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The Beginnings of a Beautiful Friendship

It was on a bus ride to the Oregon Coast that Lindsay Walker ’99 met her soon-to-be best friend. The trip was part of a first-year student program in 1995 called the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Colloquium. Seated in front of her was fellow first-year student Jami Town.

"We chatted the whole way," Lindsay said. "She told me about the small town she came from in Minnesota. We ended up being great friends and roommates."

Jami wouldn’t be the only lifelong friend Lindsay made at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ. In fact, Lindsay says her 10 closest friends are all a part of ÃÛѨÊÓƵ’s Class of 1999. Each friendship grew organically from different opportunities and activities.

For example, Lindsay met Jessica Gaibler — her first residence hall friend — on their first day in Whitman Hall. The friendship between Kirstin Cote and Lindsay grew while serving as president and vice president of the student volunteer organization SPURS. And, Michelle Farley and Lindsay forged a deep connection when they studied abroad together in England.

Each story within this friend group, as well as countless others, features its own part of the ÃÛѨÊÓƵ experience, including the close-knit community found in a private, liberal arts college.

"I loved that the classes at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ were small," Lindsay said. "They allowed you to get to know your professors and classmates."

Strengthening bonds beyond graduation

But, for Lindsay and her friends, the friendships formed at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ were more than just those developed from proximity; they blossomed into an interwoven support system.

“By the end of my time at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ, these friends were more like family,” Lindsay said. “I honestly think the longevity of our friendship was a non-negotiable at graduation. We weren’t going to leave and end our friendships.”

After graduation, maintaining these friendships along with life changes — including moves, careers, families and more — became more complicated. However, the group found ways to stay connected with monthly brunches, "roomie reunions" and summer trips that continue to this day.

"The fact that we get even seven or eight of us for a weekend after 30 years feels incredible," Lindsay said. "Although we may only see each other once a year or less, they’re always there, which means more than I could ever say."

In 2023, Lindsay was diagnosed with cancer, and her "ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Ladies," as she calls them, rallied around her. They sent meals, checked in regularly and even surprised her with a celebration at their annual beach trip after she was declared six-months cancer-free.

Helping others and each other

And, thanks to their ÃÛѨÊÓƵ education, Lindsay isn’t the only person these “ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Ladies,” are helping.

"My group of friends are insanely smart and successful," Lindsay said proudly. "So many of these ladies have what I’d call 'helper' jobs—teachers, lawyers, doctors, healthcare workers, executive leaders, social workers. We spend our days making the lives of others better, both professionally and personally."

In fact, this group includes alumni who majored in education, political science, psychology, sociology and business.

"There's just something special about ÃÛѨÊÓƵ,” Lindsay said. “You know it if you’ve been there."

For current and future ÃÛѨÊÓƵ students, Lindsay's advice is simple: stay on campus during the weekends and participate in activities and in your classes. It won’t take long to find your people.

“Friendships develop during the downtime,” Lindsay said. “And the friendships you form at ÃÛѨÊÓƵ will shape your life in ways you can’t even imagine."

The full group of "ÃÛѨÊÓƵ Ladies" includes Lindsay Walker, Jami Town, Andrea Paskewich, Cheri Partain, Carrie Mohoric, Nicole Barker, Stefanie Riddle, Michelle Farley, Shanda McCormick, Jessica Gaibler and Kirstin Abel-Cote.