The sense of community and academic excellence that defines Whitworth University has produced countless successful alumni who have made their mark in various fields. From business leaders to artists, educators to politicians, Whitworth's graduates have consistently demonstrated the values of the university: a commitment to intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and service to others. Here are 10 of the most notable alumni of Whitworth University, whose stories serve as testaments to the transformative power of a Whitworth education.
Whitworth University's commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement has fostered an environment that encourages students to explore their passions, develop their skills, and become leaders in their chosen fields. The university's strong liberal arts foundation provides a broad-based education that prepares graduates to succeed in an ever-changing world.
One of the most notable aspects of Whitworth University is its strong sense of community. With a student body of around 2,300, the university offers a personalized education that allows students to form meaningful connections with their peers and professors. This close-knit community provides a supportive environment that encourages students to take risks, explore their interests, and develop their passions.
1. Teri Copley: A Trailblazer in Business and Entertainment
Teri Copley, a 1978 graduate of Whitworth University, is a highly accomplished businesswoman and actress. She is best known for her roles in the TV series "I Married Dora" and " Quantum Leap." Copley's success in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, perseverance, and Whitworth education.
Early Life and Education
Copley grew up in a small town in Idaho and developed a passion for acting at a young age. She attended Whitworth University, where she earned a degree in drama and speech. During her time at Whitworth, Copley was actively involved in the theater program, performing in numerous productions and honing her craft.
2. Craig T. Olson: A Leader in Education and Community Service
Craig T. Olson, a 1982 graduate of Whitworth University, is a dedicated educator and community servant. He has spent his career working in education, serving as a teacher, administrator, and non-profit leader. Olson's commitment to service and education is a reflection of the values he developed during his time at Whitworth.
Career and Community Service
Olson began his career as a teacher and later became an administrator, serving as a principal and superintendent in several school districts. He has also worked in non-profit leadership, serving as the CEO of a large non-profit organization. Throughout his career, Olson has remained committed to service, volunteering his time and expertise to various causes.
3. Mark Gregory: A Pioneer in the Tech Industry
Mark Gregory, a 1985 graduate of Whitworth University, is a successful entrepreneur and technologist. He has founded several companies, including a leading software development firm. Gregory's success in the tech industry is a testament to his innovative spirit and Whitworth education.
Early Life and Education
Gregory grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and developed a passion for technology at a young age. He attended Whitworth University, where he earned a degree in computer science. During his time at Whitworth, Gregory was actively involved in the computer science program, working on various projects and developing his skills.
4. Debra L. Friedman: A Trailblazer in Law and Public Service
Debra L. Friedman, a 1988 graduate of Whitworth University, is a highly accomplished attorney and public servant. She has worked in various roles, including as a prosecutor, judge, and government official. Friedman's success in law and public service is a reflection of her strong work ethic and Whitworth education.
Early Life and Education
Friedman grew up in a small town in Washington and developed a passion for law at a young age. She attended Whitworth University, where she earned a degree in political science. During her time at Whitworth, Friedman was actively involved in the debate team and pre-law program, developing her skills and preparing for a career in law.
5. Brad Baxter: A Leader in Business and Philanthropy
Brad Baxter, a 1990 graduate of Whitworth University, is a successful business leader and philanthropist. He has worked in various roles, including as a CEO and non-profit executive. Baxter's commitment to service and philanthropy is a reflection of the values he developed during his time at Whitworth.
Early Life and Education
Baxter grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and developed a passion for business at a young age. He attended Whitworth University, where he earned a degree in business administration. During his time at Whitworth, Baxter was actively involved in the business program, working on various projects and developing his skills.
6. Tonia Poteat: A Pioneer in Education and Community Service
Tonia Poteat, a 1992 graduate of Whitworth University, is a dedicated educator and community servant. She has worked in various roles, including as a teacher, administrator, and non-profit leader. Poteat's commitment to service and education is a reflection of the values she developed during her time at Whitworth.
Early Life and Education
Poteat grew up in a small town in Idaho and developed a passion for education at a young age. She attended Whitworth University, where she earned a degree in elementary education. During her time at Whitworth, Poteat was actively involved in the education program, working on various projects and developing her skills.
7. Scott A. Wolfe: A Leader in Business and Technology
Scott A. Wolfe, a 1995 graduate of Whitworth University, is a successful business leader and technologist. He has worked in various roles, including as a CEO and software developer. Wolfe's success in business and technology is a testament to his innovative spirit and Whitworth education.
Early Life and Education
Wolfe grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and developed a passion for technology at a young age. He attended Whitworth University, where he earned a degree in computer science. During his time at Whitworth, Wolfe was actively involved in the computer science program, working on various projects and developing his skills.
8. Dr. Karl V. Peterson: A Pioneer in Education and Community Service
Dr. Karl V. Peterson, a 1998 graduate of Whitworth University, is a dedicated educator and community servant. He has worked in various roles, including as a teacher, administrator, and non-profit leader. Peterson's commitment to service and education is a reflection of the values he developed during his time at Whitworth.
Early Life and Education
Peterson grew up in a small town in Washington and developed a passion for education at a young age. He attended Whitworth University, where he earned a degree in secondary education. During his time at Whitworth, Peterson was actively involved in the education program, working on various projects and developing his skills.
9. Dr. Kathryn A. Wright: A Leader in Education and Community Service
Dr. Kathryn A. Wright, a 2000 graduate of Whitworth University, is a dedicated educator and community servant. She has worked in various roles, including as a teacher, administrator, and non-profit leader. Wright's commitment to service and education is a reflection of the values she developed during her time at Whitworth.
Early Life and Education
Wright grew up in a small town in Idaho and developed a passion for education at a young age. She attended Whitworth University, where she earned a degree in elementary education. During her time at Whitworth, Wright was actively involved in the education program, working on various projects and developing her skills.
10. Matthew J. Ward: A Pioneer in Business and Technology
Matthew J. Ward, a 2002 graduate of Whitworth University, is a successful business leader and technologist. He has worked in various roles, including as a CEO and software developer. Ward's success in business and technology is a testament to his innovative spirit and Whitworth education.
Early Life and Education
Ward grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and developed a passion for technology at a young age. He attended Whitworth University, where he earned a degree in computer science. During his time at Whitworth, Ward was actively involved in the computer science program, working on various projects and developing his skills.
What makes Whitworth University's alumni community so successful?
+Whitworth University's alumni community is successful due to the university's strong sense of community, academic excellence, and commitment to service. These values provide a foundation for graduates to succeed in their chosen fields and make a positive impact in their communities.
How has Whitworth University prepared its alumni for success?
+Whitworth University has prepared its alumni for success by providing a well-rounded education that emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The university's strong liberal arts foundation, combined with its professional programs, has equipped graduates with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.
What sets Whitworth University's alumni apart from others?
+Whitworth University's alumni are set apart by their commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement. The university's values of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and service to others have instilled in graduates a sense of purpose and responsibility that guides their personal and professional lives.