President Bridges came to the college in 2005 with the intent of strengthening the college’s financial position and increasing the endowment. While the last fifteen years saw a huge increase in the college’s endowment, this increase was accompanied by equally massive increases in spending by the college and skyrocketing tuition.
Bridges' retirement marks increased student and faculty diversity, improved academic programs by adding more experiential learning opportunities, and raised national visibility for the college.
Whitman recently sent out letters to parents, announcing that tuition is set for $43,150 for the 2013-2014 academic year. This marks an increase of 3.25 percent, the lowest increase in the past decade, down from last year's increase of 4 percent.
President Bridges addressed staff, faculty and select students in a State of the College address given on Fri. Oct. 12. While the President has in the past given some form of an annual report to the college's staff and faculty, this is the first year that a formal State of the College address has been given to a group containing faculty, staff and students.
Parents might not be immediately present while students are at college; however, parents are still more involved in the lives of students than sending care packages and paying tuition. Parents supply the momentum to keep the college striving for new heights.
On Friday, Nov. 18, Whitman announced the start of its “Now is the Time" campaign at a dinner for Trustees, alumni and friends of the college in Seattle, WA, kicking off the public phase of a new fundraising endeavor for the college.
