A Q&A with Assistant Professor of Art Meredith Shimizu

Name: Meredith Shimizu

Job title: Assistant Professor

Department: Art

How long have you worked at Whitworth? Two years

What do you like best about your job? The chance to share my enthusiasm for art and history

In what ways do your gifts and abilities help meet the needs of the campus community you serve? I feel wired to teach.

Favorite book: Anything by Dorothy Sayers

Favorite movie: At the moment, “The Godfather”

Favorite food: Good sushi, hands down

Favorite quote: “I’d like to thank God. Without him I’m nothing, I’m screwed,” by Carlos

Zambrano, pitcher for the Chicago Cubs

Favorite music: I’d have to say the feel-good stuff of the 70s – the Carpenters, JT, S&G, ABBA (cheesy, I know)

Favorite animal: River otter

Guilty pleasure: Moose Tracks ice cream

Hobbies: Camping, traveling, knitting, wine, cross-country skiing

Birth place: Lowell, Mass.

I collect…Student papers (argh)

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Japan (and I get to go in January)

What cartoon character best describes you? I’ve always identified with Peppermint Patty –

maybe because she’s a redhead who wears Berkinstocks.

If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt? I would be an artist!

What is your favorite sound? Waves breaking softly on a beach (too cliché?)

What is your life motto? “This, Here, You, Now”

If the whole world was listening, what would you say? “Enough, already!”

Favorite childhood book: James and the Giant Peach

Favorite childhood TV show: “3-2-1 Contact”

Least favorite word: “Also” used at the end of a sentence

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’d drive through Europe with Toshi (my husband).

Best high school class subject: History, I would guess (I don’t remember much about high school).

How Many Students Attend Whitworth? Well…That Depends

Early in my children’s high-school years, I asked both of them the following question: “What is a ‘ruler’?” If they answered, “A measuring device,” I responded “No, it is the person in charge of a country.” On the other hand, if they answered, “A person in charge of a country,” I replied “No, it is a measuring device.” My goal wasn’t to frustrate my children, but to get them to think about the role of context when defining terms. Each of us regularly gets into apparent disagreements because of the lack of defined terms.

I often think about this when someone asks, “How many students attend Whitworth?” The person is usually looking for a simple, straight-forward answer but, in reality, it all depends on what the questioner means by the term “students.” Since I like to look at things in a global sense, I usually start by responding that Whitworth enrolls over 2,900 students. (This year we are close to 3,000.) This is the total institutional enrollment; it counts all students – undergraduate and graduate – enrolled.

But this is often not the answer the person is seeking. So he or she might ask, “No, I mean how many undergraduates does Whitworth have?” This fall Whitworth will enroll over 2,600 undergraduate students; almost 400 of those students are enrolled in thriving adult degree programs. This is usually not the answer the person is seeking, either.

Finally, the confused person may ask, “Wait a minute. Isn’t it the case that Whitworth’s strategic plan was to grow by 2 percent a year to enroll 2,000 students by fall 2010? Your numbers are way above this!” Now we are getting specific. The 2005-10 strategic plan did set a goal to grow the number of full-time, matriculated day students by 2 percent each year. (Sometimes referred to as the FTMD number.) The FTMD students are defined as traditional-age students enrolled in the day programs, including those who live on-campus, eat in the dining hall, and so forth. It does not include students enrolled through Continuing Studies (i.e. Whitworth in the Evening) or graduate students.

In 2004, a key goal of the strategic plan would have resulted in an FTMD enrollment of a little over 2,000 students in 2010. It is what Whitworth initially set out to do. The reality is that, over the first four years of the plan, we averaged a growth rate of slightly higher than 2 percent. The result was an enrollment last fall of 2,006 full-time matriculated day students.

Why is this number important? For one reason, it provides a valuable tool for setting the budget. Our other programs – graduate programs, Continuing Studies, and so forth – are certainly important, but most of our budget is based on the number of full-time matriculated day students.

So, the next time you ask, “How many students does Whitworth have?” Be sure you are specific. Are you thinking about full-time matriculated day students (a significant budget figure), or total institutional enrollment, or some other important number? How we define our terms is very important.

Now that you’re acquainted with the various definitions of the word “student,” click on Fall 2010 Fact Book, which is the new name of the Tenth-Day Report. (The Fact Book is located on the campus intranet and requires network access). In the 2010 Fact Book you will find the exact number of students enrolled at Whitworth – undergraduate students, full-time matriculated day students – and much more information about the university.

Gary Whisenand
Director of Institutional Research

You Want Numbers? We've Got 'Em: Check out the fall 2010 Whitworth Fact Book

To view the fall 2010 Fact Book (formerly known as the Tenth-Day Report), click on Whitworth University Fact Book: Fall 2010. (The Fact Book is located on the campus intranet and requires network access). In the Fact Book you will find the number of students enrolled at Whitworth – undergraduate students, full-time matriculated day students, graduate students – and many more statistics about the university, including information on enrollment by major/gender, class sizes, admissions, faculty and finances.

Human Resource Services: Health education & resources opportunities; introducing three new employees

Health Education & Resources Opportunities:

Visit the Community Health Education & Resources calendar for available opportunities during the month of October.

Please Welcome the Following New Whitworth Employees…

Name: Crystal Roberg

Job title: Information Systems Specialist/Program Coordinator

Department: Continuing Studies

Previous employer/position: University of Idaho

“Crystal comes to us from the University of Idaho, with a wealth of experience in student services and information management.  In addition, she previously worked eight years at Gonzaga, where she worked in recruitment, admissions and data management.  We’re thrilled that Crystal chose to come to Whitworth to continue her work in higher education.” Cheryl Vawter, primary seeker

Name: Dick Pettis

Job title: Manager of Facilities Maintenance

Department: Facilities Services

Previous employer/position: Supervisor of general maintenance and repair at Whitworth

Whitworth alum: B.A. in Business Management, 2000

“Please join me in congratulating Dick Pettis as a new member of the facilities services management team. Dick has served at Whitworth in progressively responsible roles since 1994, starting as a carpenter in general trades, then general trades supervisor, supervisor of maintenance and repair, and now manager of facilities maintenance. Dick’s promotion recognizes his tremendous experience and complete dedication to Whitworth. He will be great!”
Ed Kelly, primary seeker

Name: Kristiana Holmes
Job title: Student Health Services Director
Department: Health & Counseling Center
Previous employer: St. Joseph’s Medical Center, in Minnesota

“We’re thrilled that Kristiana brings rich and applicable experience to the health center director role at Whitworth, having served as a family nurse practitioner at Carleton College, in Northfield, Minn. In addition, she has spent years designing educational programs in the field of medicine, and has been an adjunct faculty member for nursing and pre-nursing students. We are so very fortunate to have her join Whitworth. Please welcome Kristiana and her family!”
Kathy Storm, primary seeker

Meet Your Colleague: A Q&A with Systems Support Specialist Omar Campos

Name: Omar Campos

Job title: Systems Support Specialist

Department: Information Systems

How long have you worked at Whitworth? Three years

What do you like best about your job? The people – everyone from my boss and my co-workers to the campus community and the folks we serve.

In what ways do your gifts and abilities help meet the needs of the campus community? While fixing computers and troubleshooting software and hardware issues are a big part of my job, I also enjoy educating our users so they are better equipped to do their jobs, and are better informed about viruses and other threats.

Favorite book: Miles: The Autobiography (Miles Davis with Quincy Troupe)

Favorite movie: Don’t have just one. I love comedy, horror and documentaries.

Favorite food: Ribs, but I’m trying to eat healthier nowadays

Favorite quote: “What are you going to do, force-feed him bananas while you’re cutting his hair?” My sister overheard this part of a conversation in a restaurant, and I’ve never forgotten it; it’s hilarious.

Favorite music: I love all genres, but I probably listen to more hip hop and jazz.

Favorite animal: I’m a cat person, but I love all animals that don’t try to kill me.

Guilty pleasure: A good bottle of red wine every now and then

Hobbies: Listening to music, making music, songwriting and any kind of writing, hiking, camping, bowling, taking road trips, and whatever else is fun

Best vacation ever: I visited my Uncle Jim in the Virginia countryside when I was 18 and had an absolute blast.

Birthplace: Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

We’d be surprised to know that… I hate cheese, and I’m NOT lactose intolerant.

I collect… lots and lots and lots of music in every format and genre, and also music equipment

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Europe

What cartoon character best describes you? Taz from Looney Toons

If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt? I would start my own record label and concentrate on putting out good music, not over-marketed, syrupy junk!

What is your favorite sound? The sound of the Roland TR-808 electronic bass drum – you know, the boom you hear in cars driving by. It can actually be quite soothing, and it vibrates your car seat so you get a good back massage.

What is your life motto? Live for today and quit worrying about the future (though sometimes I have a hard time following my own advice).

If the whole world was listening, what would you say? “Stop all the hate; we’re ALL God’s children!”

Favorite childhood book: The King, the Mice and the Cheese

Favorite childhood TV show: “Transformers”

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’d go back to the future with Doc Brown!

Best high school class subject: Band/orchestra

Student's blog, director's message recount abundant experiences at new Costa Rica Center

Experience life at Whitworth’s new Costa Rica Center through a blog written by communications major Katie Lippold, ’11. Katie is among the initial cadre of students enrolled at the center for the fall semester. The students are taking courses in Latin American culture, Spanish linguistics, environmentalism and human rights, and Core 350 (worldview studies). Katie’s lively blog posts describe her first encounters with Costa Rican traffic and public transportation, the daily afternoon downpours, and her new host family. Be sure to visit the blog through the fall semester for new posts sharing Katie’s insights and adventures.

Following is a first-hand account of life at the Costa Rica Center, from Director Lindy Scott:

What could be better that Costa Rica in September? Being stretched beyond one’s Spanish ability and comfort zone through living with fascinating host families…studying Spanish language and linguistics…hiking through Costa Rica’s beautiful forest…doing internships in which one can serve immigrants, minister to children, help the government recover the history and charm of old neighborhoods in San Jose, or use medical skills to serve people in need… participating in a Latin American culture class that accentuates the existential tension between the traditions of the past and the new challenges of the present... planting dozens of fruit trees and smelling the tantalizing aroma of orange blossoms…making new friends among our neighbors from widely diverse social classes…working with eight magnificent students and a fabulous team…and being sustained in prayer and support by colleagues back at Whitworth’s “northern” campus.

Whitworth’s southern campus opened its doors for classes on Sept. 8 in the beautiful environs of Heredia, Costa Rica. Our campus sits on more than 25 acres and occupies a former Belgian/French restaurant/inn that is undergoing renovation. It reminds me of our human condition: beautifully created, profoundly fallen, but wonderfully experiencing God’s graceful restoration. Next week our students will begin some very exciting internships in which they will not only learn a ton, but also will make significant contributions to our Central American neighbors they will serve alongside.

Why do Dinorah and I love what we are doing? First, we work with a team that can be totally relied upon: our two “volunteer” TA/RD staff members, Kristina Kielbon, ’09, and Emily Dufault, ’10, have been renamed the “24/7s” for their willingness to go beyond the call of duty. Our maintenance man Diego, secretary Andrea, gardener Julio, cleaning lady Roxana, cook Juan, the security personnel and construction workers have generally been all that we could have hoped for.

As teachers, we have a special privilege of working in an environment of immersion and service-learning. The Spanish that Dinorah teaches in the classroom is multiplied tenfold as students participate in their home stays and internships, and venture out in the byways of Costa Rica life. The content that I share in my Latin American culture class is confirmed, challenged and refined by students’ experiences with their host families and through rigorous journaling of their observations. It is a special joy to teach worldviews, ethics and Niebuhr’s paradigms (in Spanish!), and then see students begin to articulate and debate important policies of U.S./Latin America relations and Costa Rican domestic social and political issues, and even  propose serious policies that will help shape Whitworth’s Costa Rican identity.

Nevertheless, our lives are not without their share of challenges (the cafeteria not being ready on time and students cooking, eating and washing dishes in the Restaurante Scottiano, heavy rains every afternoon, searching for solid host families and significant internships, construction delays, balancing dozens of urgent tasks, etc.), but these have been (or will be) overcome by a lot of laughter, mutual support and God’s grace.

Muchas gracias,
Lindy Scott

Human Resource Services: Current job openings; changes ahead for flex spending account coverage; introducing three new employees

From the Employment Manager’s Desk:

For those of you who may not have heard, human resource services has a new team responsible for managing employee recruitment and working with campus search committees. Vita and I want you to know about several wonderful staffing opportunities that have opened up on campus and invite you to help us attract the best possible candidates to the positions.

Academic Evaluator: Full-time position; application review begins Sept. 27.

Director of University Communications: Full-time position; application review begins Sept. 27.
Resource Conservation Manager: Full-time position; application review begins Sept. 20.

Thank you very much for your help.

Mary Alberts, employment manager

Vita Vasylenko, interim employee specialist

Flex Spending Account (FSA) Changes Coming:

Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, a new definition for reimbursement of medical expenses related to over-the-counter drugs will take effect for the flex spending account. As of Jan. 1, 2011, FSA payments and reimbursements for medicines or drugs will only include the following:

1. Drugs requiring a prescription
2. Prescribed OTC (over-the-counter) drugs
3. Insulin

Please be aware that if you are currently participating in Whitworth’s flex spending account, any submission for non-prescribed over-the-counter drugs after Jan. 1, 2011 will be denied payment. This does not apply to Whitworth’s health reimbursement account (HRA), since over-the-counter medication is already a non-allowable expense under the HRA plan. If you have questions or need further information, please contact JoAnn Fox at x4413.

Please join us in welcoming the following three new employees:

Name:  Crystal Roberg

Job title: Information Systems Specialist/Program Coordinator

Department: Continuing Studies

Previous employer/position: University of Idaho

“Crystal comes to us from the University of Idaho, with a wealth of experience in student services and information management.  In addition, she previously worked eight years at Gonzaga, where she worked in recruitment, admissions and data management.  We’re thrilled that Crystal chose to come to Whitworth to continue her work in higher education.” Cheryl Vawter, primary seeker

Name: Dick Pettis

Job title: Manager of Facilities Maintenance

Department: Facilities Services

Previous employer/position: Supervisor of general maintenance and repair at Whitworth

Whitworth alum: B.A. in Business Management, 2000

“Please join me in congratulating Dick Pettis as a new member of the facilities services management team. Dick has served at Whitworth in progressively responsible roles since 1994, starting as a carpenter in general trades, then general trades supervisor, supervisor of maintenance and repair, and now manager of facilities maintenance. Dick’s promotion recognizes his tremendous experience and complete dedication to Whitworth. He will be great!”  Ed Kelly, primary seeker

Name: Kristiana Holmes
Job title: Student Health Services Director
Department: Health & Counseling Center
Previous employer: St. Joseph’s Medical Center, in Minnesota

“We’re thrilled that Kristiana brings rich and applicable experience to the health center director role at Whitworth, having served as a family nurse practitioner at Carleton College, in Northfield, Minn. In addition, she has spent years designing educational programs in the field of medicine, and has been an adjunct faculty member for nursing and pre-nursing students. We are so very fortunate to have her join Whitworth. Please welcome Kristiana and her family!” Kathy Storm, primary seeker

President Taylor's Fall Convocation address available online

If you were unable to attend Fall Convocation on Sept. 9, visit Fall Convocation Address to watch a video or read the text of President Taylor's address, "Celebrating a Courageous Mission."

Check out the new student profiles on the Whitworth website

The Whitworth website now features a new batch of student profiles. Visit New Student Profiles to learn what students from a broad spectrum of academic disciplines are reading and researching, why they like their major, their favorite place to hang out on campus, their advice for incoming students and post-graduation plans.

Meet Your Colleague: A Q&A with Head Women's Basketball Coach Helen Higgs

Name: Helen L. Higgs

Job title: Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Assistant Athletics Director for Compliance

Department: Athletics

How long have you worked at Whitworth? 16 years

What do you like best about your job? The people I work with, and that it fits my personality  

In what ways do your gifts and abilities help meet the needs of the campus community you serve? I think that I help build community. I also think I can make things more fun – but I also speak my mind, which can be challenging.

Favorite book: I can’t pick just one. I like Cold Sassy Tree, The Count of Monte Cristo, and Wooden: A Lifetime of Observations and Reflections On and Off the Court.

Favorite movie: “The Princess Bride”

Favorite food: Mashed potatoes and gravy

Favorite quote: “If you’re going to bite butts with a bear, don’t let the bear bite first.”

Favorite music: Anything that reminds me of my young days – 70s and 80s music

Guilty pleasure: Ice-cream sundaes

Hobbies: Right now, writing my dissertation

Best vacation ever: Traveling with Core 250 to Europe. I just followed along – no decisions to be made and awesome sights and people.

Birthplace: Portland, Ore.

We’d be surprised to know that…I went to music camp rather than basketball camp until my sophomore year in high school.

I collect…dust

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? Africa – not sure where. I would love to do a sports mission trip.

What cartoon character best describes you? Jessica Rabbit? Not really. For some reason I keep thinking Yosemite Sam. I’m not sure why…

If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt?  Hang gliding

What is your favorite sound? The swish of a basketball going through the net

What is your life motto? “Don’t take things too seriously, try to find the humor or positive in everything.” 

If the whole world was listening, what would you say? Nothing – too many people want their opinions heard; I don’t need to add to the cacophony. 

Favorite childhood book: Where the Red Fern Grows

Favorite childhood TV show: “Wide World of Sports” – the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat

Least favorite word: Can’t

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’d drive across the U.S., probably with John Wooden and Oprah. 

Best high school class subject: PE is the obvious answer, but honestly it was probably English

Meet Your Colleague: A Q&A with Michael Connors

Name: Michael Connors

Job title: Lighting Technician

Department: Electrical Services

How long have you worked at Whitworth? Nine Years

What do you like best about your job? Being able to serve the students

Favorite book: The Bible

Favorite movie: “The Bible”

Favorite food: Fish

Favorite quote: “Let there be peace.”

Favorite musician: Elvis

Favorite animal: Our dog, Julie

Guilty pleasure: Drinking a cold beer on a hot day

Hobbies: Remodeling our house and woodworking

Best vacation ever: The week I got married in Reno and my cousin married us in a Presbyterian Church

Birthplace: Spokane

We’d be surprised to know that…I am now the parent of a Whitworth alumnus

I collect…1976-1979 4X4 Ford pickups

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go? My wife and I would like to go to Hawaii.

What cartoon character best describes you? Roadrunner

If you could try anything and not fail, what dream would you attempt? President of the U.S.

What is your favorite sound? Being in the middle of a golf course and hearing the word “Fore!

What is your life motto? Live and do the best that we can to serve God!

If the whole world was listening, what would you say? "Clean your act up and be in peace and love and stop the war."

Favorite childhood book: Bugs Bunny books

Favorite childhood TV show: John Wayne movies

Least favorite word: HATE – there is too much of it

If you could go on a road trip with anyone (from the past or present), who would you choose and where would you go? My dad, visit the entire 50 states

Best high school class subject: Washington history

Save time and money by letting the communications office and printing & mailing services help you

Whitworth has invested in highly trained staff and sophisticated software and equipment to help you communicate effectively with internal and external audiences, represent your office and the university in positive ways, and save significant time and money.

The university communications office (located in Hawthorne Hall, #121) provides editorial, web development, and graphic design services to help you create relevant and meaningful communications in print and on the web. We also offer expertise in areas such as targeted e-mail messaging and social networking. To learn more about the UCO’s services, or to submit a project request form, visit http://web2.whitworth.edu/uco (this site is located on the campus intranet and requires network access).

The print shop (located in Hawthorne Hall via the north-side parking lot), offers access to knowledgeable staff, high-speed production copiers/printers, an off-set printing press, and equipment for trimming, binding, hole-punching and other print-finishing options. Also, the per-page copy and print rate at the print shop is lower than the rate your department pays when you print at your department machine.

Another way to save your budget and time is by using the mail center, in the HUB. Mail center staff can significantly lower your postage rates by automating, sorting, metering, checking the accuracy of addresses, and printing addresses and barcodes on your outgoing mail. Processing your mail through the mail center will also reduce or eliminate undeliverable mail.

To learn more about Whitworth Printing & Mailing Services or to submit a copy job, go to http://web2.whitworth.edu/printingmailingservices (this site is located on the campus intranet and requires network access).

Please be sure to take advantage of the services our offices provide. By letting us do our jobs, you’ll have more time (and budget resources) to do your own.

Human Resource Services: Commuting opportunities; tuition remission; employee wellness newsletter

Commuting Opportunities

Whitworth’s Commute Trip Reduction Program (CTR) and Whitworth’s commitment to sustainability provide plenty of reasons to reconsider your daily commute to work. Whitworth’s CTR provides resources to assist you when making a choice to use a commute alternative other than driving alone to work. JoAnn Fox, employee transportation coordinator, can provide information on biking to work, bus schedules, van and car pools, and walking to work, as well as information on Whitworth’s employee loan program, which provides interest-free bicycle loans to employees who have worked at Whitworth for a minimum of one year.

Why participate?

The CTR Law was implemented by the Washington State Legislature in 1991 as part of the Clean Air Act. Although Whitworth is required by law to offer the program, employees may participate on a voluntary basis. Whitworth offers prize incentives to encourage the use of commuting alternatives. In order to participate you need to complete a commute calendar on-line.

How to participate:

It’s easier than ever to track your daily commute online. When you fill out your commute calendar online, you are automatically entered into CTR campaigns, and you are eligible to win other great prizes. E-mails are sent out at the end of each month, reminding you of the last day you can make changes to that month’s calendar.

To register, visit http://www.mycommute.org/ and create a new-user profile using the work-site pass code ALLT. Once you’re registered, you may keep track of your daily commute using the online calendar. The calendar is your entry into contests and helps the ETC to track participation.

For more information, please contact JoAnn Fox at 777.4413 or e-mail jfox@whitworth.edu, or view the Commute Trip Reduction brochure.

Tuition Remission Benefit

If you or your dependent or spouse will be attending Whitworth this year and you are eligible for tuition remission, please complete the Tuition Remission Form and return it to Human Resources by Sept. 20, 2010.

Employee Wellness Newsletter

View the September Employee Wellness Newsletter to learn six ways to get healthy, nine tips for preventing and managing stress, weight-loss nutrition myths, and household safety tips.

Report on the past fiscal year; update on the 2010-11 financial plan

Report on the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2010:

We’ve closed the books for the 2009-10 school year and our auditors have concluded their campus-based work with a solid report of our operations for the past fiscal year. We ended the year with a small surplus.

Lower than planned undergraduate enrollment last year and a higher than expected level of financial aid reduced our net tuition revenue. Additionally, annual giving fell below expected levels. The revenue shortfalls were offset by deferring facility improvement and equipment expenses, obtaining lower than expected debt service levels, and managing the budget with care.

Even though revenue did not meet our budget plan, we still closed the books with a $70,000 surplus. When combined with a positive audit adjustment, we were able to transfer $236,000 to the University Improvement Fund (UIF). This fund is traditionally used to support one-time investments in facilities (e.g. roof repairs, or other major systems replacements), technology and academic program equipment, or projects.

Update on the 2010-11 Fiscal Year Financial Plan:

Our undergraduate enrollment yield for the entering class of 2010 exceeded expectations, and improved retention of existing students improved our initial revenue forecast for fiscal year 2011. Added enrollment requires that we restore some of the positions and service reductions made during the initial budget plan for the 2010-11 academic year. Additional faculty, lecturer and adjunct positions will accommodate the influx of new students. Various budget allocations have been increased to provide proper service levels for the additional students we expect. Funding also has been restored for vacant custodial, security and facilities services positions, and hiring is underway. We’ve also restored a significant portion of the operational budget set aside for facility improvements and reduced our anticipated reliance on the reserve fund for debt service in the coming year.

The board and administration acknowledge that increases in salaries for this year are not in our plan, but we remain committed to sustaining competitive salary and benefit levels. The priority we placed on preserving jobs took a toll in the past year on our facilities and important reserve funds. Addressing those needs will restore vital strength to the institution and to our future financial condition.

A revised budget has been reviewed with trustees on the executive and finance committees of the board; action is expected on an amended budget during the October board meeting.

Brian Benzel
Vice President for Finance and Administration