Whitworth University, Spokane Washington

You may see this beautiful campus for yourself at www.whitworth.edu
Of course it has been covered with snow since I arrived, but the rain and warmer weather is aiding the melting process, and the students, faculty and staff are ready for it to go!!!

I saw a student last week in her sweatshirt, shorts, and flip-flops (!) kicking at a melting pile! "Oh, for a camera," I said, "to send this to Texas!" " I'm from California," she replied! They'd enjoy it as well!"

That's another part of the 'magic' around here! People don't take themselves too seriously--their work, yes, but themselves, No!

There's a sense of quality and authenticity that's almost palpable. The students know the standards are high and strive to meet them. But they have expectations of their professors and will let you know when their expectations aren't met, as well. They feel free to speak up, to hold themselves and others accountable. This healthy learning environment seems to be modeled, not taught.

The students tell me that they are heard! When they object to a flawed assignment or a faculty candidate, the administration responds! No wonder they feel empowered! They create leaders every day!

A Fine Weekend!

What a weekend! A glorious massage, Bobby McFerrin and about a dozen other jazz greats at the U of Idaho Jazz Festival, delicious meals prepared by Chef Larry and quality time with my wonderful sister, Trisha Verdal. I made them watch my now favorite movie: August Rush! All about a young man in an orphange who finds his parents through music! It was a fine complement to the night before where hundreds of young people were in the Kibbie Dome having spent the day playing and singing and celebrating their own kind of music! Music really has a way of bringing all of us together!

My Junior Year at Whitworth College many years ago was such a shining moment in my life that it created a standard that everything else is measured by. I was only one musician among dozens, one student among a thousand, yet every memory is about being treasured, celebrated, and cared for! And that culture hasn't changed!

Even yesterday, I went to the music building, intending to find a piano in the music department to play my Chopin and Gershwin and Bach. The elevator was confusing, so I asked a student nearby “Where would I find an available piano?” Another student got on the elevator and said “I’m going up anyway. I’ll help you find one.” And he did; then he came back moments later saying “The mini-grand is available, why don’t you play on it?” And he took me over to it.

This courtesy, this individual responsibility for each to care for the other is pervasive,-as I wander around new buildings, inevitably a student will ask “Is there something I can help you with?” as though they had no more urgent business than to ensure my comfort.

A Great Teacher at Work

One of the joyous events on my trip was visiting the Marin County Schools Assistive Technology Center. Not only were there an incredible array of technology to meet the needs of all the special young people but Dan and the aides were respectful and joyful as they worked with each of these students!

Zachary tried to come along...

Quick summary of Travels

January was truly an amazing month. From the sweet Hollon family in Pecos Texas to my new 'digs' in Spokane Washington, I have renewed friendships from High School, Navy-wife days, and a cousin I hadn't seen since we were teens. The weather was clear the entire way and I didn't really encounter snow until I reached sister Trisha Verdal's place in Moscow, ID. After watching the Inauguration together, I ventured through the fog to Spokane. I'm in a downstairs apartment with a glorious view of Mt. Spokane (fog permitting) and the entire valley (photos to come!)

The next week was spent finding my way around the Education Department of Whitworth U. My office is in the library across from the tech support team (thank goodness!). Though the weather hasn't been above freezing, the people are uniformly warm and joyful! I don't know whether they only hire happy folk, or whether its a contagious condition! Either way, they're just as accepting as I remember from my time here--class of '63!

I met the elementary student teachers yesterday and begin teaching tomorrow! Can't wait!