About

The 10 is an official blog of Whitworth University that celebrates recent alumni from the last 10 years.  The intent is to provide a place that continues to foster a connection between alumni and Whitworth.  That means you’ll find frequently asked questions related to career services and life beyond Whitworth, links to photos, videos and events, and alumni stories to answer those VH1-like questions of “Where are they now?”

The Contributors:

Liz Strauch, ’04

Liz began her writing career in the 6th grade in her hometown of Boise as the editor-in-chief and sole contributor of “The Sentimental Club” newsletter, a fake publication written for people who love an overly sappy story (it had a very small circulation).  Years later, at Whitworth, she majored in communications, had a Thursday night show on KWRS called Tippi Hedrin’s Lounge, shattered a plate full of nachos in the dining hall, and spent a Jan term  traveling around Rome and Munich.  She also spent her 21st birthday fasting and camping in the Loop with her LS-350 class.  She stuck around and today is the associate director of annual giving.

 

 

Josh Cleveland, ’01

Josh is a native of Bellevue, Wash. and an ’01 graduate with a B.A. in Religion. Following graduation, Josh headed to Austin, Texas, to serve in youth ministry, listen to live music and float beautiful rivers in inner tubes. He then headed to Princeton, New Jersey, but liked to pretend that he lived in New York City until he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 2007. Josh returned to Whitworth and served as a resident director in Arend and East Halls between 2007-2011, where he was able to abide by the RAP/CBS policies and did not burn one candle in his apartments. Josh is married to Gretchen (Anderson), ’00, and they both believe their unofficial mission in life is to promote the greatness of Spokane’s emerging food scene, eco-friendly living, and music that gets you dancing around your kitchen. He currently serves as the assistant director of alumni and parent relations and would be happy to share a cup of coffee or take a walk with any Whitworthian – anytime, anywhere.

Jim Czirr, ’06

Jim is a Whitworth alumnus twice over, having earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and religion in 2006 and an MBA in 2010.  He has served the campus in various staff roles and done almost every job that doesn’t require a PhD.  Previously Jim has worked in student life, the chaplain’s office and admissions.  He currently serves Whitworth as associate director of development in institutional advancement.  When he isn’t working, you can find this Sandpoint, Idaho native backpacking, biking, or landscaping his new home.  When forced to be indoors, Jim can be found playing racquetball, home brewing, watching Michigan football, and hanging out with his Whitworth sweetheart, Joelle (Boslet), ’06.

 

Aaron McMurray, ’95

Aaron came to Whitworth in the early 90s with little direction for his life, and emerged with a highly marketable B.A. in History.  But he’s thankful for the intangible experiences at Whitworth, both inside and outside of the classroom, that have equipped him for a career in non-profit leadership and advancement.  He is a busy father of four and husband to Whitworth grad Darcy (Long) McMurray, ’96.  His interests include time with family, coaching his boys in soccer and basketball, teaching and studying leadership and working to reach out to Whitworth alumni to keep them engaged with their alma mater.  He completed a Ph.D. in Leadership Studies at “that other liberal arts school in Spokane” and loves his work as Whitworth’s Director of Alumni & Parent Relations and Annual Giving.