Whittier College

Whittier College is a private liberal arts college in Whittier, California. Founded in 1887 by the Religious Society of Friends, it has evolved into a secular institution with a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning and community engagement. The college is named for the renowned Quaker poet John Greenleaf Whittier and is noted for its distinctive Phi Beta Kappa chapter and its historic ties to the 37th President of the United States.

History

The institution was established in 1887 as the Whittier Academy by members of the Religious Society of Friends, with the poet John Greenleaf Whittier serving as a founding patron. It achieved collegiate status in 1901 with the support of the Pacific Yearly Meeting and developed a reputation for its Quaker educational philosophy. A pivotal moment in its history was the enrollment of future U.S. President Richard Nixon, who graduated in 1934 and later served on the Board of Trustees. The college formally severed its denominational affiliation in the 1940s, broadening its academic scope and becoming a fully independent, secular institution. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it expanded its curriculum and physical plant, earning a chapter of the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honor society in 1974 and solidifying its position among national liberal arts colleges.

Academics

The college offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum through its College of Arts and Sciences, featuring over 30 majors and 30 minors. It operates on a 4-1-4 academic calendar and is renowned for its senior capstone project requirement. Distinctive programs include the Whittier Scholars Program, which allows for personalized, interdisciplinary majors, and a pre-professional emphasis in fields like pre-law and pre-medicine. The faculty is dedicated to undergraduate teaching and research, with a student-to-faculty ratio of approximately 12:1. The college's academic rigor is recognized by its Phi Beta Kappa chapter and its consistent ranking among top liberal arts colleges by publications like U.S. News & World Report.

Campus

The 95-acre suburban campus is located in the Puente Hills foothills within the city of Whittier, California, approximately 12 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Historic landmarks include the iconic Mendenhall, the original building, and the Deihl Hall clock tower. Modern facilities feature the Science & Learning Center, the Bonnie Bell Wardman Library, and the Shannon Center for the Performing Arts. Residential life is centered around several halls, including the Stauffer Complex and Turner Hall, while the campus landscape is noted for its Mediterranean gardens and proximity to the Puente Hills Landfill Native Habitat Preservation Authority.

Student life

Student life is governed by the associated students body, Associated Students of Whittier College, and is enriched by over 70 student-led clubs and organizations. A prominent feature is the Poet Nation spirit organization, which fosters campus-wide events. A significant tradition is the annual Rock Painting event, where students decorate a large boulder on campus. The college hosts numerous cultural events through departments like the Office of Equity and Inclusion and performances at the Shannon Center. A majority of students reside on campus, contributing to a vibrant residential community supported by Residential Life staff.

Athletics

The college's athletic teams, known as the Whittier Poets, compete in the NCAA Division III as a member of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC). The school fields 21 varsity teams, with notable historic success in men's lacrosse and football; the football program dates to the late 19th century. Rivalries include a longstanding one with Occidental College, known as the Battle for the Shoes. The primary athletic facilities are the Graham Athletic Center and the Donald E. Young Memorial Field. The mascot, Johnny Poet, embodies the school's unique athletic identity.

Notable alumni

Alumni have achieved prominence in diverse fields, most notably in national politics with U.S. President Richard Nixon and former U.S. Ambassador to Finland Earle M. Chester. In the arts, graduates include Academy Award-winning visual effects artist Robert Blalack and celebrated novelist Mona Simpson. The legal field is represented by former California Supreme Court Associate Justice Cruz Reynoso. Other distinguished alumni encompass National Football League player John Sciarra, NASA engineer Helen T. Wells, and influential Quaker historian Thomas D. Hamm.