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K Honors Employees, Student Ambassadors at Founders Day Event

Posted on April 26, 2024April 26, 2024

Bruce Mills receives the Lux Esto Award of Excellence from Jorge Gonzalez — Professor of English Bruce Mills receives the Lux Esto Award of Excellence from Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.

Jessica Fowle receives Outstanding Advisor Award from Jorge Gonzalez at Founders Day — Director of Grants, Fellowship and Research Jessica Fowle ’00 receives Outstanding Advisor Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.

Alayna Lewis receives the First-Year Advocate Award from Jorge Gonzalez — Associate Director of the Center for International Programs Alayna Lewis receives the First-Year Advocate Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.

Professor of English Bruce Mills is this year’s recipient of the Lux Esto Award of Excellence as announced today during the College’s Founders Day celebration, marking K’s 191st year.

The award recognizes an employee who has served the institution for at least 26 years and has a record of stewardship and innovation. The recipient—chosen by a committee with student, faculty and staff representatives—is an employee who exemplifies the spirit of K through excellent leadership, selfless dedication and goodwill.

At K, Mills has taught classes on short fiction, identities, African-American literature, American literature from 1500–1790 and 1790–1865, and the life and legacy of James Baldwin. He also leads the digital humanities portion of the Humanities Integrated Locational Learning (HILL) project, a Mellon Foundation-funded effort combining classroom and in-person experiences in cities such as New Orleans, San Diego and St. Louis that seeks solutions to societal problems while promoting the critical role of the humanities in social justice work.

Mills has published creative nonfiction in The Georgia Review; New England Review; September 11, 2001: American Writers Respond; and Gravity Pulls You In: Parenting Children on the Autism Spectrum. He also co-edited the book Siblings and Autism: Stories Spanning Generations and Cultures. Further, his advocacy in relation to autism has led to presentations at numerous conferences.

Four of the College Singers perform — Alexa Wonacott, Amelie Sack, Maxwell Goldner and Zachary Ufkes of the Lux Esto Singers perform “Stand in That River” by Moira Smiley.

Student reading from a lectern at Founders Day — President’s Student Ambassadors Gabriel Coleman (pictured) and Grey Gardner read the Kalamazoo College land acknowledgement.

Founders Day anniversary honors recipient — Kalamazoo College employees, such as Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft, who are celebrating milestone anniversaries were recognized at Founders Day.

Mills “has been dedicated to the campus community, with one nominator saying he has done wonders at making his classroom environment open, comprehensive and accessible to anyone, even in higher level classes,” Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez said in presenting the award. “He meets students where they are, making sure that course content is easy to understand and that concepts can be applied to people’s own lives and their own academic understandings. At the same time, he pushes students to think bigger and think differently while making classes engaging, appropriately challenging and fun.”

In accordance with Founders Day traditions, two other employees received additional community awards. Director of Grants, Fellowship and Research Jessica Fowle ’00 was given the Outstanding Advisor Award and Associate Director of the Center for International Programs (CIP) Alayna Lewis received the First-Year Advocate Award.

Fowle is a key individual when it comes to referring K students and faculty to Fulbright’s U.S. Student Program and Scholar Program immersion opportunities. She recently was selected to be part of the inaugural Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) Mentors Cohort. As an FPA mentor, Fowle is one of 20 experts from around the country providing virtual training and information sessions, presentations at the Forum for Education Abroad, and personal advice to new Fulbright program advisers who are looking to structure applicant support and recruitment at their own institutions. She has been a part of K’s staff in various roles for more than 20 years including nearly five as director of grants, fellowships and research.

“Advisors are academic mentors who work closely with our students, pay attention to their academic progress, and help them identify and fulfill their goals while working towards completing their degrees,” Gonzalez said. “As evidenced in the nominations received, she accomplishes all of this and more.”

Through the CIP, Lewis organizes international student orientation and its activities. She also helps students with F-1 and J-1 Visa regulations, and study abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Spain. Her passion for study abroad came from a trip to Spain while she was in high school and her own undergraduate experience studying abroad in Mexico.

Gonzalez noted that nominators said Lewis makes herself available to meet individually with students and listens well to help solve a variety of challenges with compassion. Beyond academics, she helps students by assisting in critical matters such as taxes and legal documentation. Plus, during winter break, many international students stay on campus with Lewis organizing grocery trips, meals and events, making being away from home much easier.

Members of the President's Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day — Members of the 2023–24 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day

Members of the 2024-25 President's Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day — Members of the 2024-25 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day.

Crowd applauds at Founders Day event — Founders Day attendees applaud Lux Esto Award recipient Bruce Mills.

Gonzalez also recognized the students who served as President’s Student Ambassadors in the 2023–24 academic year and introduced those who will serve the College beginning this fall in 2024–25. As student leaders, President’s Student Ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills; demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service; and maintain a minimum grade-point average.

The 2023-24 ambassadors have been:

Madison Barch ’24
Gabriel Coleman ’24
Blake Filkins ’26
Grey Gardner ’26
Emily Haigh ’24
James Hauke ’26
Madeline Hollander ’25
Gavin Houtkooper ‘25
Renai Huang ’24
Lukas Hultberg ’24
Jessica Kaplan ’26
Alex Nam ’25
Blagoja Naskovski ’24
Isabella Pellegrom ‘25
Tyrus Parnell, Jr. ’25
Maxwell Rhames ‘25
Emmeline Wendel ’24
Ava Williams ‘25

The 2024-25 ambassadors succeeding this year’s seniors will be:

Jaylen Bowles-Swain ’26
Christopher Cayton ’25
Kyle Cooper ’25
Maya Hester ’25
Katie Kraemer ’25
Joaquin Martinez ’25
Isabelle Mason ’27
Addison Peter ’25
Emiliano Alvarado Rescala ’27
Amelie Sack ’27
Dean Turpin ’25

Meet President’s Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper ’25

Posted on April 25, 2024April 25, 2024

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 with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 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 Gavin Houtkooper ’25 through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.

Gavin Houtkooper ’25, from Battle Creek, Michigan, majors in business with minors in Spanish and computer science. He is a member of the Kalamazoo College men’s soccer team, a treasurer of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society that recognizes excellence from a student’s first year.

What’s your favorite part of your K Experience?

My favorite part about being a student at K is the outstanding people that I get to be around daily, my fellow classmates and my world-class professors. I also love that the K-Plan allows me to take control of my education and take the classes in areas that I am interested in. Through the K-Plan, I have been able to continue playing the sport I love (soccer), I will be studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, this spring, and I have obtained internships through our fantastic alumni network.

Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?

“I decided to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador (PSA) because a teammate on the men’s soccer team was in the program and told me about the amazing experience he had. He met alumni, got an internship through the people he met and then turned that into his first job out of college. After hearing his story, applying to be a PSA was a priority for me.”

Portrait of President's Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper '25 — Through the K-Plan, President’s Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper plays soccer, is studying abroad in Madrid, and has earned outstanding internships.

Gavin Houtkooper in goal — Houtkooper is a treasurer of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society that salutes first-year excellence.

Gavin Houtkooper playing in goal for the Kalamazoo College men's soccer team — A teammate from Kalamazoo College’s men’s soccer team told Gavin Houtkooper about being a President’s Student Ambassador, inspiring Houtkooper to seek the position.

President's Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper attending Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association Meetings — As a President’s Student Ambassador, Houtkooper enjoys meeting K alumni when they return to campus for events. He says K alumni have done some incredible work in the world, and in his experience, they are always looking to give back to current students.

President's Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper in goal for the Kalamazoo College men's soccer team — Houtkooper encourages new President’s Student Ambassadors to attend as many events as they can to talk with alumni because one conversation can create life-changing connections.

What is your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?

“My favorite part of being a PSA is meeting K alumni when they come back home to K for events. Our alumni have done some incredible work in the world, and in my experience, they are always looking to give back to current students. Through my conversations with alumni, I was able to navigate the internship search process and ultimately land one for this coming summer.”

What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?

“I would recommend that any new PSA attend as many events as possible. We never know who we will talk to at a given event. But in my experience, one conversation can create life-changing connections with an alum who may be able to help you navigate life after K.”

Meet President’s Student Ambassador Emmeline Wendel ’24

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024

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 with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 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 Emmeline Wendel ’24 through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.

Emmeline Wendel ’24, from Seattle, Washington, is pursuing a double major in international and area studies with a focus on Western Europe and Spanish with a Chinese minor. On campus, she works at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership as an event coordinator, as a program mentor for the Caceres, Spain, study abroad program, and she is the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club. In previous years, she worked as a civic engagement scholar for Students for Reproductive Freedom at the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement.

What’s your favorite part of being a student at K?

“My favorite part of being a student at K is all the opportunities to leave campus and become an engaged global citizen. Whether I am conducting a digital humanities project in St. Louis, enhancing my writing skills and knowledge about sustainability in Costa Rica, or improving my Spanish-speaking skills in Spain, K allows me to incorporate soft politics into my education and pursue my international career and network.”

Portrait of President's Student Ambassador Emmeline Wendel — President’s Student Ambassador Emmeline Wendel ’24 works at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership as an event coordinator, is a program mentor for the Caceres, Spain, study abroad program, and serves as the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club.

Wendel discusses the Lunar New Year celebration at Kalamazoo College.

President's Student Ambassador Emmeline Wendel steps out of a red phone booth in London — Wendel visited cities throughout Europe such as London when she was participating in study abroad in Cáceres, Spain.

Emmeline Wendel with friends and a dragon costume next to a banner that says Happy Lunar New Year — Wendel (second from left) is the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club at Kalamazoo College

Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?

“I decided I wanted to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador because I am grateful for all the financial support opportunities I have received from the college. I want to ensure two things for other current and prospective K students: They can engage in the same if not more opportunities like me and enhance the college experience by acknowledging and collaborating with others to solve issues on campus.”

What is your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?

“My favorite part of being a PSA is having the opportunity to familiarize myself with philanthropy campaigns and events that involve outreach with alumni.”

What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?

“I would recommend that a student highlight and celebrate all the little, big and in-between accomplishments, studies and extracurriculars/ communities you are a part of. That being said, I would also remind K students to be thoughtful about where, when and who they give their energy because in order to uplift a community, you must take care of yourself first.”

K Votes Civic Engagement Scholar Earns National Honor

Posted on April 24, 2024April 24, 2024

A Kalamazoo College student is being honored by a national nonprofit organization for his work as a K Votes Civic Engagement Scholar.

Nik Krupka ’24, a philosophy and political science double major, is one of 137 students from across the country to reach the Student Voting Honor Roll through the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, an initiative of Civic Nation.

The challenge is celebrating advocates such as Krupka, who advance on-campus, nonpartisan efforts to achieve excellence in democratic engagement while improving civic learning and voter participation. Civic Nation works to build a more inclusive country by bringing together individuals, grassroots organizers, industry leaders and influencers to tackle social challenges.

“It is an honor to be recognized among the other students from around the country for the work we have done here at K,” Krupka said. “I feel humbled to be among so many others since it shows the extent to which these projects are collaborative. Fostering an engaged community is a job much larger than a single person, and it was inspiring to see that, in fact, far more than just one person has taken up this task. I hope that K continues to see its students honored in similar ways as the years go on, and I know it will be so.”

Two students, including K Votes Civic Engagement Scholar Nik Krupka, on the upper quad at Kalamazoo College — Nik Krupka ’24 (left) is one of 137 students from across the country to reach the Student Voting Honor Roll through the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge, thanks to his work as a K Votes Civic Engagement Scholar.

Krupka helped his peers at K register to vote, learn about the issues at stake, and find information on critical ballot measures in local and state races in 2023 through K Votes, the non-partisan coalition that informs K students, faculty and staff members about voting and civic engagement through the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement (CCE). He said he initially found out about K Votes through a friend he met in a Constitutional and Race Law class taught by Associate Professor of Political Science Justin Berry last year.

“Before then, I had never really engaged with the program,” Krupka said. “My friend was graduating at the time, and I was looking for a way to get out of my shell since I tend to keep to myself, so I was excited to meet the folks at the CCE when he connected us. Over that summer, I met with the CCE several times to talk more about my interests—particularly in the institutional dynamics of social change—and how they fit into the overarching vision for K Votes. I was over the moon when everyone at the CCE put their trust in me, especially inasmuch as this would be an amazing way to further develop those interests. That said, it was also a chance for me to expand my comfort zone and orient my efforts toward service more broadly. I’m proud to do work that I can stand behind that gets people critically thinking about their roles in this sometimes-confusing political system.”

The CCE aims to provide everyone—from first-time voters to those who have voted for years—information on the voting process, registration and knowledge regarding what their vote means. It has worked with dozens of faculty and staff for more than 15 years to support student-voter engagement. In recent years, CCE post-baccalaureate fellows and paid student Civic Engagement Scholars have built community connections and campus structures through K Votes. Those efforts have helped hundreds of students through quarterly voter education events, democratic advocacy and activism, and the countless individual efforts by students to get their votes cast.

“It’s important for every community to vote and make themselves heard,” Krupka said. “Kalamazoo College students, staff and faculty are no exception to that. What can be said about K in particular, is that its community takes to heart many of the things a liberal arts education seeks to imbue its students with. We gladly take up the research, critical thinking, teamwork and communication needed for productive political thought, and that should inspire us with the confidence to go out and push for the changes we want to see in the world. To this end, it is important to reject the notion that what we do here is of purely instrumental value. We don’t—or shouldn’t—come here just because it is a stepping stone to a job or graduate education later on. To really embrace the value of what we do here, K’s community needs to get involved, whether that means voting or something else. K Votes has shown me how small a part of our learning takes place in the classroom alone. The world is bigger than what is in our books.”

ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Executive Director Jennifer Domagal-Goldman said students have a powerful role to play in fostering active and engaged campuses and getting their peers to participate in democracy regardless of whether it’s a presidential election year or one with critical state and local races on the ballot.

“These honorees hosted candidate information sessions, created guides on polling location accessibility, registered their peers to vote and so much more,” she said. “We know these students will continue to make a difference in our democracy.”

For more information on the CCE, K Votes and Civic Engagement Scholars, visit the CCE website.

Kalamazoo College Unveils Winter 2024 Dean’s List

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024

Congratulations to the following Kalamazoo College students who achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better for a full-time course load of at least three units, without failing or withdrawing from any course, during the Winter 2024 academic term. Students who elect to take a letter-graded course on a credit/no credit basis (CR/NC) are not eligible for Dean’s List consideration during that term. Nor are students who receive an F, NC or W grade for that particular term. Students with incomplete (I) or in-progress (IP) grades will be considered for the Winter 2024 Dean’s List upon receipt of their final grades. Dean’s List recognition is posted on students’ transcripts. Kudos to the entire group for Winter 2024.

Winter 2024

A

Callie Abair
Shannon Abbott
Cherry Acosta
Fuzail Ahmed
Kelley Akerley
Maya Alkema
Caleb Allen
Randa Alnaas
Mahmoud Alsafadi
Fanny Alvarado
Emiliano Alvarado Rescala
Lana Alvey
Zahra Amini
Darsalam Amir
Mia Andrews
Eleanor Andrews
Unayza Anika
Michael Ankley
Madison Anspach
Maya Arau
Kaelyn Arlington
Lora Armstrong
Emily Auchter
Edith Aviles

B

Guenevere Baierle
Annalise Bailey
Lindsey Baker
Baylor Baldwin
Elizabeth Ballinger
Zoie Banger
Evan Barker
Brianna Barnes
Gabriella Barry
Joseph Basil
Hunter Bates
Annalisa Bauer
Nathan Bauer
Emma Becker
Curtis Bell
Cassandra Bennett
Aubrey Benson
Jane Bentley
Alexandrea Bernal
Eleanor Bernas
Jonah Beurkens
Willow Bigham
Thalia Bills
Henry Black
Douglas Blackwood
Lizbeth Blas-Rangel
Axel Bodeux
Annaliese Bol
Alexandra Bonebrake
Luke Bormann
Jack Boshoven
Eleni Bougioukou
Nathan Bouvard
Holly Bowling
Ella Boyea
Yvette Boyse-Peacor
Allison Bozyk
Emily Braunohler
Jay Breck
Chloe Briggs
Lukas Broadsword
Avery Brockington
Jonathan Brunette
Chloe Bryant
Anna Buck
Anna Budnick
Jaden Buist
Victoria Burnham
Ian Burr

C

Erendira Cabrera
Amaia Cadenas
Bailey Callaway
Eleanor Campion
Olivia Cannizzaro
Arlanderia Cardenas Estelle
Chloe Carlson
Luis Castro-Limon
Caleb Caul
Emma Caulkins
Isabella Caza
Abigail Caza
Daniel Celedon
Alexandra Chafetz
Iris Chalk
Josetta Checkett
Isabel Chiang
Yongwan Cho
Trustin Christopher
Noah Chun
Thomas Clark
Maya Clarren
Lilly Cleland
Kai Clingenpeel
Mai Elise Code
Samuel Coleman
Logan Coller
Indigo Corvidae
Courtney Cotter
Cate Cotter
Holden Coulter
Gavin Crawley
Lucy Cripe
Mia Crites
Gwendolyn Crowder Smith
Emma Curcuru
Maria Curcuru
Isabel Curtis

D

Erik Danielson
Jessica Dant
Jasmine Davis
Asha Dawson
Tara Dean-Hall
Lillian Deer
Carson Deines
Enrique Delzer
Lina Denney
Devi DeYoung
Alexander Di Dio
Liam Diaz
Michaela Dillbeck
Taylor Dinda-Albright
Mariam Diouf
Caitlin Dolan
Rorie Dougherty
Simon Doyle
Jordan Doyle
Ryan Drew
Alexander Dubin
Isaac Duncan
Patrick Dunfee

E

Sally Eggleston
Jairo Eguia
Abigail Eilertson
Sara Elfring
Evelyn Ellerbrock
Sara English
Marvin Ernst
Justin Essing
Sam Ewald
Caleb Ewald

F

Niklas Fagerman
Andreas Fathalla
Blake Filkins
Bridget Finco
Sara Finks
Morgan Fischer
Julia Fitzgerald
Mabel Fitzpatrick
Ella Flourry
Robyn Foley
Ross Fooy
Kirsten Formell
Parker Foster
Andre Fouque
Hillary Fox
Kinga Fraczkiewicz
Emma Frederiksen
Landrie Fridsma

G

Tracy Galeana
Lucy Gallagher
Maria Garcia
Brynna Garden
Grey Gardner
Ingrid Gardner
Roberta Gatti
Lyrica Gee
William Geiger
Grace Getachew
Maira Ghaffar
Griffin Gheen
Logan Gillis
Laura Goia
Maxwell Goldner
Cecilia Gray
Donovan Greene
Natalie Greene
Kaitlyn Grice
Natalie Gross
Cassandra Grotelueschen
Madyson Groth
Oliver Gutierrez
Paola Guzmán Jiménez

H

Sophia Haas
Marissa Haas
Aiden Habboub
Sydney Hagaman
Emma Hahn
Emily Haigh
Blu Haney
Geneva Hannibal
Rachel Harman
Sophie Hartl
Pauline Hawkes
Beatrice Hawkins
Jacob Hazlewood
Zachary Heikka
Megan Herbst
Litzy Hernandez
Sophia Herold
Gerardo Herrera-Sanchez
Maya Hester
Ashlen Hill
Hadley Hilner
Bijou Hoehle
Jacob Hoffman
Garrick Hohm
Annika Hokanson
Ronin Honda
Tyler Houle
Gavin Houtkooper
Sharon Huang
Ethan Huebsch
Samuel Hughes
Lukas Hultberg
Alek Hultberg
Michael Hume
Madelaine Hurley
Megan Hybels
Kennedy Hynde

I

Carson Ihrke
Macy Ivins

J

Gloria Jackson
Colton Jacobs
Marquisha James
Rex Jasper
Ryleigh Jaworski
Morgan Jenkins
Anne Catherine Johnson
Cloe Johnson
Johe Newton Johnson

K

Amalia Kaerezi
Jessica Kaplan
Timothy Karubas
Maria Kasperek
Seth Keana
Ella Kelly
Emilia Kelly
Blake Kelsey
Mphumelelo Khaba
Harriet Khamisi
Anum Khan
Mahum Khan
Hibah Khan
Jackson Kiino-Terburg
Hyunwoo Kim
Joshua Kim
Dong Eun Kim
Anwen King
Caleb Kipnis
Kendyl Kirshman
Claire Kischer
Alexander Kish
Kathryn Klahorst
Noah Kleiner
Zoe Klowden
Rhys Koellmann
Melody Kondoff
Maxine Koos
Daniel Koselka
Connor Kouki
Emma Kovacevic
Julia Kozal
Christian Kraft
Jason Krawczyk
Jack Kreckman
Nikolas Krupka
Mara Krupka
Annabelle Krygier
Ealin Kubicki
Celia Kuch
Laryn Kuchta

L

Nicholas LaFramboise
Rylee Lambert
Olivia Laser
Annmarie Lawrence
Huin Lee
Sydney Lenzini
Nico Lipton
Luis Lizardo-Rodriguez
Alex Lloyd
Logan Lockhart
Alondra Lopez
Beatriz Lopez
Grace Lounds
Teresa Lucas
Lee Lum
Jacob Lynett

M

Ellie MacE
Lauren MacKersie
Samantha Major
Natalie Maki
Andrew Mallon
Lesly Mares-Castro
Ana Marín Vintimilla
Ariadne Markou
Molly Martinez
Natalie Martinez
Isabelle Mason
Hollis Masterson
Virginia Matta
Matthew Matuza
Eliza Maurer
Zachary Maurice
Benjamin Maurice
Cedric May
Claire McCall
Lauren McColley
Liam McElroy
MacKale McGuire
Regan McKee
Jacob McKinney
Kira McManus
Sophia Merchant
Maximus Mercurio
Rachel Meston
Estelle Metz
Allison Meyers
Jack Miller
Brittany Miller
Ella Miller
Jade Milton
Ameera Mirza
Jackson Mitchell
Elana Mitchell
Jacques Monchamp
Mariah Moore
Martin Morison
Myotis Morton
Maren Mosher
Madeline Moss
Fadi Muallem
Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier
Claire Mullins
Andrew Munger
Ella Myers

N

Nailia Narynbek Kyzy
Blagoja Naskovski
Ryan Neihsl
Chloe Nelund
Mackenzie Newhall
Robert Newland
Nguyen Nguyen
Yen Giang Nguyen
Theodore Niemann
Joanna Nonato
Will Norwood
Haleigh Nower

O

Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft
Amara Okoro
Gabriel Olivier
Emma Olson
Tyler Omness
Kevin Oneill
Eliana Orozco
B Osborne
Aryka Ostroski

P

Chelsea Paddock
Maren Palmer
Astrid Parker
Eleanor Parks-Church
Hannah Parsons
Mia Pascuzzi
Juniper Pasternak
Eric Paternoster
Morgan Paye
Audrey Pegouske
Mia Pellegrini
Kaitlin Peot
Alex Pepin
Marcos Perez
Margaret Perry
Margaret Peters
Paige Peterson
Indigo Philippe
Anna Phyo
Sheyla Pichal
Sydney Pickell
Benjamin Pickrel
Mia Pierce
Isabella Pimentel
Madison Pisano
William Plesscher
Alex Plesscher
Megan Ploucha
Madelyn Portenga
Mauricio Posey
Bea Putman

Q

Emma Quail
Kelvis Quaynor
Matthew Quirk

R

Elizabeth Rachiele
Tieran Rafferty
Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci
Ana Ramirez
Leah Ramirez
Jessie Ramirez
Lafern Ramon
Liam Regan
Isabel Reyes
Jaycee Rider
Sheldon Riley
Emory Roberts
Narelle Robles
Jocelyn Rodriguez
Schareene Romero Rivera
Amelia Rooks
Brigid Roth
Elizabeth Rottenberk
Sofia Rowland
Nathaniel Rulich

S

Zenaida Sackett
Sophia Sajan
Abigail Samson
Ryan Sanborn
Leslie Santos
Fiona Schaffer
Leo Schinker
Olivia Schleede
Sophia Schlotterer
Vivian Schmidt
Annika Schnell
Arden Schultz
Ava Schwachter
Amalia Scorsone
Oskar Sears
Jacinda Servantes
Brendon Shaffer
Tillie Sheldon
Riley Shoemaker
Cassidy Short
Clara Siefke
Mo Silcott
Xavier Silva
Julia Sitz
Kiersten Sjogren
Colby Skinner
Maja Smith
Anoushka Soares
Erin Somsel
Harry Spark
Jonah Spates
Ella Spooner
Sophia Sprick
Camran Stack
Florian Stackow
Marlee Standke
Adam Stapleton
David Stechow
Joseph Stein
Taylor Stephens
Molly Stevison
Emma Stickley
Pavel Stojanovski
Liliana Stout
Zachary Strauss
Donovan Streeter
Kristian Strljic
Abbygale Stump
Maeve Sullivan
Hannah Summerfield
Keegan Sweeney
Brandon Sysol

T

Madison Talarico
Olivia Tessin
Minh Thu Le
Jayden Thurmond-Oliver
Emily Tiihonen
William Tocco
Alexander Tolman
Lily Toohey
Simon Topf
Derik Torres
Jakob Torzewski
Phoebe Tozer
Vincent Tran
Danielle Treyger
Nghia Trinh

U

Hannah Ulanoski
Gabrielle Unger-Branson

V

Tony Vaisanen
Anthony Valade
Christopher Van Alstine
Lucy Vandemark
Cameron VanGalder
Mitchel VanGalder
Cate VanSchaik
Gianna Vicario
Mirella Villani

W

Kaytin Waddell
Joseph Wade
Ava Wagle
Ipsa Wagle
Megan Walczak
Andre Walker
Madison Walther
Natalie Ward
Annslee Ware
Ryan Warezak
Riley Weber
Charles Wester
Grace Westerhuis
Benjamin Whitsett
Jay Wholihan
Alicia Wilgoren
Ava Williams
Carson Williams
Jordyn Wilson
Siona Wilson
Zoe Wilson
Ruby Winer
Hannah Witkoff
Alexa Wonacott
Maximilian Wright
Emma Wrobleski

Y

Hailey Yoder
Hillary Yousif

Z

Jacob Zeller
Haochen Zhou
Florian Ziolkowski
Ariana Zito
Rebecca Zoetewey
Margaret Zorn
Lee Zwart

‘Dutchman’ Puts Racism, Black Identity Center Stage

Posted on February 27, 2024February 27, 2024

Black identity, racism and allusions to the slave trade will be put center stage this week when Kalamazoo College’s Festival Playhouse presents Dutchman.

The 1964 play—written by Amiri Baraka, who then was known as LeRoi Jones—is the second of the Festival Playhouse’s 60^th season, which has a theme of “Systems as Old as Time,” focusing on the harmful systems that hold back the oppressed and how people fight against them.

The plot features Clay, a 20-year-old, college-educated Black man portrayed by Jared Pittman ’20, who also played Martin Luther King, Jr. last winter in the Festival Playhouse’s production of The Mountaintop. Pittman notes that Clay is traveling on the subway to a friend’s house for a get-together when he meets Lula, a young white woman.

“He’s shy and timid upon his introduction to Lula on the train, given the racial climate during the 1960s,” Pittman said. “He’s polished in his three-piece suit and speaks with great intellect. Clay doesn’t want to be grouped amongst the stereotype of Black men, so he makes a conscious effort to be above the stereotype.”

Abigail Nelson '24 and Jared Pittman '20 portray Lula and Clay respectively in the Festival Playhouse production of Dutchman — Abigail Nelson ’24 and Jared Pittman ’20 portray Lula and Clay in the Festival Playhouse production of “Dutchman” being staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3.

Lula, however, played by Abigail Nelson ’24, is symbolic of white America during the Civil Rights Movement. She enters the train eating an apple beginning references to Adam and Eve that occur throughout the play as Clay attempts to be his own man even though his name might suggest that he should be easily shaped and molded.

“She’s very flirtatious with Clay, and although he is shy, he is intrigued by Lula, so he entertains her advances,” Pittman said. “She has a bipolar personality, and it keeps Clay on his toes, not really knowing if she is joking or serious. This allows her to antagonize Clay, and ultimately push him over the edge.”

The play is guest directed by Anthony J. Hamilton, a former visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at K and guest professor and director at Western Michigan University. His career directing credits include The Piano Lesson, The 1940s Radio Hour and Once on This Island at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre; Into the Woods and Skeleton Crew at WMU; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at Hackett Catholic Prep; Grandma’s Quilt and Playwright’s Competition at the Negro Ensemble Company in New York; and Next to Normal at the Festival Playhouse last spring.

Dutchman will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Festival Playhouse Theatre at 129 Thompson St. Thursday’s show will include American Sign Language interpretation and an audience talkback.

Tickets are available online or by calling the Festival Playhouse at 269.337.7333. K students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a College ID. Adult tickets are $25, seniors are $20 and children younger than 12 are $5. Audiences should be aware that the play’s content includes adult language, themes and situations that include simulated violence and may be triggering

Pittman said that audiences are certain to appreciate the performances, even as they provoke a profound emotional response. “I think those who come to see the show, should know that this is theatre, and we are people portraying characters,” he said. “Although a very real experience for some people, we ask that the audience members provide the performers with grace. We’ve worked hard to tell this iconic story and we understand the sensitivity of it all.”

Student-Athlete, Business Major Finds Passion for Filmmaking

Posted on February 22, 2024March 15, 2024

Story by Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24

In a pivot prompted by Kalamazoo College’s flexible curriculum, Ian Burr ’24 heeded a call for “lights, camera, action” in New York while discovering a potential lifelong passion.

Burr, a business major, recently participated in the New York Arts Program, a winter-term study away opportunity, where students learn about acting, musical theatre, dance, play writing, directing, vocal music, instrumental music, improvisation and children’s theatre—or in Burr’s case—filmmaking.

His interest in photography pushed him to take Framing Differences, a sophomore seminar taught by Genevieve U. Gilmore Professor of Art Richard Koenig, which gives K students a working knowledge of the tools used in photography before leaving for study away or study abroad. Burr then bought his first camera and worked on sports videography for the women’s soccer team and recreational hockey games.

These experiences convinced Burr to add a film and media concentration to his K-Plan and seek opportunities in New York. There, he worked as a production assistant intern for an upcoming Netflix show, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders, and at Green Point Pictures, an advertising company where he helped create pitches for clients. The time in New York also gave Burr an opportunity to shoot his first film.

“The New York Arts Program was an amazing opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience as someone who is interested in the film industry,” Burr said. “It is very hard to get into the industry and participating in this program while taking classes and working for two companies was a very valuable way to gain skills for something that I am very passionate about.”

Since, Burr has developed a Senior Integrated Project (SIP)—not in business, but in filmmaking—with a production titled I Love You, Bro, dedicated to his friend Jake, who died in a car accident. The short film focuses on the mental health of Rhett, who loses his best friend, Avery, in a crash.

“I wanted to show how people deal with loss,” Burr said. “Some people push their feelings off, so they don’t seem weak, but no one should be alone, and it’s totally OK to share your feelings with someone.”

Last fall, Burr had a chance to present the film—which takes place in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee—to the K community while emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.

“The idea to turn my movie into a SIP came while I was attending the New York Arts Program,” Burr said. “Without the opportunity that K gave me and the collaboration with Professor Koening, I wouldn’t be able to do something that means so much to me. The professors are so great and welcoming. The small size class made me establish close relationships with the professors and my classmates easily. Professors here care about your progress and your ability to use your whole potential.”

Burr also credits a close friend for his assistance with the movie.

Aidan Baas ’23, “who also participated in the New York Arts Program, was very supportive during this journey,” Burr said. “When I was with him during the study away program in New York, he helped me to come up with the idea of I Love You, Bro. Furthermore, he came from Michigan to Nashville during the summer of 2023 and helped me with shooting and editing, which made the movie to be successfully completed.”

Elsewhere at K, Burr is a punter and kicker on K’s football team, through which he’s established lifelong connections with his teammates. He also has drawn inspiration to achieve excellence in academics through faculty members such as L. Lee Stryker Associate Professor of Business Management Amy MacMillan, Visiting Professor of Business David Rhoa and Visiting Instructor in Art Daniel Kim, who have provided Burr with real-world experiences related to his coursework. And although he’s been dedicated to undertakings such as football and more, Burr strongly encourages his peers who are interested in filmmaking to find their own opportunities through faculty and coursework.

“Dive into it,” he said. “Ask professors for many opportunities to grow. Filmmaking is building portfolios. If you want to be a director, direct something. Go and create. The only way you fail is if you never try. Be dedicated. Collaborate with your friends, classmates and professors. Create the films you want to see.”

Ian Burr ’24 (left) works with actors Graeme Cadaret and Jayden Scheer while filming a scene of “I Love You, Bro.”

Filmmakers collaborate in a studio — While participating in the New York Arts Program on study away, Burr found his passion for filmmaking while working as a production assistant intern for an upcoming Netflix show, “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” and at Green Point Pictures, an advertising company where he helped create pitches for clients.

Ian Burr prepares to punt during a Kalamazoo College football game — Burr prepares to punt during a Kalamazoo College football game. Photo by Kimberley Moss.

Ian Burr focuses on filmmaking with two actors — Burr films Cadaret and Scheer in the making of his film, “I Love You, Bro.”

‘Cauldron’ Co-Editors Invite Artists, Writers into a K Tradition

Posted on February 14, 2024

Co-editors Lana Alvey ’24 and Greta Salamun ’25 are reminding students to submit personal creative written projects and visual artwork to this year’s Cauldron, a printed publication produced by its student organization at Kalamazoo College.

College Archives show The Cauldron has been published annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic, since 1962. As two students who are passionate about writing, Alvey—an English and psychology double major—and Salamun—an English major—are honored to play a part in the reconstruction of The Cauldron and hope that this year’s edition will reflect K’s population of talented writers and artists.

Most of the editorial staff is composed of English and art majors along with many STEM-focused students, too. They work with Alvey and Salamun to select the content from submissions and organize each edition with support, advice and design services provided through College Marketing and Communication. Categories within the publication include poetry, nonfiction, fiction and art. Professor of English Andy Mozina, the magazine’s faculty advisor, provides guidance and advice to the co-editors; his help ensures that the official unveiling of the hard copies during spring term of ninth week’s Community Reflection at Stetson Chapel runs smoothly.

“When we hold the finished product during the reflection, there will be a moment of thinking ‘we did it,’ with all the students’ hard work toward this piece of art and literature, especially when we can flip through it,” Alvey said. “It will be powerful to see it. We’re proud to be this vessel for creative writing and art.”

In a nod to its former years, the co-editors plan to release this edition as a bound book, suitable for coffee tables, bookshelves and keepsakes.

Portrait of Cauldron Co-Editor Lana Alvey on campus — Lana Alvey ’24, an English and psychology double major, is a co-editor of the 2023-24 edition of The Cauldron.

Cover of 2022-23 Cauldron — Last year’s edition of The Cauldron was a spiral-bound book that co-editors Alvey and Salamun are upgrading to a bound book this year.

Cauldron Co-Editor Greta Salamun — Kalamazoo native Greta Salamun ’25 said she has always wanted to attend K and major in English.

Inside the 2022-23 Cauldron — Pages from past editions of The Cauldron show work of alumni such as contemporary artist Julie Mehretu ’92 and Tony Award winner Lisa Kron ’83.

“It will be a testament to how The Cauldron has returned and evolved,” Salamun said. “We had a spiral-bound book last year, which still felt great, but we’ve wanted to get back to the old format. If that much can change in a year, imagine what else might happen in 10 years’ time. You never know.”

For students uncertain whether they want to submit their personal work, Alvey and Salamun encourage everyone to participate.

“I think we’re removing the high stakes from sharing your work, considering that no one is graded for it,” Salamun said. “If we just submit something, knowing it doesn’t have to be hard, it can be light-hearted and fun because this campus is full of great students.”

In fact, students can think of participating in The Cauldron as being part of a legacy because many accomplished alumni such as the world-famous contemporary artist, Julie Mehretu ’92, and Tony Award winner, Lisa Kron ’83, contributed to The Cauldron as K students. In addition, the Stephanie Vibbert Award will honor select pieces of writing that best exemplify the intersection between creative writing and community engagement. The final award is the Divine Crow Award where recipients will be selected blindly by a member of the greater Kalamazoo community.

“I feel that seeing your name in print and in an actual bound book is a big incentive for submitting your work,” Alvey said. “We have shown that we are good writers when we were accepted into K. This is a cool way to show what you can do, especially during the Community Reflection, where some students read their work aloud and we pass it out as a physical copy.”

Students who want to see their names and work published as writers and artists should use The Cauldron’s Google Docs form to submit before 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 26. All students, regardless of their majors and minors, are encouraged to participate.

“I’m from Kalamazoo and I’ve always wanted to attend this College and major in English,” Salamun said. “What I love about The Cauldron and writing is that it gives students, like myself, a creative outlet for expression. I know we have a lot of STEM majors here, and it can be a little nerve racking for students to try taking on poetry, short stories, art, or whatever it may be. But that creative outlet is so valuable.”

“To the students who have submitted, thank you,” Alvey said. “We know submitting can seem very daunting, but we are so excited to read your work and get it out there because the student population is very talented. We hope more people will submit their work to The Cauldron, so it can return to its bound form. I think being a part of such a great historical magazine and legacy is very powerful and it’s an honor.”

Counseling Center Strengthens Access to Mental Health Services

Posted on January 8, 2024January 8, 2024

This year, the Kalamazoo College Counseling Center has been working on changes to its offerings with the goal of providing more equitable access and more tailored services to students when they need it most.

Starting winter term, the center will eliminate its seven-session limit for individual on-campus counseling, instead adopting a more flexible customized clinical care model. This approach helps ensure students receive the amount of support that best suits their needs.

“Having a session limit tends to put pressure on the student to use all the sessions available to them right away, whether they need them all at that time or not. This may not be the best approach for them, and it can also limit availability for other students seeking support,” said Erica Pearson, director of the counseling center. “Some students may only need three sessions to get the support they’re seeking, while some students may benefit from 10 sessions. Some students may come to us looking for coping strategies, get the info they need, and not need us again until later in the year if something else comes up for them. By introducing a customized clinical care model, the staff is better able to address the needs of more students more effectively.”

Another major enhancement for the center was the introduction of its partnership with Uwill this fall. With Uwill telehealth counseling services, students can receive secure and confidential access to a therapist in addition to what is offered on campus. Students can choose a therapist based on their preferences regarding gender, language, ethnicity and focus area; and schedule a session for video, phone, chat or messaging. “I think some people may worry that because it’s telehealth, the level of care is not equivalent to the services we offer on campus. However, that’s not the case. They’ll have access to licensed professionals, just as they would here, and they’ll have an opportunity to choose someone based on their personal preferences,” Pearson said.

Portrait of Counseling Center Director Erica Pearson — Counseling Center Director Erica Pearson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC

In addition to telehealth counseling services, the center’s partnership with Uwill has expanded crisis services with a 24/7 support line staffed by licensed therapists. “It’s important that students know that this is a support line, not just a crisis line. Now students can talk with a licensed therapist any time of day, between academic quarters, when they’re out of town,” said Pearson. With this service significantly expanding student access to on-demand mental health support, the counseling center will be eliminating walk-in hours on campus and utilizing that time for additional pre-scheduled appointments.

“We hope these changes help address an important need at a time when students are really prioritizing their mental health,” Pearson said. “Offering around-the-clock accessibility through Uwill breaks down barriers of time and availability that often hinder access to services, and it allows our staff to dedicate more time to scheduled appointments on campus. And by utilizing a customized clinical care model, the center is better equipped to provide effective, empathetic and personalized care on campus.”