Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College. About 18 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service.
Meet Blake Filkins ’26, a psychology major and Spanish minor from Plainwell, Michigan, through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24. Blake is a student government executive leader, resident assistant, and student assistant at the Office of Student Development. He also is engaged in several college committees such as community council, Advancement, the Black and Orange Awards committee and the Day of Gracious Living committee.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K?
What I cherish most about being a student at K is the close-knit relationships that flourish here. Whether it’s the bonds with professors, staff or fellow students, K fosters a sense of personal connection. Here, you’re valued as an individual rather than just a number, and being recognized and appreciated is truly enriching throughout your college journey. My growth wouldn’t be the same without the unique experience offered by the K-Plan.
Blake Filkins ’26 serves as a President’s Student Ambassador at Kalamazoo College.
Filkins (front row, center) is a student government executive leader, resident assistant, and student assistant at the Office of Student Development.
Filkins (back right) says he highly encourages students interested in joining the President’s Student Ambassador Program to connect with him.
Blake Filkins (right at lectern) introduces President Jorge G. Gonzalez during an event at the Hicks Student Center.
Why did you decide to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
I decided to become a President’s Student Ambassador out of gratitude for my enriching experience at K. My desire to share my journey and successes with alumni and prospective students led me to this role. The program comprises driven individuals with remarkable aspirations. The opportunity to collaborate with them and engage with alumni is such a wonderful opportunity.
What’s your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
I love the opportunity to connect with the President’s staff, alumni and the broader college community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to exchange and hear the remarkable stories that stem from K. At every event, I encounter individuals with unique K experiences who deepen my appreciation for the College and reinforce my gratitude for being part of this community.
What advice do you have for students who may want to join President’s Student Ambassadors some day?
I highly encourage any student interested in joining the President’s Student Ambassador Program to reach out to PSAs, including myself, to learn about our experiences and the connections we’ve made. I also recommend attending college events to gain insight into interacting with alumni and prospective students. A single conversation can lead to a wonderful opportunity.
A total of 24 students known for their invaluable contributions to the Kalamazoo College community were honored Friday, May 3, at the annual Senior Leadership Awards.
The seniors represent talented athletes, outstanding academic performers, members of the President’s Student Ambassadors and student-organization standouts. Here are the honorees:
Shannon Abbott, nominated by Hillary Berry, Library
Shahriar Ahmad Akhavan Tafti, nominated by Kathryn Sederberg, German; and Danette Ifert Johnson, Provost
Darsalam Amir, nominated by Angela Betts, Information Services
Lindsey Baker, nominated by Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Leihua Weng, Chinese
Elizabeth Ballinger, nominated by Liz Candido, Religious and Spiritual Life
Madison Barch, nominated by Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund
Isabel Chiang, nominated by Hunter Magrum, Residential Life
Quinn Collins, nominated by Sara Stockwood, Environmental Stewardship; and Binney Girdler, Biology
Michael Hume, nominated by Diomedes Rabago, Spanish
Madelaine Hurley, nominated by Mark Murphy, Women’s Tennis
Ann Marie Johnston, nominated by Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ella Kelly, nominated by Rachel Love, Library Learning Centers; and Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Blagoja Naskovski nominated by Andy Brown, College Communications; Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund; and Danette Ifert Johnson, Provost
Alexandra Noel, nominated by Isabela Agosa, Writing Center; and Rick Barth, Assistant Provost
Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft, nominated by Vince Redko, Men’s Lacrosse
Margaret Perry, nominated by Marin Heinritz, English
Ana Ramirez, nominated by Allie VanHeest, Center for Civic Engagement
Ali Randel, nominated by Jeffrey Haus, History and Religion; and Liz Candido, Religious and Spiritual Life
Cesar Soria nominated by Francisco Villegas, Anthropology and Sociology
Ella Szczublewski nominated by Regina Stevens-Truss and Blakely Tresca, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Gabriel Vidinas nominated by Mark Riley, Men’s Tennis
Emmeline Wendel nominated by Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund
Jordyn Wilson, nominated by Regina Stevens-Truss and Blakely Tresca, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Olivia Wolfe, nominated by Mark Murphy, Women’s Tennis
A total of 24 Kalamazoo College seniors were honored Friday, May 3, with Senior Leadership Awards. They included Quinn Collins (front row from left), Ana Ramirez, Lindsey Baker, Ella Kelly, Shannon Abbott, Jordyn Wilson and Olivia Wolfe; Darsalam Amir (second row, from left), Ella Szczublewski, Madelaine Hurley and Margaret Perry; Alexandra Noel (third row, from left), Ali Randel, Emmeline Wendel, and Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft; Michael Hume (fourth row, from left), Blagoja Naskovski, Madison Barch and Isabel Chiang; and Elizabeth Ballinger (top row, left) and Shahriar Ahmad Akhavan Tafti. Not pictured: Ann Marie Johnston, Cesar Soria and Gabriel Vidinas.
Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College.
About 18 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Madison Barch ’24, a biochemistry major from Shelby Township, Michigan,through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
In what on- and off-campus activities do you participate?
On campus, I am a four-year kicker and punter on the football team, a senior intern at Admission, a laboratory teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I’m involved in a couple of Bible study groups, and of course, I’m a President’s Student Ambassador.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K? Of what moments are you the proudest?
One of my favorite parts of being a student at K is all the relationships I have built with other students, faculty and especially my professors. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry truly feels like a family, and I love every minute of it! I am not one to take too much pride in myself, by one of the moments that my mom is most proud of was my two-point conversion catch at Trine this past fall. It was an amazing moment that I was fortunate to spend with my family, teammates and coaches.
Madison Barch ’24 is a biochemistry major from Shelby Township, Michigan. She serves as a President’s Student Ambassador and has been a kicker and punter on K’s football team.
Barch recognizes the support she receives from family when she discusses her football achievements.
Barch caught a two-point conversion on November 11, representing what are believed to be the first non-kicking points by a woman at any level. Photo by Laura Moat.
Barch completes a kick in a Kalamazoo College football game. Photo by Kimberley Moss.
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
I decided to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador for the opportunity to network with alumni, parents and friends of K. It felt like a great way to better serve K. I have made many connections and have met some really great people who have wonderful stories!
What’s your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a PSA is the relationships I have been able to make with alumni, trustees, and even community members.
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?
I recommend that new ambassadors get comfortable with sharing their K story because they will do it quite a bit! Along with that, don’t be afraid to connect. Ask others to network—almost every time they are completely open and willing to help out a fellow Hornet!
Professor of English Bruce Mills receives the Lux Esto Award of Excellence from Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.
Director of Grants, Fellowship and Research Jessica Fowle ’00 receives Outstanding Advisor Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.
Associate Director of the Center for International Programs Alayna Lewis receives the First-Year Advocate Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.
Professor of English Bruce Mills is this year’s recipient of the Lux Esto Award of Excellence as announced today during the College’s Founders Day celebration, marking K’s 191st year.
The award recognizes an employee who has served the institution for at least 26 years and has a record of stewardship and innovation. The recipient—chosen by a committee with student, faculty and staff representatives—is an employee who exemplifies the spirit of K through excellent leadership, selfless dedication and goodwill.
At K, Mills has taught classes on short fiction, identities, African-American literature, American literature from 1500–1790 and 1790–1865, and the life and legacy of James Baldwin. He also leads the digital humanities portion of the Humanities Integrated Locational Learning (HILL) project, a Mellon Foundation-funded effort combining classroom and in-person experiences in cities such as New Orleans, San Diego and St. Louis that seeks solutions to societal problems while promoting the critical role of the humanities in social justice work.
Mills has published creative nonfiction in The Georgia Review; New England Review; September 11, 2001: American Writers Respond; and Gravity Pulls You In: Parenting Children on the Autism Spectrum. He also co-edited the book Siblings and Autism: Stories Spanning Generations and Cultures. Further, his advocacy in relation to autism has led to presentations at numerous conferences.
Alexa Wonacott, Amelie Sack, Maxwell Goldner and Zachary Ufkes of the Lux Esto Singers perform “Stand in That River” by Moira Smiley.
President’s Student Ambassadors Gabriel Coleman (pictured) and Grey Gardner read the Kalamazoo College land acknowledgement.
Kalamazoo College employees, such as Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft, who are celebrating milestone anniversaries were recognized at Founders Day.
Mills “has been dedicated to the campus community, with one nominator saying he has done wonders at making his classroom environment open, comprehensive and accessible to anyone, even in higher level classes,” Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez said in presenting the award. “He meets students where they are, making sure that course content is easy to understand and that concepts can be applied to people’s own lives and their own academic understandings. At the same time, he pushes students to think bigger and think differently while making classes engaging, appropriately challenging and fun.”
In accordance with Founders Day traditions, two other employees received additional community awards. Director of Grants, Fellowship and Research Jessica Fowle ’00 was given the Outstanding Advisor Award and Associate Director of the Center for International Programs (CIP) Alayna Lewis received the First-Year Advocate Award.
Fowle is a key individual when it comes to referring K students and faculty to Fulbright’s U.S. Student Program and Scholar Program immersion opportunities. She recently was selected to be part of the inaugural Fulbright Program Adviser (FPA) Mentors Cohort. As an FPA mentor, Fowle is one of 20 experts from around the country providing virtual training and information sessions, presentations at the Forum for Education Abroad, and personal advice to new Fulbright program advisers who are looking to structure applicant support and recruitment at their own institutions. She has been a part of K’s staff in various roles for more than 20 years including nearly five as director of grants, fellowships and research.
“Advisors are academic mentors who work closely with our students, pay attention to their academic progress, and help them identify and fulfill their goals while working towards completing their degrees,” Gonzalez said. “As evidenced in the nominations received, she accomplishes all of this and more.”
Through the CIP, Lewis organizes international student orientation and its activities. She also helps students with F-1 and J-1 Visa regulations, and study abroad programs in Mexico, Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Spain. Her passion for study abroad came from a trip to Spain while she was in high school and her own undergraduate experience studying abroad in Mexico.
Gonzalez noted that nominators said Lewis makes herself available to meet individually with students and listens well to help solve a variety of challenges with compassion. Beyond academics, she helps students by assisting in critical matters such as taxes and legal documentation. Plus, during winter break, many international students stay on campus with Lewis organizing grocery trips, meals and events, making being away from home much easier.
Members of the 2023–24 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day
Members of the 2024-25 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day.
Founders Day attendees applaud Lux Esto Award recipient Bruce Mills.
Gonzalez also recognized the students who served as President’s Student Ambassadors in the 2023–24 academic year and introduced those who will serve the College beginning this fall in 2024–25. As student leaders, President’s Student Ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills; demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service; and maintain a minimum grade-point average.
The 2023-24 ambassadors have been:
Madison Barch ’24
Gabriel Coleman ’24
Blake Filkins ’26
Grey Gardner ’26
Emily Haigh ’24
James Hauke ’26
Madeline Hollander ’25
Gavin Houtkooper ‘25
Renai Huang ’24
Lukas Hultberg ’24
Jessica Kaplan ’26
Alex Nam ’25
Blagoja Naskovski ’24
Isabella Pellegrom ‘25
Tyrus Parnell, Jr. ’25
Maxwell Rhames ‘25
Emmeline Wendel ’24
Ava Williams ‘25
The 2024-25 ambassadors succeeding this year’s seniors will be:
Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Gavin Houtkooper ’25through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
Gavin Houtkooper ’25, from Battle Creek, Michigan, majors in business with minors in Spanish and computer science. He is a member of the Kalamazoo College men’s soccer team, a treasurer of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, a national honor society that recognizes excellence from a student’s first year.
What’s your favorite part of your K Experience?
My favorite part about being a student at K is the outstanding people that I get to be around daily, my fellow classmates and my world-class professors. I also love that the K-Plan allows me to take control of my education and take the classes in areas that I am interested in. Through the K-Plan, I have been able to continue playing the sport I love (soccer), I will be studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, this spring, and I have obtained internships through our fantastic alumni network.
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
“I decided to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador (PSA) because a teammate on the men’s soccer team was in the program and told me about the amazing experience he had. He met alumni, got an internship through the people he met and then turned that into his first job out of college. After hearing his story, applying to be a PSA was a priority for me.”
Through the K-Plan, President’s Student Ambassador Gavin Houtkooper plays soccer, is studying abroad in Madrid, and has earned outstanding internships.
Houtkooper is a treasurer of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, and a member of Alpha Lambda Delta, an honor society that salutes first-year excellence.
A teammate from Kalamazoo College’s men’s soccer team told Gavin Houtkooper about being a President’s Student Ambassador, inspiring Houtkooper to seek the position.As a President’s Student Ambassador, Houtkooper enjoys meeting K alumni when they return to campus for events. He says K alumni have done some incredible work in the world, and in his experience, they are always looking to give back to current students.Houtkooper encourages new President’s Student Ambassadors to attend as many events as they can to talk with alumni because one conversation can create life-changing connections.
What is your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
“My favorite part of being a PSA is meeting K alumni when they come back home to K for events. Our alumni have done some incredible work in the world, and in my experience, they are always looking to give back to current students. Through my conversations with alumni, I was able to navigate the internship search process and ultimately land one for this coming summer.”
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?
“I would recommend that any new PSA attend as many events as possible. We never know who we will talk to at a given event. But in my experience, one conversation can create life-changing connections with an alum who may be able to help you navigate life after K.”
Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Emmeline Wendel ’24 through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
Emmeline Wendel ’24, from Seattle, Washington, is pursuing a double major in international and area studies with a focus on Western Europe and Spanish with a Chinese minor. On campus, she works at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership as an event coordinator, as a program mentor for the Caceres, Spain, study abroad program, and she is the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club. In previous years, she worked as a civic engagement scholar for Students for Reproductive Freedom at the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K?
“My favorite part of being a student at K is all the opportunities to leave campus and become an engaged global citizen. Whether I am conducting a digital humanities project in St. Louis, enhancing my writing skills and knowledge about sustainability in Costa Rica, or improving my Spanish-speaking skills in Spain, K allows me to incorporate soft politics into my education and pursue my international career and network.”
President’s Student Ambassador Emmeline Wendel ’24 works at the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership as an event coordinator, is a program mentor for the Caceres, Spain, study abroad program, and serves as the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club.
Wendel discusses the Lunar New Year celebration at Kalamazoo College.
Wendel visited cities throughout Europe such as London when she was participating in study abroad in
Cáceres, Spain.
Wendel (second from left) is the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club at Kalamazoo College
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
“I decided I wanted to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador because I am grateful for all the financial support opportunities I have received from the college. I want to ensure two things for other current and prospective K students: They can engage in the same if not more opportunities like me and enhance the college experience by acknowledging and collaborating with others to solve issues on campus.”
What is your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
“My favorite part of being a PSA is having the opportunity to familiarize myself with philanthropy campaigns and events that involve outreach with alumni.”
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadorsin 2024–25?
“I would recommend that a student highlight and celebrate all the little, big and in-between accomplishments, studies and extracurriculars/ communities you are a part of. That being said, I would also remind K students to be thoughtful about where, when and who they give their energy because in order to uplift a community, you must take care of yourself first.”
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.
Congratulations to the following Kalamazoo College students who achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better for a full-time course load of at least three units, without failing or withdrawing from any course, during the Winter 2024 academic term. Students who elect to take a letter-graded course on a credit/no credit basis (CR/NC) are not eligible for Dean’s List consideration during that term. Nor are students who receive an F, NC or W grade for that particular term. Students with incomplete (I) or in-progress (IP) grades will be considered for the Winter 2024 Dean’s List upon receipt of their final grades. Dean’s List recognition is posted on students’ transcripts. Kudos to the entire group for Winter 2024.
Congratulations to the students who qualified for the Winter 2024 Dean’s List at Kalamazoo College.
Winter 2024
A
Callie Abair Shannon Abbott Cherry Acosta Fuzail Ahmed Kelley Akerley Maya Alkema Caleb Allen Randa Alnaas Mahmoud Alsafadi Fanny Alvarado Emiliano Alvarado Rescala Lana Alvey Zahra Amini Darsalam Amir Mia Andrews Eleanor Andrews Unayza Anika Michael Ankley Madison Anspach Maya Arau Kaelyn Arlington Lora Armstrong Emily Auchter Edith Aviles
B
Guenevere Baierle Annalise Bailey Lindsey Baker Baylor Baldwin Elizabeth Ballinger Zoie Banger Evan Barker Brianna Barnes Gabriella Barry Joseph Basil Hunter Bates Annalisa Bauer Nathan Bauer Emma Becker Curtis Bell Cassandra Bennett Aubrey Benson Jane Bentley Alexandrea Bernal Eleanor Bernas Jonah Beurkens Willow Bigham Thalia Bills Henry Black Douglas Blackwood Lizbeth Blas-Rangel Axel Bodeux Annaliese Bol Alexandra Bonebrake Luke Bormann Jack Boshoven Eleni Bougioukou Nathan Bouvard Holly Bowling Ella Boyea Yvette Boyse-Peacor Allison Bozyk Emily Braunohler Jay Breck Chloe Briggs Lukas Broadsword Avery Brockington Jonathan Brunette Chloe Bryant Anna Buck Anna Budnick Jaden Buist Victoria Burnham Ian Burr
C
Erendira Cabrera Amaia Cadenas Bailey Callaway Eleanor Campion Olivia Cannizzaro Arlanderia Cardenas Estelle Chloe Carlson Luis Castro-Limon Caleb Caul Emma Caulkins Isabella Caza Abigail Caza Daniel Celedon Alexandra Chafetz Iris Chalk Josetta Checkett Isabel Chiang Yongwan Cho Trustin Christopher Noah Chun Thomas Clark Maya Clarren Lilly Cleland Kai Clingenpeel Mai Elise Code Samuel Coleman Logan Coller Indigo Corvidae Courtney Cotter Cate Cotter Holden Coulter Gavin Crawley Lucy Cripe Mia Crites Gwendolyn Crowder Smith Emma Curcuru Maria Curcuru Isabel Curtis
D
Erik Danielson Jessica Dant Jasmine Davis Asha Dawson Tara Dean-Hall Lillian Deer Carson Deines Enrique Delzer Lina Denney Devi DeYoung Alexander Di Dio Liam Diaz Michaela Dillbeck Taylor Dinda-Albright Mariam Diouf Caitlin Dolan Rorie Dougherty Simon Doyle Jordan Doyle Ryan Drew Alexander Dubin Isaac Duncan Patrick Dunfee
E
Sally Eggleston Jairo Eguia Abigail Eilertson Sara Elfring Evelyn Ellerbrock Sara English Marvin Ernst Justin Essing Sam Ewald Caleb Ewald
F
Niklas Fagerman Andreas Fathalla Blake Filkins Bridget Finco Sara Finks Morgan Fischer Julia Fitzgerald Mabel Fitzpatrick Ella Flourry Robyn Foley Ross Fooy Kirsten Formell Parker Foster Andre Fouque Hillary Fox Kinga Fraczkiewicz Emma Frederiksen Landrie Fridsma
G
Tracy Galeana Lucy Gallagher Maria Garcia Brynna Garden Grey Gardner Ingrid Gardner Roberta Gatti Lyrica Gee William Geiger Grace Getachew Maira Ghaffar Griffin Gheen Logan Gillis Laura Goia Maxwell Goldner Cecilia Gray Donovan Greene Natalie Greene Kaitlyn Grice Natalie Gross Cassandra Grotelueschen Madyson Groth Oliver Gutierrez Paola Guzmán Jiménez
H
Sophia Haas Marissa Haas Aiden Habboub Sydney Hagaman Emma Hahn Emily Haigh Blu Haney Geneva Hannibal Rachel Harman Sophie Hartl Pauline Hawkes Beatrice Hawkins Jacob Hazlewood Zachary Heikka Megan Herbst Litzy Hernandez Sophia Herold Gerardo Herrera-Sanchez Maya Hester Ashlen Hill Hadley Hilner Bijou Hoehle Jacob Hoffman Garrick Hohm Annika Hokanson Ronin Honda Tyler Houle Gavin Houtkooper Sharon Huang Ethan Huebsch Samuel Hughes Lukas Hultberg Alek Hultberg Michael Hume Madelaine Hurley Megan Hybels Kennedy Hynde
I
Carson Ihrke Macy Ivins
J
Gloria Jackson Colton Jacobs Marquisha James Rex Jasper Ryleigh Jaworski Morgan Jenkins Anne Catherine Johnson Cloe Johnson Johe Newton Johnson
K
Amalia Kaerezi Jessica Kaplan Timothy Karubas Maria Kasperek Seth Keana Ella Kelly Emilia Kelly Blake Kelsey Mphumelelo Khaba Harriet Khamisi Anum Khan Mahum Khan Hibah Khan Jackson Kiino-Terburg Hyunwoo Kim Joshua Kim Dong Eun Kim Anwen King Caleb Kipnis Kendyl Kirshman Claire Kischer Alexander Kish Kathryn Klahorst Noah Kleiner Zoe Klowden Rhys Koellmann Melody Kondoff Maxine Koos Daniel Koselka Connor Kouki Emma Kovacevic Julia Kozal Christian Kraft Jason Krawczyk Jack Kreckman Nikolas Krupka Mara Krupka Annabelle Krygier Ealin Kubicki Celia Kuch Laryn Kuchta
L
Nicholas LaFramboise Rylee Lambert Olivia Laser Annmarie Lawrence Huin Lee Sydney Lenzini Nico Lipton Luis Lizardo-Rodriguez Alex Lloyd Logan Lockhart Alondra Lopez Beatriz Lopez Grace Lounds Teresa Lucas Lee Lum Jacob Lynett
M
Ellie MacE Lauren MacKersie Samantha Major Natalie Maki Andrew Mallon Lesly Mares-Castro Ana Marín Vintimilla Ariadne Markou Molly Martinez Natalie Martinez Isabelle Mason Hollis Masterson Virginia Matta Matthew Matuza Eliza Maurer Zachary Maurice Benjamin Maurice Cedric May Claire McCall Lauren McColley Liam McElroy MacKale McGuire Regan McKee Jacob McKinney Kira McManus Sophia Merchant Maximus Mercurio Rachel Meston Estelle Metz Allison Meyers Jack Miller Brittany Miller Ella Miller Jade Milton Ameera Mirza Jackson Mitchell Elana Mitchell Jacques Monchamp Mariah Moore Martin Morison Myotis Morton Maren Mosher Madeline Moss Fadi Muallem Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier Claire Mullins Andrew Munger Ella Myers
N
Nailia Narynbek Kyzy Blagoja Naskovski Ryan Neihsl Chloe Nelund Mackenzie Newhall Robert Newland Nguyen Nguyen Yen Giang Nguyen Theodore Niemann Joanna Nonato Will Norwood Haleigh Nower
O
Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft Amara Okoro Gabriel Olivier Emma Olson Tyler Omness Kevin Oneill Eliana Orozco B Osborne Aryka Ostroski
P
Chelsea Paddock Maren Palmer Astrid Parker Eleanor Parks-Church Hannah Parsons Mia Pascuzzi Juniper Pasternak Eric Paternoster Morgan Paye Audrey Pegouske Mia Pellegrini Kaitlin Peot Alex Pepin Marcos Perez Margaret Perry Margaret Peters Paige Peterson Indigo Philippe Anna Phyo Sheyla Pichal Sydney Pickell Benjamin Pickrel Mia Pierce Isabella Pimentel Madison Pisano William Plesscher Alex Plesscher Megan Ploucha Madelyn Portenga Mauricio Posey Bea Putman
Q
Emma Quail Kelvis Quaynor Matthew Quirk
R
Elizabeth Rachiele Tieran Rafferty Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci Ana Ramirez Leah Ramirez Jessie Ramirez Lafern Ramon Liam Regan Isabel Reyes Jaycee Rider Sheldon Riley Emory Roberts Narelle Robles Jocelyn Rodriguez Schareene Romero Rivera Amelia Rooks Brigid Roth Elizabeth Rottenberk Sofia Rowland Nathaniel Rulich
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Black identity, racism and allusions to the slave trade will be put center stage this week when Kalamazoo College’s Festival Playhouse presents Dutchman.
The 1964 play—written by Amiri Baraka, who then was known as LeRoi Jones—is the second of the Festival Playhouse’s 60th season, which has a theme of “Systems as Old as Time,” focusing on the harmful systems that hold back the oppressed and how people fight against them.
The plot features Clay, a 20-year-old, college-educated Black man portrayed by Jared Pittman ’20, who also played Martin Luther King, Jr. last winter in the Festival Playhouse’s production of The Mountaintop. Pittman notes that Clay is traveling on the subway to a friend’s house for a get-together when he meets Lula, a young white woman.
“He’s shy and timid upon his introduction to Lula on the train, given the racial climate during the 1960s,” Pittman said. “He’s polished in his three-piece suit and speaks with great intellect. Clay doesn’t want to be grouped amongst the stereotype of Black men, so he makes a conscious effort to be above the stereotype.”
Abigail Nelson ’24 and Jared Pittman ’20 portray Lula and Clay in the Festival Playhouse production of “Dutchman” being staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3.
Lula, however, played by Abigail Nelson ’24, is symbolic of white America during the Civil Rights Movement. She enters the train eating an apple beginning references to Adam and Eve that occur throughout the play as Clay attempts to be his own man even though his name might suggest that he should be easily shaped and molded.
“She’s very flirtatious with Clay, and although he is shy, he is intrigued by Lula, so he entertains her advances,” Pittman said. “She has a bipolar personality, and it keeps Clay on his toes, not really knowing if she is joking or serious. This allows her to antagonize Clay, and ultimately push him over the edge.”
The play is guest directed by Anthony J. Hamilton, a former visiting assistant professor of theatre arts at K and guest professor and director at Western Michigan University. His career directing credits include The Piano Lesson, The 1940s Radio Hour and Once on This Island at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre; Into the Woods and Skeleton Crew at WMU; You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat at Hackett Catholic Prep; Grandma’s Quilt and Playwright’s Competition at the Negro Ensemble Company in New York; and Next to Normal at the Festival Playhouse last spring.
Dutchman will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, February 29–Saturday, March 2, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 3, in the Festival Playhouse Theatre at 129 Thompson St. Thursday’s show will include American Sign Language interpretation and an audience talkback.
Tickets are available online or by calling the Festival Playhouse at 269.337.7333. K students, faculty and staff are admitted free with a College ID. Adult tickets are $25, seniors are $20 and children younger than 12 are $5. Audiences should be aware that the play’s content includes adult language, themes and situations that include simulated violence and may be triggering.
Pittman said that audiences are certain to appreciate the performances, even as they provoke a profound emotional response. “I think those who come to see the show, should know that this is theatre, and we are people portraying characters,” he said. “Although a very real experience for some people, we ask that the audience members provide the performers with grace. We’ve worked hard to tell this iconic story and we understand the sensitivity of it all.”
Story by Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24
In a pivot prompted by Kalamazoo College’s flexible curriculum, Ian Burr ’24 heeded a call for “lights, camera, action” in New York while discovering a potential lifelong passion.
Burr, a business major, recently participated in the New York Arts Program, a winter-term study away opportunity, where students learn about acting, musical theatre, dance, play writing, directing, vocal music, instrumental music, improvisation and children’s theatre—or in Burr’s case—filmmaking.
His interest in photography pushed him to take Framing Differences, a sophomore seminar taught by Genevieve U. Gilmore Professor of Art Richard Koenig, which gives K students a working knowledge of the tools used in photography before leaving for study away or study abroad. Burr then bought his first camera and worked on sports videography for the women’s soccer team and recreational hockey games.
These experiences convinced Burr to add a film and media concentration to his K-Plan and seek opportunities in New York. There, he worked as a production assistant intern for an upcoming Netflix show, American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders, and at Green Point Pictures, an advertising company where he helped create pitches for clients. The time in New York also gave Burr an opportunity to shoot his first film.
“The New York Arts Program was an amazing opportunity for me to gain hands-on experience as someone who is interested in the film industry,” Burr said. “It is very hard to get into the industry and participating in this program while taking classes and working for two companies was a very valuable way to gain skills for something that I am very passionate about.”
Since, Burr has developed a Senior Integrated Project (SIP)—not in business, but in filmmaking—with a production titled I Love You, Bro, dedicated to his friend Jake, who died in a car accident. The short film focuses on the mental health of Rhett, who loses his best friend, Avery, in a crash.
“I wanted to show how people deal with loss,” Burr said. “Some people push their feelings off, so they don’t seem weak, but no one should be alone, and it’s totally OK to share your feelings with someone.”
Last fall, Burr had a chance to present the film—which takes place in his hometown of Franklin, Tennessee—to the K community while emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
“The idea to turn my movie into a SIP came while I was attending the New York Arts Program,” Burr said. “Without the opportunity that K gave me and the collaboration with Professor Koening, I wouldn’t be able to do something that means so much to me. The professors are so great and welcoming. The small size class made me establish close relationships with the professors and my classmates easily. Professors here care about your progress and your ability to use your whole potential.”
Burr also credits a close friend for his assistance with the movie.
Aidan Baas ’23, “who also participated in the New York Arts Program, was very supportive during this journey,” Burr said. “When I was with him during the study away program in New York, he helped me to come up with the idea of I Love You, Bro. Furthermore, he came from Michigan to Nashville during the summer of 2023 and helped me with shooting and editing, which made the movie to be successfully completed.”
Elsewhere at K, Burr is a punter and kicker on K’s football team, through which he’s established lifelong connections with his teammates. He also has drawn inspiration to achieve excellence in academics through faculty members such as L. Lee Stryker Associate Professor of Business Management Amy MacMillan, Visiting Professor of Business David Rhoa and Visiting Instructor in Art Daniel Kim, who have provided Burr with real-world experiences related to his coursework. And although he’s been dedicated to undertakings such as football and more, Burr strongly encourages his peers who are interested in filmmaking to find their own opportunities through faculty and coursework.
“Dive into it,” he said. “Ask professors for many opportunities to grow. Filmmaking is building portfolios. If you want to be a director, direct something. Go and create. The only way you fail is if you never try. Be dedicated. Collaborate with your friends, classmates and professors. Create the films you want to see.”
Ian Burr ’24 (left) works with actors Graeme Cadaret and Jayden Scheer while filming a scene of “I Love You, Bro.”
While participating in the New York Arts Program on study away, Burr found his passion for filmmaking while working as a production assistant intern for an upcoming Netflix show, “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” and at Green Point Pictures, an advertising company where he helped create pitches for clients.
Burr prepares to punt during a Kalamazoo College football game. Photo by Kimberley Moss.
Burr films Cadaret and Scheer in the making of his film, “I Love You, Bro.”
