An organization of professional astronomers is honoring Kalamazoo College senior Hayley Beltz for her Senior Individualized Project and summer research, which Beltz presented to the group’s members.
Hayley Beltz was one of five undergraduates from across the country to earn a Chambliss medal from the American Astronomical Society, a group of professional astronomers.The American Astronomical Society, a professional astronomers group, is honoring Kalamazoo College senior Hayley Beltz for her research in quasar spectroscopy.
The Astronomy Achievement Student Awards, which were bestowed in January through the American Astronomical Society (AAS), recognize exemplary student presentations offered at its organizational meetings. Beltz’s research involved quasar spectroscopy, meaning she analyzed light that is billions of years old to find and measure the large concentrations of hydrogen that develop as stars form.
The highest AAS honorees, including Beltz – a double major in physics and math from St. Joseph, Michigan – are given a Chambliss medal. Beltz was one of five undergraduate medal winners, who included students from the University of Colorado, the University of Louisville, California State Polytechnic University and Rollins College.
Beltz said she is very excited about the award and it feels validating to win it considering she wants to attend graduate school in astronomy after graduating from K.
The AAS, established in 1899 and based in Washington, D.C., has about 7,000 members including physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers and other researchers from the broad spectrum of astronomy-related fields. Its mission is to enhance and share humanity’s scientific understanding of the universe.
Kalamazoo College is proud to be included on the list of U.S. colleges and universities producing the most Fulbright students for the 2017-18 academic year. The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs announced the honor Sunday.
Four K representatives out of 12 applicants earned Fulbright awards this year, placing the College among the top Fulbright-producing bachelor’s institutions.
Four K representatives out of 12 applicants were named Fulbright winners, placing the College among the top Fulbright-producing bachelor’s institutions. Many candidates apply as graduating seniors, but alumni can apply as well. Graduating seniors apply through their institution. Alumni can apply through their institution or as at-large candidates.
K’s representatives are:
Andrea Beitel ’17, who earned a research/study award and is now in the U.K.;
Riley Cook ’15, who earned a research/study award and is in Germany;
Dejah Crystal ’17, who earned an English Teaching Assistantship in Taiwan; and
Sapana Gupta ’17, who earned an English Teaching Assistantship in Germany.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international educational exchange program. Top-producing institutions are highlighted annually in The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Since its inception in 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 380,000 participants, chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential, with opportunities to exchange ideas and contribute to solutions to shared international concerns. More than 1,900 U.S. students, artists and young professionals in more than 100 fields of study are offered Fulbright Program grants to study, teach English and conduct research abroad each year. The Fulbright U.S. Student Program operates in more than 140 countries throughout the world.
The Fulbright U.S. Student Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State, funded by an annual appropriation from Congress to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and supported in its implementation by the Institute of International Education.
The Fulbright Program also awards grants to U.S. scholars, teachers and faculty to conduct research and teach overseas. In addition, about 4,000 foreign Fulbright students and scholars come to the United States annually to study, lecture, conduct research and teach foreign languages.
Already widely known on campus for their invaluable contributions to the community, 25 seniors have been honored with Kalamazoo College Senior Leadership Recognition Awards. They include talented athletes, outstanding students, dedicated resident assistants, members of the President’s Student Ambassadors and leaders of student organizations. In many cases, they fall into more than one of these categories. Senior leadership nominations came from faculty, coaches and staff throughout the College.
Senior Leadership Award winners Friday were (front row, from left) Sean Peterkin, Elyse Tuennerman, Erin Butler, Emily Good, Lia Williams and Sep’tisha Riley; (second row, from left) Cindy Xiao, Sivhaun Sera, Hannah Berger, Laetitia Ndiaye and Skyler Norgaard; (third row, from left) Leah Finelli, Khusbu Patel, Danielle Simon, Mary Burnett and Alexandrea Ambs; and (back row, from left) Andre Grayson, David Vanderkloot, Emily Kozal and Griffin Hamel. Not pictured: Elan Dantus, Alexandria Oswalt, Benjamin Rivera, Rumsha Sajid and Kiavanne Williams.
“Kalamazoo College students are, by definition, outstanding,” said President Jorge G. Gonzalez, who hosted the senior leadership awards dinner Friday for the honored students and their parents. “To be chosen for a Senior Leadership Recognition Award is to achieve a superlative distinction.”
Here are the senior leadership honorees and statements from their nominators:
Alexandrea Ambs (nominated for a senior leadership award by Jay Daniels ’13, swimming and diving coach)
“Lexi is a great teammate and leader … Almost everyone younger than her on the team were hosted by Lexi or she played a role in them choosing to swim at K … Always leads the team by positive example and has been committed.”
Hannah Berger (nominated by the Rev. Elizabeth Candido ’00, chaplain and director of Religious and Spiritual Life)
“I’ve watched Hannah grow and develop into someone who is articulate, confident and able to work across difference to bring about a great result. … She is an ego-less, diligent servant leader who moves the job forward.”
Mary Burnett (nominated by Ashley Knapp, Residential Life area coordinator)
“Mary has worn many hats as an RA, peer leader, orientation program assistant, Index writer and more. … She truly cares for her community invests in developing fellow students and creating a positive experience for all.”
Erin Butler (nominated by Sandy Dugal, associate director, Kalamazoo College Fund)
“Erin has been a president’s student ambassador since her sophomore year. … She has been actively involved in issues of student representation and student voice. …She strives to make K a richer community where everyone has a voice.”
Elan Dantus (nominated by Mark Riley ’82, men’s tennis coach)
“Elan is a co-captain of our tennis program and a two-time first-team All-MIAA selection. … Also a departmental student adviser and has earned many academic awards. … Kind, thoughtful and successful on and off the court.”
Leah Finelli (nominated by Knapp)
“Leah serves as a senior resident assistant and is an exemplary role model who has always been considered a go-to person. …There is no one I know better who lives their life in such a way that I believe exhibits enlightened leadership.”
Emily Good (nominated by Candido)
“Emily has been a dedicated participant and volunteer in Religious and Spiritual Life all four years and now is an intern. …I never hesitate to leave her in charge of a program, meeting or group. … Diligent, responsible and thorough.”
Andre Grayson (nominated by Amy MacMillan, L. Lee Stryker professor of business management)
“Andre is in the top 5 to 10 percent of students I have taught. … He stands out for internal drive, analytical skills and the ability to get people to see things from a different perspective. … He has an inner fire that drives him to go above and beyond.”
Griffin Hamel (nominated by MacMillan)
“Griffin has really stepped up as a leader in the classroom who takes initiative. …In any project he will work hard and dig in extensively to learn and share credit with those around him. … He remains positive even after tough feedback.”
Emily Kozal (nominated by Katie Miller, assistant athletic director and women’s basketball coach; and Dugal)
“Emily is a dedicated leader in the classroom, on the court, in the community and as a President’s Student Ambassador. … A force on the basketball team and in the MIAA. … Amazing role model, brings a tremendous work ethic.”
Laetitia Ndiaye (nominated by Brittany Lemke, Residential Life area coordinator)
“Laetitia has done wonderful work in the K community as a senior RA, as well as in Model UN, Latinx Student Organization and Kalama-Africa. … She is a fun, energetic, caring, inspiring and extremely kind person who takes great pride in her work.”
Skyler Norgaard (nominated by Riley)
“Skyler has been a responsible, independent and motivated person as he leads our team. … As a co-captain, he is positive, respectful and an excellent listener while also challenging his teammates with his thoughtful intellect.”
Alex Oswalt (nominated by Mark Murphy, women’s tennis head coach)
“Alex is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached. … Highly accomplished academically. … As a captain, she is a great communicator. … Upon graduation she will be sorely missed for her leadership, humility, kindness and heart.”
Khusbu Patel (nominated by Bruce Mills, professor of English; and Alison Geist, Teresa Denton, Moises Hernandez ’17, Emily Kowey ’17 and Paulette Rieger, Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement)
“Khusbu possesses exceptional abilities to convene, guide and enrich fellow students, classrooms and/or civic engagement settings. … Biology major involved in Sisters in Science as well as on the Frisbee team and Frelon.”
Sean Peterkin (nominated by Lemke)
“Sean is a senior RA and such a motivating, goal seeking and respectful individual. … He pays attention to detail, always has a smile and never stops trying his best. …Everyone around him, including me, learns so much from him.”
Sep’Tisha Riley (nominated by Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)
“Sep’Tisha has demonstrated leadership, deep dedication and skill as she has worked to promote educational equity and youth empowerment … also a student worker for the Registrar’s Office and very active in the Theatre Department.”
Benjamin Rivera (nominated by Amy Newday, director, Writing Center)
“Ben serves as a mentor for my students and has inspired them with his work at the Lillian Anderson Arboretum. … He dedicates himself to following his passions, sharing those passions generously and quietly making a difference in his community.”
Rumsha Sajid (nominated by Marin Heinritz ’99, assistant professor of English and journalism; and Geist, Denton, Hernandez, Kowey and Rieger)
“Rumsha is one who has made an impact since day one and not only grown exponentially since then, but has also catalyzed the growth and education of everyone around her…passion for social justice and civic engagement.”
Sivhaun Sera (nominated by Dugal)
“Sivhaun is a president’s student ambassador and a ball of energy. … She is a founding member of the computer science leadership team and serves as a TA and a departmental student adviser. … She is mature beyond her years.”
Danielle Simon (nominated by Miller)
“Dani is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met. …This amazing work ethic allows her to succeed and have a positive impact in the classroom, on the basketball team and in the community. …She always strives for excellence.”
Elyse Tuennerman (nominated by Dugal)
“Elyse is warm, poised and authentic. … Her leadership is evident on campus and in the broader community. … Co-editor-in-chief of The Index, a tour guide for Admission, peer leader and active in the Student Funding Board.”
David Vanderkloot (nominated by Deia Sportel, academic office coordinator)
“David is dependable, efficient, responsible and has a great positive attitude. … He is well liked by his peers and highly respected by the faculty. … Serves as a Departmental Student Adviser and a valuable source of assistance for students.”
Kiavanne Williams (nominated by Aman Luthra, assistant professor of anthropology and sociology; and Knapp)
“Kiavanne was among the brightest and highest performing students in my class. … Very impressive SIP research that I have encouraged Kiavanne to publish. … An incredibly mindful and compassionate senior RA who cares deeply.”
Lia Williams (nominated by Dugal)
“Lia is highly involved as a presidential student ambassador and also as a career associate, psychology research and teaching assistant, and interfaith student leader. …Outstanding ability to relate to differing perspectives.”
Cindy Xiao (nominated by Lemke)
“Cindy is such an intelligent, dedicated, respectful and jovial individual. … As a senior RA, she is full of energy, has a positive disposition and is always willing to help. …Her drive and incredible talent are powerful forces to her success.”
Kalamazoo College students are continuing a tradition of directing and performing in their own theater productions through the Festival Playhouse’s Senior Performance Series. This year’s shows include:
Senior Performance Series shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 17, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18.
• “Too Close to the Tracks,” written and directed by Sam Meyers ’18;
• Selections from “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” by Jane Wagner, performed by Tricia LaCaze ’18; and
• “Mal Ojo,” written and directed by Johanna Keller Flores ’18.
The shows are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15-Saturday, Feb. 17, with a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, at the Nelda K. Balch Festival Playhouse’s Dungeon Theatre. General admission tickets are available online. They’re free for Kalamazoo College students and employees with a College ID and $5 for the general public.
Kalamazoo College’s rich diversity will be on display Saturday, Feb. 10, as the Asian Pacific Islander Student Association and KDesi join forces to stage their award-winning annual Asia Fest.
The Asian Pacific Islander Student Association and KDesi will team up Saturday to stage Asia Fest.
In an “Asia’s Got Talent” showcase at Dalton Theatre, students from the two groups will perform music and dances representing their cultures. Judges will choose the winning act. The students will also stage a fashion show.
Everyone is invited. Asia Fest director Li Li Huynh says doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show gets underway at 8 p.m. Food will be provided.
The two groups received the College’s 2016-2017 Black and Orange Leadership Award for Best Collaborative Initiative for last year’s show.
Some students enter college knowing exactly what they want to do. Many don’t or change their minds at some point early in their academic careers. Kalamazoo College, with a liberal arts curriculum embodied in the K-Plan that is designed for exploration and discovery, gives students a year and a half to sample various academic fields before choosing a major, and makes it possible for them to do so without sacrificing their ability to graduate in four years. This week’s Declaration of Major Day, the midpoint of their sophomore year, is a festive gathering where they formally designate their majors, minors and concentrations.
This week’s Major Day will be a festive gathering where sophomores formally designate their majors, minors and concentrations. The event will be from 10:55 to 11:55 a.m. Wednesday at the Hicks Banquet Room.
The banquet hall at Hicks Student Center is packed as each department sets up a booth. Students go from table to table, committing to their fields of study and getting answers to last-minute questions. Wearing stickers declaring they made their choices, they are treated to pieces of “Declaration Cake,” courtesy of Dining Services, and share the big moment with one another and the rest of campus.
“It’s a real rite of passage for students because it’s a big decision and they’re finding their academic home,” said Associate Dean of Students Dana Jansma. “Instead of just processing paperwork, we make it a communitywide celebration.”
Jansma also said it’s also a way for the College to show that it believes every student at K is important, whether they have a record of distinguished scholarship or are newly committed to their academic path.
“We want sophomores to know we’re excited about their plans and their accomplishments,” she said.
“It was an opportunity for everyone in my class to come together and show each other what we were all passionate about,” Hopper said.
And it can be cathartic. Sometimes the act of making a decision can spur a rethinking that leads to a different path. If it does, no worries: Thanks to the flexibility of the K-Plan, the College will work with students to make a switch of major or majors as seamless as possible.
Congratulations to the seven Kalamazoo College Chemistry Club members who won the annual Battle of the Chem Clubs last weekend at Michigan State University. Bri Leddy, Audrey Thomas, Chris Vennard, Liz Knox, Maria Fujii, Jake Sypniewski and Adam Decker competed in four rounds of chemistry trivia and laboratory-based games before taking on Hope and Olivet in the playoffs, which consisted of a speed titration and a Winter Olympics-themed race.
Bri Leddy, Audrey Thomas, Chris Vennard, Liz Knox, Maria Fujii, Jake Sypniewski and Adam Decker represented Kalamazoo College in the Battle of the Chem Clubs at Michigan State University.
Twelve teams from Michigan including Michigan State, Aquinas, Wayne State and the University of Michigan-Flint participated along with the University of Toledo. The schools were not separated into size or public and private divisions, meaning the title was an overall championship. K’s representatives also finished with the fastest and most accurate speed titration, winning an award for that, too.
“We’re excited that we beat such tough competitors from both rival schools and large institutions,” Thomas said. “We showed we, as a small college, could hold our own against the best in the state. It’s nice to bring home a win, too, because it helps showcase our fantastic chemistry department in a good light to prospective majors.”
Kalamazoo College’s efforts to get science majors experience in student research, one of the most important factors in providing them an exceptional start in their post-college careers, just got a big boost.
A $247,500 grant from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation will boost the availability of summer student research experiences for K biology, chemistry and physics majors.
The Sherman Fairchild Foundation will provide $247,500 to fund stipends of $4,000 apiece for students in biology, chemistry and physics to conduct research in summer. The three-year grant will also provide up to $1,500 apiece for students to attend scientific conferences to present their findings and to offset the cost of supplies, said Associate Professor of Physics Arthur Cole, who will serve as director of the project.
The student research beneficiaries, 15 each summer, will include both rising seniors working on their Senior Individualized Projects (SIPs) and younger students, allowing them to get early exposure to life in the lab before deciding whether to pursue science as a career, Cole said. He worked with Assistant Professor of Biology Santiago Salinas, Assistant Professor of Chemistry Dwight Williams and Anne Dueweke, director of grants, fellowships and research, to conceptualize and develop the grant proposal.
“It gives students an earlier chance to seek out research experiences,” Cole said. “A lot of times you think you want to go into the sciences and you don’t know what research is like until you get to try it.”
He said the grant also will make it possible for those who support themselves while attending the College to concentrate on student research, rather than having to seek summer jobs, and could open doors for members of groups who are underrepresented in the sciences.
Salinas said summer research as an undergraduate played a major role in his own decision to become a scientist and professor.
“It’s more than what’s in the textbook,” he said. “They start to see the bigger picture. And they get to try things. It’s how they learn. And it’s fun.”
For those who do decide to pursue scientific careers, Williams said, the opportunity to get early research experience can give them a “leg up” on getting further grants and research opportunities.
“It’s a great way for us to get more students involved in research, particularly with an emphasis on first- and second-year students, instead of waiting until they’re seniors working on their SIPs” he said.
Though most of the research that the grant funds will involve students working with professors on the College’s campus, it will also provide support for up to three K students a year to participate in research at other institutions, Cole said.
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 Fall 2017 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 Dean’s List upon receipt of the final grades. Dean’s List recognition is posted on students’ transcripts. Kudos to the entire group of 380 students on the Dean’s List, and good luck in the Winter 2018 term.
Azra Ahmad
Michelle Alba
Mel Alicea
Allegra Allgeier
Tyler Allyn-White
Alexandrea E. Ambs
Georgie Andrews
Hunter Angileri
Lauren Arquette
Lukia Artemakis
Avani Ashtekar
Josh Atwell
Juan Avila
B
Jo Babcock
Julia Bachmann
Andrew Backer
Nicki Bailey
Trevor Bailey
Marios Bantis
Angel Banuelos
Garrett Barkume
Hannah Bartoshesky
Lilly Baumann
Tommy Beaubien
Logan Beck
Sage Benner
Brigette Berke
Owen Bersot
Dominic Bertollini
Kevin Bhimani
Abhi Bhullar
Riya Bhuyan
Sean E. Bogue
Elliott Boinais
Cavan Bonner
Lydia Bontrager
Autumn Buhl
Bri Burnell
Erin Butler
C
Alex Cadigan
Xiu Cai
Hannah Campbell
Kalyn Campbell
Paloma Campillo
Micaela Campos
Christopher Cao
Cate Carlberg
Shannon Carley
Justin Carlson
Dorothy Carpenter
Charles J. Carson
Marissa Castellana
Kit Charlton
Deana Chavarria
Sherry Chen
Nutsa Chinchilakashvili
Iffat Chowdhury
Justin Christopher-Moody
Yoensuk Chung
Zach Colburn
Nyima Coleman
MaryClare Colombo
Carmen Compton
Anthony Convertino
Noah Coplan
Valentina Cordero
Chase Coselman
Austin Cramer
John Crane
Karli Crouch
Alex Cruz
Ethan Cuka
D
Mansi Dahal
Sela Damer-Daigle
Addie Dancer
Minh Dang
Shayaan Dar
Amelia Davis
Gwen Davis
Riley Davis
Tiff de la Cruz
Adam Decker
Mattie Del Toro
Ricardo DelOlmo-Parrado
Bobby Dennerll
Katia Dermott
Christy Diaz
Abby Dickstein
Anthony Diep
Lexi Dietz
Julia Dobry
Chloe Drost
Alexa Dulmage
Zach DuMont
Lotte L. Dunnell
Carley Dziewicki
E
Jenna Ellis
Emily Eringaard
McKinzie Ervin
Lia Evangelista
F
Shawn Fair
Tristan Ferguson
Hazel Fillmore-Brady
Anders Finholt
Matthew Flotemersch
Delaney Q. Fordell
Talea Fournier
Ian Freshwater
Alex Fultz
G
Alicia Gaitan
Anna Gambetta
Amanda Gardner
Camden Gardner
Charlotte Gavin
Kobe Gementiza
Cory Gensterblum
Sarah George
Audrey Gerard
Carina Ghafari
Jake Gilhaus
Hannah Ginsberg
Anthony Giovanni
Rachel Girard
Sophia Goebel
Abhay Goel
Amir Golshan Tafti
Gil Gonzalez
Adam Gothard
Jessie Gougeon
Adeline Grame
Ryan Graves
Jordan Gray
Andre Grayson
Anthony Grayson
Stanton Greenstone
Garrett Guglielmetti
Katie Guo
H
Bekah Halley
Emily Hamel
Caryn Hannapel
Kelly Hansen
Martin Hansknecht
Haley Harris
Kelly Haugland
Kaylee Henderson
Maeve Hening
Mei Mei Hensler
Aby Hernandez
Adelaide Hilarides
Hunter Himelhoch
Kento Hirakawa
Alexandra Hobrecht
Sam Hoehle
Mathew Holmes-Hackerd
Aly Homminga
Audrey Honig
Josephine Hosner
Annabelle Houghton
Matt Howrey
Cody Howrigon
Kaspar Hudak
Ellie Hughes
Destiny Hutcherson
Li Li Huynh
I
J
Sam Jacobsen
Aliyah Jamaluddin
Danielle Janowicz
Patrick Jarvis
Mathu Jennings
Hanna Jeung
Jade Jiang
Ben Johanski
Leona Johns
Lisa Johnston
Madeline Jump
K
Isaac Kaczor
Liza Kahn
Claire Kalina
Sharat Kamath
Amani Karim
Maria Katrantzi
Greg Kearns
Joe Keller
Tyler Kesterson
Min Soo Kim
Savannah Kinchen
Nick Klepser
Hannah Kline
Ryan Knight
Julia Koreman
Hannah Kowalski
Emily Kozal
Ethan Krasman
Matthew Krinock
Charlie Krone
L
Megan Lacombe
Neelam Lal
Zoe Larson
Stefan Leclerc
Sabrina Leddy
David Lieber
Alison Lilla
Lucy Liu
Rosella LoChirco
Trevor Loduem-Jackson
Nick Ludka
Emily Lulkin
M
Andrea MacMichael
Rachel Madar
Sam Maddox
Madisyn Mahoney
Natalie Markech
Kathryn Martin
CJ Martonchik
Rose Maylen
Eliza McCall
Kevin McCarty
Genevieve McDaniel
Abby McDonough
Courtney McGinnis
Maygan McGuire
Isabel McLaughlin
Tytus Metzler
Nate Micallef
Namfon Miller
Dylan Milton
Beth Mitchell
Mina Mkrtchian
Jennifer Montemayor Bautista
Elayna Moreau
Daniel Mota-Villegas
Ryan Mulder
Libby Munoz
N
Ravi Nair
Yukiko Nakano
Kyle Neuner
Kelly Nickelson
Niko Nickson
Ian Nostrant
O
Joab Odero
Evan O’Donnell
Abigail O’Keefe
Michael Orwin
Jake Osen
P
Yansong Pan
Karina Pantoja
James C. Paprocki
Kayla Park
Sung Soo Park
Angela Pastor
Cayla Patterson
Caleb Patton
Meera Patwardhan
Helen Pelak
Jessica Penny
Ranya Perez
Allie Periman
Matthew Peters
Uyen Pham
Nhi Phan
Priya Pokorzynski
Karen Portillo
Arianna Prater
Zach Prystash
Q
Daniel Qin
Natalie Quist
R
Erin Radermacher
Hannah Rainaldi
Andrea Ramirez
Shoji Ramos
Sam Ratliff
Zack Ray
Farzad Razi
Tori Regan
Dylan Regling
Mili Renuart
Josh Reuter
Julia Riddle
Sage Ringsmuth
Laken Rivet
Scott Roberts
Lilia Robins
Danna Robles-Garcia
Brynn Rohde
Anna Roodbergen
Avery Rothrock
Maelle Rouquet
Orly Rubinfeld
Angela Ruiz
Tim Rutledge
Jacob Ryan
Keigan Ryckman
Matthew W. Ryder
S
Loveleen Saini
Rumsha Sajid
Tanush Samson
Danielle Sarafian
Nehe Scarborough
Maggie Schaefer
Kim Schmidt
Emma Schneider
Justin Schodowski
Hannah Scholten
Trenton Schrader
JD Seablom
Zoe Sergeant
Kaitlyn Shafer
Sharif Shaker
Yasi Shaker
Yu Shang
Reagan Shapton
Lily Shearer
Chase Shelbourne
Elena Shen
Gabrielle Shimko
Hannah Shiner
Arun Shrestha
Josie Sibley
Nate Silverman
Danielle Simon
Manveer Singh
Simran Singh
Jordan Skidmore
Asia Smith
Michael Smith
Adam Snider
Youngtae Song
Casey Spagnuolo
Sophie Spencer
Simona Stalev
Kalista Stanger
Katelyn Steele
Nick Stein
Grace Stier
Claudia Stroupe
Shelby Suseland
Quentin Sweeney
Nina Szalkiewicz
T
Jack Tagget
William Tait
Maia Taylor
Subi Thakali
Emma Theiss
Natalie Thompson
Noah Thornton
Emma Toomey
Margaret Totten
Caitlin Tremewan
Uyen Trinh
Elyse Tuennerman
Matt Turton
U
V
Mick Valatkas
Marcela Valdivieso
Clara Valenti
Cynthia Valentin
Madison Vallan
Adriana Vance
Zach VanFaussien
Meghan VanHoutte
Hope Vanzo-Sparks
Travis Veenhuis
Chris Vennard
Carter Vespi
Aiden Voss
Liam VosWilliams
W
Gabby Walton Schwartz
Claire Ward
Madeline Ward
Rachel Wasserman
Leah Wathen
Eleri Watkins
Mike Watson
Maija Weaver
Zhi Nee Wee
Ehren White
Sarah Whitfield
Jessica Wile
Clay Wilms
Meg Wilson
Ryan Witczak
Emily Wittman
Hannah Wolfe
Raen Wolmark
Julia Woods
J’Quan Woodson
The Festival Playhouse of Kalamazoo College production of the Tony award-winning musical “Fun Home” will be presented at the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Indianapolis in January, preceded by an encore performance at the College’s Dalton Theatre.
The Festival Playhouse cast of “Fun Home” will have a special fundraising performance of the play Jan. 8 at Dalton Theatre to support its trip to the Region III Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (KCACTF) in Indianapolis.
In November, K staged the college premiere of the musical, based on a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel and co-written for the stage by Jennifer Tesori and Lisa Kron ’83. The Broadway production won the Tony Award for Best Musical of 2015; Kron and Tesori shared a Tony for Best Original Score; and Kron won for Best Book of a Musical.
A panel of college and university theater professors from around the Midwest chose the Kalamazoo College production of “Fun Home” as one of seven from a list of 21 in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin that it considered for invitations to the festival. Ed Menta, the Kalamazoo College James A. B. Stone professor of theatre arts, called it a great – and rare – honor.
“This is only the fourth time in my 32 years at K that we’ve been invited to perform at this festival,” said Menta, adding that three of those plays were written by two alums: Kron and Joe Tracz ’04, whose “Allison Shields” was invited in 2011 and “Phenomenon of Decline” in 2006. Kron herself acted in a prior invitee, “El Grande de Coca Cola,” in 1984.
“We’re honored, thrilled and proud, especially on behalf of our students,” said Menta.
Adding to the honor, he said, KCACTF chose “Fun Home” to be the closing presentation of the festival, with performances at 1:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, 2018, at the University of Indianapolis’ Ransburg Auditorium.
Though the play – a compelling portrait of a lesbian woman’s relationship with her gay, closeted father – was challenging to stage, “All of our students rose to the occasion,” said Menta, adding that he hopes the exposure the musical receives at the festival will encourage other colleges to produce it.
College troupes that perform at the festival must cover their travel expenses, and to defray the cost, the 45-member cast and crew of “Fun Home” will present a fundraising performance at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 8, at Dalton Theatre, with tickets available to the public at a suggested donation of $15 each.
