26 in the shot put and hammer throw, and defending NCAA champion Cody Wheeler ’26 in the javelin; Whitworth retains the NWC McIlroy-Lewis All-Sports Trophy recognizing athletic excellence following the 2024-25 athletic year.
