The visitor’s passes abound. Children squeal. A group of well-dressed adults walk by talking about the burgeoning wineries. No, it’s not a group of wine tourists or prospie parents; it’s Alumni Weekend. And, judging by these former Whittie’s responses, Whitman students have a lot to look forward to at reunions.

“There is something special about Whitman that you really don’t get a feel for until you get   into either your first job or a graduate school,” said Class of ’79 alumni and Alumni Board member John Blackmon. “When you begin to see the levels of preparation that other recent graduates have you then realize that all those years in Walla Walla are really going to pay off.”

One highlight of the Whitman reunion, according to Class of ’89 alumni and Alumni Board member Kottayam Natarajan Jr., is the reconnection of old classmates.

 “Some of my best and strongest friendships were formed at Whitman,” said Natrajan.   “I don’t have a lot of time to spend with these friends, and reunions are a wonderful opportunity to catch up. Even after years apart we can reunite at a reunion and it seems like no time has passed.”

Natarajan and Blackmon also noted the strength of the community bond, both of alumni and of current students. This connection to the college contributes greatly to college life. From alumni donations, to leadership, to recruitment, to career networking, alumni help current students progress later in life and help finance the college.

“I believe that the Alumni Weekend serves to rekindle the bond or spirit that inhabits each and every member of the Whitman Community, including staff, parents, current students and graduates,” said Blackmon.

“A vibrant alumni community is an important part of the college,” said Natarajan. “Although not very visible to students, the alumni contribute to Whitman in many ways. Alumni are a part of the Whitman community and Whitman benefits by facilitating their return on a regular basis.”

Natarajan also revealed that he likes to look at flyers and posters around campus, as well as attend lectures, to get a sense of what is going on at Whitman and “reconnect with… some of the issues and passion we may have forgotten in our busy lives.”

“Often I find that I am thrown back into that wonderful liberal arts world of critical thinking and exploration. But for the tuition, I’d love to be a student again,” said Natarajan.

While the viticulture expansion in Walla Walla is a definite attraction and “neat”, according to Natarajan, the best part of reunions is still meeting up with friends, checking out the campus, and reconnecting with the vibrancy of Whitman college life.

“I think that’s the best part of the alumni program,” said Natarajan. “It keeps alumni connected to Whitman and keeps alumni connected to each other.”