The last exams of spring term are behind them, and Kalamazoo College’s seniors are now turning their attention to one final milestone: Commencement. A traditional rehearsal today provided the graduating class with what they need to know before Sunday’s big moment. 

As students transition away from undergraduate life, we asked a group of faculty and staff who are also K alumni to share what advice they might have for the Class of 2026. Here’s what they had to say. We hope these words will prove to be valuable. 

Archivist Lisa Murphy ’98  

“Don’t forget that your college education was an investment. Keep learning and keep investing in your own growth.” 

Professor of English Amelia Katanski ’92 

“Find a way to connect to your community, even if you only plan to be there temporarily. Whether you volunteer with a nonprofit, advocate for an issue you care about, join a cycling or running group, take part in a community garden, or become a regular at the farmer’s market, putting down roots will deepen your sense of connection and nurture your wellbeing.” 

Communication and Enrollment Systems Specialist JD Nord ’18  

“Change happens constantly. Growth happens when you choose it. Nobody can stop you from being who you were always meant to be except yourself.” 

Director of Health Careers, Fellowships and Undergrad Research Jessica Fowle ’00  

“While it may feel disorienting not to have your GPA as a success metric anymore, try to lean into the post-college freedom to learn new things and possibly even be bad at them! Take a class, learn a craft, go to a workshop, try a new activity because it sounds fun, builds community, or gets you out of your house. For me it has been pickleball and watercolor. Embrace lifelong learning in a new way!”