If you look out of the back window at The Atlas, you will see a colorfully bold mural on the Tread Shed, which features a biker looking down a road that stretches into a rocky landscape. This mural was painted by Hannah Jane Gillespie, a senior fine arts major, and was finished on April 28, 2023. Gillespie took […]

This final issue of The Collegian is dedicated to the WWU seniors. The 2023 WWU graduating class heads out into a world full of economic uncertainty that is still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic and learning how to cope with the impact of AI. Read Gleb’s article to learn David Lindstrom’s tips for seniors to […]

Graduation is just around the corner for Walla Walla University seniors, and it is the time when graduates start a new chapter in life. Graduating students today confront a distinctive set of challenges that diverge significantly from those encountered by previous generations. The rapidly changing job market driven by factors such as AI and economic […]

Walla Walla University no longer owns the Hallmark apartments, which provided low-cost off-campus housing for a large number of students. In 1963, the University built the Hallmark 2-bedroom apartments on land with a lease for 60 years.   The lease will be up this summer, and while WWU has tried to negotiate a price with the […]

As graduation nears for the senior class, many students have found jobs and are making changes to prepare them for a bright future. Other seniors can take a gap year before beginning work or pursuing post-graduate degrees. However, not all seniors have found a job or have concrete post-graduation plans in place and feel stressed. […]

The Associated Students of Walla Walla University has been in operation in some form since 1914 when the Collegiate Association, a precursor to ASWWU, was formed. Although ASWWU, or ASWWC as it was known until 2007, has always strived to put on fun and original events for students, many of those events change from year […]

This week’s issue is all about getting to know groups on campus that serve the students but who you, dear reader, may not know much about.   One such group is Haven, an anonymous care group for students who want to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals. Read Megan Carreon’s article interviewing the executive team for Haven […]

Shawn Rantung, a senior engineering major, is the project manager of the Walla Walla University chapter of Engineers Without Borders (EWB), a group that focuses “on making the maximum positive effort for our community while ensuring that projects are sustainable and genuinely beneficial for everyone involved, in accordance with EWB-USA’s project process.” [1]  

I’ve been in a relationship for about four months now. Sure, every relationship has its highs and lows, but in this relationship, our lows have just been little pauses before the next remarkable high, like a y = x3 graph. I want to share some of my natural relationship intuition and insight with those of you […]

During a Walla Walla University faculty-staff meeting, President John McVay gave a statement about how WWU will remain committed to Seventh-day Adventist values by ministering to LGBTQ+ students.  On Thursday, April 13, 2023, McVay began his presentation by telling a story. McVay had recently asked someone from a declining SDA campus what it would take […]

Senior Russian international student and computer engineering major Mikhail Beresnev leads in the growth of Walla Walla University’s student-led ReNew Sabbath school.   Beresnev was born in Russia’s fourth-largest city, Yekaterinburg. He was raised in a traditional Seventh-day Adventist home and his father was the head pastor of his local church. In 2009, his family made […]

The athletic department at Walla Walla University is vibrant. Dozens of students participate on many teams, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country. Last week, The Collegian interviewed two students who are part of the golf team, an active but lesser-known team on campus, and recorded their unique experiences with their team and with WWU. 

Have you ever been wildly misunderstood? Have you ever had someone interpret something you said in a way other than it was intended? Have you ever inadvertently used some word, phrase, or tone that had a different meaning for another individual and triggered a hostile response? Have you ever felt the difficulty in helping someone […]

Haven is Walla Walla University’s care group for students who want to connect with other LGBTQ+ individuals. Members meet weekly in a nondisclosed location to find companionship. It’s an anonymous group so that members know they are safe.   WWU is committed to “following the example of Jesus, who crossed barriers, challenged prejudices, and embraced the […]

Four students discussed the best advice their mothers have given them. This Mother’s Day we implore readers to think about one piece of wisdom your mom has given you over the years and why that advice is special.  Freshman biology major Joash Jano-Edward recalled this:   “With Mother’s Day approaching, there are many pieces of advice my […]

Over the millennia, bathers have cowered beneath the verbal abuse of showerers, but no more!  There are some injustices in this world that you can’t just look over or let slide by. On some issues, you have to put your foot down and take a stand for what’s right. Today, I’m putting my foot down […]

Did you know that it is Mother’s Day this Sunday? If you did not, here is your reminder to plan something special—you’re welcome. In honor of Mother’s Day, The Collegian published one article interviewing students and staff about why Mother’s Day is important for them and another article where four students share some of the […]

InTents week of worship is a special time on the Walla Walla University campus. As this year’s event comes to a close, take some time to learn about the behind-the-scenes work that goes into making it possible.  According to Dr. Pedrito Maynard-Reid, the first InTents week of worship took place in 1992. The idea began […]

As a Walla Walla University student, you might not know much about the Discovery Preschool on campus other than where the sign is on the side of Smith Hall. I did some digging, so you don’t have to.  Discovery Preschool has been instilling a love for learning while teaching SDA Christian values to the next […]

One of the first things freshmen do when they arrive on campus is choose a mentor. The mentor program is a unique Walla Walla University experience that gives students a chance to speak with a caring adult about their new college experience. Many of the mentors are passionate about their job, so The Collegian interviewed […]

I wish I were 10 years old again. Remember those days when school was easy, homework was nonexistent, girls weren’t a problem, you had no chores and you could ride your bike all day long? When I was 10, I went to school, came home, rode my bike until dark, ate, did my spelling words […]

In recent years, there has been more of a push towards supporting small businesses. It’s commonly known that shopping small boosts the local economy and directly supports small business owners. However, did you know that shopping locally is also environmentally sustainable?   More importantly, shopping locally helps reduce your “food miles,” or the distance the food […]

Each year on the second Sunday of May, Mother’s Day is celebrated in numerous Western countries, serving as a special occasion to honor and express gratitude toward motherly figures.   This holiday is certainly underrated when compared to Christmas and Valentine’s Day. However, the opportunity and significance should not be underestimated.    Lana Van Dorn, an office […]

College goes by in a blur, especially when you’re myopic.  Which students receive the least empathy on campus? A tricky question. Here’s the answer: students with easily correctable vision. Well no longer! It’s time to see what they go through, time to see what they can’t. Here’s a week in the life of a myopic […]

Shirley, Hercules, Parvath, and Aimi made their way to the fountain in the middle of the plaza where the police had decided to keep their suspects detained for the moment. The four had to maneuver their way around the various film equipment from the movie set to get to the fountain. Sitting along the fountain […]

It can at times be hard to remember that just two years ago we were all wearing masks and anxiously reading the news for more information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Although mask mandates are no-more, there are many ways the COVID-19 pandemic has changed things, perhaps permanently. These changes are what two of The Collegian […]

Since the lockdown in March 2020, many things have changed due to government-imposed restrictions and regulations. While many government restrictions have been lifted, the way we do things continues to be different than before COVID-19.  Walla Walla University seniors Artur BorgesParaizo and Bryson Collins have experience with both pre- and post-COVID education. Artur BorgesParaizo, an […]

Wildfires are some of the most destructive natural disasters to occur. As fires become more common, many Walla Walla University students are forced to see and breathe smoke in the air. But many WWU students have not only inhaled the smoke but have been in morbidly close proximity to the fires, some nearly escaping with […]

Reporter: “Mr. Gandhi, what do you think of Western Civilization?”  Mr. Gandhi: “I think it would be a good idea. What do you think of when you hear ‘civilization?’ A game perhaps? It seems to me that most of us think of our standard of living, infrastructure, art, literature and scientific achievements as ways of […]

A staggering decline in university enrollment has sent shockwaves throughout the United States. Sources indicate the enrollment count has seen the steepest decline since 2018. [1] Among the other university campuses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Walla Walla University faced heavy turbulence in enrollment, faculty/staff layoffs, and program adjustments.

Welcome back to the second, even gentler, episode of Collegentlewhispers, sponsored by The Collegian. This episode will be self-guided, just like our fall (and only other) edition. Gently follow the instructions below, which will include several mantras you may speak aloud to better complement your ASMR experience.

To celebrate Asian Heritage Month, which starts next week in May, this issue of The Collegian is focused on the experiences of Asian and Pacific Islander people, who represent about 6% of the students on our campus.  

Although many students do not come back to Walla Walla University after they graduate, some are excited to be back at WWU as professors. For two such professors, Brian Schaffner and Paul Dybdahl, WWU is a very special place.  

According to Walla Walla University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, there are around 76 Asian students on campus, which accounts for 6% of the total number of students.   Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is celebrated during May. WWU provides a safe environment where everyone can learn and appreciate the differences that make our […]

Born in Los Angeles, California, and raised Filipino, Aaron Nakamura has a passion for bringing people closer together. What began as an idea has now become a purpose.  His story expresses what makes us unique and explores finding our identity within our own community. Nakamura described, “I grew up in a community where I was […]

I used to read with a flashlight under the covers at night. Or in the closet, for an added element of excitement. I read because I wanted to experience things that I didn’t imagine would ever happen in quiet little College Place. Later, after overcoming my sometimes-misguided sense of adventure, I was relieved that I […]

We never know how our lives are going to unfold. As a college student, I know this feeling all too well.   While sitting in class with a professor that seems to have it all together – an established career, family, stability – that feeling of uncertainty can sneak in.   But we forget that our professors […]

As Earth Day approaches, Walla Walla University students may wonder how to be involved in recycling and what services are available. Different campuses have different recycling services – let’s dive into your options for recycling where you are. 

The urge to help the environment can be overwhelming and complex. So, we need a realistic focus on simple solutions for healthy change. The goal is not to “save the world,” but to take action that will bring immediate and positive change. 

Shirley had jinxed herself in wishing for these weird crimes to stop.   Barely a week after the death of Mr. Masters at the Ferguson Art Gallery, Shirley received a call. More specifically, she received a call from Aimi, who spoke so fast that Shirley had to snap at her to slow down. As Shirley left […]

Earth Day, happening this Saturday, April 22, affords us studious college students a great opportunity to get our noses out of our laptops and go outside to experience God’s nature.   Interestingly, college students have always had a special connection with Earth Day. In 1969 a young activist named Denis Hayes was recruited to organize campus […]

“Old McDonald had a farm, ee i ee i o.” Everyone knows that part of the story, but few know the less popular but just as accurate version of the song that goes: “Old McDonald had a farm that had high crop yields and supported a wide range of biodiversity across the local ecosystem.” 

Established in Marseille, France in 1966 by Pierre Bellon, Sodexo serves as a multi-functional company which operates within the food, facilities, and home services industry in 56 countries. Through its various services, Sodexo supplies its resources to more than 100 million consumers. [1] 

“According to all known laws of aviation, there is no way a bee should be able to fly. Its wings are too small to get its fat little body off the ground. The bee, of course, flies anyway, because bees don’t care what humans think is impossible.” [1] For most of us, The Bee Movie […]

As spring comes, we are reminded that the earth is a precious object that cannot be replaced. Keeping it in good shape is essential to living a healthier and happier life for ourselves and others. There are several ways to participate in this mission. 

“With such a mass of serious environmental dangers surrounding us, it is tempting to throw up our hands in despair. But despair can only make things worse. We can save the planet if we all take responsibility for it in every aspect of our daily lives, starting now.” (The Canadian Green Consumer Guide, prepared by […]

This weekend we celebrate Earth Day. On this special day, do you think we can unite in our commitment to the planet and the welfare of all its inhabitants? Despite overwhelming scientific evidence, those who deny climate change continue to sow doubt, hindering our collective efforts to address this existential crisis. [1-4] Don’t you think […]

This week at The Collegian we wanted to take an issue to celebrate the Hispanic culture here at Walla Walla University because we were unable to do so in the fall due to our delayed publishing schedule. I am very excited that we are finally able to highlight some of the amazing things going on […]

Hey everybody, today I would like to share with you a very special recipe! But first, some unsolicited personal anecdotes. This recipe was passed down to me from my aunt. She was blunt but still the kindest woman you could ever meet, and she basically raised me. My parents weren’t very present because my mom […]

According to Walla Walla University’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, there are 337 Hispanic/Latino students on campus, which accounts for 21% of the total number of students. [1]  WWU celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month every year by hosting a variety of events, including Hispanic Vespers, community gatherings, and other special programs on campus. The big community of […]

Walla Walla University is home to a diverse array of cultures and backgrounds. Today we’ll embark on an exploration of what it truly means to be part of the growing Hispanic community at WWU and in the rest of the country. 

The Collegian interviewed Hispanic Ministry co-leaders Anilce Castillo and Jenny Vidales-Lazcano to learn about their unique perspective and the ministry’s events offered to WWU students. The chaplain’s office has many campus ministries within Walla Walla University. Berean Fellowship, Circle Church, Dorm Ministries, Vespers, Heubach Worship, and Small Groups all fall under this umbrella. Hispanic Ministries […]

What is compost?  Compost is “the controlled aerobic, biological decomposition of biodegradable materials.” [1]  Compost is also known as “black gold,” because it becomes a nutrient-rich fertilizer. [2] It retains soil nutrients, attracts beneficial organisms, and helps prevent soil erosion. [3]  Why should I care?  When organic waste breaks down in landfills, it creates methane. […]

The day most of us have waited for is here. Taco Bell is coming to Walla Walla. For most students at WWC, Taco Bell has been a planned stop on day trips to the tri-cities. Now the days of 45-minute drives for a burrito at Taco Bell are over, giving away to a new age […]

Jaime Jorge is a professional Seventh-day Adventist violinist who shares his faith through his music. He performed at the Walla Walla University Church on April 8, 2023, and in the following interview with The Collegian, he discussed how he found his purpose through God and music.   

Welcome to our women’s history month issue! This is our last regular issue of the quarter and I am excited to be ending with such an important topic. This issue also includes the results of the ASWWU elections! Be sure to check out who won and by how much—The Collegian wishes these four students luck […]

Aunt Flow is a company that started in 2016 that supplies free feminine products in bathrooms. It was started by Claire Coder, who on their website described, “At 18 years old, I dedicated my life to developing a solution to ensure businesses and schools could sustainably provide quality period products, for free, in bathrooms.” [1] […]

Shirley and Katherine entered the exhibition hall and made their way to the large portrait frame. The body of Mr. Masters lay on the ground, having been taken down so Parvath could perform his examination. Parvath currently stood in front of the frame with Hercules and Aimi on either side of him. On Aimi’s other […]

Hebrew Bible and Old Testament professor Mathilde Frey talked about how women in the Seventh-day Adventist church are often seen as lesser spiritual leaders.   Dr. Frey worked as a pastor in Germany for five years where she experienced “what it means to be a woman in the church as a minister.” She said, “I think […]

Walla Walla University has many STEM majors within several programs, including biology, engineering, and chemistry, among others. The Collegian interviewed several women in the biology program to learn about their unique experiences within their areas of expertise. 

If you’re anything like me, it can be overwhelming thinking about how your everyday actions affect the environment. Sometimes I feel really great about the decisions I make because I know they’re contributing to a greener world; however, this isn’t always the case. When life gets stressful in college, I have the tendency to want […]

With the women’s basketball season coming to an end, The Collegian has highlighted some of the team’s greatest accomplishments and the reasons behind their success during their historic season.   The Wolves had some impressive wins against fierce rivals including Warner Pacific, Corban, Multnomah, and Evergreen College. The Wolves’ convincing 71-61 win against Multnomah was followed […]

Ashley Amparano is an international student from Mexico and a transfer student from Pacific Union College. She has not only gone through challenges, but also many successes throughout her journey.  

I’ve worked as a senator for ASWWU since my freshman year, and since I’m a senior now; that means I’ve been a senator roughly since I was a freshman. I realize some of you reading this may be community members or uninformed students of Walla Walla University, so allow me to define a few things. 

Hello everyone, this week each of our articles is a feature on an international student here at Walla Walla University. The reason we decided to do this is because one year ago on February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. 

Annaliese Grellmann, President Candidate  I originally decided to run for ASWWU President because I loved getting to witness and be a part of all the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into operating a fully student-run organization with 15 departments and 130 staff. The best part of this job is getting to watch and be a part […]

Kudzai Mhondiwa, a senior business marketing student, spoke on his experience as an international multinational student at Walla Walla University.  Mhondiwa’s earliest memories come from Zimbabwe, before his family moved to Ireland when he was five. “My childhood has been mostly an Irish upbringing, so I’ve gotten accustomed to the Irish traditions, the language, the […]

Abriel Thuc is a senior business major at Walla Walla University who was born and raised in South Sudan. He came to the United States in 2016 to attend Takoma Academy in Maryland and moved to College Place in 2019 to study at WWU. Thuc has always been passionate about basketball and was recruited at […]

A Student’s Perspective of the War in Ukraine Kudzai Mhondiwa Gleb Drumi, a senior business accounting major from Russia, spoke of his personal experience of the war between Russia and Ukraine.   On February 22, 2022, the Russian government waged an all-out war on the nation of Ukraine. What Russian President Vladimir Putin touted as a […]

There are many international students throughout Walla Walla University’s campus. The Collegian interviewed Jonster Lin-ao, who is a freshman mechanical engineering student from Silang in the province of Cavite in the Philippines. He attended Hong Kong Adventist Academy before joining WWU this last fall and can be seen playing violin in the University orchestra. 

Life in the 20th century has become so fast-paced that it is a rare occurrence if any of us actually has a chance to stop and smell the roses, much less linger and look at the stars. How long has it been since you thought about the Milky Way land (and I don’t mean the […]

Half of all trips taken in cars are under two miles. [1] Do you drive your car to class? While in some instances cars may be necessary, most people drive out of habit rather than necessity.   What would happen if we put more thought into our transportation?   If you started bike commuting this year you’d […]

What kind of music people believe is appropriate for church varies widely among many Christian denominations, including Seventh-day Adventism. In the Adventist church, many believe there are principles to maintain when listening to music in general, and especially when listening to music that praises God. 

You’re in choir and today is the performance. Your body is your instrument, so you take a moment to prepare your body. First, you massage your temples and your cheeks. Next, you relax your jaw and stretch your tongue.   The face is complete. 

If someone told Shirley that she was going to have another case not even a week after her one at Bear’s Belly Bar, she would be inclined to not believe them. After all, Hamview was still a bit stagnant in the area of major crime, so a phone call from Hercules got her attention. 

This week’s issue is about all things music. One can hardly talk about music at WWU without mentioning Battle of the Bands (a student led cover band competition). The 2023 BOTB is just around the corner, and with it comes the perennial debate over whether or not BOTB is an appropriate event for a Seventh-day […]

Walla Walla University’s ICantori and Symphony Orchestra are two of the most popular music groups on campus. However, no matter what music group you choose, members agree that playing music at WWU is an unforgettable experience.  

Walla Walla University offers not only a top-notch education, but also a variety of spiritual worship opportunities on campus for students. These spiritual opportunities include worship through music and communal singing that creates a sense of unity. Students can not only volunteer, but also serve as leaders and participate in one of the three on-campus […]

Walla Walla University is home to musically vibrant students who find themselves balancing both their academic careers and their passion for music. Senior biology major and music minor Stefano Fratianni weighed in on his experience of coordinating his strenuous course load while pursuing his passion for the art of music.   

Battle of the Bands (BOTB) is a gathering of Walla Walla University students who want to share their talent by creating bands to compete with one another. At the end of the performance, there is a poll where students are asked to rate their favorite band. Although there is no prize, the bands practice long […]

Despite many people experiencing the effects of climate change in our world today, the issue is constantly up for debate. However, the notion that climate change is a theory that is still up for debate is unfounded. Studies show that 97% of climate scientists are in agreement about climate change – it is real, and […]

Many times this year I have been privileged enough (and I say this sincerely) to receive hours of advice from my elders. Typically those that take the time to stop me in the Ad building, pick up the phone, and call or write a letter desire to point me in the right direction, to inform […]

Hello everyone and happy early Valentines Day! In this issue you will find articles on how to practice self-love, the importance of celebrating platonic friendships, an interview with Dr. Jim Boyd on setting healthy boundaries, and an opinion piece on spotting red and green flags in relationships. Be sure to also check out our article […]

Excellence in thought and generosity in service are two of the four core themes at Walla Walla University. If students adopt these two themes in their own lives, they have a responsibility to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. He is a character much more complex and more important than solely the speeches he gave […]

Dr. Jim Boyd, a social work and sociology professor at Walla Walla University, highlighted the importance of boundaries, which allow for healthier decisions regarding our time and our values.   Where do you derive your personal value? This determines many of your decisions regarding what you will say yes to and what you will say no […]

The Collegian is once again striding confidently into the insecurities of your personal life to prepare you for the highest consequence day of the year.  Every February 14, humans begin considering questions of love, like, what is love? Why do we sing about love so much? Is love the answer to everything? If so, why isn’t it the […]

Shirley did not always enjoy parties. On occasion, a celebration was fun for her. It was rare that Shirley decided to host one, but since it was only a small group of her friends, she felt more comfortable doing it. After returning to her apartment, she decided to clean it up a bit before her […]

Chalky candy hearts, chubby babies wielding bows and arrows, and Valentine’s cards with Shrek proclaiming, “I’m head ogre heels for you!” Did you just get a queasy feeling in your stomach?  According to poll-based websites like thetoptens.com and ranker.com, most people hate Valentine’s Day. [1&2] I mean, they really hate it. If people had to […]

To get a glimpse into how different marriages can be, The Collegian interviewed three married couples on the Walla Walla University campus about their relationships: Susan Gardner, an English professor, and Robert Gardner (or Dr. Bob, as he is known to many), a sociology professor; Cynthia Westerbeck, an English professor, and Roy Benton, a math […]

The concept of love languages commonly refers to the way an individual expresses and receives love from a romantic partner, yet it also encompasses the vital aspect of self-love. What is self-love and how do students on our College Place campus comprehend and implement self-love in their daily lives? 

Walla Walla University students brief their experience of the life-changing moments leading up to their marriage proposal.  “I was pretty nervous, I didn’t write out anything at all — my heart was pounding for sure,” Matthew Orvek, a senior product design major, recounted the moments leading up to his engagement. [1] From that very moment, […]

There are many relationships in existence: negative, positive, romantic, and platonic. While Valentine’s Day typically focuses on romantic relationships, platonic relationships, or friendships, are just as important.  

Martin Luther King Day is a special time here at Walla Walla University. However, the way we honor MLK’s legacy is up for debate. Some believe that students and faculty should have the day off from classes, while others believe that having school protects the integrity of the celebration.  The history of MLK Day at […]

This list is a compilation of things to do while waiting in Foreman lobby. A select list of 79 that have been seen, imagined, or heard at Foreman. Some are close to reality, some are not. Enjoy! 

As college students, many of us are finding new ways to identify ourselves. One of the ways I’ve noticed that college students first start to express themselves is by experimenting with fashion. Figuring out what makes you feel comfortable and confident through fashion is a great way to learn more about yourself; however, we may […]

Hello everyone and welcome to our special Black History Month issue! In this issue we are taking some time to celebrate special achievements made by Black people both nationally and here on our campus. 

This month we celebrate the achievements in science led by Black scientists by diving into a specific realm of Black history.   We begin this small journey of celebration with George Washington Carver. Born in the 1860s, he was a groundbreaking botanist, inventor, and teacher. He is responsible for the success of many farmers who used […]

Click here to read part one of this story.  As Shirley made her way back to the main room, she shot Hercules a text. “Please send a pic of that ribbon you found in the trash; I have a hunch that I’ll need it.” She entered the room, still with Psyche, Ambrosia, Dionysus, Hermes, Atlas, […]

Despite being taboo in many Christian circles, racism is an important topic to discuss candidly. As Christians, it is our duty to fight against systems of oppression both in our own minds and in society. Unfortunately, we could do a lot better. 

During Black History Month, the Black Student Christian Forum leads in the celebration and representation of Black culture at Walla Walla University.  The Black Student Christian Forum stands as one of the fastest-growing clubs on campus and is united as a community of faculty and students. Liberty Anderson, the BSCF president, said, “BSCF stands for […]

I almost always wait until the last minute to do anything. A professor will give me three weeks to finish a take-home exam, one I know will be difficult, and I won’t even look at it seriously until the night before it’s due. Many people believe procrastinators, like myself, are lazy or stupid. I don’t […]

The food system is irresponsible and inefficient. More than ⅓ of all food grown for human consumption is never eaten. [1] Almost half of the food wasted in the U.S. is done so in the home. [2] Why are people throwing away so much food?   It’s not that simple. People waste food for a myriad […]

Walla Walla’s Blue Zones Project aims to benefit their community by providing more options for living a healthier life. The project is titled “Walla Walla Valley Blue Zones Project” with the intention of making Walla Walla one of these unique places in the world.  

Long-distance relationships are hard. Hear me out: the simplest answer is self-sabotage  Long-distance relationships: they’re a tradition as old as the postal service, and just as good (which is to say horrible…). Today, long-distance should be easier than ever since we have texts now instead of telegrams or whatever the pilgrims were using back then, […]

Spring days were well welcomed in the city of Hamview. The city was beginning to get back into the bustling nature it was known for, and Shirley H. couldn’t be more excited and bored. To the average person, Shirley would appear to be a perfectly ordinary lady, but the people of Hamview, however, knew her […]

Megan Olfert, a sophomore psychology and business student, is currently spending her student mission year as a dean at Hawaiian Mission Academy, a high school in Oahu. Here, she shared what it is like to be a student missionary.

If you grew up as a Seventh-day Adventist, you probably know the holy trinity of acceptable Adventist career paths: medicine, ministry, and teaching. After all, if our duty as Christians is to help others, shouldn’t we choose jobs that best facilitate that mission? I, a business and English major on the track to law school, […]

For students looking for a way to give back to our local community and spend more time with animals, the Blue Mountain Humane Society at 7 E. George Street in Walla Walla is a great place to start. 

While Richard Bass and Julianna Conrad are both students at Walla Walla University, they can’t be found on our College Place campus as they are currently serving abroad as student missionaries. They decided to step outside of their comfort zones this year and serve as student missionaries in two very different countries.  

Andrea Keele discusses having a heart of service with Walla Walla University’s increased efforts in community outreach.  A total of 6,161 groups of people amounting to 3.16 billion make up the total amount of people who have not been reached by the gospel message around the world. [1] WWU supplies its resources to these groups […]

I love being outside and have been on hunting, backpacking, motorcycling, mountain biking, and other types of wilderness adventures throughout my life. Although most of my trips have gone well, some have been less than ideal. I’ve never been on a “perfect” trip, because I’ve forgotten specific items or planned a poor route. Some of […]

Jon and Kathy Dybdahl were greeted warmly by many of the WWC faculty and staff during.an honor reception Tuesday Aramark, who catered the refreshments, estimated that over 200 guests came to the Fine Arts Center to meet the Dydahls and personally welcome the family to the community, after refreshments, the guests assembled in the auditorium […]

It’s been said that if aliens came to earth, their first question wouldn’t be about cars or buildings or why humans look funny – it would be “why grass?” Why is it everywhere and why do humans care about it so much? If grass is inedible, why does it cover 2% of the continental United […]

Hello and welcome to our first issue of the winter quarter! I wish you all the best as we head into week four of this notorious time of year at WWU and hope issue eight brings you some joy.   I also want to wish you a Happy New Year! Chinese New Year is January 22, […]

The Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, and Spring Festival are all names of the same celebration, a celebration that has specific colors, special foods, family reunions, fireworks, and many more traditions to celebrate. A joyous feeling is present throughout the festival. The celebration has no set date but returns with the same vibrancy each new year.  

The Walla Walla Tool Library — a new and upcoming initiative kickstarted by David Lopez, the founding executive director for the Center for Humanitarian Engagement, and Megan Lersbak, a senior business major and project specialist for the CHE. It is a new program that will allow students and community members to borrow various tools, attend […]

Late one evening, a dear friend gave me a ride home from the computer lab. As we pulled into my driveway, he asked me the simplest of questions: “Do you believe in God?” “Umm… yea,” I responded.” Will you pray for …?” he requested.  He said it in the most innocent way. I doubt that […]

An immersive Italian art experience guided by the imagination of yours truly.  Over Christmas, I had the chance to visit my sister, who is studying abroad in Florence, Italy. While I was there, we visited art museums, squares, art museums, churches, art museums, garden grounds, and finally, art museums. 

This article begins with two statements of fact: Ivy Lu is our ASWWU head of diversity and wellness, and Chinese New Year is coming up on January 22nd. Now, many Walla Walla University students are probably familiar with the first fact, and a few probably knew the second as well. However, what most students likely do […]

As the new year rolls through, many readers of The Collegian may consider setting New Year’s resolutions. However, planning appropriately may be the key to actually hitting those goals this year. According to the article “19 Mind-Blowing New Year’s Resolution Statistics,” 38.5% of adults in the U.S. set New Year’s resolutions every year. Nevertheless, only 9% […]

Winter quarter kicks off with the start of a new year. ASWWU Social is bringing on the fun – exciting events are waiting just for you!   Sunday, January 22 — ASWWU Social is holding their very own pickleball tournament at the WEC. Be sure to grab a paddle and a partner to claim your chance […]

As an avid outdoorsman, I have been on hunting, backpacking, motorcycling, mountain biking, and other trips throughout my life. Through these trips, I have tried many different apps. Here are my top picks for the ones I find most helpful. 

The United States is privileged in its water supply, yet many turn to plastic water bottles. This is because our busy nation values time and puts a high price on convenience. Although cheap and convenient, plastics are detrimental to the environment.   We have all heard that plastics are terrible for the environment and take hundreds […]

Hello everyone, I am so excited to introduce the first print-issued Collegian of the year and our last issue of the quarter! We publish online on the ASWWU website every Thursday at 8:00 a.m.   So far this quarter, we have covered subjects like mental health, the history of the Walla Walla Native American tribe, the […]

Why are you here? No, I don’t want a discourse about the birds and the bees, nor do I have a desire to postulate about an existential quandary. I’m interested in a much narrower answer. Why are you here? Why are you at Walla Walla College?   I know all the cliché answers: “My friends are […]

In late 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought about something strangely wonderful to many Walla Walla University students: school started two weeks early to account for a combined Thanksgiving and winter break. Because students started classes two weeks before school normally starts, there was enough time in the academic calendar for students to finish their courses […]

Rosie Brower’s past has shaped her compassion for the students at Walla Walla University and led her to be a mentor and caregiver to students throughout the years.  Born in Belize on October 7, 1974, Rosie Brower at the young age of 3, was taken up by her adoptive mother who envisioned a future graced […]

Nestor Osorio joined Walla Walla University during fall quarter 2022 as the new athletic director. Here are some cool facts about him. Nestor Osorio was born in Argentina, has visited more than 50 counties, can fluently speak, read, and write in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, and loves not only playing sports but also studying them. […]

“I have started playing pickleball and I rather like it. If I could just figure out how to stay out of the kitchen, I’d be better.”   The face of President John Mcvay is a familiar one around campus. Many know of him, but I venture that most truly know little about him. That is about […]

Encounter new proverbs and experiment with times and places to say them.   Ah, the English language. The language of Shakespeare, science, America, the unnecessary letters of Q and X, and weird proverbs that make no sense. Who’s to say what they mean, who said them first, or why other people decided they would say the […]

There aren’t many students on campus who don’t know Justin Corral, senior biology major. Those few who don’t are missing out on knowing a person who is filled with a spirit of warmth and positivity and who values connecting with people. Corral understands how to deal with disappointing days by remembering what is truly important. 

Walla Walla University’s Portland Campus — the place all your nursing student friends disappear to just after you’ve gotten to know them. A mystery to those on the main campus and a brief stop for nursing juniors and seniors, the Portland Campus plays a vital role in developing student nurses and leading them into their […]

Hello and merry Christmas! This issue is all about Christmas and other winter holidays.   Our feature is on how some of WWU’s Hispanic students celebrate Christmas. Other articles in this issue include a discussion on consumerism and Christmas, tips for setting SMART New Year’s goals, interviews with students about how they find God during Christmas, […]

When people think of Christmas, they often worry about the Christmas gifts they must buy for their friends and family, indicating that Christmas has become an extremely consumerist holiday. Therefore, it’s important to understand what Christmas truly means to individuals beyond the consumerism of Christmas. Students gave their responses on how they remember the important […]

You might asking, be “Why should I a busy college student, join a small  group?” Jesus Christ. If you’ve never joined a small group, try finding one to fit your needs.  Small groups. When you hear the term what immediately comes to mind? A group of elderly people huddled together praying? A family gathered for […]

Kole GreyEyes is a freshman psychology major from Puyallup, WA, and a member of the Navajo Nation who spoke of his experiences as a Native American and what his heritage means to him.  The Navajo are a Native American people of the Southwestern U.S. and contain about 400,000 individuals, many of which still live on […]

SMART goals have become an innovative strategy for students to quantify their goals with value-driven methods heading into the new year.  50% of Americans set themselves up with a New Year’s resolution. Within a month of the new year, 40% of Americans that set this goal fail in following through with their New Year’s plan. […]

Christmas break is just around the corner, and it is the most wonderful time of the year. For many companies, this is also the busiest time of the year when most sales take place. Black Friday and Cyber Monday open the Christmas shopping season which is utilized as a marketing tool to sell products. Christmas, […]

The Hispanic community has their own distinct winter holiday traditions.  For many in the Hispanic community, the time around Christmas day runs into one long celebration. For Mexicans, Christmas time can last for nearly a month.  “We start celebrating around the 15th of December and it’s called Posadas,” said junior exercise science major Danyah Morales. […]

Spotify can tell you more about your friends than your friends can.   Sometime soon, Spotify will release “2022 Wrapped,” this year’s report on your favorite genres, artists, and songs. [1] Especially for those of us who struggle to describe the type of music we like, Spotify’s data mining puts into words what we could only […]

Hello and happy Thanksgiving! If you haven’t already guessed, this week’s issue is Thanksgiving themed. We have many festive articles for you to enjoy including movie ideas for the drive/flight home, tips for how to prep your car for winter, and student perspectives on gratefulness. 

Many students at Walla Walla University are headed home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re one of the lucky ones, you get to fly. Otherwise, buckle up, because your drive could be as close as College Place or several hours away. Here are some tips on what to bring to ensure a safer drive home. 

As Thanksgiving edges closer and closer, students at Walla Walla University take a personal perspective on what gratefulness means in their lives.   Hannah Wayne, a junior communications and marketing major, said gratefulness to her means “being around people that I love and appreciate.”

When most people think of Thanksgiving, they picture the beloved American holiday. However, Canadians have their own rich Thanksgiving tradition and history. Canadian finance major Luke Ganson said that the way Thanksgiving in Canada is celebrated is pretty similar to the United States. “Usually what happens is we have a bunch of family over and […]

There are many movies a student might consider watching when traveling home. Ultimately, the individual decides what specific movie they want to watch. Through the answers of several students, we find out some of the favorite movies to watch when traveling home.   The following students responded to the question, “What is your favorite movie to […]

Perusing these practical tips will get you through Thanksgiving smoothly when things get political or personal.   The irony of Thanksgiving is that many of us are more grateful that it’s over than we are during the holiday itself, and it’s all because of adversarial friends and family members. You know the ones, they’re the relatives […]

What makes our school such an awesome place to go to? According to Sean Hayes, ‘It’s just friggin’ awesome.” Who am I to argue with logic like that? Walla Walla College is plain style straight-up. How many other schools are as cool as ours? I mean really, by my count, none.  I took the liberty […]

Welcome everyone! The weather is getting colder and thanks to daylight savings the days are literally darker. Although monitoring your mental health is always important, this time of year it is even more critical to take care of yourself and check in with your friends as seasonal affective disorder rears its ugly head.   The theme […]

Artists can be easily dissatisfied with their performance and lead unbalanced or depressed lives. However, accepting imperfections—the humanity of art—can help artists regain their belief in themselves and have the drive and courage to perform.   This year’s new chair of the music department, Dr. Karlyn Bond, explored how a musician can live a balanced […]

Some say it’s impossible to multitask. I say, just multi-ask and I’ll show you how it’s done via a series of happy and helpful tips to help you further optimize the spreadsheet schedule that has become your life.   The plight of the 21st century citizen is having too much to do with too little time […]

“The importance of exercise is not adequately understood or appreciated by patients and mental health professionals alike.” [1]  Exercise has a huge impact on mental health for almost every individual. It boosts self-confidence and alleviates anxiety and depression.  According to a study published in 2004, it is proven that exercise relieves symptoms of anxiety and […]

According to a study done by Fortune, college students are almost twice as likely to experience elevated stress and anxiety compared to adults in U.S. [1] If we don’t pay enough attention to our metal health, it can ultimately lead to depression and exhaustion.   Matthew Vaughan is a counseling liaison at Walla Walla University who […]

Men feel pressured not to express concerns about their mental health, leading them to suffer devastating physical and mental consequences.  Mental health crises are on the rise, with studies uncovering the hardships of mental health among men. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention stated, “In 2020 men died by suicide 3.88 times more than women,” […]

Dr. Jason Kilmer presented this past Tuesday at CommUnity via Zoom. According to his biography page, he is an “associate professor in psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington and is an investigator on several studies evaluating prevention and intervention efforts for alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs with college students.” [1] During his […]

Last week I received a letter in the mail asking if I could write a story, poem, or something dealing with addiction. For those of you who don’t know, I’m a recovering addict and the question I’m going to answer in this story is how addiction has affected my life, as in my family, friends, […]

Hello again, everyone! The theme of this week’s issue is “no theme” because there were just too many cool things we thought you needed to know that don’t fit into a theme. We have a variety of articles for you to read, including what the most popular hot drinks on campus are, a humor review […]

The variety of students’ choices regarding which hot drink to enjoy during fall is intriguing because there are many differences. However, through the perspectives of multiple students, we come closer to fully understanding what type of hot drink is being enjoyed the most by the student body. In a poll on The Collegian Instagram, between […]

Taylor Swift’s newest album came out October 21, 2022. An album like this has major implications for your social life and conversation in the next month, so let me tell you about it. [1]  Swift’s top five songs on Spotify right now are “Anti-Hero,” “Lavender Haze,” “Snow On The Beach (feat. Lana Del Rey),” “Maroon,” […]

“All I know about the library is that it has books and I’ve studied there a handful of times.” [1] The library here at Walla Walla University, for many, is a place to study and do research. However, lying just below its bookkeeping surface are useful and interesting features that students should be aware of.

William Frohne is a physical education major student at Walla Walla University who grew up and lived most of his life in Walla Walla. When asked what it’s like growing up in Walla Walla, Frohne shares that it’s like a “mixed bag; there are a lot of awesome things about it, but also has things […]

The Walla Walla, Umatilla, and Cayuse tribes fought to stop the development of their respected land byn. The Walla Walla tribe is the source of legends such as “The Monster Who Came up the River.” This famous story spoke of the great coyote who slayed the ocean monster. The ocean monster devastated the tribe to […]

There are great opportunities to explore the outdoors in and around Walla Walla. If you’re wondering what outdoor opportunities Walla Walla University provides to students, River Neil can help! He is this year’s ASWWU Outdoors Head and is excited for students to join in on the fun. Neil is a senior history major from Bend, […]

Just when you thought your Wal-Mart adventures were through, we thought of yet another use for the store of falling prices and amazing icees.  Often, when one returns home with Wal-Mart booty, the goods go in the cupboard, pantry or on the floor, and the bag ends up in the trash. But in reality, a […]

Howdy howdy! Thanks again for joining the Collegian this week for our fall themed issue. In this issue you can read about Dr. Westerbeck’s cozy fall recipe, overall tips for surviving fall, the best places to see fall colors, a fall themes ASMR humor column, an article about mental health as the weather gets colder, […]

ASMR for the fall season. The sun is setting, leaves are turning, school is starting, and tingles are tingling.   Welcome back to the first episode of Collegentlewhispers, sponsored by The Collegian. This episode will be self-guided. Anything between asterisks is the action you perform, while all the other text can either be read silently or […]

Many recipes are dependent upon the colder season shifts in the weather to rise in popularity. One example of this is a pumpkin chocolate chip cookie recipe, which honors director Professor Cynthia Westerbeck found in Taste of Home Magazine and has since generously and consistently made for students. [1]  One word that describes these cookies […]

As the fall season approaches, it can be easy to hunker down and wait out the winter. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some things you can do to stay safe and add a little spice to your fall.  One thing to remember as days get shorter is that daylight saving […]

Casey Shearer is a business accounting major who plays golf for the Walla Walla University team. His experience of what it’s like to be a full-time student and play university golf is worth your appreciation. Shearer dedicates 10 hours per week to golfing, including two practices and playing 18 holes every Sunday. He has full concentration and commitment […]

As fall carries on, students become tense against the steady increase of schooling while mental health is being stretched and tested in the cool season at Walla Walla University.  The calendar weeks wait for no one; as students at WWU are expected to buckle down on class material, each pursuit is met with another challenge. For […]

The near future affords a great opportunity to view the fall colors before the snow comes. During the past few weeks, I’ve compiled my favorite areas to watch nature’s fireworks. · Mill Creek Road: Mill Creek Road is just around 30 minutes from College Place. There are plenty of trees and foliage changing into many […]

Fall is my favorite season. Doesn’t everyone say that? It’s getting to the point of almost being a cliche. But really, who can help it? It gets cooler, so you can breathe again. There are more colors, or at least they’re richer, and a crimson comes back into cheeks again that can’t be reproduced in […]

Here is a list of things I love about Walla Walla University in no particular order: stopping to hug a friend in the middle of the crosswalk, lingering after vespers, ASWWU Senate, chatting with The Atlas baristas, Village Hall covered in snow, and my professors who make me learn things I didn’t know I wanted […]

I am so excited that you have decided to join us! The letter from the editor is a short, recurring column where I get to tell you all about what to expect in each issue. Sometimes our issues will include a theme and sometimes they will be standalone articles on important topics.   Our theme for […]

Crafting the ASWWU Website  By Mikhail Beresnev Hello everyone, my name is Mikhail Beresnev, the chosen ASWWU webmaster for the 2022-23 school year. A little bit about myself: I was born in Russia and lived there till I was eight years old before moving to Hawaii, then to New York, eventually ending up in Walla […]

Hi everyone! I’m Jenna Wagner, the ASWWU Video head editor for this year. I get to work with a great team of videographers to produce content for Walla Walla University students, faculty, and community members to enjoy throughout the school year. In other words, my team is like ASWWU’s own production studio.  

Hello everyone, my name is Samuel Piner, and I am ASWWU’s photography head for this year. I decided to take this job because I love being able to capture memories in my life, and I wanted to offer that to the students of this campus. My vision for this year is to bring people together […]

Hello! My name is Josie Tkachuck and I am this year’s department head for Mountain Ash. Mountain Ash is Walla Walla University’s yearbook, so my job is to work with my team to create a physical representation of the year and all the memories it holds. I am very excited to be putting the essence […]

The weekend is coming, and you don’t know what you’re going to do with your free time. You start scrolling through Instagram and come across an ASWWU post. You click on it and see that an event is happening this weekend. Perfect! You spend the next couple of days planning to have a great weekend […]

Hello friends, my name is Drew Irvine, and I am the ASWWU Financial Vice President for the 2022-23 school year. Responsibilities that I have include creating and managing the budget for all the departments throughout ASWWU, managing the credit cards used within the organization, and accounting for all the transactions made throughout the year. I […]

Seven months ago, when I decided I would run for ASWWU Spiritual Vice President, it was difficult to set a clear vision and goal for the job. As many of you already know, and as the freshmen learned during their first two weeks on campus, there are many institutions and groups working on campus with […]

Something for everyone—an idea that no matter who you are or what you like to do, ASWWU Social can be part of your path to community here at Walla Walla University.   When I got to Walla Walla last year, I knew a few people, but my extroverted self was eager to find more. That is […]

Over the past few weeks, three students have been hit by moving vehicles in the crosswalks of College Avenue. The problem has grown with the recent time change. The evening College Place rush-hour happens right after dusk when there are still many students crossing the street. Lighting in these crosswalks is poor, and in some […]

Hello everyone! My name is Sydney Payne and I am ASWWU’s Human Resources Director. My job is to hire all the ASWWU employees. As the human resources director, I oversee all the ASWWU employees’ timecards and work records. I work closely with the Financial Vice President and ASWWU president, as well as with the University […]

For any of those who have gone into The Atlas for a warm drink or who have studied in The Atlas, then you have already participated in decisions that have come through Senate. The Atlas, the rock wall, social events, and more have all started out as bills that came through Senate. Senate is a […]

Hello everybody, I am the head of the ASWWU Diversity and Wellness department. The role of diversity and wellness is very broad. I do things like reach out to campus clubs and groups, help make connections for planning events for the different heritage months, work with the Health and Wellness Center to spread awareness of […]

Hello and welcome to The Collegian! We publish articles every Thursday morning here on our site for you to read and enjoy. The topics of these articles range from the humorous to the serious, but with every article our goal is to create a strong and informed community.

My name is Breanna Scully, and I am the manager of The Atlas, the campus coffee shop. I have worked as a barista at The Atlas since my freshman year, and during that time I fell in love with the coffee and atmosphere that The Atlas provides. Creating quality drinks is a passion of mine […]