All of the students from the spring 2024 advanced intermediate Japanese language class at Kalamazoo College received certificates noting their functional abilities in Japanese from the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. Pictured are Zoe Klowden ’25 (front row, from left) Olivia Wolfe ’24, Joshua Kim ’25 and Shannon Abbott ’24. In the back row (from left) are Associate Professor Noriko Sugimori, Assistant Professor Brian White, Noah Chukwuma ’25, Victor Guerra Lopez ’24, Tristan Uphoff ’25 and Richard Sakurai-Kearns ’24.
Christopher Van Alstine ’24 participated in the Michigan Japanese Speech Contest in Ann Arbor in February. Pictured from left are Shannon Abbott ’24, Assistant Professor of Japanese Brian White, Van Alstine, Associate Professor of Japanese Noriko Sugimori and Zoe Klowden ’25.
The Department of East Asian Studies is celebrating two significant achievements by its students in the 2023–24 academic year.
First, the entire advanced intermediate Japanese language class, led by Kalamazoo College Associate Professor of Japanese Noriko Sugimori, was certified at the Functional Level—with the Global Seal of Biliteracy in English and Japanese—by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.
The certification for Tyler Houle ’25, Zoe Klowden ’25, Olivia Wolfe ’24, Joshua Kim ’25, Shannon Abbott ’24, Noah Chukwuma ’25, Victor Guerra Lopez ’24, Tristan Uphoff ’25 and Richard Sakurai-Kearns ’24 provides a confirmation of their ability to speak, write, read and listen in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non-rehearsed context.
Houle, who plays football at K, achieved his certification before becoming the first student from K to participate in the Nagasaki, Japan, study abroad program this spring. Houle is eager to share his pioneering experiences as the Japanese department student advisor this fall.
Also, Christopher Van Alstine ’24 participated in the Michigan Japanese Speech Contest in Ann Arbor in February, where he presented an essay detailing the heartwarming friendship he developed with the owner of a ramen restaurant where he worked as a part-timer during his study abroad in Kyoto.
The prestigious contest, organized by Detroit’s Consulate General of Japan, features higher-education students from around the state who present their own work in front of three judges and an audience.
“I am happy that our students were able to enjoy the fruits of their labor and can now display their Japanese qualifications to future employers,” Sugimori said.
Congratulations to all the students for their impressive achievements.
Tyler Houle ’25 was among the advanced intermediate students who received certification for his abilities with the Japanese language. Later, he became the first student from K to participate in the Nagasaki, Japan, study abroad program.
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Starting Wednesday, opportunity will be spelled with a K for a local theatre company and several students at Kalamazoo College. That’s because K’s Festival Playhouse and Farmers Alley Theatre are joining forces for nine performances of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at the Nelda K. Balch Playhouse, 129 Thompson St.
The partnership is uniting K students with professional Actors’ Equity Association performers and stage workers who will present what Megan J. Herbst ’25 describes as a laugh-out-loud, super witty and heart-touching comedy about six socially outcast tweens.
“The characters are trying to figure out their own personalities, they’re all competitive and they all love to spell,” said Herbst, who is working in a paid position as an associate assistant stage manager for the show. “There are a few additional supporting characters, but it’s a story of kids coming together and creating bonds between them. It’s easy to connect with so many elements of each character’s story. Even though they’re weird, you will find a soft spot for every one of them. We’ve had test audiences and every person who’s come to see it so far has loved it.”
Herbst is a theatre and psychology double major and religion minor, who pursued acting from sixth grade through high school. When she arrived at K, she wanted to try something new within the theatre world. Since then, Herbst has served as a stage manager, assistant stage manager, scenic designer, fight captain, assistant costumer designer, performer and more for 11 shows with Festival Playhouse. Some of her favorites include Othello; Next to Normal;On the Exhale, a senior integrated project by Brooklyn Moore ‘24; and Be More Chill.
Herbst said her work—and that of several other K students—with Spelling Bee started nearly immediately after Be More Chill, the last Festival Playhouse production of the 2023–24 academic season, ended. That meant a rigorous schedule that included end-of-term academic work and preparing for finals in addition to the challenges of working on a musical, but every experience in working alongside Farmers Alley representatives has been valuable.
“So many college students have summer jobs and I’m grateful that mine is something I’m passionate about,” Herbst said. “It’s a privilege to get to work on my craft because sometimes these opportunities can be far and few in between. I get to do what I love every day, so I’m fortunate that this is not only a paid opportunity, but an opportunity that exists at all.
“The characters are trying to figure out their own personalities, they’re all competitive and they all love to spell,” said Megan J. Herbst ’25, who is one of the students working on “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
“Spelling Bee” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12–Saturday, June 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20–Saturday, June 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23. Tickets are available online. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
The partnership between the Festival Playhouse and Farmers Alley Theatre is uniting K students with professional Actors’ Equity Association performers and stage workers who will present what Herbst describes as a laugh-out-loud, super witty and heart-touching comedy. Photo by Klose2uPhotography.
With “Spelling Bee,” Farmers Alley Theatre Executive Director Robert Weiner is directing a company production for the first time since “Avenue Q” in 2019. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
Weiner says an equity theatre experience is valuable for students to learn from as it follows a set of guidelines from the union that students need to be aware of if they ever work for a professional theatre. Photo by Klose2UPhotography.
“We hire talented artists from all over the country, even directors and actors who have worked on Broadway. To have the ability to watch and learn from these established veterans of the theatre scene is invaluable, not to mention the talented artists we hire locally,” Weiner said of the opportunity for K students. Photo by Klose2uPhotography.
“What people don’t understand about stage management is that there is somebody verbally making everything happen,” she added. “There’s somebody saying, ‘Lights down, go. Fog machine, go.’ Everything is controlled by multiple people. But what’s important about our job is that people don’t notice us. Stage management and all of the backstage crew are responsible for making things run as smoothly as possible, so the audience has a truly immersive and magical experience. If you see a truly great show and don’t catch any issues, then it’s either because we did our job well or caught any mistakes before you could. There’s as much talent offstage of any show as there is on stage.”
Robert Weiner, a founder and executive director of Farmers Alley, says an equity theatre experience is valuable for students to learn from as it follows a set of guidelines from the union that students need to be aware of if they ever work for a professional theatre.
“We hire talented artists from all over the country, even directors and actors who have worked on Broadway,” Weiner said. “To have the ability to watch and learn from these established veterans of the theatre scene is invaluable, not to mention the talented artists we hire locally.”
With Spelling Bee, Weiner is directing a company production for the first time since Avenue Q in 2019.
“Because of audience participation—we invite four members of the audience for each show to ‘compete’ alongside our spellers in the bee—every show has a new feeling where anything could happen,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate during the rehearsal process to have some K students volunteer their time to be guest spellers and they’ve had fun participating. Also, this is the best sounding group of singers I’ve ever heard in a production of Spelling Bee. There are a couple of numbers like Pandemonium or The I Love You Song that are very challenging, and these performers absolutely crush it every single time. The show is like a warm hug that will have you leaving the theatre in a good mood. I really hope K students take advantage of our student and rush tickets. It’s a guaranteed fun evening!”
Weiner previously directed Farmers Alley productions such as [title of show], The Toxic Avenger, Fully Committed, All in the Timing and A Grand Night for Singing. However, he is eager for the experience of bringing productions like Spelling Bee—and School of Rock later this summer—to a larger venue.
“We are so grateful to be performing at the Festival Playhouse all summer with Spelling Bee and School of Rock,” Weiner said. “The main draw was the added stage space and audience capacity. School of Rock features 30 performers, including 15 students aged 11–16, and our small, intimate space downtown just wouldn’t be viable for a show of that magnitude. There are lots of challenges producing a show not in our space, including set building and load-in off site and all the intricacies of this unique space to adjust to. Thankfully, Professor of Theatre Lanny Potts and the entire K staff have been so welcoming and the whole process has been a win-win.
“One thing I’ve noticed about K students is how kind and accepting they are,” he added. “Theatre attracts individuals of all kinds. We want to make Farmers Alley Theatre a space for all, and from my purview, it looks like K does the same. They’re smart, hard-working and willing to adapt and problem solve while keeping a positive attitude.”
If Herbst and Weiner have piqued your interest, performances of Spelling Bee are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12–Saturday, June 15; 2 p.m. Sunday, June 16; 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20–Saturday, June 22; and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 23. The performance Sunday, June 16, includes American Sign Language interpretation. Tickets are available online.
“Why should you see it? This show is flat-out fun,” Weiner said. “There are catchy songs with clever lyrics, quirky characters, lots of laughs and a fair amount of heart. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes long. It really is a perfect little evening of summer entertainment.”
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.
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.
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.
“Motherboard Loves You” follows Ether and Nettie as they try to escape an underground dystopia ruled by the mysterious Motherboard.
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.
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 YouTubeCo-directors Davis Henderson ’25 and Lorelei Moxon ’26 expressed great pride in the making of the film.
Co-directors Davis and Moxon credited their team of students for the film’s ultimate success.
“We have created something truly special, and I look forward to what we make in the future,” Davis said of his team’s film.
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.
The Sunflower Film and Music Festival in Paw Paw from Friday, June 14 –Sunday, June 16,
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.
“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.
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.
“I’m incredibly proud of what our team was able to accomplish in just 48 hours,” said Henderson, a co-director.
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 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.
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.
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.”
Writing Consultants Anum Khan ’24 and Sofia Rowland ’24 discuss their work at the Writing Center.
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.
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.”
“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.”
Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College. About 18 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service.
Meet Blake Filkins ’26, a psychology major and Spanish minor from Plainwell, Michigan, through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24. Blake is a student government executive leader, resident assistant, and student assistant at the Office of Student Development. He also is engaged in several college committees such as community council, Advancement, the Black and Orange Awards committee and the Day of Gracious Living committee.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K?
What I cherish most about being a student at K is the close-knit relationships that flourish here. Whether it’s the bonds with professors, staff or fellow students, K fosters a sense of personal connection. Here, you’re valued as an individual rather than just a number, and being recognized and appreciated is truly enriching throughout your college journey. My growth wouldn’t be the same without the unique experience offered by the K-Plan.
Blake Filkins ’26 serves as a President’s Student Ambassador at Kalamazoo College.
Filkins (front row, center) is a student government executive leader, resident assistant, and student assistant at the Office of Student Development.
Filkins (back right) says he highly encourages students interested in joining the President’s Student Ambassador Program to connect with him.
Blake Filkins (right at lectern) introduces President Jorge G. Gonzalez during an event at the Hicks Student Center.
Why did you decide to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
I decided to become a President’s Student Ambassador out of gratitude for my enriching experience at K. My desire to share my journey and successes with alumni and prospective students led me to this role. The program comprises driven individuals with remarkable aspirations. The opportunity to collaborate with them and engage with alumni is such a wonderful opportunity.
What’s your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
I love the opportunity to connect with the President’s staff, alumni and the broader college community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to exchange and hear the remarkable stories that stem from K. At every event, I encounter individuals with unique K experiences who deepen my appreciation for the College and reinforce my gratitude for being part of this community.
What advice do you have for students who may want to join President’s Student Ambassadors some day?
I highly encourage any student interested in joining the President’s Student Ambassador Program to reach out to PSAs, including myself, to learn about our experiences and the connections we’ve made. I also recommend attending college events to gain insight into interacting with alumni and prospective students. A single conversation can lead to a wonderful opportunity.
A total of 24 students known for their invaluable contributions to the Kalamazoo College community were honored Friday, May 3, at the annual Senior Leadership Awards.
The seniors represent talented athletes, outstanding academic performers, members of the President’s Student Ambassadors and student-organization standouts. Here are the honorees:
Shannon Abbott, nominated by Hillary Berry, Library
Shahriar Ahmad Akhavan Tafti, nominated by Kathryn Sederberg, German; and Danette Ifert Johnson, Provost
Darsalam Amir, nominated by Angela Betts, Information Services
Lindsey Baker, nominated by Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry; and Leihua Weng, Chinese
Elizabeth Ballinger, nominated by Liz Candido, Religious and Spiritual Life
Madison Barch, nominated by Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund
Isabel Chiang, nominated by Hunter Magrum, Residential Life
Quinn Collins, nominated by Sara Stockwood, Environmental Stewardship; and Binney Girdler, Biology
Michael Hume, nominated by Diomedes Rabago, Spanish
Madelaine Hurley, nominated by Mark Murphy, Women’s Tennis
Ann Marie Johnston, nominated by Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Ella Kelly, nominated by Rachel Love, Library Learning Centers; and Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Blagoja Naskovski nominated by Andy Brown, College Communications; Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund; and Danette Ifert Johnson, Provost
Alexandra Noel, nominated by Isabela Agosa, Writing Center; and Rick Barth, Assistant Provost
Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft, nominated by Vince Redko, Men’s Lacrosse
Margaret Perry, nominated by Marin Heinritz, English
Ana Ramirez, nominated by Allie VanHeest, Center for Civic Engagement
Ali Randel, nominated by Jeffrey Haus, History and Religion; and Liz Candido, Religious and Spiritual Life
Cesar Soria nominated by Francisco Villegas, Anthropology and Sociology
Ella Szczublewski nominated by Regina Stevens-Truss and Blakely Tresca, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Gabriel Vidinas nominated by Mark Riley, Men’s Tennis
Emmeline Wendel nominated by Laurel Palmer, Kalamazoo College Fund
Jordyn Wilson, nominated by Regina Stevens-Truss and Blakely Tresca, Chemistry and Biochemistry
Olivia Wolfe, nominated by Mark Murphy, Women’s Tennis
A total of 24 Kalamazoo College seniors were honored Friday, May 3, with Senior Leadership Awards. They included Quinn Collins (front row from left), Ana Ramirez, Lindsey Baker, Ella Kelly, Shannon Abbott, Jordyn Wilson and Olivia Wolfe; Darsalam Amir (second row, from left), Ella Szczublewski, Madelaine Hurley and Margaret Perry; Alexandra Noel (third row, from left), Ali Randel, Emmeline Wendel, and Jeremiah Ohren-Hoeft; Michael Hume (fourth row, from left), Blagoja Naskovski, Madison Barch and Isabel Chiang; and Elizabeth Ballinger (top row, left) and Shahriar Ahmad Akhavan Tafti. Not pictured: Ann Marie Johnston, Cesar Soria and Gabriel Vidinas.
Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College.
About 18 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Madison Barch ’24, a biochemistry major from Shelby Township, Michigan,through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
In what on- and off-campus activities do you participate?
On campus, I am a four-year kicker and punter on the football team, a senior intern at Admission, a laboratory teaching assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, I’m involved in a couple of Bible study groups, and of course, I’m a President’s Student Ambassador.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K? Of what moments are you the proudest?
One of my favorite parts of being a student at K is all the relationships I have built with other students, faculty and especially my professors. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry truly feels like a family, and I love every minute of it! I am not one to take too much pride in myself, by one of the moments that my mom is most proud of was my two-point conversion catch at Trine this past fall. It was an amazing moment that I was fortunate to spend with my family, teammates and coaches.
Madison Barch ’24 is a biochemistry major from Shelby Township, Michigan. She serves as a President’s Student Ambassador and has been a kicker and punter on K’s football team.
Barch recognizes the support she receives from family when she discusses her football achievements.
Barch caught a two-point conversion on November 11, representing what are believed to be the first non-kicking points by a woman at any level. Photo by Laura Moat.
Barch completes a kick in a Kalamazoo College football game. Photo by Kimberley Moss.
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
I decided to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador for the opportunity to network with alumni, parents and friends of K. It felt like a great way to better serve K. I have made many connections and have met some really great people who have wonderful stories!
What’s your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
My favorite part of being a PSA is the relationships I have been able to make with alumni, trustees, and even community members.
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?
I recommend that new ambassadors get comfortable with sharing their K story because they will do it quite a bit! Along with that, don’t be afraid to connect. Ask others to network—almost every time they are completely open and willing to help out a fellow Hornet!
