students

Senior Awards Ceremony Salutes Excellence

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Congratulations to the following Kalamazoo College students who received awards during the 2024 Senior Awards Ceremony on Saturday, June 15, at Stetson Chapel. The awards include all academic divisions, prestigious scholarships and special non-departmental awards.

Attendee takes picture of mother and son at Senior Awards ceremony
One student walks toward the stage at the Senior Awards Ceremony
Three students honored at the Senior Awards Ceremony

Fine Arts Division

Art and Art History
Lilia Chen Award in Art

  • Julia Holt
  • Carolyn Ingram
  • Kieya Kubert-Davis
  • Brett Austin Manski
  • Lillian Mattern
  • Brooklyn Mohr
  • Ileana Oeschger
  • Suha Qashou
  • Hannah W. Schurman
  • Gabriel Sharp
  • Maria Tripodis

Michael Waskowsky Prize

  • Ana Garcia

Music
Lillian Pringle Baldauf Prize in Music

  • Drake Butcher
  • Molly Kohl

Music Department Certificate of Distinction

  • Lindsey Baker
  • Jonah Beurkens
  • Julia Holt
  • Sharon Huang
  • Melody Kondoff
  • Jacob Macks
  • Abigail Nelson
  • Grace Ryan
  • Keegan Sweeney

Fan E. Sherwood Memorial Prize

  • Molly Kohl

Theatre Arts
Ruth Scott Chenery Award

  • Brooklyn Moore
Two celebrate honors at the Senior Awards ceremony
Professor congratulates student at Senior Awards ceremony
Six attendees at the Senior Awards ceremony

Modern and Classical Languages Division

Chinese
Chinese Outstanding Achievement Award

  • Lindsey Baker
  • Indigo Corvidae
  • Julia Holt
  • Elizabeth Nestle

Classical Studies
Clara H. Buckley Prize for Excellence in Latin

  • Nick Wilson

Departmental Prize in Greek

  • Nick Wilson

Provost’s Prize in Classics

  • Georgios Gkolois
  • Julia Holt

French and Francophone Studies
Alliance Francaise Prize in French

  • Liz Ballinger

German Studies
Joe Fugate Senior German Award

  • Kelley Akerley

Japanese
Japanese National Honor Society College Chapter

  • Shannon Courtney Abbott
  • Griffin Gheen
  • Donovan Greene
  • Victor Guerra Lopez
  • Kieya Kubert-Davis
  • Richard Sakurai-Kearns
  • D.J. Schneider
  • Christopher Van Alstine
  • Olivia Wolfe

Spanish Language and Literatures
The Senior Spanish Award

  • Osman Amaya
  • Gabriel Coleman
  • Katie Garcia
  • Michael Abraham Hume
  • Jayden Thurmond-Oliver
A man congratulates a student on receiving an award
A person with a cell phone takes a picture of a student with her family
A student attending the Senior Awards ceremony with three members of her family

Humanities Division

American Studies
David Strauss Prize in American Studies

  • Clare Wren Catallo-Werner
  • Alejandra Lemus

Critical Ethnic Studies
Cassandra Solis ’16 Prize in Critical Ethnic Studies

  • Hillary Husson Bawab Yousif

English
Gail Griffin Prize

  • Jessalyn Vrieland

Bruce E. Mills Award

  • Sofia Rowland

Elwood H. and Elizabeth H. Schneider Prize in English

  • Char Nieberding

Mary Clifford Stetson Prize

  • Elliot Mrak

Dwight (1929) and Leola Stocker Prize

  • Curtis Bell, Jr.
  • Olivia Grace Tessin
  • Madison Elisabeth Walther

Charles Lewis Williams Jr. Award

  • Ava Fischer

History
James Bird Balch Prize in American History

  • Eleanor Harris

History Department Award

  • Alejandra Lemus

Philosophy
Hodge Prize in Philosophy

  • Anna Budnick
  • Nikolas Krupka

Department of Philosophy Prize

  • Anna Budnick
  • Nikolas Krupka
  • Lina Moghrabi

Religion
Marion H. Dunsmore (1920) Memorial Prize in Religion

  • Iris Chalk
A professor congratulates a student at the Senior Awards ceremony
Attendees clap for award recipients
Six students hold prizes at Senior Awards ceremony

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division

Biology
H. Lewis Batts Prize

  • Quinn X. Collins
  • Allison M. Sokacz

The Biology in Liberal Arts Prize

  • Hannah W. Schurman

Frances Diebold Scholar Award

  • Mahum Khan
  • Anna Dolores Murphy
  • Hannah W. Schurman
  • Allison M. Sokacz

William E. Praeger (1922) Prize in Biology

  • Anna Dolores Murphy

Chemistry
American Chemical Society Certified Degree in Chemistry

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Lindsey Baker
  • Anthony Berkimer
  • Sam Ewald
  • Ella Kelly
  • Blake Kelsey
  • Arman Khan
  • William Patrick Linehan
  • Roman Ramos
  • Mirella Villani

American Chemical Society Undergraduate Student

  • Holly Bowling

Annual Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry

  • Ella Kelly

Annual Undergraduate Award in Inorganic Chemistry

  • Sam Ewald

Annual Undergraduate Award in Organic Chemistry

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Lindsey Baker

Annual Undergraduate Award in Physical Chemistry

  • Anthony Berkimer

Outstanding Chemistry Student from Kalamazoo College

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson

Kurt Kaufman Fellows

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Madeleine Coffman
  • Sam Ewald

Lemuel F. Smith Award

  • Roman Ramos

Computer Science
Provost’s Prize in Computer Science

  • Sara Elfring

Mathematics
Clarke Benedict Williams Prize

  • Matthew Nelson
  • Xavier Silva

Physics
John Wesley Hornbeck Prize

  • Jonah Beurkens
  • Sam Ewald
  • Matthew Nelson
Attendees at the Senior Awards ceremony
Student walks toward the stage
Three students receive honors at the Senior Awards ceremony

Physical Education Division

George Acker Award

  • Steven Shelton

Mary Long Burch ’61 Award

  • Madelaine Hurley

C.W. “Opie” Davis (1928) Award

  • Gabriel Vidinas

Hornet Athletic Association Award

  • Harrison Poeszat

Knoechel Family Award

  • Timothy Karubas

Tish Loveless Award

  • Hannah Heeren

Lauren Rosenthal ’13 Memorial Prize

  • Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci

Catherine A. Smith ’82 Prize in Women’s Athletics

  • Madison Nichole Barch
A student with six family members at Stetson Chapel
Ten students receive awards
Student walks toward the stage at Stetson Chapel

Social Sciences Division

Economics and Business
William G. Howard (1867) Memorial Prize

  • Andreas Nile Fathalla
  • Lukas Hultberg
  • Blagoja Naskovski
  • Sydney Pickell

Provost’s Prize in Economics

  • Emma Hahn
  • Blagoja Naskovski

Robert and Karen Rhoa Prize in Business

  • Andreas Nile Fathalla
  • Steven Kloosterman
  • Christian Paul Kraft

Robert and Karen Rhoa Prize for Outstanding SIP

  • Christian Paul Kraft

Political Science
E. Bruce Baxter ’64 Memorial Award

  • Claire F. McCall
  • Mason Purdy

William G. Howard (1867) Memorial Prize

  • Maeve Crothers

Eugene P. Stermer ’50 Award in Public Administration

  • Camran Stack

Psychology
Marshall Hallock Brenner ’55 Prize

  • Taina Perez

Xarifa Greenquist Memorial Psychology Department Award

  • Emily Braunohler
  • Madison Hope Pisano

Richard D. Klein ’53 Senior Award in Psychology

  • Marquisha James
  • Ana Abigail Ramirez
  • Leah Ramirez
  • Rojina Timsina

Richard D. Klein ’53 Senior Impact Award in Psychology

  • Emma Quail
  • Megan Walczak

Donald W. VanLiere Prize in Psychology Coursework

  • Morgan Fischer
  • Madison Grace Talarico

Donald W. VanLiere Prize in Psychology Research

  • Anna Budnick
  • Rojina Timsina

Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Catherine A. Smith ’82 Prize in Human Rights

  • Ryan Gabrielle Drew

Lucinda Hinsdale Stone Prize in Women’s Studies

  • Margaret Perry
Three students at Stetson Chapel
Two students receive awards
Professor congratulates student at Senior Awards ceremony

College Awards

Alpha Lambda Delta Maria Leonard Senior Book Award

  • Julia Holt

Gordon Beaumont Memorial Award

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Anum Khan
  • Rojina Timsina

Henry ’36 and Inez Brown Award

  • Madison Nichole Barch
  • Brynna Garden
  • Rylie Kipfmueller
  • Brett Austin Manski

Virginia Hinkelman Memorial Award

  • Ana Abigail Ramirez

Babette Trader Campus Citizenship and Leadership Award

  • Brynna Garden

Maynard Owen Williams (1910) Memorial Award

  • Olivia Depauli
  • Victor Guerra Lopez
  • Isabelle Hawkes
  • Luisa Fernanda Ruiz
  • Megan Walczak
  • Andre Walker, Jr.
Two students accept awards
Two students accept awards
Student walks toward the stage at Senior Awards ceremony

Fellowships and Scholars

Caroline Ham ’48 Scholars

  • Vanessa Cardenas
  • Nikolas Krupka
  • César Anthony Soria

F. W. and Elsie L. Heyl Scholars

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Lukas Bolton
  • Madeleine Coffman
  • Emily Hazel Haigh
  • Bijou Hoehle
  • Xavier Silva

Marilyn LaPlante Civic Engagement Scholars

  • Rylie Kipfmueller
  • Rhys Koellmann
  • Sydney M. Lenzini
  • Angeles Munoz Horta
  • Ana Abigail Ramirez

Senior Leadership Recognition Award

  • Shannon Courtney Abbott
  • Shahriar Akhavan Tafti
  • Darsalam Amir
  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Lindsey Baker
  • Liz Ballinger
  • Madison Nichole Barch
  • Isabel Chiang
  • Quinn X. Collins
  • Michael Abraham Hume’
  • Madelaine Hurley
  • Ann Marie Johnston
  • Ella Kelly
  • Blagoja Naskovski
  • Alexandra Noel
  • Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft
  • Margaret Perry
  • Ana Abigail Ramirez
  • Ali Randel
  • César Anthony Soria
  • Ella Kay Szczublewski
  • Gabriel Vidinas
  • Emmeline Grace Fucao Wendel
  • Olivia Wolfe

Jerry Sherbin Fellowship

  • Sydney Salgado

Stephanie Vibbert ’03 Civic Engagement Scholar

  • Rojina Timsina

French Government Teaching Assistantship

  • Maxine Koos
  • Megan Walczak

Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship

  • Julia Holt
  • Teresa Lucas
  • Alexandra Noel
  • Danielle Treyger

Spanish Government Teaching Assistantship

  • Ali Randel
  • Andre Walker, Jr.
A family attends the Senior Awards ceremony
One student approaches the stage during the Senior Awards ceremony
Five students accept awards

Honors in the Major Department

Anthropology and Sociology

  • Sydney M. Lenzini

Art and Art History

  • Ana Garcia
  • Julia Holt
  • Carolyn Ingram
  • Kieya Kubert-Davis
  • Ileana Oeschger
  • Maria Tripodis

Biochemistry

  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Madeleine Coffman
  • Madelaine Hurley

Biology

  • Katherine Loretta Black
  • Samantha Major
  • Eva Metro-Roland
  • Anna Dolores Murphy
  • Oliver Rubin
  • Hannah W. Schurman
  • Allison M. Sokacz
  • Hannah Marie Willit

Business

  • Holly Bowling
  • Andreas Nile Fathalla
  • Farah Ghazal
  • Steven Kloosterman
  • Christian Paul Kraft
  • Sydney Pickell

Chemistry

  • Lindsey Baker
  • Sam Ewald

Computer Science

  • Rowan Cook
  • Sara Elfring

Economics

  • Emma Hahn
  • Lukas Hultberg
  • Blagoja Naskovski

English

  • Sofia Rowland
  • Jessalyn Vrieland
  • Ariana Zito

History

  • Eleanor Harris
  • Rylie Kipfmueller
  • Alejandra Lemus

Mathematics

  • Matthew Nelson
  • Xavier Silva

Music

  • Molly Kohl

Philosophy

  • Anna Budnick
  • Nikolas Krupka

Physics

  • Jonah Beurkens
  • Sam Ewald
  • Matthew Nelson

Religion

  • Iris Chalk
  • Mason Purdy
  • Sydney Salgado

Spanish Language and Literatures

  • Olivia Depauli
  • Molly Kohl
  • Megan Ploucha
  • Danielle Treyger
  • Madison Elisabeth Walther

Members of Phi Beta Kappa

  • Kelley Akerley
  • Shahriar Akhavan Tafti
  • Jordyn Alise Andrews-Wilson
  • Liz Ballinger
  • Jenna Beach
  • Katherine Loretta Black
  • Jonah Beurkens
  • Madeleine Coffman
  • Ryan Drew
  • Andreas Nile Fathalla
  • Morgan Fischer
  • Nikhil Gandikota
  • Aliza Garcia
  • Sophia Haas
  • Emma Hahn
  • Emily Hazel Haigh
  • Lukas Hultberg
  • Madelaine Hurley
  • Ella Kelly
  • Mahum Khan
  • Rhys Koellmann
  • Teresa Lucas
  • Lina Moghrabi
  • Anna Dolores Murphy
  • Blagoja Naskovski
  • Matthew Nelson
  • Elizabeth Nestle
  • Sydney Pickell
  • Megan Ploucha
  • Roman Ramos
  • Hannah W. Schurman
  • Steven Shelton
  • Xavier Silva
  • Allison M. Sokacz
  • Camran Stack
  • Danielle Treyger
  • Maria Tripodis
  • Ifeoma Princess Uwaje

‘Spelling Bee’ Musical Spells Opportunity with a K

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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. 

Six cast members from The 25th annual Putnam County Spelling Bee dressed as tweens for the show
“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.
Actress rehearses for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
“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.
Actors rehearse at the Festival Playhouse
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.
Cast members rehearse at the Festival Playhouse
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.
Actors rehearse for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
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.
Actors rehearse for "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee."
“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.”  

Celebrate the Class of 2024 at Commencement

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Congratulations to the class of 2024! This year’s Commencement is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday, June 16, on the campus Quad. Here’s what you need to know about the weekend’s events surrounding Kalamazoo College Commencement and the ceremony itself. 

Rehearsal

Seniors are required to attend Commencement rehearsal at 2 p.m. Thursday at Dalton Theatre. Faculty and staff will provide graduating seniors with pertinent information, including what to do during an intricate line-up and processional. Students who need to be excused from rehearsal should contact the Office of Alumni Engagement in advance at alumni@kzoo.edu. There will be a senior picnic on the Dewing Hall patio after the rehearsal. 

Parking This Weekend

For your convenience, most of the faculty, staff and student parking lots will be open to everyone. Guests are also invited to use street parking on campus and in the surrounding neighborhoods. See the parking information page for details related to street detours, graduate and accessible drop-off, campus parking lots, street parking, campus maps and more.

Class of 2024 Commencement
The Office of Alumni Engagement maintains a website that offers more details regarding Commencement, including a list of frequently asked questions, dining and lodging information, and ceremony accommodations for the class of 2024. For more information, visit the site at commencement.kzoo.edu.

Saturday Events

Receptions for individual departments help families meet professors and see individual projects from selected seniors. Consult the department schedules for information on the time and location for each event. The day’s remaining events—including the Senior Awards Program, the Senior Music Recital and the Baccalaureate—will take place at Stetson Chapel.

Seniors receiving awards will get an invitation from the Provost’s Office after finals to attend the Senior Awards Program, which begins at 2:30 p.m. Contact the Office of the Provost by email if you have questions about the event. The Senior Music Recital is a public concert at 4:30 p.m. featuring performances by graduating seniors who have been involved in music. All are welcome to attend. The Baccalaureate is a public non-religious service with student and faculty speakers and musical performances beginning at 8 p.m.

Livestreams for the Senior Awards Program, Senior Music Recital and Baccalaureate will be available for those unable to attend. An information desk will be staffed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the atrium at Hicks Student Center. The College’s bookstore will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

Commencement Sunday

Seniors unable to attend the ceremony should inform the Office of the Registrar as soon as possible at regist@kzoo.edu. All participating seniors should meet at Dalton Theatre in their cap and gown no later than 9:30 a.m. Although Commencement will take place outside regardless of weather conditions, the ceremony could be delayed by up to three hours if there is heavy rain or severe weather. Communication about a delay would be sent through a K-Alert, social media and email no later than 8 a.m. Sunday. The ceremony is scheduled to last about two and a half hours.

There are no tickets or rain tickets required for the ceremony, and there is no limit to the number of guests each senior can invite to campus. Chairs will be available to accommodate family and friends on the Quad on a first-come, first-served basis. Open seating will also be available on the grass of the Upper Quad, where guests can sit in lawn chairs and blankets to view the ceremony.

Guests with a mobility challenge can find answers to frequently asked questions on our accessibility information page. An information desk will be staffed from 8 to 10:30 a.m. in the atrium at Hicks Student Center. The College’s bookstore will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Commencement Speakers

The Commencement keynote speaker will be Tamea Evans ’93, a board-certified internal medicine physician and diabetologist, who will receive an honorary Doctor of Science from the College. The class speaker will be Nghĩa (Nolan) Nguyên Trịnh.

More Information 

The Office of Alumni Engagement maintains a website for the class of 2024 that offers more details regarding Commencement, including a list of frequently asked questions, dining and lodging information, and ceremony accommodations. For more information, visit the site at commencement.kzoo.edu. 

Students Earn Best Amateur Picture Honors at Kazoo 48

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Kalamazoo College students celebrate winning amateur honors in Kazoo 48 film festival
Kazoo 48, a film festival that challenges entrants to make a film with several prompts in 48 hours, awarded 15 Kalamazoo College students with Best Amateur Picture in April.
K students film "Motherboard Loves You" for Kazoo 48
“Motherboard Loves You” follows Ether and Nettie as they try to escape an underground dystopia ruled by the mysterious Motherboard.
Screening of "Motherboard Loves You" at Kazoo 48
Several screenings will allow audiences to see the award-winning “Motherboard Loves You.”

A group of 16 Kalamazoo College students earned the Best Amateur Picture award last month in the Kazoo 48, a film festival that challenges entrants to take an assigned genre, prop, character quirk, location and line of dialogue, and create a short film in just 48 hours.

Motherboard Loves You follows Ether and Nettie as they try to escape an underground dystopia ruled by the mysterious Motherboard. Student members of the film team included Noah Webster ‘26, Ava Fischer ’24, Celia Hannan ’26, Davis Henderson ’25, Carolyn Ingram ’24, Maddie Lawson ’25, Adèle Loubières ’24, Lorelei Moxon ’26, Theo Niemann ’26, Eli Shavit ’24, Jadon Weber ’25, Andrés Marquez-Collins ’26, Josetta Checkett ’25, Lee Zwart ’27, Maria Tripodis ’24 and Rex Jasper ’27.

“I’m incredibly proud of what our team was able to accomplish in just 48 hours,” said Henderson, a co-director. “We have created something truly special, and I look forward to what we make in the future. I hope everyone on the team can view this win as inspiration to create even bigger and cooler projects.”

The Motherboard Loves You team was one of two student groups to earn accolades at the Kazoo 48. A second team that included Grace Cancro ’25, Ian Burr ’24, Ryan Muschler ’25, Audrey Schulz ’25, James Hauke ’26, Aidan Baas ’23, Michael Robertson ’25, Abby Nelson ’24, Jakob Hubert ’25 and Mabel Bowdle ’25 competed in the professional category against film-production companies. Their film, about a man—played by Robertson—who got high and thought he was on a fantasy quest to build a stop sign, earned Best Use of Character for Hubert’s role as a character who gave advice in rhyme.

Motherboard Loves You will be screened Thursday, May 30, at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts during an event that will feature all of the Kazoo 48 award winners. It will also be screened at the Sunflower Film and Music Festival in Paw Paw from Friday, June 14 –Sunday, June 16, and can be viewed anytime on YouTube.

Fellow co-director Moxon and Henderson both noted the film only was possible thanks to their team. They also wanted to extend special thanks to contacts and K connections Christopher North, Sophie Decker ’25, Daniel Flores ’24, Helen Stoy ’26, Siona Wilson ’25, Max Wright ’26, Sedona Coleman ’23, Visiting Instructor of Art Daniel Kim, Media Producer and Studio Instructor Jaakan Page-Wood and Professor of Theatre Arts Lanny Potts for their contributions.

“I would like to say that the Kazoo 48-Hour Film Festival is a fantastic opportunity to get out there and make something,” Henderson said. “Consider registering for next year on its website, kazoo48.com. There is a huge amount of talent on this campus and I hope that our passion and efforts can allow the film and media studies department to grow and offer new classes, and maybe even become a major or minor.”

Watch “Motherboard Loves You” on YouTube
Students collect a kazoo at the Kazoo 48
Co-directors Davis Henderson ’25 and Lorelei Moxon ’26 expressed great pride in the making of the film.
Students gather to make "Motherboard Loves You" for the Kazoo 48
Co-directors Davis and Moxon credited their team of students for the film’s ultimate success.
Students film "Motherboard Loves You" for Kazoo 48
“We have created something truly special, and I look forward to what we make in the future,” Davis said of his team’s film.
Students make "Motherboard Loves You"
Kazoo 48 entrants to take an assigned genre, prop, character quirk, location and line of dialogue, and create a short film in just 48 hours.
Students make "Motherboard Loves You" for Kazoo 48
The Sunflower Film and Music Festival in Paw Paw from Friday, June 14 –Sunday, June 16,
Students film "Motherboard Loves You"
Student members of the film team included Noah Webster ’26, Ava Fischer ’24, Celia Hannan ’26, Davis Henderson ’25, Carolyn Ingram ’24, Maddie Lawson ’25, Adèle Loubières ’24, Lorelei Moxon ’26, Theo Niemann ’26, Eli Shavit ’24, Jadon Weber ’25, Andrés Marquez-Collins ’26, Josetta Checkett ’25, Lee Zwart ’27, Maria Tripodis ’24 and Rex Jasper ’27.
Students film "Motherboard Loves You"
“Motherboard Loves You” will be screened Thursday, May 30, at the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts during an event that will feature all of the Kazoo 48 award winners.
Students Film "Motherboard Loves You"
The co-directors thank K connections Christopher North, Sophie Decker ’25, Daniel Flores ’24, Helen Stoy ’26, Siona Wilson ’25, Max Wright ’26, Sedona Coleman ’23, Visiting Instructor of Art Daniel Kim, Media Producer and Studio Instructor Jaakan Page-Wood and Professor of Theatre Arts Lanny Potts.
Students edit "Motherboard Loves You" for Kazoo 48
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team was able to accomplish in just 48 hours,” said Henderson, a co-director.

Six New Heyl Scholars to Attend K in 2024–25

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Six Kalamazoo County high school students seeking to major in STEM-related fields will attend Kalamazoo College in the 2024-25 academic year as Heyl scholars.  

The Heyl Scholarship Fund was established in 1971 through the will of Dr. Frederick Heyl and Mrs. Elsie Heyl. Frederick Heyl was the first chemist at The Upjohn Company, later becoming a vice president and the company’s first director of research. When he retired in 1945, he had contributed scientifically to some 80 research papers and patents while also teaching chemistry at Kalamazoo College. He maintained a lifelong passion for science and education and was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree from K in 1937.    

Since then, Heyl scholarships have enabled hundreds of high school graduates from Kalamazoo County to attend Kalamazoo College for STEM-focused majors or Western Michigan University for nursing, with renewable benefits for up to four years that cover tuition, fees, housing and a book allowance.   

This year’s K recipients of the scholarships and their high schools are:  

  • Charles Gordon, Hackett and the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center (KAMSC)  
  • Maxwell Lloyd, Portage Central and KAMSC 
  • Nathan Gleason, Portage Northern and KAMSC 
  • Isabella Hahn, Vicksburg and KAMSC 
  • Katherine “Kate” Suarez, Loy Norrix and KAMSC 
  • David “Dominick” Fooy, Loy Norrix and KAMSC
The 2024 Heyl scholars pose for a photo during their banquet at the Hornets Suite
The 2024 Heyl scholars include (from left to right) Charles Gordon, Maxwell Lloyd, Nathan Gleason, Isabella Hahn, Grace Mohney, David “Dominick” Fooy, Sean Dhanaraj and Chaise Gould. Not pictured: Katherine “Kate” Suarez.

Three additional Heyl scholars—Grace Mohney of Schoolcraft and KAMSC, Sean Dhanaraj of Kalamazoo Central and KAMSC, and Chaise Gould of Kalamazoo Central and KAMSC—will attend the Western Michigan University Bronson School of Nursing.  

Writing Center Provides the Right Stuff for Writing Stuff

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Isabela Agosa ’17 knows where Kalamazoo College students can find the right stuff when they need to write stuff.

Agosa, once a student employee at K’s Writing Center, now is its director, supervising the current student employees, with poets, Fulbright scholars, editors and more among them. She admits that she struggled in her early years as a K student, but that makes her better at her job now as she once needed to find her academic footing.

“I’m really appreciative of the struggles I had here because they have allowed me to have a different mindset that I can provide to my students,” Agosa said. “I’m sort of like the gardener who helps the students run the center. My students are gentle, welcoming people who can open up a writing bud and allow it to blossom.”

Her own a-ha moment as a student came when she found poetry at K. In fact, she teaches a Poetic of Love senior seminar each winter term, and Poetry Magazine—the oldest monthly publication to verse in the English-speaking world—will print two of Agosa’s poems in its June 1 edition.

Four students and a faculty member huddle for a photo at Stetson Chapel
Isabela Agosa ’17 (middle), the director of K’s Writing Center, joined her students May 10 for a Community Reflection titled “Destigmatizing Help: Collaboration in the Writing Center.”
Two students at the Writing Center
Writing Consultants Anum Khan ’24 and Sofia Rowland ’24 discuss their work at the Writing Center.
Three student consultants sitting at a round table
Writing Consultants Unayza Anika ’26 (from left), Noah Chun ’26 and Daniel Flores ’24 discuss their work at Kalamazoo College’s Writing Center. Schedule an appointment online.
Two students smiling on a couch at the Writing Center
Ellie Pollard ’25 and Sophia Louise ’26 are two of the writing consultants students will meet at the Writing Center.

“When I came to K, I wanted to read fiction or maybe write for TV shows,” Agosa said. “And of course, I still have so much passion for that in my heart, but this is where I fell in love with poetry. I truly had never imagined in a million years that I would be a poet.”

Now, she would like to debunk some of the myths she hears about the Writing Center and empower more students to visit and improve their own writing.

Myth No. 1: Writing collaboration is a form of cheating

“We tend to have a deficiency mindset and think that support is only for people who are doing poorly, or we can be individualistic and think collaboration on writing is plagiarism or cheating,” Agosa said. “I think the Writing Center shows collaboration is an intellectual goal on campus. Why else would we all be together if we weren’t a community of scholars? Yes, we can write by ourselves, but we can do it so much faster when we have someone who can talk us through it.”

Myth No. 2: The Writing Center only helps students with classwork

“In the spring, this is our ‘job time’ when people are coming in with cover letters for jobs, grad school or internships,” Agosa said. “One of my pitches to students would be to remember that the Writing Center isn’t just for classwork. We get to explore all types of writing, so you can expect to have someone who’s invested in hearing about you and your work.”

Myth No. 3: I can get better information during my professor’s office hours

“Office hours are a useful dynamic, but they provide something different from the Writing Center,” Agosa said. “Professors can guide you on a certain path or help you understand the class material better, whereas our writing consultants help you understand yourself better as a writer.”

Myth No. 4: Writing Center employees will judge me and my writing

“Many people have baggage with writing because we feel that writing is a reflection of our soul,” Agosa said. “When they come to us with a fragment of their soul, they can feel guarded and nervous. But students can expect that they will be greeted by someone who cares because my staff loves their work. It’s a job and I hope that I model good ways to practice that job. They’re the types who like people and want to talk about writing. You can expect a lot of passion, a lot of enthusiasm and a judgment-free zone.”

Myth No. 5: I should wait to go to the Writing Center until I need help

“I think students feel that they’re not allowed to need help unless the house is on fire,” Agosa said. “Some people view it as a punishment or think it’s remedial. But you can come to the Writing Center just to talk to someone about your work. It’s good at breaking down tasks, especially for anyone who struggles with activation. I think the joy of talking with someone about your writing is universal and useful at any stage.

“I’m always telling prospective students that this is a place run by your peers who have gone through all the things you have. I would really love for them to see the Writing Center not just in a project- or product-driven environment. I want them to get involved in a supporting, nourishing community of scholarship.”

Find the writing help you need

If this isn’t enough to convince you of what the Writing Center accomplishes, you can also hear from Agosa and her team in this recent community reflection titled “Destigmatizing Help: Collaboration in the Writing Center.” Then, schedule an appointment online.

“The Writing Center is the place where I came to maturity and adulthood because our work is so much about learning, reflection and how to ask questions,” Agosa said. “I honestly learned more about syntax and grammar structure through poetry writing, but Writing Center work is about self-understanding and understanding the right questions to ask while communicating your needs. When students struggle with writer’s block, they might not even know what to name it. We look at roadblocks and ask, ‘what is it and how can we approach it?’ You will always feel connected to this place because we form such a strong community, where we learn how to dialogue with people. We make authentic person-to-person connections here because we can’t work on someone’s writing without them.”

Meet President’s Student Ambassador Blake Filkins ’26

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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. 

Portrait of President's Student Ambassador Blake Filkins
Blake Filkins ’26 serves as a President’s Student Ambassador at Kalamazoo College.
President's Student Ambassador Blake Filkins with others who participate in student government
Filkins (front row, center) is a student government executive leader, resident assistant, and student assistant at the Office of Student Development.
Blake Filkins at Hodge House with other President's Student Ambassadors
Filkins (back right) says he highly encourages students interested in joining the President’s Student Ambassador Program to connect with him.
A group gathered at the Hicks Student Center
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. 

K Honors 24 Students with Senior Leadership Awards

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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
The 2024 Senior Leadership Awards recipients
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.

Meet President’s Student Ambassador Madison Barch ’24

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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. 

Portrait of Madison Barch
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.
Madison Barch with family at athletics complex
Barch recognizes the support she receives from family when she discusses her football achievements.
Kicker Madison Barch celebrates catching a two-point conversion
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.
Madison Barch kicking
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! 

K Honors Employees, Student Ambassadors at Founders Day Event

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Bruce Mills receives the Lux Esto Award of Excellence from Jorge Gonzalez
Professor of English Bruce Mills receives the Lux Esto Award of Excellence from Kalamazoo College President Jorge G. Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.
Jessica Fowle receives Outstanding Advisor Award from Jorge Gonzalez at Founders Day
Director of Grants, Fellowship and Research Jessica Fowle ’00 receives Outstanding Advisor Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.
Alayna Lewis receives the First-Year Advocate Award from Jorge Gonzalez
Associate Director of the Center for International Programs Alayna Lewis receives the First-Year Advocate Award from Gonzalez at the Founders Day community reflection.

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

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

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

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

Four of the College Singers perform
Alexa Wonacott, Amelie Sack, Maxwell Goldner and Zachary Ufkes of the Lux Esto Singers perform “Stand in That River” by Moira Smiley.
Student reading from a lectern at Founders Day
President’s Student Ambassadors Gabriel Coleman (pictured) and Grey Gardner read the Kalamazoo College land acknowledgement.
Founders Day anniversary honors recipient
Kalamazoo College employees, such as Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft, who are celebrating milestone anniversaries were recognized at Founders Day.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Members of the President's Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day
Members of the 2023–24 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day
Members of the 2024-25 President's Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day
Members of the 2024-25 President’s Student Ambassadors stand to be recognized at Founders Day.
Crowd applauds at Founders Day event
Founders Day attendees applaud Lux Esto Award recipient Bruce Mills.

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

The 2023-24 ambassadors have been:

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

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

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