From: Trish Van Oosbree
Date: Thu, Feb 23, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Subject: Letter to BoT admin and faculty
Dear Board Members, College Administrators, and Faculty Colleagues,
One of the first students I met when arriving on Whittier College campus was Patty (Juarez) Hill. She was a major in my department and a student-athlete on the softball team. Her husband was also a major in the department and I was on the coaching staff with her brother. I have kept track of Patty’s many accomplishments over the years, especially those in which she served in some capacity as a representative of Whittier College. I was proud of her as a student and remain committed to her as she continues to be an exemplary alumnus—a role model for all those who graduate from this institution.
Patty is a person of the highest integrity so I hope we do a better job of communicating directly with those who have reached out with the sincere desire to see Whittier College thrive. It doesn’t seem to be an unreasonable request to share data that is the basis for change—without data, it is hard to understand the driving forces behind dropping athletic programs and new enrollment initiatives.
This should not be a situation where we cannot speak openly and honestly. If Whittier College’s success is truly the number one priority for all constituents, then all must feel free to voice concerns and add suggestions.
As a faculty member of 30 years, I would be remiss if I didn’t show public support for an outstanding alum who I know to be a good person and a big part of the Poet family.
Sincerely,
Trish Van Oosbree
Yao Yuan Sze Endowed Chair of Kinesiology
Whittier College