Portland native Spencer Wharton receives award upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Spencer Wharton of Portland, Ore. was honored with an award upon his graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Wharton was selected as a recipient of the Connie Jill Carlstrom Award in Japanese Studies. This award, which includes a $1,500 cash prize, is given annually to one or more outstanding students of Japanese language and culture interested in pursuing graduate studies in some aspect of relations between the United States and Japan.

He was also elected as a new member of Phi Beta Kappa, a national honor society that recognizes students who have succeeded academically in a wide variety of courses in the arts and sciences, including mathematics and foreign language. The Whitman chapter of Phi Beta Kappa was founded in 1920.

Wharton is the son of Molly and Wally Wharton and a 2009 graduate of Rex Putnam High School. He received a B.A. in Sociology and a minor in Japanese during the Whitman commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 19.

Whitman College is an independent, non-sectarian residential college fostering 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 an active lifestyle.