Whitworth Online

In the midst of packing and taping up boxes, we stopped to say goodbye to—and celebrate—our incredible friend and coworker, Regina Frierdich. 📦

Today marks Regina's last day with us before she and her husband start an exciting new chapter out of state. While we are going to miss her warmth, talent, and daily presence in the office more than words can say, we are so incredibly happy for the journey ahead of them.

Regina, thank you for the laughter, the hard work, and the wonderful impact you’ve left on all of us and our students. Wishing you and your husband the absolute best as you set up your new home. You will always have a cheering section right here! 💖

Big news, Whitworth Online community! The week of June 8, we will be officially moving our physical offices over to Hardwick House. 🚚

We are already busy packing up our spaces and getting everything ready for the transition. We are incredibly excited for this next chapter in a building dedicated entirely to our department!

While our location on campus is changing, our commitment to helping you activate your purpose and navigate your accelerated degree pathway remains exactly the same. New office, same mission! ✨

Please note: Our team will be fully available online and virtually throughout the move week to support you!

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
Meet Dr. Ken Brown, one of our Senior Lecturers who guides students through the big, transformative questions of worldview, history, and theology.

Ken brings an incredible depth of knowledge to our community, including a Doctor of Theology and a 4-year post-doc. But what truly drives him every day in the classroom isn't just the history on the page; it’s the spark that happens when those texts come alive for his students.

"I love seeing students encounter texts and ideas that make them think about the big questions of life in new ways."

While Ken is excellent at navigating deep intellectual waters, his track record with three-day wilderness hikes is a little more adventurous! On his first trip, he narrowly leaped over a falling rock on a cliffside while carrying a 60-pound pack. On his second, he accidentally walked right between a mother bear and her cub (pro tip: just kept walking!). Suffice it to say, he’s happily stuck to teaching and guiding students ever since! 🐻

"It was my time." ✨

When Tara Tucker decided to return to school to complete her degree, she admits it felt a little scary at first. But with her kids getting older, she knew she wanted to dive deep, learn the things she didn’t know, and bring fresh perspectives to her conversations at work.

Balancing homework, a job, and night classes was no small feat! But Tara found an unexpected joy in the journey: shoulder-to-shoulder studying with her own children. Going through school at the same time meant sharing assignments, comparing notes, and celebrating the unique bond of learning together.

Thanks to the flexibility of the program's format, Tara was able to balance it all and thrive, graduating with a 4.0 in Human Services! Now, she says she’s "addicted to learning" and walks away with a renewed confidence in her own voice.

To any adult thinking about finishing their degree, Tara has some simple, powerful words of encouragement: "Just do it! You’re living life anyway. Start with one class and you’ll see how easily it fits in. You deserve it! Make this your time." 🧡

Join us in celebrating Tara and her whole family in their incredible achievements! 🎉🎓

Last night, the Whitworth Online team had the incredible privilege of sponsoring a table at the Helping Women Fund event at the Convention Center!

We were so inspired by the featured speaker, Erin Brockovich. As a tireless advocate for justice, she shared a wonderful and hopeful message of personal empowerment, challenging every single person in the room to stand up and make a difference in our community.

Her words perfectly echo the heart of the Women Helping Women Fund, which does such vital work supporting local organizations that make a lasting, positive impact in the lives of women and children right here in Spokane. We are so proud to stand alongside them in this mission! ❤️

The smiles say it all! 🎓✨

This weekend, we watched our adult student graduates cross the stage, turning years of hard work, late-night study sessions, and grit into a well-deserved diploma.

To our 2026 grads: You’ve juggled careers, families, and life’s big moments—all while pursuing your purpose. Seeing you in your caps and gowns is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. We are so incredibly proud of the determination you’ve shown and the legacy you’re starting today.

Congratulations, Class of 2026! Once a Pirate, always a Pirate. 🏴‍☠️

It’s Commencement Weekend, and we are closing out our Senior Award series with our highest honor.

Today, we are thrilled to present: The Golden Pinecone Award. ✨

This award is given to the graduating student who truly exemplifies the spirit of Whitworth. They are mission-driven, community-minded, and represent the very best of what we have to offer. Whether through her leadership, her heart for others, or her dedication to their calling, Gloria Depaolo has made our university a better place just by being part of it.

We couldn’t be more proud to call you a Whitworth graduate. Join us in the comments to celebrate Gloria as our 2026 Golden Pinecone winner! 🥳👇

The countdown is on - only 2 days until Commencement and today, we are honoring a student who defines what it means to be resilient. 🎓

Highlight our Silver Squirrel Award.

This award is given to the graduate who has demonstrated incredible grit, tenacity, and courage throughout their journey at Whitworth. Whether facing personal hurdles or academic challenges, Shiloh Dalton has met every difficult situation head-on. His journey hasn't always been easy, but his determination to keep moving forward is an inspiration to us all.

We are so proud of your strength and your heart. Please help us celebrate Shiloh's achievement in the comments! 🐿️

The countdown to Commencement continues with another Senior Award winner and the incredible achievements of the Class of 2026.

Today, we are proud to present: The Bronze Buc Award. 🏴‍☠️

This award is dedicated to the graduate who has demonstrated outstanding academic excellence. From the first week of class to the final capstone, Taeler Dombrosky, has gone above and beyond—consistently submitting high-quality, thoughtful work that raised the bar for everyone. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to learning is truly inspiring.

Help us celebrate this milestone! Drop a "Congratulations" or a 🏆 in the comments below! 👇

Commencement is this weekend! 🎓 To continue the excitement, we want to shout out some of the amazing graduates who have made a lasting impact on our community—the winners of our annual senior awards.

First up: The Pewter Pine Award. 🌲✨

This award goes to the student who exemplifies positivity and "stood tall through it all." Whether in the "classroom" or out in the community, this year’s winner, Mary Christofferson, brought a kind, optimistic energy that lifted everyone around her. She reminds us that even when things get tough, a little hope goes a long way.

Join us in celebrating our first 2026 senior award winner! Help us say Congratulations in the comments below! 👇