Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College.
About 18 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Madison Barch ’24, a biochemistry major from Shelby Township, Michigan, through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
In what on- and off-campus activities do you participate?
On campus, I am a four-year kicker and punter on the football team, a senior intern at Admission, a laboratory teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I’m involved in a couple of Bible study groups, and of course, I’m a President’s Student Ambassador.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K? Of what moments are you the proudest?
One of my favorite parts of being a student at K is all the relationships I have built with other students, faculty and especially my professors. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry truly feels like a family, and I love every minute of it! I am not one to take too much pride in myself, by one of the moments that my mom is most proud of was my two-point conversion catch at Trine this past fall. It was an amazing moment that I was fortunate to spend with my family, teammates and coaches.
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
I decided to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador for the opportunity to network with alumni, parents and friends of K. It felt like a great way to better serve K. I have made many connections and have met some really great people who have wonderful stories!
What’s your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a PSA is the relationships I have been able to make with alumni, trustees, and even community members.
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?
I recommend that new ambassadors get comfortable with sharing their K story because they will do it quite a bit! Along with that, don’t be afraid to connect. Ask others to network—almost every time they are completely open and willing to help out a fellow Hornet!