Seattle native Rachel Alexander receives awards upon graduation from Whitman College

WALLA WALLA, WA (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Rachel Alexander of Seattle, Wash. was honored with several awards upon her graduation from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash.

Alexander was selected to receive the Chester C. Maxey Award for Best Senior in Politics, an honor given to only one student each year. She also received the Jan Mejer Award for Best Essay in Environmental Studies. This award was established in 1998 to honor a previous director of the Environmental Studies program.

In addition to receiving these individual awards, Alexander was 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.

Alexander is the daughter of Shelley Sundberg and Whit Alexander and a 2009 graduate of Garfield High School. She received a B.A. in Politics-Environmental Studies 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.