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‘Dutchman’ Puts Racism, Black Identity Center Stage

Posted on February 27, 2024May 13, 2024

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 60^th 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 respectively in the Festival Playhouse production of Dutchman — 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.”

Student-Athlete, Business Major Finds Passion for Filmmaking

Posted on February 22, 2024September 17, 2024

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.”

Filmmakers collaborate in a studio — 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.

Ian Burr prepares to punt during a Kalamazoo College football game — Burr prepares to punt during a Kalamazoo College football game. Photo by Kimberley Moss.

Ian Burr focuses on filmmaking with two actors — Burr films Cadaret and Scheer in the making of his film, “I Love You, Bro.”

‘Cauldron’ Co-Editors Invite Artists, Writers into a K Tradition

Posted on February 14, 2024

Co-editors Lana Alvey ’24 and Greta Salamun ’25 are reminding students to submit personal creative written projects and visual artwork to this year’s Cauldron, a printed publication produced by its student organization at Kalamazoo College.

College Archives show The Cauldron has been published annually, except for a hiatus during the pandemic, since 1962. As two students who are passionate about writing, Alvey—an English and psychology double major—and Salamun—an English major—are honored to play a part in the reconstruction of The Cauldron and hope that this year’s edition will reflect K’s population of talented writers and artists.

Most of the editorial staff is composed of English and art majors along with many STEM-focused students, too. They work with Alvey and Salamun to select the content from submissions and organize each edition with support, advice and design services provided through College Marketing and Communication. Categories within the publication include poetry, nonfiction, fiction and art. Professor of English Andy Mozina, the magazine’s faculty advisor, provides guidance and advice to the co-editors; his help ensures that the official unveiling of the hard copies during spring term of ninth week’s Community Reflection at Stetson Chapel runs smoothly.

“When we hold the finished product during the reflection, there will be a moment of thinking ‘we did it,’ with all the students’ hard work toward this piece of art and literature, especially when we can flip through it,” Alvey said. “It will be powerful to see it. We’re proud to be this vessel for creative writing and art.”

In a nod to its former years, the co-editors plan to release this edition as a bound book, suitable for coffee tables, bookshelves and keepsakes.

Portrait of Cauldron Co-Editor Lana Alvey on campus — Lana Alvey ’24, an English and psychology double major, is a co-editor of the 2023-24 edition of The Cauldron.

Cover of 2022-23 Cauldron — Last year’s edition of The Cauldron was a spiral-bound book that co-editors Alvey and Salamun are upgrading to a bound book this year.

Cauldron Co-Editor Greta Salamun — Kalamazoo native Greta Salamun ’25 said she has always wanted to attend K and major in English.

Inside the 2022-23 Cauldron — Pages from past editions of The Cauldron show work of alumni such as contemporary artist Julie Mehretu ’92 and Tony Award winner Lisa Kron ’83.

“It will be a testament to how The Cauldron has returned and evolved,” Salamun said. “We had a spiral-bound book last year, which still felt great, but we’ve wanted to get back to the old format. If that much can change in a year, imagine what else might happen in 10 years’ time. You never know.”

For students uncertain whether they want to submit their personal work, Alvey and Salamun encourage everyone to participate.

“I think we’re removing the high stakes from sharing your work, considering that no one is graded for it,” Salamun said. “If we just submit something, knowing it doesn’t have to be hard, it can be light-hearted and fun because this campus is full of great students.”

In fact, students can think of participating in The Cauldron as being part of a legacy because many accomplished alumni such as the world-famous contemporary artist, Julie Mehretu ’92, and Tony Award winner, Lisa Kron ’83, contributed to The Cauldron as K students. In addition, the Stephanie Vibbert Award will honor select pieces of writing that best exemplify the intersection between creative writing and community engagement. The final award is the Divine Crow Award where recipients will be selected blindly by a member of the greater Kalamazoo community.

“I feel that seeing your name in print and in an actual bound book is a big incentive for submitting your work,” Alvey said. “We have shown that we are good writers when we were accepted into K. This is a cool way to show what you can do, especially during the Community Reflection, where some students read their work aloud and we pass it out as a physical copy.”

Students who want to see their names and work published as writers and artists should use The Cauldron’s Google Docs form to submit before 11:59 p.m. Monday, February 26. All students, regardless of their majors and minors, are encouraged to participate.

“I’m from Kalamazoo and I’ve always wanted to attend this College and major in English,” Salamun said. “What I love about The Cauldron and writing is that it gives students, like myself, a creative outlet for expression. I know we have a lot of STEM majors here, and it can be a little nerve racking for students to try taking on poetry, short stories, art, or whatever it may be. But that creative outlet is so valuable.”

“To the students who have submitted, thank you,” Alvey said. “We know submitting can seem very daunting, but we are so excited to read your work and get it out there because the student population is very talented. We hope more people will submit their work to The Cauldron, so it can return to its bound form. I think being a part of such a great historical magazine and legacy is very powerful and it’s an honor.”

Counseling Center Strengthens Access to Mental Health Services

Posted on January 8, 2024January 8, 2024

This year, the Kalamazoo College Counseling Center has been working on changes to its offerings with the goal of providing more equitable access and more tailored services to students when they need it most.

Starting winter term, the center will eliminate its seven-session limit for individual on-campus counseling, instead adopting a more flexible customized clinical care model. This approach helps ensure students receive the amount of support that best suits their needs.

“Having a session limit tends to put pressure on the student to use all the sessions available to them right away, whether they need them all at that time or not. This may not be the best approach for them, and it can also limit availability for other students seeking support,” said Erica Pearson, director of the counseling center. “Some students may only need three sessions to get the support they’re seeking, while some students may benefit from 10 sessions. Some students may come to us looking for coping strategies, get the info they need, and not need us again until later in the year if something else comes up for them. By introducing a customized clinical care model, the staff is better able to address the needs of more students more effectively.”

Another major enhancement for the center was the introduction of its partnership with Uwill this fall. With Uwill telehealth counseling services, students can receive secure and confidential access to a therapist in addition to what is offered on campus. Students can choose a therapist based on their preferences regarding gender, language, ethnicity and focus area; and schedule a session for video, phone, chat or messaging. “I think some people may worry that because it’s telehealth, the level of care is not equivalent to the services we offer on campus. However, that’s not the case. They’ll have access to licensed professionals, just as they would here, and they’ll have an opportunity to choose someone based on their personal preferences,” Pearson said.

Portrait of Counseling Center Director Erica Pearson — Counseling Center Director Erica Pearson, Ph.D., LPC, NCC

In addition to telehealth counseling services, the center’s partnership with Uwill has expanded crisis services with a 24/7 support line staffed by licensed therapists. “It’s important that students know that this is a support line, not just a crisis line. Now students can talk with a licensed therapist any time of day, between academic quarters, when they’re out of town,” said Pearson. With this service significantly expanding student access to on-demand mental health support, the counseling center will be eliminating walk-in hours on campus and utilizing that time for additional pre-scheduled appointments.

“We hope these changes help address an important need at a time when students are really prioritizing their mental health,” Pearson said. “Offering around-the-clock accessibility through Uwill breaks down barriers of time and availability that often hinder access to services, and it allows our staff to dedicate more time to scheduled appointments on campus. And by utilizing a customized clinical care model, the center is better equipped to provide effective, empathetic and personalized care on campus.”

Kalamazoo College Announces Fall 2023 Dean’s List

Posted on December 6, 2023March 13, 2024

Congratulations to the following Kalamazoo College students who achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or better for a full-time course load of at least three units, without failing or withdrawing from any course, during the Fall 2023 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 Dean’s List upon receipt of their final grades. Dean’s List recognition is posted on students’ transcripts. Kudos to the entire group for Fall 2023.

Fall 2023

A

Shannon Abbott
Amirat Adebiyi
Fuzail Ahmed
Maya Alkema
Caleb Allen
Randa Alnaas
Mahmoud Alsafadi
Altanshagai Altankhuu
Fanny Alvarado
Lana Alvey
Farida Amini
Zahra Amini
Paige Anderson
Eleanor Andrews
Unayza Anika
Michael Ankley
Connor Anspach
Madison Anspach
Maya Arau
Peyton Arendsen
Kaelyn Arlington
Alexandra Armin
Emily Auchter
Edith Aviles
James Azim

B

Annalise Bailey
Poppy Balkema
Elizabeth Ballinger
Evan Barker
Ethan Barnes
Brianna Barnes
Shyane Barnes-Taylor
Lena Barrett
Gabriella Barry
Joseph Basil
Nathan Bauer
Emma Becker
Justin Beckrow
Saniyah Bedell
Conner Bell
Shelby Bennett
Aubrey Benson
Jane Bentley
Thomas Bentley
Alexandrea Bernal
Eleanor Bernas
Jonah Beurkens
Thalia Bills
Katherine Black
Henry Black
Douglas Blackwood
Preston Blanzy
Axel Bodeux
Lukas Bolton
Alexandra Bonebrake
Dylan Bonnett
Jack Boshoven
Sotirios Bougioukos
Eleni Bougioukou
Juliette Bournay
Jaylen Bowles-Swain
Yvette Boyse-Peacor
Allison Bozyk
Aerin Braunohler
Jay Breck
Chloe Briggs
Avery Brockington
Blair Brouwers
Jonathan Brunette
Chloe Bryant
Jaden Buist
John Bungart
Leah Bunnell
Victoria Burnham
Ian Burr

C

Erendira Cabrera
Isaiah Calderon
Kennedy Campbell
Eleanor Campion
Olivia Cannizzaro
Luis Castro-Limon
Emma Caulkins
Abigail Caza
Daniel Celedon
Ashley Chance
Josetta Checkett
Yongwan Cho
Trustin Christopher
Noah Chun
Eva Clancy
Thomas Clark
Maya Clarren
Kai Clingenpeel
Mai Elise Code
Madeleine Coffman
Logan Coller
Quinn Collins
Courtney Cotter
Cate Cotter
Holden Coulter
Lucy Cripe
Maeve Crothers
Gwendolyn Crowder Smith
Chase Cummins
Isabel Curtis

D

Erik Danielson
Claire Davis
Hillary Davis
Jasmine Davis
Zachary Dean
Tara Dean-Hall
Shruti Debburman
Lillian Deer
Carson Deines
Jacquelline Del Raso
Jair Delgado
Enrique Delzer
Lina Denney
Olivia Depauli
Maansi Deswal
Zachary DeVito
Devi DeYoung
Alexander Di Dio
Michaela Dillbeck
Mariam Diouf
Shane Dong
Alexia Dowell
Jordan Doyle
Charles Doyle
Isaac Duncan

E

Matthew Edwards
Sally Eggleston
Abigail Eilertson
Sara Elfring
Evelyn Ellerbrock
Owen Ellis
Marvin Ernst
Dilynn Everitt
Caleb Ewald
Chad Ewing

F

Blake Filkins
Bridget Finco
Sara Finks
Ava Fischer
Morgan Fischer
Vincent Fodale
Robyn Foley
Kirsten Formell
Daniel Foura
Hillary Fox
Kinga Fraczkiewicz
Emma Frederiksen
Matthew Freels
Landrie Fridsma

G

Dillon Gacki
Lucy Gallagher
Ethan Galler
Ana Garcia
Aliza Garcia
Brynna Garden
Grey Gardner
Ingrid Gardner
Roberta Gatti
William Geiger
Grace Getachew
Maira Ghaffar
Aidan Gillig
Abigail Gilmore
Georgios Gkolois
Samuel Gladhill
Laura Goia
Maxwell Goldner
Lukas Graff
Cecilia Gray
Natalie Greene
Cameo Green
Kaitlyn Grice
Natalie Gross
Fiona Guikema-Bode
Kendra Guitar
Oliver Gutierrez

H

Sophia Haas
Marissa Haas
Aiden Habboub
Emily Haigh
Blu Haney
Alison Hankins
Geneva Hannibal
Abel Hansonbrook
Madeline Hanulcik
Rachel Harman
Sophie Hartl
James Hauke
Isabelle Hawkes
Pauline Hawkes
Willow Hayner
Jacob Hazlewood
Zachary Heikka
Megan Herbst
Litzy Hernandez
Sophia Herold
Maya Hester
Ashlen Hill
Hadley Hilner
Bijou Hoehle
Jacob Hoffman
Annika Hokanson
Olivia Holmes
Julia Holt
Ronin Honda
Jaelyn Horn
Joseph Horsfield
Tyler Houle
Gavin Houtkooper
Ethan Huebsch
Alek Hultberg
Megan Hybels
Kennedy Hynde

I

Carson Ihrke
Jasmine Ivy

J

Gloria Jackson
Angela Jacobo
Colton Jacobs
Teddy Jacobson
Kai James
Rex Jasper
Morgan Jenkins
Halley Johnson
Anne Catherine Johnson
Cloe Johnson
Johe Newton Johnson
Hayden Johnston
Zane Jones

K

Amalia Kaerezi
Jessica Kaplan
Eliza Karlin
Samuel Kartes
Isabelle Kastel
Emilia Kelly
Alyson Kemery
Mphumelelo Khaba
Harriet Khamisi
Hibah Khan
Hyunwoo Kim
Dong Eun Kim
Vivian Kim
Lily Kindle
Caleb Kipnis
Kendyl Kirshman
Claire Kischer
Alexander Kish
Kathryn Klahorst
Noah Kleiner
Mart Klenke
Steven Kloosterman
Melody Kondoff
Maxine Koos
Daniel Koselka
Emma Kovacevic
Julia Kozal
Jason Krawczyk
Jack Kreckman
Molly Kreibich
Loden Krueger
Annabelle Krygier
Clayton Kryszak
Kieya Kubert-Davis
Ealin Kubicki
Laryn Kuchta

L

Rylee Lambert
Olivia Laser
Annmarie Lawrence
Elijah Layne
Grace Leahey
Huin Lee
Margaret Lekan
Kelsey Letchworth
Kael Lewicki
Sage Lewis
Luis Lizardo-Rodriguez
Alex Lloyd
Alondra Lopez
Jose Lopez Bernal
Grace Lounds
Teresa Lucas
Lee Lum
Jacob Lynett

M

Ellie Mace
Lauren MacKersie
Brett Manski
Lesly Mares-Castro
Ana Marín Vintimilla
Ariadne Markou
William Martel
Cassidy Martini-Zeller
Isabelle Mason
Hollis Masterson
Virginia Matta
Lillian Mattern
Matthew Matuza
Zachary Maurice
Benjamin Maurice
Cedric May
Carter Mayne
Lauren McColley
Vincent McCollum
Grace McGlynn
Kira McManus
Ethan McNertney
Raven Medina
Rachel Meston
Eva Metro-Roland
Estelle Metz
Gabriel Meyers
Allison Meyers
Carter Miller
Brittany Miller
Ella Miller
Jade Milton
Gloria Mireles
Lauren Mitchell
Elana Mitchell
Lina Moghrabi
Jana Molby
Jacques Monchamp
Dylan Montross
Eliana Moreno
Wyatt Mortensen
Sarah Morton
Maren Mosher
Lorelei Moxon
Fadi Muallem
Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier
Claire Mullins
Anna Murphy
Madison Murphy
Braden Mussat
Ella Myers

N

Elias Nagel-Bennett
Nailia Narynbek Kyzy
Blagoja Naskovski
Ryan Neihsl
Chloe Nelund
Robert Newland
Nguyen Nguyen
Vinh Nguyen
Yen Giang Nguyen
Joshua Nichols
Theodore Niemann
Dustin Noble
Savannah Norman
Will Norwood
Haleigh Nower

O

Ileana Oeschger
Amara Okoro
Gabriel Olivier
Alexander Olsen
Reece Omodio
Kevin Oneill
B Osborne
Aryka Ostroski

P

Chelsea Paddock
Maren Palmer
Astrid Parker
Eleanor Parks-Church
Hannah Parsons
Rachael Pashturro
Juniper Pasternak
Eric Paternoster
Audrey Pegouske
Mia Pellegrini
Isabella Pellegrom
Kaitlin Peot
Alex Pepin
Addison Peter
Maya Peters
Noah Peters
Margaret Peters
Paige Peterson
Indigo Philippe
Mia Pierce
Isabella Pimentel
Madison Pisano
William Plesscher
Alex Plesscher
Madelyn Portenga
Bea Putman

Q

Suha Qashou
Matthew Quirk

R

Elizabeth Rachiele
Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci
Leah Ramirez
Sara Reathaford
Emily Reece
Liam Regan
Lissette Reynoso
Maxwell Rhames
Claire Rhames
Cody Rigley
Sheldon Riley
Narelle Robles
Jocelyn Rodriguez
Ash Rodriguez
Olivia Roncone
Amelia Rooks
Luke Rop
Brigid Roth
Elizabeth Rottenberk
Oliver Rubin
Nathaniel Rulich
Elliot Russell

S

Sophia Sajan
Richard Sakurai-Kearns
Abigail Samson
Ryan Sanborn
Leslie Santos
Olivia Schleede
Sophia Schlotterer
D.J. Schneider
Annika Schnell
Cyanne Schuitema
Arden Schultz
Ava Schwachter
Amalia Scorsone
Keven Sedano Ordonez
Jacinda Servantes
Alison Settles
Brendon Shaffer
Morgan Shearer
Tillie Sheldon
Riley Shoemaker
Cassidy Short
Clara Siefke
Mo Silcott
Zachary Simmons
Colby Skinner
Dawson Skupin
Maja Smith
Grace Snyder
Anoushka Soares
Allison Sokacz
Harry Spark
Jonah Spates
Ella Spooner
Sophia Sprick
Florian Stackow
Marlee Standke
Adam Stapleton
Joseph Stein
Taylor Stephens
Molly Stevison
Helen Stoy
Donovan Streeter
Abbygale Stump
Drake Suggs
Hannah Summerfield
Kaleb Sydloski
Brandon Sysol

T

Madison Talarico
Levi Thomas
William Thomas
Minh Thu Le
Jayden Thurmond-Oliver
Emily Tiihonen
William Tocco
Jose Torres-Rios
Phoebe Tozer
Vincent Tran
Vincent Tremonti
Danielle Treyger
Frances Trimble
Maria Tripodis
Joshua Troxler
May Tun

U

Zachary Ufkes
Hannah Ulanoski

V

Tony Vaisanen
Anthony Valade
Lucy Vandemark
Hannah Vander Lugt
Cameron VanGalder
Cate VanSchaik
Laila Vincent
Madison Vrba
Jessalyn Vrieland

W

Kaytin Waddell
Ava Wagle
Ipsa Wagle
Annslee Ware
Charles Wester
Jack Wheeler
Benjamin Whitsett
Jay Wholihan
Alicia Wilgoren
Hannah Willit
Siona Wilson
Zoe Wilson
Reagan Woods
Maximilian Wright
Emma Wrobleski

Y

Yan Yazhuo

Z

Jacob Zeller
Sofia Zeller
Maggie Zhu
Rebecca Zoetewey
Margaret Zorn
Lee Zwart

Report Shows K Among National Leaders in Study Abroad

Posted on December 4, 2023January 10, 2024

An annual report released last month from the Institute of International Education (IIE) shows that Kalamazoo College remains among the top higher-education institutions in the country for study abroad opportunities thanks to student participation.

The Open Doors Report surveys more than 2,000 institutions including doctoral universities, master’s colleges and universities, baccalaureate colleges, associate’s colleges and special-focus institutions, and ranks K 18^th among baccalaureate colleges for having 233 students abroad in 2021-22. The College is also ninth among baccalaureate institutions across the country for the percent of undergraduates who went to international sites in the same year.

K students choose from 58 study abroad programs of varying lengths and emphases in 29 countries on six continents over three, six or nine months. The ventures allow students to challenge their assumptions about themselves and other cultures in a rigorous experiential education environment.

“It’s thrilling to see the College’s strong study abroad placement in the Open Doors Report as it reflects the strengths of our global programs, our commitment to international immersion, and our dedication to worldwide partnerships,” Center for International Programs Executive Director Margaret Wiedenhoeft said. “This is a solid showing, especially considering that programs in the period analyzed were still affected by COVID-19 travel restrictions. We’re proud that our faculty and staff remain resolute in continuing our long-valued tradition of ensuring overseas experiences for our students.”

Kalamazoo College study abroad students outside a school in Spain — Kalamazoo College students on study abroad pose outside the main building at the Universidad de Extremadura in Caceras, Spain. Photo by Resident Director Victoria Pineda.

IIE shares the Open Doors Report yearly through the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The organization, founded in 1919, is a private, not-for-profit leader in the global exchange of people and ideas as it creates programs of study and training for students, educators and professionals from all sectors in collaboration with governments, foundations and other sponsors. Those programs include the Fulbright Program and Gilman Scholarships administered for the Department of State.

For more information on this report, visit the study abroad section of the Open Doors website.

K Honors First-Generation Students, Graduates

Posted on November 8, 2023November 8, 2023

National First-Generation Day celebrates students, faculty and staff around the country who are the first in their family to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree. November 8 was identified as the date because it honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded college opportunities for low-income and first-generation populations.

Championed by the Council for Opportunity in Education (COE) and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA) Center for First-Generation Student Success, the day brings awareness to the strengths of first-generation students. At Kalamazoo College, we seek to affirm those strengths and the assets they bring to us by supporting, elevating and increasing their visibility on campus.

Here are a few stories of our students and staff. We asked them about their involvement and activities, why they chose K and their advice for other first-generation students.

Lizbeth Blas-Rangel ’24

Involvement and activities: During my time at Kalamazoo College, I have actively engaged and volunteered in several initiatives on campus and within the local community. I am currently a part of GEMS (Girls Empowered and Motivated to Succeed), an impactful mentorship program that mentors newcomers and refugees. I’ve volunteered in ESL classes at Milwood School and volunteered at Read and Write Kalamazoo (RAWK). I’ve also dedicated my time to the County ID program, providing essential identification services to residents of Kalamazoo.

Why I chose K: I chose to attend Kalamazoo College because of its open curriculum and small environment. The open curriculum has allowed me to explore a variety of classes and truly find what I am passionate about. Also, having small classes has allowed me to directly engage and connect with my professors and classmates, which has fostered a deeper understanding.

My advice to other first-generation students: Embrace your uniqueness; your background is a strength! Never be afraid to ask questions and seek help. Remember, you belong here!

First-generation student Lizbeth Blas-Rangel — Lizbeth Blas-Rangel ’24

Finn Brent ’24

Involvement and activities: During my time at K, I have been involved in Ultimate Frisbee, the soccer team and the Aspiring Law Student Organization at different points throughout. I have done two community building internships that were offered through the Center for Civic Engagement.

Why I chose K: I chose to attend K because I liked the idea of attending a smaller school that prioritized academic success, and to make use of the Kalamazoo Promise, which I am a beneficiary of after attending Kalamazoo Public Schools.

My advice to other first-generation students: My advice would be to seek resources to be prepared to become accustomed to the differences between high school and college because it can be a big change with limited prior knowledge and there are plenty of resources available.

Portrait of first-generation student Finn Brent — Finn Brent ’24

Yaire Cisneros Tovar ’26

Involvement and activities: I’m involved with the Latinx Student Organization, Sukuma Dow, and I occasionally volunteer at El Sol Elementary.

Why I chose K: I chose to attend Kalamazoo College because of the school’s flexible curriculum which allows me to explore different interests in majors and minors.

My advice to other first-generation students: My advice to first-generation students is not to be afraid to ask for help. Finding resources in college can seem overwhelming but they are there for a reason and can help open doors to opportunities.

First-generation student Yaire Cisneros Tovar — Yaire Cisneros Tovar ’26

Samantha Cuevas-Ramos ’26

Involvement and activities: Some student organizations that I’m involved in are WOCA ((Womxn of Color Alliance), QTPOCC (Queer and Trans People of Color Collective) and LSO (Latinx Student Organization). Currently, I’m an FYE (First-Year Experience) mentor and it has been amazing, I really got to connect with a lot of first-years who are also first-generation. I think it’s important for them to have someone who they can relate to and go to when they need help or just to talk. In my first year, I volunteered at EL Concilio as a tutor for elementary school students, and because of this, it drove me to become a CAPS tutor for the CCE. I hope for the winter term of my sophomore year I can go back to volunteering at EL Concilio.

Why I chose K: When doing my college search during my senior year of high school, I was nominated for the POSSE scholarship. Although I didn’t get chosen, I fell in love with Kalamazoo College, and when I got in, I was so happy, so I decided to accept my offer. But I do have to say it was also because of the financial aid offer they had given me. To this day, I don’t regret coming to K.

My advice to other first-generation students: Put yourself out there. I’m typically a shy timid person but after taking a few steps out of my comfort zone I was really able to achieve a lot of things. A few things that I learned were to ask for help, I realized that if I didn’t reach out for help, I wasn’t going to be able to succeed in my classes. K has a lot of resources, like the writing center it’s an amazing place to go if you’re struggling in writing your paper for a class, the learning support center will help you get organized they also provide amazing studying tips, and your professors I mean they are here to help you to succeed in their class.

Portrait of first-generation student Samantha Cuevas-Ramos — Samantha Cuevas-Ramos ’26

Abigail Gutierrez ’25

Involvement and activities: I’m a director in an acapella group on campus called ACAPOC (A Cappella People of Color). I have participated in the group since my first year on campus! I also am involved in The Cavern on campus where I am a student intern who works to create events on campus to bring the community together and I facilitate the Wednesday therapy dog visits in the cavern. I also am a mentor to first year students and I work to make their orientation and adjustment to campus as smooth as possible and make sure they know they are welcomed and cared for.

Why I chose K: Due to the incredible amount of financial aid the college was able to offer me, I knew that I would be able to come to college here. I also did lots of research on what the campus community was like and read that lots of professors knew their students by name. I knew that I would love to join a campus that was student run in many aspects as well.

My advice to other first-generation students: My advice is that no matter how much you miss home, it pays to stick it out and do something like attending college that has a chance of giving you better opportunities for your future. Also, when you get here, you will find that there are many people all around to support you, so reach out and know that you can always find someone who is on your team and wants you to succeed!

Maxine Horton ’17

Involvements and activities: I was involved with the Classics Club, volunteered at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art and I attended many of the events that were hosted on campus with my older sister, Hunter Brown ’16. However, I was busy working part-time for the Athletics Department and Facilities Management. Additionally, I was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta; attended a Fulbright Commission, Durham University Summer Institute 2014; and went on study abroad to Rome in the American University of Rome program fall-winter 2015.

Why I chose K: I chose to attend K because of the opportunities to study abroad and the flexibility of the K-Plan, which allowed me to be hyper-focused on my studies in art history, history and classical studies. K provided me with the experiences and opportunities to uncover knowledge, get to know my professors on a one-to-one basis, and grow into a confident young adult.

My advice to other first-generation students: Kalamazoo College has the resources and the capability to take you wherever you want to go if you only ask. Although this experience was new to me, it was also new to my family, and while there were many learning curves along the way, the folks here at K were willing to help navigate me through it all.

Maxine Horton in front of mountains — Maxine Horton ’17

Grace Leahey ’25

Involvement and activities: On campus, I am involved with student development as a First-Year Experience mentor, Hillel at K and the Biochemistry Club as the vice chair.

Why I chose K: I chose Kalamazoo College because I really wanted the opportunity to foster connections with my professors and peers in a way I knew wouldn’t be available at a larger university. I also enjoyed the smaller campus size and the ability to start working on my degree without having to take general classes first.

My advice to other first-generation students: I would advise any first-gen students to always ask questions. There are so many resources just waiting to be tapped into and all it takes to gain access is to ask. Sometimes it’s hard to ask for help, but K has taught me that there will always be someone to help. The faculty and staff here really do want everyone to succeed.

Elizabeth Rottenberk ’24

Involvements and activities: On campus, I am on the softball team as one of the team captains, I am a math consultant at the Math and Physics Center, I am a First-Year Experience mentor, president and co-founder of Hacky Sack Club, and I am one of the chair members of the Monte Carlo planning committee.

Why I chose K: I was eager to go to Kalamazoo College because it is academically competitive and I was offered to play for their softball team. What really got me to choose K is the small class sizes and the opportunity to explore different classes which led me to my math–English double major.

My advice to other first-generation students: As someone who has proven themselves amazingly by getting into a great college, do not feel like you need to keep proving yourself and go through your classes alone. Go seek help from others by collaborating with those in your class, going to office hours, going to helpful centers like the Math and Physics Center, Collaboration Center and more.

Lizzy Rottenberk Abroad — Elizabeth Rottenberk ’24

Sydney Salgado ’24

Involvements and activities: I am the upperclassmen co-president of our Latinx Student Organization. I am also a campus ambassador for my high school’s Schuler Scholar Program and the Departmental Student Advisor for the Spanish department. Additionally, I am very active in other student organizations like Students for Justice in Palestine, the Arab Student Union and Que Chevre. I have been blessed to be a part of all these organizations and opportunities and I am grateful for the students on campus who attend and organize collaborative and meaningful events.

Why I chose K: I decided to attend Kalamazoo College because K awarded me the most financial aid out of all the liberal art schools I applied to. I come from two hard-working immigrant parents, who have supported me in everything I do, so it was my goal to choose a college where they would not have to constantly worry about finding the means to help pay for my tuition.

My advice to other first-generation students: Take up your space! Share your thoughts in classrooms, with professors and with other students/friends/acquaintances. Your voice and your words matter, and they make a difference. Branch out! Go to club meetings or events your college hosts, even if you go by yourself. I promise you will meet some really cool people by doing this!

Honors Day Celebrates Student Achievements

Posted on November 3, 2023September 17, 2024

More than 300 students were recognized Friday during the annual Honors Day Convocation for excellence in academics and leadership. Students were recognized in six divisions: Fine Arts, Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures, Humanities, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Physical Education. Recipients of prestigious scholarships were recognized, as were members of national honor societies and students who received special Kalamazoo College awards. Student athletes and teams who won Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association awards also were honored. The students receiving Honors Day awards or recognition are listed below.

Fine Arts Division

Brian Gougeon Prize in Art

Kennedy Campbell
James Hauke
Ix-Chel James
Morgan Jenkins
Eliana Moreno
Sophia Sprick

The Margaret Upton Prize in Music

Tyrus Parnell

Cooper Award
Max Joos

Sherwood Prize
Addison Peter

Theatre Arts First-Year Student Award

Isaiah Calderon
Helen Stoy
Max Wright

Division of Modern and Classical Languages

LeGrand Copley Prize in French

Eleanor Bernas
Shruti Debburman

Hardy Fuchs Award

Henry Black
Elizabeth Muenzenmaier
Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier

Margo Light Award

Noah Chun

Department of Spanish Language and Literatures Prize

Claire Kischer
Gabriel Olivier

Clara H. Buckley Prize for Excellence in Latin

Nick Wilson

Provost’s Prize in Classics

Rebecca Elias

Classics Department Prize in Greek

Nick Wilson

Humanities Division

O.M. Allen Prize in English

Madeline Moss

John B. Wickstrom Prize in History

Laryn Kuchta
Hollis Masterson

Department of Philosophy Prize

Anna Budnick
Nik Krupka
Madeline Lawson
Lina Moghrabi

L.J. and Eva (“Gibbie”) Hemmes Memorial Prize in Philosophy

Noah Chun
Adam Cornier-Bridgeforth

Natural Sciences and Mathematics Division

Winifred Peake Jones Prize in Biology

Michaela Dillbeck

Department of Chemistry Prize

Trustin Christopher
Kendra Guitar
Emma Newlove

First-Year Chemistry Award

CJ Aldred
Devi DeYoung
William Tocco

Lemuel F. Smith Award

Roman Ramos

Computer Science Prize

Zahra Amini
Zoie Banger
Narelle Robles
Minh Thu Le

First-Year Mathematics Award

Eva Clancy

Thomas O. Walton Prize in Mathematics

Joseph Horsfield
Tristan Uphoff

Cooper Prize in Physics

Eva Clancy
William Tocco

Social Sciences Division

Departmental Prize in Anthropology and Sociology

Jaylen Bowles-Swain
Isaiah Calderon
Dillon Gacki
Vrinda Girdhar
Gloria Jackson

William G. Howard Memorial Prize

Andreas Fathalla
Lukas Hultberg
Blagoja Naskovski
Sydney Pickell

C. Wallace Lawrence Prize in Business

Gavin Houtkooper
Jonah Spates

C. Wallace Lawrence Prize in Economics

Ethan DeNeen
Cole Koryto
Meganne Skoug

Irene and S. Kyle Morris Prize

Maya Alkema
Lucas Hanifan
Alek Hultberg
Vinh Nguyen
Sasha Olsen

Department of Psychology First-Year Student Prize

Brigid Roth

Physical Education Division

Division of Physical Education Prize

Ryar Rinehart
Ella Spooner

Lauren Rosenthal ’13 Memorial Prize

Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci

Maggie Wardle Prize

Jordan Doyle

College Awards

Gordon Beaumont Memorial Award

Anum Khan
Rojina Timsina
Jordyn Wilson

Henry and Inez Brown Prize

Madison Barch
Brynna Garden
Rylie Kipfmueller
Brett Manski

Virginia Hinkelman Memorial Award

Ana Ramirez

Davis United World College Scholar

Randa Alnaas
Asha Dawson
Millie Williams

Heyl Scholars

Class of 2027

Abigail Eilertson
Ava Schwachter
Pauline Hawkes
Anthony Valade
Jason Krawczyk
Benjamin Whitsett

Posse Scholars

Class of 2027

Estrella Barcenas
Marcos Perez
Lena Barrett
Ashley Rodriguez
Mary-Ava Gonzalez
Mo Silcott
Tyler Herrejon
Kennedy West
Gerardo Herrera-Sanchez
Alicia Wilgoren

National Merit Scholars

Class of 2027

Annalisa Bauer
Benjamin Whitsett

Voynovich Scholars

Beren Akpinar
Nico Lipton

Alpha Lambda Delta

Class of 2026

Alpha Lambda Delta is a national honor society that recognizes excellence in academic achievement during the first college year. To be eligible for membership, students must earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5 and be in the top 20 percent of their class during the first year. The Kalamazoo College chapter was installed on March 5, 1942.

Maya Alkema
Baylor Baldwin
Evan Barker
Yvette Boyse-Peacor
Avery Brockington
Eleanor Campion
Trustin Christopher
Noah Chun
Kai Clingenpeel
Shruti Debburman
Devi DeYoung
Michaela Dillbeck
Jordan Doyle
Sally Eggleston
Elise Elliot
Caleb Ewald
Vrinda Girdhar
Kendra Guitar
Sophie Hartl
James Hauke
Annika Hokanson
Alek Hultberg
Cloe Johnson
Jessica Kaplan
Emilia Kelly
Laryn Kuchta
William Martel
Hollis Masterson
Virginia Matta
Kira McManus
Brittany Miller
Lorelei Moxon
Elizabeth Muenzenmaier
Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier
Robert Newland
Emma Newlove
Theodore Niemann
Gabriel Olivier
Chelsea Paddock
Mia Pellegrini
Mia Pierce
William Plesscher
Bea Putman
Alyson Ramillano
Anoushka Soares
Ella Spooner
Molly Stevison
Abbygale Stump
Minh Thu
Le William Tocco
Hannah Ulanoski
Zoe Wilson
Reagan Woods
Maximilian Wright
Kathryn Zabaldo

Enlightened Leadership Awards

Performing Arts: Music

Emily Auchter
Josephine Bischoff
Axel Bodeux
Hillary Davis
Maansi Deswal
Isaac Duncan
Evelyn Ellerbrock
Owen Ellis
Maira Ghaffar
Rex Jasper
Ryleigh Jaworski
Dong Eun Kim
Annabelle Krygier
Nicholas Laframboise
Rylee Lambert
Elijah Layne
Alex Lloyd
Isabelle Mason
Cedric May
Raven Medina
Estelle Metz
Ella Myers
Amelie Sack
Tobin Schiller
Max Shawhan
Phoebe Tozer
Sebastian Vargas-Beltran

MIAA Awards

These teams earned the 2022-2023 MIAA Team GPA Award for achieving a 3.300 or better grade point average for the entire academic year:

Baseball
Men’s Cross Country
Men’s Golf
Men’s Lacrosse
Men’s Swimming and Diving
Men’s Tennis
Women’s Basketball
Women’s Cross Country
Women’s Lacrosse
Women’s Soccer
Women’s Softball
Women’s Swimming and Diving
Women’s Tennis
Women’s Volleyball

MIAA Academic Honor Roll

The Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association each year honors students at MIAA member colleges who achieve in the classroom and in athletic competition. Students need to be a letter winner in a varsity sport and maintain at least a 3.5 grade point average for the entire school year.

Fuzail Ahmed
Maya Alkema
Adnan Alousi
Paige Anderson
Eleanor Andrews
Samuel Ankley
Alexandra Armin
Aidan Baas
Madison Barch
Travis Barclay
Eleanor Bernas
Luke Bormann
Mairin Boshoven
Jaylen Bowles-Swain
Holly Bowling
Ella Boyea
Lukas Broadsword
Anna Buck
John Bungart
Ian Burr
Abigail Caza
Isabella Caza
Trustin Christopher
Madeleine Coffman
Zachary Connor
Mia Crites
Chase Cummins
Emma Curcuru
Erik Danielson
Jessica Dant
Claire Davis
Kyla Davis
Carson Deines
Ethan DeNeen
Sarah Densham
Olivia Depauli
Rorie Dougherty
Jordan Doyle
Ryan Drew
Alexander Dubin
Hannah Durant
Rebecca Elias
Elise Elliot
Sara English
Caleb Ewald
Peter Fitzgerald
Payton Fleming
Parker Foster
Andre Fouque
Emma Frederiksen
Aliza Garcia
Brynna Garden
Farah Ghazal
Lillian Grelak
Natalie Gross
Kendra Guitar
Sydney Hagaman
Ryan Hanifan
Alison Hankins
Madeline Hanulcik
Lucy Hart
Sophie Hartl
Zachary Heimbuch
Maya Hester
Jacob Hoffman
Garrick Hohm
Ronin Honda
Jaelyn Horn
Joseph Horsfield
Molly Horton
Tyler Houle
Gavin Houtkooper
Samuel Hughes
Alek Hultberg
Lukas Hultberg
Michael Hume
Madelaine Hurley
Carson Ihrke
Tristan James
Jonathan Jiang
Timothy Karubas
Blake Kelsey
Hunter Kiesling
Meghan Killmaster
Soussana Kimbouris
Kendyl Kirshman
Alexander Kish
Lena Klemm
Daniel Koselka
Toni Koshmider
Marissa Kovac
Aidan Lancaster
Louis Landreau
Annmarie Lawrence
Ilem Leisher
Jacob Lynett
Natalie Maki
Benjamin Maurice
Regan McKee
Amy McNutt
Rachel Meston
Gabriel Meyers
Luke Middlebrook
Brittany Miller
Cooper Mills
Camille Misra
Elana Mitchell
Jana Molby
Mackenzie Moore
Samantha Moss
Elizabeth Muenzenmaier
Mary Ellen Muenzenmaier
Anna Murphy
Lindsey Nedd
Justin Negrete
Alexis Nesbitt
Robert Newland
Emma Newlove
Dustin Noble
Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft
Gabriel Olivier
Brenden Oprinski
Eric Paternoster
Alexis Petty
Sydney Pickell
Benjamin Pickrel
William Plesscher
Harrison Poeszat
Evan Pollens-Voigt
Grayson Pratt
Andrew Puckett
Elizabeth Rachiele
Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci
Julia Rambo
Sara Reathaford
Liam Regan
Keegan Reynolds
Mya Richter
Sheldon Riley
Jacob Robertson
Katherine Rock
Luke Rop
Alec Rosenbaum
Eli Routt
Charlotte Ruiter
Maxwell Saxton
Leo Schinker
Vivian Schmidt
Annika Schnell
Amalia Scorsone
Steven Shelton
Cassidy Short
Elizabeth Silber
Colby Skinner
Erin Somsel
Jonah Spates
Ella Spooner
David Stechow
Molly Stevison
Emma Stickley
Thomas Sylvester
Ella Szczublewski
Levi Thomas
William Thomas
Sophia Timm-Blow
Renee Torres
Jakob Torzewski
Frances Trimble
Oliver Tye
Alexis Valdes
Samantha Vande Pol
Hannah Vander Lugt
Cameron VanGalder
Mitchel VanGalder
Anna Varitek
Gabriel Vidinas
Joseph Wade
Ivy Walker
Riley Weber
Margaret Wedge
Dylan Wickey
Andrew Widger
Ava Williams
Tony Yazbeck
Hailey Yoder
Jacob Zeller
Sophie Zhuang
Margaret Zorn

A students shakes hands with faculty while receiving an award on Honors Day 2023

A student receives an award while shaking hands with a faculty member on Honors Day 2023

Honors Day 2023 attendees applaud a student recognized as a Posse Scholar

A student walks down an aisle at Stetson Chapel to receive her award on Honors Day 2023

A student receives applause while being recognized as a Heyl Scholar during Honors Day 2023

Student’s Seminar Used Fashion to Spotlight Northern Michigan History

Posted on October 23, 2023November 8, 2023

The "A Century of Fashion" at the Little Traverse Historical Society — Claire Mullins ’26 will offered a Zoom about her exhibit, “A Century of Fashion.”

Historical dress on display in fashion exhibit at Little Traverse Historical Society

Online Presentation

Claire Mullins ’26 worked as an intern with the Little Traverse Historical Museum this summer, researching and installing the display “A Century of Fashion.” Claire’s online presentation on October 26 discussed her work via Zoom.

Kalamazoo College student Claire Mullins ’26 told a Zoom audience about her summer internship while sharing her research on the history of northern Michigan fashion on Thursday, October 26.

During the online event, sponsored by North Central Michigan College, Mullins detailed an exhibit of her creation titled A Century of Fashion, which is now on display at the Little Traverse Historical Society in Petoskey. The exhibit includes about 10 dresses that were donated to the society’s museum over the years along with educational storyboards she drafted while working with a clothing and costume historian. Her presentation went over each time period the dresses are from, what they’re made of, and why they would be worn.

“I want to work for a big museum or on archeological digs one day, so I’m hoping a presentation like this can show I have museum experience and that I already know how to use some museum software while putting on a display like this,” Mullins said. “I also hope the presentation will not only lead to awareness of the Little Traverse Historical Society, but maybe lead to some visits and draw some donations.”

Mullins, a classics major, said she developed a passion for fashion when she visited the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., and saw the dresses that First Ladies have worn over the years. However, she wasn’t necessarily thinking about fashion when she sought an internship through Handshake, the College’s platform for jobs and internships. She was more concerned about finding an opportunity close to her Lewiston, Michigan, home, leading her to the Little Traverse Historical Society. There, Mullins interviewed with Executive Director Jane Garver, whose daughter, Grace, graduated from K this year.

Black Harvey Berin dress reflects women's fashion from 1953 — Mullins found this 1953 Harvey Berin dress valued at more than $4,000 in a storage area at the Little Traverse Historical Society.

Claire Mullins dressed in personal protective equipment — Mullins dressed in personal protective equipment to explore an old storage area and found one of the key additions to her exhibit, “A Century of Fashion.”

Olive green dress reflects women's fashion from the 1880s — An olive green dress that dates to the 1880s is among several historical dresses on dislay at the Little Traverse Historical Society in Petosky.

Harvey Berin tag from dress in fashion exhibit — Mullins uncovered a Harvey Berin dress valued at more than $4,000 during her internship.

“Our K connection helped in the interview, but I told her I was interested in history and that I wanted to specifically work at a museum,” Mullins said. “It went really well, we talked about K a lot, and when she called me back, she told me I got the job.”

Mullins started the internship by archiving some of the historical society’s collections in an online database until Garver mentioned that most of her interns undertake a project of their own choosing. About that time, Mullins visited her employer’s storage unit, where she found racks upon racks of clothing, dresses in particular.

With changing membership and management, along with a flooded old house that formerly served as a storage area, most of the items were undocumented, so Mullins took it upon herself to catalog as much as possible while arranging an on-display exhibit.

To secure her full exhibit, Mullins even went as far as donning personal protective equipment (PPE) to sift through a crawlspace once used for storage that contractors had haphazardly filled with spray insulation. That search—despite a frightening experience involving a mannequin arm suddenly appearing from under the insulation—proved to be fruitful: She found a 1953 Harvey Berin couture dress, custom made by hand in New York City and valued at more than $4,000.

“It wasn’t in our online database, which was the only way we could figure out where a lot of this stuff came from,” Mullins said. “Much of it was donated in the 90s and it wasn’t put in the computer system correctly. A lot of times, the person whose name was on it wasn’t even the person who donated it, so I’m also hoping that the presentation might lead someone to say, ‘My gosh, I remember my grandma wearing that dress,’ or ‘I think my mother wore that one time,”’so we can include that.”