Other degree candidates, while not from the other side of the globe, are from the other side of the country. Nebraska, Texas, Alabama, Wisconsin, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Florida are among the states represented. In addition to its national and international flavor, Sunday's ceremonies will recognize several graduates from the local Walla Walla, Touchet, Pendleton and Tri-City areas, as well as dozens more from western Washington and several western states including Oregon, Idaho, California, Utah and Colorado. Commencement weekend at Whitman begins Friday, May 23, and continues through Sunday. The campus will be open to the public as well as to alumni and the families of students.
Visitors can tour buildings, view art gallery exhibits and attend special programs.
In case of inclement weather on Sunday, commencement ceremonies will be moved into Cordiner Hall, where seating will be limited to graduates and their guests. The commencement address will be presented by Martha Craven Nussbaum, professor of law and ethics at the University of Chicago. Nussbaum, who will receive an honorary doctor of humanities degree during the ceremonies, is a philosopher, acclaimed author and one of the country's most prominent public intellectuals. She holds appointments in the University of Chicago's law school, divinity school and philosophy department. Nussbaum received her undergraduate and master's degree from New York University and her doctoral degree from Harvard University.