Name: Kari Dykhouse
Job title: Assistant Director of Alumni & Parent Relations
Department: Alumni & Parent Relations
How long have you worked at Whitworth? Four years – two in residence life, two in alumni & parent relations
What do you like best about your job? The energy of Summer Send-Offs (dessert receptions for our new students) and watching alumni from the 1950s and 1960s reconnect with their former roommates and share their stories of the trouble they got into while at Whitworth.
In what ways do you feel your job fulfills your sense of vocation? Though I’m still developing it, I think the opportunity to offer hospitality is a part of my vocation. I love welcoming new students and parents to the Whitworth I love and welcoming back alumni who haven’t been on campus in many years.
Favorite book: The Brothers K
Favorite movie: “Aladdin” – it’s my comfort movie
Favorite food: Ice cream
Favorite quote: The only one I can consistently remember is Ghandi’s “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” But I suppose “favorite” varies depending on mood.
Favorite music: It’s not a whole genre but Jack Johnson-y sort of sound
Favorite animal: Monkeys fascinate me, but pet-wise, I’ll be a dog person someday.
Guilty pleasure: A Diet Coke and walking around Michael’s craft store with no plans or time commitments.
Hobbies: Games!
Best vacation ever: Cruise to the Bahamas with my family to celebrate my parents’ 30th wedding anniversary
Birthplace: Muskegon, Mich.
We’d be surprised to know that…I played the tuba in high school and was on the bowling team
I collect…Playing cards from places I’ve visited
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? The Netherlands
What cartoon character best describes you? I don’t know, so I just took two online quizzes. One said Superman. One said Sponge Bob Square Pants. Maybe instead I’m the mom from “Bobby’s World.”
If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt? Currently, it would be to open my own ice cream shop
What is your favorite sound? Water lapping up onto the beach
What is your life motto? “Go forward boldly but don’t forget humbly.”
If the whole world was listening, what would you say? I would probably get so nervous that I would say something dumb like “It’s pop, not soda, people!” Later I would think of something much more inspiring or challenging.
Favorite childhood book: Tiki Tiki Tembo
Favorite childhood TV show: “Punky Brewster”
Least favorite word: The “F” word. When people say it as a part of their normal vocabulary, it’s just plain annoying.
If you could go on a road trip with anyone (from the past or present), who would you choose and where would you go? I would go on a road trip to Maine with my husband. He’s nifty and I’ve never been to Maine.
Best high school class subject: Math
