Notable Alumni of Whitworth University
Whitworth University, established in 1890, has a rich history of educating individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Originally founded as Sumner Academy in 1883 by George F. Whitworth, the institution has evolved from Whitworth College to Whitworth University, maintaining its commitment to the education of mind and heart. This article highlights some of the university's most notable alumni, showcasing their diverse achievements and lasting impact.
A Legacy of Academic Excellence and Transformation
Whitworth University has a long-standing tradition of academic excellence, offering over 100 undergraduate majors and programs, six graduate programs, two doctoral programs, and seven adult bachelor's degree completion programs. The university's commitment to providing a comprehensive education is reflected in the accomplishments of its alumni. The university's campus in northern Spokane spans 200 acres (0.81 km2). Due to an expanding student body, the university has invested more than $200 million in campus improvements in recent years. Currently under construction is the new PACCAR Engineering Building, slated to open in January 2026. The university finished renovation on the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center in 2019 and completed a renovation of the Beeksma Family Theology Center in 2018, which expanded the Seeley G. In 2011, the Robinson Science Hall was dedicated.
Notable Alumni Across Diverse Fields
Whitworth University boasts a diverse array of notable alumni who have excelled in various fields, including arts, sciences, politics, athletics, and more. Here's a closer look at some of these accomplished individuals:
Arts and Culture
Dan Inosanto: A renowned martial arts instructor, actor, and Jeet Kune Do expert, Inosanto holds black belt level ranks in several martial arts. He was one of Bruce Lee's appointed instructors. After Bruce Lee's death, Inosanto became the principal spokesperson and historian for Jeet Kune Do.
Edward Kienholz: An American installation artist and assemblage sculptor, Kienholz was known for his thought-provoking and often controversial works that critiqued modern life. From 1972 onwards, he assembled much of his artwork in close collaboration with his artistic partner and fifth wife, Nancy Reddin Kienholz. The Carlsons later donated one of Kienholz's installation pieces to Whitworth.
Read also: Whitworth Career Guide
SYML (Brian Leseney Fennell): The solo venture of Brian Leseney Fennell, who was previously part of the indie band Barcelona. SYML released his eponymous debut album on May 3, 2019, through Nettwerk Records.
Sia Figiel: A Samoan novelist, poet, and painter, Figiel has made significant contributions to Pacific literature.
Tyson Motsenbocker: An American songwriter and guitarist. He has released three studio albums, 2016's Letters to Lost Loves, 2020's Someday I'll Make It All Up to You, and 2022's Milk Teeth, all three with Tooth & Nail Records.
Sciences and Academia
Stephen C. Meyer: A historian, author, and advocate of intelligent design, Meyer is a senior fellow of the Discovery Institute and the director of the Center for Science and Culture (CSC). Before joining the institute, Meyer was a professor at Whitworth College.
Naomi (Barkley) Edwards: Shaping the future of STEM education as a senior education experience engineer with PTC, a leading software company. After 15 years of teaching high school math, computer science and robotics in Kettle Falls, Wash., Edwards moved into education product management with a mission to expand students' access to engineering and product design tools. She's currently focused on Onshape, a cloud-based computer-aided design (CAD) program that guides students through creating their own product and 3D printing it. Former professor Howard Gage soon encouraged her to pursue the field. Today, Edwards is passionate about mentoring, particularly for women in STEM. She mentors the robotics team at Kettle Falls High School and advocates for diversity in the field.
Read also: Whitworth's Gridiron Glory
Politics and Public Service
Alfred Nganga Mutua: A Kenyan journalist and politician, Mutua has held several high-ranking government positions, including Minister for Labour and Social Protection, Minister for Tourism and Wildlife, and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.
Mark Johnson: An American politician and a Republican former member of the Oregon House of Representatives, representing District 52 from 2011 until 2017.
Athletics
Mike Riley: An American football coach who was most recently the head coach of the New Jersey Generals of the United States Football League (USFL). He has previously served as the head coach of Oregon State and Nebraska.
Ray Washburn: An American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1961 to 1969 and the Cincinnati Reds in 1970.
Bob Ward: Strength and conditioning coach in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys.
Read also: Whitworth: Football and Philanthropy
Paul Ward: Former NFL player for the Detroit Lions.
Austin Washington: Professional soccer player.
Other Notable Figures
Carrie Ann Lucas: A lawyer, disability rights advocate, and activist, Lucas founded Disabled Parents Rights, an organization to fight discrimination against parents with disabilities. In addition to fighting for parents' rights in Colorado and nationally, she also worked to combat "right to die" legislation.
Richard Carr: Chief of Chaplains of the United States Air Force.
Kevin C. Parker: Owner of Dutch Bros Spokane, adjunct professor at Whitworth University and Gonzaga University.
The Enduring Impact of Whitworth's Art Collection
The Whitworth art collection owes much to the generosity and vision of alumni Gordon and Dorothy Carlson. The Carlsons met as biology students at Whitworth, graduating in 1949 (Dorothy) and 1950 (Gordon). Throughout their lifetime, the Carlsons donated more than 65 pieces to Whitworth, along with funds for professors to buy art for the collection. They also periodically donated funds to be used to maintain and frame artworks. Their passion for art and their desire to support artists, particularly those from the Pacific Northwest, led them to amass a diverse collection that has enriched the university's cultural landscape.
The Carlsons' additions to Whitworth's permanent collection include a large variety of art by artists of diverse backgrounds, some with controversial ideas and styles. The Carlsons also often donated art to the collection in honor of friends or acquaintances connected to Whitworth. In 1971, they donated several pieces in honor of Friend of Whitworth Mrs. Esther Marie Erickson Henager (Gordon's aunt), who believed Whitworth played a major part in advancing the value of learning and religion in the community. A few of the many themes that run through the Carlson Collection: the landscape of the state of Washington, faith, hope, charity, bridges, water, trees, flowers, and service, especially that of veterans (inspired by Gordon's time serving as an infantryman in World War II). The artists whose work the Carlsons donated often had a connection to the Pacific Northwest, whether that be that they were born, lived, or taught in the region. The Carlsons were keen to have representation from Eastern Washington in the artwork they donated as well.
Their initial donation of art made Whitworth's permanent art collection possible, and their additions to it year by year filled it with vibrancy. Whitworth Professor Emeritus of Art (1976-2022), Gordon Wilson, recollects using art from the collection for "show and tell" for his art classes. The artworks were kept in a room nearby and he would bring examples to class to use as examples for his teaching or for the students to emulate. Whitworth Professor Emeritus of English (1966-2022), Leonard Oakland, once said he went to the art department to check out a painting or two from the Carlson Collection. He ended up coming back with twelve paintings.
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