Santa Rosa native Karin Tompkins receives award upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Karin Tompkins of Santa Rosa, Calif. was honored with an award upon her graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Tompkins 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.

She 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.

Tompkins is the daughter of Geoff and Amy Tompkins and a 2009 graduate of Montgomery High School. She received a B.A. in Sociology and minors in Japanese and Spanish 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.