Category: Events

Senior Awards 2012

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The following students received awards during the Senior Awards Ceremony, June 9, 2012

Fine Arts Division

THE LILIA CHEN AWARD IN ART, awarded to students in their junior or senior year who distinguish themselves through their work in ceramics, sculpture, or painting, and who exhibit strong progress in their understanding of art.

  • Joanne A. Heppert
  • Daedalian James Derks
  • Taylor Stamm

THE GEORGE EATON ERRINGTON PRIZE, awarded to an outstanding senior art major.

  • Angela M. Frakes

THE LILLIAN PRINGLE BALDAUF PRIZE IN MUSIC, awarded to an outstanding music student.

  • Erin C. Donevan

THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT AWARD, given by the Music Department of the College for outstanding contributions to the musical life of the campus.

  • Gina Marie Cosgrove Bravata
  • Rachel Meria Cohan
  • Gus L. Hay
  • Elizabeth Antoinette Hubbell
  • Michael P. Ignagni
  • Elizabeth Anne Kur
  • Madelaine Mae McCann
  • Jacob R. Price
  • Hailey R. Schurr
  • Alison Raeann Smith

THE FAN E. SHERWOOD MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded for outstanding progress and ability on the violin, viola, cello or bass.

  • Eleanor E. Wong

THE MARGARET UPTON PRIZE IN MUSIC, awarded each year to a student designated by the Music Department faculty as having made significant achievement in music.

  • Jacob C. Arnett
  • Kate Elise Fodor

THE RUTH SCOTT CHENERY AWARD, given to a graduating senior who has excelled academically and in theatre and who plans to continue the study of theatre arts following graduation.

  • David H. Pimentel
  • Marianne Renee Stine

THE IRMGARD KOWATZKI THEATRE AWARD, awarded to the senior who has excelled both in academic areas and in theatrical productions during four years at the College.

  • Samuel T. Bertken

THE CHARLES TULLY DESIGN AWARD, given annually to a senior who has achieved excellence in some aspect of theatre design.

  • Kyle A. McCord

Foreign Languages Division

THE CHINESE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recognizes seniors who have excelled in the study of the Chinese language and China-related subjects on campus and abroad in China.

  • Douglas Colton
  • Nicholas R. Gersch
  • John C. McGowan

THE PROVOST’S PRIZE IN CLASSICS, awarded to that student who writes the best essay on a classical subject.

  • Rachel A. LoPatin

THE JOE FUGATE SENIOR GERMAN AWARD, awarded to a senior for excellence in German.

  • Nathan Colello Gilmour

THE JAPANESE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY, COLLEGE CHAPTER, is
awarded in recognition of the student’s achievement in their study of the Japanese language and for their overall academic excellence.

  • Laura Whitney Abram
  • Lauren Jean Case
  • Kellea S. Floyd
  • William Patrick Gallagher
  • Aaron E. Geller
  • Johnny T. Ho
  • Sarah C. Holman
  • Ian Powell

THE ALLIANCE FRANCAISE PRIZE IN FRENCH, awarded for excellence in French by an advanced student.

  • Kathleen C. Golembiewski

THE SENIOR SPANISH AWARD, given by the Department of Romance Languages for outstanding achievement in Spanish.

  • Jameson Kane Drouin
  • Joshua Anthony Imperial
  • Mayra A. Montero

Humanities Division

THE DAVID STRAUSS PRIZE IN AMERICAN STUDIES, awarded for the best paper written by a graduating senior in his or her junior or senior year in any field of American Studies.

  • Allison Nicole LaRose

THE ELWOOD H. AND ELIZABETH H. SCHNEIDER PRIZE, awarded for outstanding and creative work in English done by a student who is not an English major.

  • Kathleen C. Golembiewski

THE MARY CLIFFORD STETSON PRIZE, awarded for excellence in English essay writing by a senior.

  • Allison Nicole LaRose

THE DWIGHT AND LEOLA STOCKER PRIZE, awarded for excellence in English writing: prose or poetry.

  • Stewart J. Finnegan
  • Kimberly Grabowski
  • Rebecca Ellen Staudenmaier

THE JAMES BIRD BALCH PRIZE, for the senior having done the best work in American History.

  • Sarah Christina Baumann

THE HISTORY DEPARTMENT AWARD, given for outstanding work in the major.

  • Ariel Marie Schnee

THE HODGE PRIZE IN PHILOSOPHY, awarded to that member of the graduating class who has the highest standing in the field.

  • Nathan Colello Gilmour

THE MARION H. DUNSMORE MEMORIAL PRIZE IN RELIGION, awarded for excellence in any year’s work in religion.

  • William A. Schlaack

Natural Sciences & Mathematics Division

THE H. LEWIS BATTS PRIZE, awarded to the senior who has done the most to support the activities of the Biology Department and to further the spirit of collegiality among students and faculty in the Department.

  • Lindsey Sara Gaston
  • Heather Rae Russon

THE ROBERT BZDYL PRIZE IN MARINE BIOLOGY, awarded to one or more students with demonstrated interest and ability in marine biology or related fields.

  • Mirae Katherine Guenther
  • Zachary K. Janes

THE DIEBOLD SCHOLAR AWARD, given to one or more seniors in recognition of excellence in the oral or poster presentation of the SIP at the Diebold Symposium.

  • Kelsey Meredith Hassevoort
  • Nathan C. Robinson
  • Alison Raeann Smith

THE WILLIAM E. PRAEGER PRIZE, established by the faculty in the Biology Department and awarded to the most outstanding senior major in Biology, based on academic achievement in the discipline.

  • Kelsey Meredith Hassevoort

THE ANNUAL UNDERGRADUATE AWARD IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY, sponsored by the American Chemical Division of Analytical Chemistry and the Journal of Analytical Chemistry, to an undergraduate student who displays an aptitude for a career in analytical chemistry

  • Caitlyn W. VanGelderen

THE ANNUAL UNDERGRADUATE AWARD IN INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, sponsored by the American Chemical Division of Inorganic Chemistry, to an undergraduate senior student planning on pursuing graduate studies in chemistry.

  • Masroor Hossain

THE KURT KAUFMAN FELLOW, given annually to a senior with the best Senior Individualized Project in the Chemistry Department.

  • Aidan J. Klobuchar
  • David M. Robinson

THE LEMUEL F. SMITH AWARD given to the major in chemistry pursuing the American Chemical Society approved curriculum and having at the end of the junior year the highest average standing in courses taken in chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

  • Aidan J. Klobuchar

THE OUTSTANDING CHEMISTRY STUDENT FROM KALAMAZOO COLLEGE, sponsored by the Kalamazoo Section of the American Chemical Society and is given to the graduating student who has demonstrated leadership in the chemistry department and plans to pursue graduate studies in chemistry.

  • Margarite Matossian

THE CLARKE BENEDICT WILLIAMS PRIZE, awarded to that member of the graduating class who has the best record in mathematics and the allied sciences.

  • Daniel J. Esman
  • Aidan J. Klobuchar
  • Jacob R. Price

THE JOHN WESLEY HORNBECK PRIZE, awarded to a senior with the highest achievement for the year’s work in advanced physics toward a major.

  • Alexander C. Dombos
  • Lynn Mormino
  • Jacob R. Price

Physical Education Division

THE GEORGE ACKER AWARD awarded annually to a male athlete who in his participation gave all, never quit, with good spirit supported others unselfishly, and whose example was inspirational.

  • Evan I. Levine

THE SENIOR ATHLETIC AWARD, given by the Department of Physical Education to the outstanding senior female athlete.

  • Erin Lynn Campbell

THE MARY LONG BURCH AWARD, for a senior woman who has manifested interest in sports activities and excelled in scholarship.

  • Kelsey Meredith Hassevoort

THE KALAMAZOO COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AWARD, for a graduating senior who has most successfully combined high scholarship with athletic prowess.

  • Alexander C. Dombos

THE C. W. “OPIE” DAVIS AWARD, awarded to the outstanding senior male athlete

  • Christopher J. Manning

THE KNOECHEL FAMILY AWARD, awarded to a senior member of the swim teams in recognition of demonstrated excellence in both intercollegiate swimming and academic performance.

  • Christine Lewis
  • Kevin B. Lodewyk

THE CATHERINE A. SMITH PRIZE IN WOMEN’’’’S ATHLETICS, awarded to a woman athlete who in her participation gave all, never quit, with good spirit supported others unselfishly, and whose example was inspirational.

  • Katherine Grue
  • Kelsey Johnson

Social Sciences Division

THE RAYMOND L. HIGHTOWER AWARD, given to a graduating senior for excellence in and commitment to the disciplines of sociology and anthropology and leadership in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology

  • Hannah Hindman Reischl
  • Dana Robinson

THE BARTLETT LAW AWARD, awarded to an outstanding student of Economics or Political Science active in extracurricular activities who plans to pursue a career in law.

  • Matthew Thomas DuWaldt
  • Claire Victoria Madill

THE A. M. FINK MEMORIAL PRIZE IN BUSINESS, awarded to an outstanding Economics and Business major, active in extracurricular activities, who plans to pursue graduate work or an immediate career in business.

  • Calder Alexander Leaver Burgam
  • Cameron Carl Lang

THE WILLIAM G. HOWARD MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded to a senior who has done the best work in a major in economics..

  • Matthew Thomas DuWaldt
  • Johnny T. Ho
  • Claire Victoria Madill

THE EUGENE P. STERMER AWARD IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, awarded to a senior in Economics and Business for excellence in academic work

  • Patrick A. Miller
  • Rachel Christine Pitzer
  • Joseph J. Prepolec

THE HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL RELATIONS PRIZE, awarded for leadership in the major, reflecting commitment to inter-disciplinary thinking and social justice.

  • Dion Bullock
  • LaShawn M. Etheridge

THE E. BRUCE BAXTER MEMORIAL AWARD, awarded to a senior showing outstanding development in the field of political science.

  • Zachary Ryan Holden

THE WILLIAM G. HOWARD MEMORIAL PRIZE, awarded for excellence in a year’s work in political science.

  • Calder Alexander Leaver Burgam
  • Emily K. Wolf

THE EUGENE P. STERMER AWARD IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, awarded to a student in public policy and/or international affairs for excellence in academic work in the senior year.

  • Alyssa M. Rickard
  • Theodore J. Sweetser

THE MARSHALL HALLOCK BRENNER PRIZE, awarded to an outstanding student for excellence in the field of psychology.

  • Keith R. Moreno

THE XARIFA GREENQUIST MEMORIAL PSYCHOLOGY DEPARTMENT AWARD, given in recognition of distinctive service to students and faculty in Psychology by a student assistant.

  • Emily Renee Geister-Danville
  • Katharine Ellen Grills
  • Alexander P. Griffin

THE RICHARD D. KLEIN SENIOR AWARD IN PSYCHOLOGY, given for outstanding work in the Senior Individualized Project.

  • Chloe E. Page

THE RICHARD D. KLEIN SENIOR AWARD IN PSYCHOLOGY, given for outstanding contributions to the community.

  • Elise Wolf Williams

THE DONALD W. VAN LIERE PRIZE, given for excellence in psychology research.

  • Katharine Ellen Grills
  • Tristan A. Morioka
  • Courtney Lynne Narker

THE DONALD W. VAN LIERE PRIZE, given for excellence in psychology coursework.

  • Kara Jane Milton

THE LUCINDA HINSDALE STONE PRIZE, awarded to a student whose scholarship, research or creative work in women’s studies, in the form of a SIP or other academic work, is most impressive.

  • Angela M. Frakes
  • Sarah C. Holman
  • Allison Nicole LaRose

Non-Departmental Awards

THE GORDON BEAUMONT MEMORIAL AWARD, awarded to the deserving student who displays qualities of selflessness, humanitarian concern, and willingness to help others, as exemplified in the life of Gordon Beaumont.

  • Lashawn Etheridge
  • Anna Miller

THE HENRY AND INEZ BROWN PRIZE, awarded in recognition of outstanding participation in the College community.

  • Courtney Nartker

THE ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA MAY BRUNSON GRADUATE FELLOWSHIP, given to a senior working toward a graduate or professional degree.

  • Matthew Thomas DuWaldt

THE VIRGINIA HINKELMAN MEMORIAL AWARD is awarded to a deserving student who displays a deep concern for the well-being of children, as demonstrated through career goals in the field of child welfare.

  • Zena S. Blake-Mark

THE ALPHA LAMBDA DELTA MARIA LEONARD SENIOR BOOK AWARD, given to the Alpha Lambda Delta member graduating with the highest GPA.

  • Alexander C. Dombos
  • Kelsey Meredith Hassevoort
  • Zachary Ryan Holden
  • Claire Victoria Madill
  • Kara Jane Milton

THE CATHERINE A. SMITH PRIZE IN HUMAN RIGHTS, awarded to a senior who has been active on campus in promoting human rights, furthering progressive social and cultural change, and combating violence, repression, and bigotry.

  • Britta A. Seifert

THE BABETTE TRADER CAMPUS CITIZENSHIP AND LEADERSHIP AWARD, awarded to that member of the graduating class, who has most successfully combined campus citizenship and leadership with scholarship.

  • Alexandra N. Crockford
  • Obineche S. Nnebedum

THE MAYNARD OWEN WILLIAMS MEMORIAL AWARD, for the best student entry in the form of an essay, poetry, paintings, sketches, photographs, or films derived from Study Abroad.

  • Saskia Boggs
  • Kathleen W. Sly
  • Emily K. Wolf

The Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Institute for Service-Learning awards LAPLANTE STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS to recognize and reward students who have shown outstanding dedication to civic engagement. The LaPlante Scholars design and lead community programs that promote a more just, equitable and sustainable world.

  • Paul A. Garza
  • Alexander P. Griffin
  • Jay W. McMillan
  • Anna Marie Miller
  • Ellen Curtin Murphy
  • Obineche Nnebedum
  • Catherine Anne Wadsworth Oldershaw
  • Ian Powell
  • Dana Robinson
  • Anna F. Witte

The VIBBERT SCHOLARS honor and exemplify the spirit and leadership of Stephanie Vibbert, activist, scholar, artist, poet and feminist, by creating programs that promote equality and social justice.

  • Angela M. Frakes
  • Meredith Loomis Quinlan
  • Taylor Stamm

THE SENIOR LEADERSHIP RECOGNITION AWARD, is awarded to students who have provided key elements of leadership in their organizations, athletic teams, academic departments, employment, and the wider Kalamazoo community. Students were nominated by faculty and staff members in January. Seniors eligible for this award also had to meet a minimum cumulative Grade Point Average requirement and be in good academic and social standing at the College.

  • Jacob Christopher Arnett
  • Zena S. Blake-Mark
  • Dion Bullock
  • Leonidas M. Caldwell
  • Rachel Meria Cohan
  • Mark J. Denenfeld
  • Benjamin Gawel Ensroth
  • LaShawn M. Etheridge
  • Katherine A. Grue
  • Kelsey Meredith Hassevoort
  • Joanne A. Heppert
  • Jennifer Michelle Fiandaca McCutcheon
  • Tanjanequa F. McMeans
  • Anna Marie Miller
  • Ellen Curtin Murphy
  • Obineche S. Nnebedum
  • David H. Pimentel
  • Daniel Pohanka
  • Jacob R. Price
  • Meredith Loomis Quinlan
  • Hannah Hindman Reischl
  • Heather Rae Russon
  • Melba N. Sales-Griffin
  • William A. Schlaack
  • Paula Alana Silverman
  • Dalton S. Simancek
  • Kathleen W. Sly
  • Caitlyn W. VanGelderen
  • Molly Christine Waytes
  • Max A. Wedding
  • Sandrine Zilikana

Author Eve Ensler Visits Kalamazoo College

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Eve Ensler at a podium
Eve Ensler presented “Theater as a Tool for Revolutionary Change” at the Dalton Theatre in the Light Fine Arts building. The Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership invited the famous feminist to campus. Photo by Jill McLane Baker

Eve Ensler has devoted her life to stopping violence against women and girls, envisioning a planet in which they will be free to thrive, not merely survive. She has traveled to Afghanistan, Bosnia, Haiti, and the Congo providing innovative programming to support women survivors of sexual violence. She is the creator of V-Day, a global movement to stop violence against women and girls.

Her documentary, What I Want My Words to Do to You, about her work with a writing group at Bedford Hill Correctional Facility in New York, highlights her work exploring the voices of women as a path to empowerment. Her latest book, I Am an Emotional Creature: The Secret Life of Girls around the World, made the New York Times best sellers list. Ensler is best known for her Tony award-winning play The Vagina Monologues, which has been performed in more than 130 countries.

On Tuesday May 15, she spent the afternoon and evening on the Kalamazoo College campus meeting students, faculty, staff, trustees, and community guests. She wowed a large audience in Dalton Theatre with her talk, Theater as a Tool for Revolutionary Change, and stayed late into the night to sign books and autographs in the Light Fine Arts lobby. Thank you, Eve Ensler, for your authentic and inspiring visit to K as the 2012 Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership annual spring lecturer.

SIPs Presented at 59th Annual Spectroscopy Meeting

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Aidan Klobuchar
Niclas West ’12

Seniors Aidan Klobuchar and Niclas West presented posters describing their Senior Individualized Project research at the 59th annual Western Spectroscopy Association Meeting at the Asilomar Conference Center in Pacific Grove, California, in January.

Klobuchar worked on the project “Revealing Orientation Using Circularly Polarized Light” with Associate Professor of Chemistry Jeff Bartz. West based his poster, “Revealing Molecular Dynamics Through DC Slice Ion Imaging,” on his research with Professor Simon North at Texas A&M University. Both students have worked with Professor Bartz on laser-based research since Summer 2008. Klobuchar and West will attend graduate school in physical chemistry this fall.

Kalamazoo College Readies for Homecoming 2010

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CONTACT: Jim VanSweden, 269.337.7291

(KALAMAZOO, Michigan) A record high 1,000 alumni and guests have registered to attend the 2010 Homecoming Weekend at Kalamazoo College, Oct. 15-17. All alumni are invited, and special reunion events are being planned for class years that end in 0 and 5. This year’s Homecoming Weekend will also include Emeritus Club reunions for the classes of 1940, 1945, 1950, 1955, and 1960.

A full schedule of events is available at www.kzoo.edu/homecoming. Reunion highlights include: a 5K run/walkthrough campus and surrounding neighborhoods; a Professional Development Institute that connects “K” alumni to current students in order to help students prepare for “life after ‘K’”; a “College Update” with President Eileen B. Wilson-Oyelaran; a showcase of student documentary films; a poetry reading by professors Di Seuss and Gail Griffin; tours of the College’s 60-acre campus near downtown Kalamazoo, 140-acre Lillian Anderson Arboretum in Oshtemo Township, and A.M. Todd Rare Book Room in Upjohn Library Commons; countless alumni gatherings on campus and around Kalamazoo; receptions featuring current and former “K” faculty; alumni soccer and volleyball games; and, yes, a football game (Kalamazoo “Hornets” vs. Olivet, 1:00 Saturday at Angell Field).

The annual Alumni Association Awards Ceremony (Friday, 7:30 pm, Dalton Theatre, Light Fine Arts Building) honors several “K” alumni and employees for their distinguished achievement, service, athletic accomplishment, and contribution to the College. This year’s award recipients are:

Larry Bell ’80, recipient of the Distinguished Achievement Award presented to alumni in recognition of their excellence and achievement in their professional field. Bell is president and founder of Bell’s Brewery, one of country’s oldest and most successful microbreweries, and a recognized leader in the craftbrewing industry. Beginning in 1983 with $200 as a birthday present from his mother, and investment funds and in-kind support from numerous individuals, Bell now presides over a company that sells more than 150,000 barrels of beer annually in 18 states—and is poised for even greater growth. Larry has also participated in a number of alumni panel discussions for students, hosted class reunions for his classmates, and provided significant funding for the Farms to K local foods initiative, and other College initiatives.

Jon Stryker ’82, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award presented to a person that has made exceptional personal contributions to the College and has performed effectively in leadership positions. Stryker is president and founder of the Arcus Foundation that works to achieve social justice that is inclusive of sexual orientation, gender identity, and race, and to ensure conservation and respect of the great apes. An architect by training, his generous support has helped sustain many of the College’s most distinctive programs and highest priorities including study abroad and enrollment diversity. Most recently the Arcus Foundation has provided the funding and vision to establish the College’s Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership, whose mission is to support the pursuit of human rights and social justice by developing emerging leaders and sustaining existing leaders in the field of human rights and social justice. Stryker also serves on the College’s board of trustees.

Kim Cummings, professor emeritus of sociology, recipient of the Weimer K. Hicks Award that honors current or retired employees who have provided significant long-term contribution to the College. Officially retired from Kalamazoo College in 2007, Cummings’ legacy as a teacher, mentor, and friend to generations of “K” students continues to this day. Having spent nearly four decades teaching sociology at Kalamazoo, Kim not only taught students the fundamentals of the subject, but through such classes at “Building Blocks” and “How to Change the World” he also introduced them to a world of citizen activism and service-learning beyond the confines of College’s Academy Street campus.

Athletic Hall of Fame inductees include several student athletes, coaches, and teams that have attained distinction at the College. These include: Harry Rapley ’38 (Football, Basketball, Track and Field), Hardy Fuchs ’68 (Soccer Coach),Dennis Kane ’75 (Football), Jim Hosner ’78 (Tennis), Emily Trahan ’03 (Volleyball), the 1976 and 1978 Men’s Tennis Teams, and the 1988 Men’s Soccer Team.

Jane (Hunter) Parker ’48, Tom Smith ’55 and Mary Lou (Schofield) Smith ’55, and Karen (Lake) De Vos ’59 each received a 2010 Emeritus Club Citation of Merit award by demonstrating their affection for Kalamazoo College through their loyalty, involvement, and service to the College; their continued financial support; and their civic, church, school, and community activities that reflect credit upon the College.

Founded in Kalamazoo in 1833, Kalamazoo College (www.kzoo.edu) is a nationally recognized liberal arts college and the creator of the “K-Plan” that emphasizes rigorous scholarship, learning by practice, and both international and intercultural engagement.

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Living Sport: Kalamazoo College Event Gathers Nationally-Renowned Sports Entrepreneurs

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CONTACT: Jim Van Sweden, 269.337.7291

April 6, 2010

[KALAMAZOO, Mich.] A Kalamazoo College liberal arts student is likely to know Sun Tzu and the CEOs and coaches who cite The Art of War in business management and sports. Whether such broad liberal arts learning is an advantage when it comes to making a living in the business of sports will be among the subjects of a panel discussion titled “Careers in Sports Business.” The event features six prominent panelists (some available for media interviews) and occurs Monday, April 19, at 7 PM in Dewing Hall Room 103.

A quarter of “K” students participate in intercollegiate athletics, and the school’s economics and business major is among its three most popular. Panelists will share their pathways to their current positions; discuss present and future business opportunities in sports management; explore the importance of mentorship and networking for gaining a foothold in the business of athletics; speculate on counterfactual “what-ifs” in their careers; and provide key advice for soon-to-be graduates seeking careers that connect their interests in sports and business.

Panelists, half of whom are Kalamazoo College alumni, include Charles Tucker (Class of 1956), president and CEO of The Sports Network; Storm T. Kirschenbaum, president of Metis Sports Management; Kathy DeBoer, executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association; Timon Corwin (Class of 1986), United States Tennis Association senior director of junior and collegiate competition; Kurt David, bestselling sports author and transition consultant for professional and Olympic athletes; and Jeff Pellegrom (Class of 1988), executive vice president and chief financial officer of Minnesota Sports and Entertainment.

Timon Corwin is an eight-time All-American in singles and doubles with the Kalamazoo College men’s team (1983-86). He led the 1986 squad to a NCAA Division III team championship title. He completed a post-graduate fellowship in Bonn, Germany, in 1987 and earned his law degree (Marquette University School of Law) in 1992. He was head coach for the Kalamazoo College men’s tennis team from 1993 to 2007, and his teams finished third or higher in the nation six times. He was named Intercollegiate Tennis Association’s NCAA Division III National Coach of the Year (1997) and Midwest Regional Coach of the Year (1999). Today he is senior director for the junior and collegiate competition for United States Tennis Association Player Development. This year he also will direct the U.S. Open Junior Championships and the USTA/ITA National Indoor Intercollegiate Championships.

Kurt A. David is the bestselling author of From Glory Days, a book that chronicles the transition of 20 professional athletes from their playing days to life after sports. David graduated (B.A., Elementary Education) from Saginaw Valley State University and earned a M.A. (counseling) from Central Michigan University. He played professional basketball in Europe. He has appeared on radio and television and in a number of articles. He is a nationally certified sports counselor who works with professional and Olympic athletes as they transition to life outside of sports. He is the host and producer of From Glory Days television program.

Kathy DeBoer has been executive director of the American Volleyball Coaches Association since 2006, and during her tenure AVCA membership has grown by 36 percent and annual convention attendance has increased by nearly 30 percent. Prior to AVCA she spent 23 years in intercollegiate athletics, 18 of them at University of Kentucky as head volleyball coach and senior associate athletic director. She holds a B.A. (Humanities, Michigan State University) and M.B.A. (University of Kentucky). She’s a nationally known public speaker on the impact of gender in competitive behavior in business and sports settings and the author of Gender and Competition: How Men and Women Approach Work and Play Differently.

Sports attorney Storm Kirschenbaum formed Metis Sports Management, LLC, in 2007. The firm represents and markets professional football and baseball players (Kirschenbaum himself has represented nearly 100 professional athletes). Kirschenbaum won a scholarship from then number-one-ranked University of Florida, where he played with David Eckstein (San Diego Padres), Brad Wilkerson (Boston Red Sox), Mark Ellis (Oakland Athletics), and Josh Fogg (Colorado Rockies). He played his final two collegiate seasons at Division I Long Island University-C.W. Post. He holds a B.A. (political science, magna cum laude) and a J.D. (University of Detroit Mercy School of Law). At Mercy he was president of the Entertainment and Sports Law Society. He served three years as vice president of Integrity Sports Player Representation, Inc., and co-founded the Michigan Boxing Hall of Fame. He is a board member of the Inner City Exposure Foundation.

Jeff Pellegrom serves as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Minnesota Sports and Entertainment (MSE), which owns and controls the Minnesota Wild Hockey Club and the Houston Aeros Hockey Club.  MSE also manages all events at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Pellegrom oversees the finance, human resources, information technology and legal departments for the company.  He graduated from Kalamazoo College (magna cum laude) with degrees in economics and mathematics.  He worked for the Brookings Institution, 3M, Holderbank, and SC Johnson, before taking a position 2 years ago with MSE.  He is married to fellow Kalamazoo College graduate Mary Kruger Pellegrom (Class of 1988), and they have four children.

The Bronx born and reared Charles Tucker, a.k.a. Mickey Charles, is the founder of The Sports Network, the world’s largest independently owned supplier of sports scores and information, with more than 2,000 outlets in the world. He launched that business 27 years ago from his kitchen, and like all great athletes, has never rested on his laurels. Today TSN is expanding geographically (into China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Algeria, among others) and technologically (complementing its saturation of websites by expanding to the mobile phone). He developed his competitive fire on the “city game’s” New York asphalt courts (where “no autopsy, no foul” was the rule). He transferred to Kalamazoo College from Columbia University and played for two seasons on the Hornet basketball team. He was named team captain his senior season, and led that squad to a 14-9 record and a second place finish in the MIAA conference. He earned his law degree (Brooklyn Law School) and began a career as a sports columnist for several newspapers and magazines (including the Philadelphia Inquirer), as a television sports talk-show host (for CBS and later ESPN), as a college English Professor (St. Joseph College in Philadelphia) and then, in 1983, as the founder of a sports scores telephone service that evolved into TSN. He is a popular public speaker who was once offered a contract as an opening-act stand-up comedian.

Founded in Kalamazoo in 1833, Kalamazoo College (www.kzoo.edu) is a nationally recognized liberal arts college and the creator of the “K-Plan” that emphasizes rigorous scholarship, learning by practice, and both international and intercultural engagement.

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