Five Islanders Graduate from Whitman College

On Sunday, May 20, several locals graduated from Whitman College during the 126th commencement ceremony.

Kelsey Fritts, a native of Mercer Island, Washington received a Bachelor of the Arts in Anthropology.

Krista Garrett, a native of Mercer Island, Washington received a Bachelor of the Arts in Geology.

Ruben Raychaudhuri, a native of Mercer Island, Washington received a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology.

Alexander Strong, a native of Mercer Island, Washington received a Bachelor of the Arts in Philosophy.

David Veith, a native of Mercer Island, Washington received a Bachelor of the Arts in Biology.

A total of 420 degrees were conferred at the ceremony in front of an estimated crowd of 4,000 students, famiily members, faculty, staff and guests. The Commencement speaker was Eric Schlosser, journalist and best-selling author of "Fast Food Nation."

The event, held on the scenic South Lawn of the Memorial Building, crowned a celebratory weekend of activities, including the 50-year reunion of the Class of 1962 and the college's traditional Baccalaureate, held Saturday afternoon in Cordiner Hall.

Whitman College, in Walla Walla, Wash., is nationally renowned for offering a rigorous, well-rounded liberal arts undergraduate education. An independent, non-sectarian residential college, Whitman fosters intellectual vitality, confidence and leadership in its 1,450 students. Also noted for its commitment to environmental principles, Whitman is characterized by intellect, down-to-earth sensibilities, collaboration over competition and active lifestyle.