Money magazine released its latest appraisals of the Best Colleges in America today while again naming Kalamazoo College among the top colleges in the country.
The publication revamped its college-ranking system last year into a star-ratings list. Of the 2,400 institutions Money analyzed this year, 745 four-year public and private institutions received at least a two-star rating based on 25 factors such as graduation rates, cost and what alumni can expect to earn.
K received four stars, making it one of about 200 private schools from around the country—regardless of size—and one of seven in Michigan with at least that ranking.
Money’sstory announcing the rankings specifically mentions K, citing it as a gem “known for its K-Plan, which augments a traditional liberal arts curriculum with experiential learning through research, study abroad, internships, and community service and civic projects.”
The full list of Money’s Best Colleges in America and the publication’s methodologies are available at its website.
Money magazine says Kalamazoo College is a gem “known for its K-Plan, which augments a traditional liberal arts curriculum with experiential learning through research, study abroad, internships, and community service and civic projects.”
Starting Wednesday, opportunity will be spelled with a K for a local theatre company and several students at Kalamazoo College. That’s because K’s Festival Playhouse and Farmers Alley Theatre are joining forces for nine performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St.
The partnership is uniting K students with professional Actors’ Equity Association performers and stage workers who will present what Megan J. Herbst ’25 describes as a laugh-out-loud, super witty and heart-touching comedy about six socially outcast tweens.
“The characters are trying to figure out their own personalities, they’re all competitive and they all love to spell,” said Herbst, who is working in a paid position as an associate assistant stage manager for the show. “There are a few additional supporting characters, but it’s a story of kids coming together and creating bonds between them. It’s easy to connect with so many elements of each character’s story. Even though they’re weird, you will find a soft spot for every one of them. We’ve had test audiences and every person who’s come to see it so far has loved it.”
Herbst is a theatre and psychology double major and religion minor, who pursued acting from sixth grade through high school. When she arrived at K, she wanted to try something new within the theatre world. Since then, Herbst has served as a stage manager, assistant stage manager, scenic designer, fight captain, assistant costumer designer, performer and more for 11 shows with Festival Playhouse. Some of her favorites include Othello; Next to Normal;On the Exhale, a senior integrated project by Brooklyn Moore ‘24; and Be More Chill.
Herbst said her work—and that of several other K students—with Spelling Bee started nearly immediately after Be More Chill, the last Festival Playhouse production of the 2023–24 academic season, ended. That meant a rigorous schedule that included end-of-term academic work and preparing for finals in addition to the challenges of working on a musical, but every experience in working alongside Farmers Alley representatives has been valuable.
“So many college students have summer jobs and I’m grateful that mine is something I’m passionate about,” Herbst said. “It’s a privilege to get to work on my craft because sometimes these opportunities can be far and few in between. I get to do what I love every day, so I’m fortunate that this is not only a paid opportunity, but an opportunity that exists at all.
“The characters are trying to figure out their own personalities, they’re all competitive and they all love to spell,” said Megan J. Herbst ’25, who is one of the students working on “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
“Spelling Bee” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12–Saturday, June 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20–Saturday, June 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Tickets are available online. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
The partnership between the Festival Playhouse and Farmers Alley Theatre is uniting K students with professional Actors’ Equity Association performers and stage workers who will present what Herbst describes as a laugh-out-loud, super witty and heart-touching comedy. Photo by Klose2uPhotography.
With “Spelling Bee,” Farmers Alley Theatre Executive Director Robert Weiner is directing a company production for the first time since “Avenue Q” in 2019. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
Weiner says an equity theatre experience is valuable for students to learn from as it follows a set of guidelines from the union that students need to be aware of if they ever work for a professional theatre. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
“We hire talented artists from all over the country, even directors and actors who have worked on Broadway. To have the ability to watch and learn from these established veterans of the theatre scene is invaluable, not to mention the talented artists we hire locally,” Weiner said of the opportunity for K students. Photo by Klose2uPhotography.
“What people don’t understand about stage management is that there is somebody verbally making everything happen,” she added. “There’s somebody saying, ‘Lights down, go. Fog machine, go.’ Everything is controlled by multiple people. But what’s important about our job is that people don’t notice us. Stage management and all of the backstage crew are responsible for making things run as smoothly as possible, so the audience has a truly immersive and magical experience. If you see a truly great show and don’t catch any issues, then it’s either because we did our job well or caught any mistakes before you could. There’s as much talent offstage of any show as there is on stage.”
Robert Weiner, a founder and executive director of Farmers Alley, says an equity theatre experience is valuable for students to learn from as it follows a set of guidelines from the union that students need to be aware of if they ever work for a professional theatre.
“We hire talented artists from all over the country, even directors and actors who have worked on Broadway,” Weiner said. “To have the ability to watch and learn from these established veterans of the theatre scene is invaluable, not to mention the talented artists we hire locally.”
With Spelling Bee, Weiner is directing a company production for the first time since Avenue Q in 2019.
“Because of audience participation—we invite four members of the audience for each show to ‘compete’ alongside our spellers in the bee—every show has a new feeling where anything could happen,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate during the rehearsal process to have some K students volunteer their time to be guest spellers and they’ve had fun participating. Also, this is the best sounding group of singers I’ve ever heard in a production of Spelling Bee. There are a couple of numbers like Pandemonium or The I Love You Song that are very challenging, and these performers absolutely crush it every single time. The show is like a warm hug that will have you leaving the theatre in a good mood. I really hope K students take advantage of our student and rush tickets. It’s a guaranteed fun evening!”
Weiner previously directed Farmers Alley productions such as [title of show], The Toxic Avenger, Fully Committed, All in the Timing and A Grand Night for Singing. However, he is eager for the experience of bringing productions like Spelling Bee—and School of Rock later this summer—to a larger venue.
“We are so grateful to be performing at the Festival Playhouse all summer with Spelling Bee and School of Rock,” Weiner said. “The main draw was the added stage space and audience capacity. School of Rock features 30 performers, including 15 students aged 11–16, and our small, intimate space downtown just wouldn’t be viable for a show of that magnitude. There are lots of challenges producing a show not in our space, including set building and load-in off site and all the intricacies of this unique space to adjust to. Thankfully, Professor of Theatre Lanny Potts and the entire K staff have been so welcoming and the whole process has been a win-win.
“One thing I’ve noticed about K students is how kind and accepting they are,” he added. “Theatre attracts individuals of all kinds. We want to make Farmers Alley Theatre a space for all, and from my purview, it looks like K does the same. They’re smart, hard-working and willing to adapt and problem solve while keeping a positive attitude.”
If Herbst and Weiner have piqued your interest, performances of Spelling Bee are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12–Saturday, June 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20–Saturday, June 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23. The performance Sunday, June 16, includes American Sign Language interpretation. Tickets are available online.
“Why should you see it? This show is flat-out fun,” Weiner said. “There are catchy songs with clever lyrics, quirky characters, lots of laughs and a fair amount of heart. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes long. It really is a perfect little evening of summer entertainment.”
Jamie Zorbo ’00 has been named the next director of athletics at Kalamazoo College, effective June 15, following a national search. Zorbo is currently serving as co-interim athletic director and has been the head football coach at K since 2007.
“As a long-time member of the coaching staff and athletic administration, Jamie has demonstrated his capable leadership, consistently going above and beyond both on and off the field,” said Provost Danette Ifert Johnson. “He prioritizes the holistic development of each student-athlete, fostering an environment where academic excellence, personal growth, and athletic achievement are equally celebrated. I am confident Jamie is ready to assume this role and build upon the strong tradition of K athletics.”
As athletic director, Zorbo will oversee all aspects of the College’s athletic program and its 18 varsity teams; about 35% of K students participate in intercollegiate athletics. Additionally, Zorbo will oversee the physical education program, athletic training and the college’s fitness and wellness programs. He will also continue his duties as head football coach.
While serving as the athletic director, Jamie Zorbo ’00 will oversee all aspects of the College’s athletic program and its 18 varsity teams.
Zorbo earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Kalamazoo College and was a four-year letter winner for the Hornets as a defensive end, earning All-MIAA (Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association) second team honors in 1999.
Following graduation, Zorbo remained at Kalamazoo College as an assistant coach for six seasons while working on a master’s in business administration degree at Western Michigan University, which he completed in 2004. Zorbo coached the defensive line from 2000-03 and was promoted to defensive coordinator, recruiting coordinator and defensive backs coach in 2004 and 2005.
Zorbo became an assistant coach at DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, in 2006. He coached the linebackers for two seasons, and served as the assistant defensive coordinator, special teams coordinator, and the strength and conditioning coach.
Since returning to K in 2007 as head football coach, Zorbo has grown the football program from a roster of 35 to more than 100 student-athletes in 2024, the largest roster in program history. He has coached and mentored 67 All-MIAA selections, four All-Region selections and 18 post-season senior bowl game participants. With a strong emphasis on academics, Zorbo’s teams have averaged over a 3.1 team GPA for the past 16 seasons and the 2021 team became the first football team in MIAA history to receive a Team GPA Award with a 3.45 team GPA.
In addition to serving as head football coach, Zorbo served as K’s interim athletic director during the 2017-18 academic year and as co-interim director in 2023-24. He has served as an Assistant Athletic Director since 2012, overseeing external operations and working closely with the division of advancement to support athletic fundraising efforts.
“As a proud alumnus of Kalamazoo College, I am deeply honored to expand my role within this special community by serving as both the athletic director and head football coach,” said Zorbo. “This institution has a rich tradition of excellence academically and athletically, and it is a privilege to be a part of its ongoing legacy. I look forward to working with our exceptional coaches, dedicated student athletes, and supportive community to foster an environment of growth, achievement, and fellowship. Together, we will strive to elevate our athletic programs to new heights while ensuring our student athletes excel in the classroom, in competition, and in life.”
Kalamazoo College Singers, under the direction of Associate Professor of Music Chris Ludwa, will present their spring concert tour this month with concerts in Grayling, Traverse City, Bellaire and Charlevoix, and a cabaret at Short’s Brewery.
The public performances are at:
7 p.m. Saturday, May 4, at Church in the Hills, Bellaire
As a part of the tour, the College Singers will also perform at the Shawono Center in Grayling, a secure treatment facility serving adjudicated male juveniles ages 12-21, thanks in part to a grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. This special performance will aim to bring an enriching arts experience to an underserved population while providing valuable experiential learning for the students.
The program is titled “Be Like Water” and will present songs from a variety of sources and styles from the Renaissance, folk and popular music, each one centered on a theme of water. The concert is designed to uplift, inspire and transcend the current climate around politics, economics and war, offering a bit of hope.
Some pieces include piano, while others are a cappella, and audiences will also enjoy music by smaller ensembles and soloists. Singers come from as far away as Texas and as close as Traverse City, reflecting the College’s diverse population and vibrant study abroad emphasis.
No tickets are needed for the public performances, but a free-will offering will be taken to help defray the tour bus expense for the ensemble. More specific questions can be directed to Ludwa at cludwa@kzoo.edu.
The Kalamazoo College Singers will begin their spring concert tour this month with concerts in Grayling, Traverse City, Bellaire and Charlevoix and a cabaret at Short’s Brewery.
Kalamazoo College is proud to announce Dr. Tamea Evans ’93 as the commencement speaker for the ceremony scheduled on June 16, 2024, at 10 a.m. on the campus Quadrangle.
Evans, an alumna of Kalamazoo College, is a board-certified internal medicine physician and diabetologist recognized for her contributions to healthcare and community health initiatives. The College will also award Evans with an honorary Doctor of Science.
A first-generation college student, Evans graduated from Kalamazoo College with a B.S. in health sciences. She earned her medical degree from the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine residency there after an internship at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio. Her commitment to improving health outcomes was recognized in 2019 when she was named a physician champion for the Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support program by the Kentucky Department of Public Health.
Evans is currently a physician at CenterWell Senior Primary Care in Louisville, Kentucky, where she also serves as the area medical director for the Kentucky and Southern Indiana Market. Prior to joining CenterWell in 2023, Evans worked for the University of Louisville Physicians and led the medical team at the University of Louisville Health’s Urgent Care Plus, a clinic established in 2021 with a strong focus on promoting health equity. She has also served at Baptist Health Richmond, Whitehouse Clinics in Richmond, Family Health Centers in Louisville, and Lexington Diabetic Clinic.
Last year she was elected as member at large for the Greater Louisville Medical Society. Additionally, she is a charter board member of the Falls City Medical Society, actively serves on the NAACP Health Committee and is president for the Louisville Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She is a charter member of Jack and Jill of America and a member of the Sisterhood of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
For more information about the commencement ceremony, including a full schedule of events, visit our website.
Dr. Tamea Evans ’93, a board-certified internal medicine physician and diabetologist recognized for her contributions to healthcare and community health initiatives, will deliver the Commencement address at Kalamazoo College on Sunday, June 16.
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.”
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. He is pictured with Brynna Garden ’24.
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 President Jorge G. Gonzalez has been elected to a three-year term on the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) Board. Gonzalez will represent Region V, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
“It is an honor to be joining the NAICU Board of Directors,” said Gonzalez. “This organization plays a pivotal role in advocating for and protecting the independence of private, nonprofit higher education institutions and it is committed to promoting access to higher education for every student, regardless of financial background.”
Founded in 1976, NAICU represents 1,700 institutions in the U.S. and is the only national membership organization solely focused on representing private, nonprofit higher education on public policy issues in Washington, DC. NAICU board members set the association’s agenda on federal higher education policy, actively encourage support for the association’s priorities and initiatives, and oversee the organization’s financial administration.
Gonzalez has served as K’s president since July 2016. He previously served Occidental College as its vice president for academic affairs and dean from 2010–2016. Before working at Occidental, Gonzalez was an economics faculty member at Trinity University for 21 years.
Gonzalez served as the president of the International Trade and Finance Association in 2014. He is the president of the Board of the F.W. and Elsie L. Heyl Science Scholarship Fund, the chair of the Board of Directors of the Great Lakes Colleges Association, and serves on the boards of the Annapolis Group, the American Council on Education, Michigan Independent Colleges and Universities, Michigan Colleges Alliance, Bronson Healthcare Group, Kalamazoo Community Foundation, and the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research.
Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez will represent NAICU’s Region V, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Vice President of College Advancement Karen T. Isble has been named the 2024 recipient of the Apra Visionary Award. This distinction is the highest award bestowed by Apra, the leading organization in the prospect development field, and recognizes an individual’s exceptional contributions to the field of prospect development, including volunteer service, mentorship, innovation and inclusion. In its 38-year history, the organization has only selected six recipients, inclusive of Isble.
“Karen’s innovative vision and steadfast support for data analytics played an instrumental role in elevating prospect development work. At the same time, she paved the way for many who also went on to make important and lasting contributions to Apra and the industry as a whole,” said Rodger Devine, Apra president and assistant vice president for advancement operations at Pomona College.
Isble joined Kalamazoo College in September 2020 where she guides the college’s fundraising, alumni engagement and marketing and communications efforts.
Previously, she served as associate vice chancellor and campaign director for the University of California (UC) Irvine, leading the planning and execution of the university’s $2 billion comprehensive campaign, “Brilliant Future,” which launched in 2019.
Prior to UC Irvine, Isble served as assistant vice president for development at the University of Michigan, where she oversaw prospect development, gift administration and the fund-raising information and technology infrastructure, covering three campuses, 36 schools, colleges, and units, and the academic medical center. She played an integral role in the planning and execution of the university’s $5.3 billion “Victors for Michigan” campaign.
Vice President of College Advancement Karen Isble is being honored by Apra, a prospect development field organization, with its Apra Visionary Award.
Isble began her career in arts administration in roles with the Chamber Music Society of Detroit, the Goodman Theatre and entered the field of prospect research with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. She currently serves as president-elect on the board of the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra.
“For me, Karen was an inspiration,” said Sharise Harrison, Apra board member and assistant vice president of advancement services and prospect management at California State University, Sacramento. “As someone who has been the only Black woman in the room or the most senior Black woman in advancement, she serves as someone I admire not only for her career trajectory but her kindness and willingness to help others.”
Isble is a former board member of Apra, having served as president in 2013-2014. Since then, she has participated in a number of working groups and committees, including the Apra Body of Knowledge Campaign Task Force from 2020-2022. She has also served on the boards of Apra Michigan and Apra Illinois.
Isble has been a speaker and author, regionally and nationally, with Apra, CASE and AFP, among others. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and a master’s degree from the University of Michigan.
“Apra has been a guiding presence in my career and professional development since 1995 when I first became a researcher. I’ve been happy to give my time and energy to the organization and its members for many years at the regional and international levels,” said Isble.
Apra plans to recognize Isble in person at the Apra Prospect Development Conference, Aug. 20-23, in Seattle, Washington.
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About Apra: Apra was established in 1986 and is committed to advancing the professionals and practices that enable the philanthropic success of institutions that rely on fundraising to achieve their missions. Apra serves more than 1,800 members worldwide who drive their institutions’ philanthropic missions through work in prospect development, prospect research, data analytics and data management, annual giving, advancement, special gifts and more. To learn more, visit aprahome.org.
About Kalamazoo College: Kalamazoo College, founded in 1833, is a nationally recognized residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Kalamazoo, Mich. The creator of the K-Plan, Kalamazoo College provides an individualized education that integrates rigorous academics with life-changing experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit www.kzoo.edu.
For the sixth time in seven years, Kalamazoo College has been named a Top Producing Institution for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
The recognition, publicly unveiled today by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, was given to the colleges and universities that received the highest number of applicants selected for the 2023–24 academic year.
K can claim 11 Fulbright representatives overall, including seven who count toward U.S. Student Program numbers. Those seven place the College among the top 20 U.S. Student Program referring baccalaureate institutions in the country. K’s representatives and their host countries are Natalie Call ’23, Denmark; Samuel Kendrick ’23, Uzbekistan; Kanase Matsuzaki ’23, Jordan; Rachel Cornell ’22, Ecuador; Anna Dorniak ’20, Poland; Nat Markech ’21, South Korea; and Garrett Sander ’19, Mexico.
In addition to the seven in the U.S. Student Program, three K representatives—Vincent DeSanto ’23, Ben Flotemersch ’23 and Sean Gates ’23—were selected for an Austria U.S. Teaching Assistantship through Fulbright. Plus, Professor of English Amelia Katanski ’92 was a U.S. Scholar Program selectee who worked in Australia, where she collaborated with faculty at the University of Wollongong to develop curriculum that better prepares K students for study abroad there.
“This has been another extraordinary year for Fulbright awards at K,” President Jorge G. Gonzalez said. “Although it’s great for us, I am particularly excited about the impact that these opportunities will have on our graduates and the people from around the world who they will meet during their fellowship year.”
Many candidates apply for the Fulbright U.S. Student Program as graduating seniors, though alumni may apply as well. Graduating seniors apply through their institution. Alumni can apply as scholars through their institution or as at-large candidates. K is the only college in Michigan to earn the top producer distinction in the bachelor’s institution category.
“The College’s repeated presence on the Fulbright Top Producers list speaks to the extraordinary success K students have forging overseas connections while seeking to make a difference abroad,” Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft said. “Our dedicated faculty and staff will continue to empower students like this year’s honorees while ensuring K’s dedication to international immersion.”
Fulbright, the federal government’s flagship international exchange program, is funded through an annual appropriation, from the Department of State. Host institutions, participating governments, corporations, and foundations worldwide also provide direct and indirect support to the Program, which operates in more than 160 countries.
Since its inception in 1946, more than 400,000 students from a variety of backgrounds have participated in the Fulbright Program before returning home with an expanded worldview, a deeper appreciation for their host country and its people, and broader professional and personal networks.
“As a diplomat, I’m proud of the Fulbright Program because it supports changemakers and fosters global cooperation on issues of shared importance,” said U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a congratulatory letter to the College. “Fulbrighters strive to make the world a better place in classrooms and countries worldwide. Kalamazoo College’s designation as a Fulbright Top Producing Institution clearly demonstrates your dedication to promoting global engagement and mutual understanding among the peoples and nations of the world.”
Natalie Call ’23
Kanase Matsuzaki ’23
Rachel Cornell ’22
Nat Markech ’21
Ben Flotemersch ’23
Professor of English Amelia Katanski ’92
Kalamazoo College’s 2023-24 Fulbright representatives include seven U.S. Student Program honorees, three Austria U.S. Teaching Assistants and one U.S. Scholar Program selectee.
President Jorge G. Gonzalez announces a $30 million gift from an anonymous donor—the largest single gift commitment in the College’s history.
Sophomore Blake Filkins and senior Darsalam Amir, representing K’s student-government organization at the announcement of a $30 million gift to the College.
President Gonzalez announcing a $30 million gift to the College from an anonymous donor.
For 190 years, Kalamazoo College has graduated generations of enlightened leaders who have made an impact on the world. Today, the College is grateful to recognize a major contribution to that effort with the announcement of a $30 million gift from an anonymous donor—the largest single gift commitment in the College’s history.
“This incredibly generous gift will be transformative for K,” President Jorge G. Gonzalez said. “It will allow us to launch several strategic initiatives that will enhance the College’s ability to fulfill its mission with distinction and prepare K graduates to bring a brighter light to the world. This gift will put us on the path toward creating the campus experience of the future and help us ensure every student at the College is positioned for success. We are so grateful to the donor for this extraordinary investment in K’s future.”
Primary among those initiatives is re-envisioning the residential experience and planning for future construction of a new residence hall on the College’s historic campus, as well as developing new programs to support student success, with a focus on first-generation students. In fall 2023, 30 percent of K’s first-year students were first-generation, as the College continues to expand higher education access for talented students of all backgrounds.
“To ensure equitable access to K for students who are among the first in their families to attend college, our responsibility extends beyond admittance—we must provide the resources that will see them through to graduation,” Vice President for Student Development and Dean of Students J. Malcolm Smith said. “The resources—such as access to personal and professional networks, leadership development opportunities, and financial support to make the most of their college experience—that may be readily available to many college-bound students often don’t exist for first-gen students. Yet there are ways to ensure that those who need support can succeed and make a big impact on the world.”
The College will celebrate its 190th year by expanding the goal of the College’s Brighter Light Campaign from $150 million to at least $190 million by September 2024.
In conjunction with the gift announcement, the College is pleased to announce that it will celebrate its 190th year by expanding the goal of the College’s Brighter Light Campaign from $150 million to at least $190 million raised by September 2024, when the campaign concludes.
Since its launch in 2018, more than 15,000 alumni and friends have contributed to the Brighter Light Campaign, raising more than $180 million dollars with the addition of this latest gift to the institution. The campaign supports student access to every aspect of a Kalamazoo College education—from scholarship support to study abroad funding to internship and research stipends—and it has provided investments in the institution’s faculty, renovations to instructional spaces, athletic programming, and other aspects of campus life.
“Completing the last year of the campaign with the theme of ‘190 for 190’ is a fitting way to recognize both the enduring and evolving traditions of Kalamazoo College and celebrate this record-breaking campaign,” Vice President for College Advancement Karen Isble said. “While it’s always wonderful to achieve the philanthropic goals of a campaign, the most exciting and important aspect of any fundraising endeavor is making a tangible difference in the lives of our students, faculty and staff. This amazing gift, and the gifts from each of the 15,000 donors who have supported the Brighter Light Campaign so far, helps us do that and more.”
About Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo College, founded in 1833, is a nationally recognized residential liberal arts and sciences college located in Kalamazoo, Mich. The creator of the K-Plan, Kalamazoo College provides an individualized education that integrates rigorous academics with life-changing experiential learning opportunities. For more information, visit www.kzoo.edu.
The Brighter Light Campaign is raising $190 million to provide endowed and annual support for students, faculty and staff, curricular and co-curricular activities, athletics and campus facilities. For more information, visit the Brighter Light Campaign page: www.kzoo.edu/brighterlight.
