As the fall season flies by, we find ourselves in the midst of another Albion Homecoming. Purple and gold grace the poles on the newly renovated Hannah Street, alumni are making their way back to their collegiate home and a new homecoming court arises to honor the students who have worked hard for their recognition. Each candidate represents a different aspect of Albion, from student athletics to the Ford Institute– and through them we can see the wide academic and social scope of our student leaders.
Katharine Korthase, Boyne City Senior
Major/Campus Activities: I am majoring in Psychology: I am Vice President of Programming for Delta Gamma Sorority and work in the Admission Office as both a tour guide and associate. I am also a First Year Experience Mentor and a member of Order of Omega and Omicron Delta Kappa.
How does it feel to be a part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: I am beyond honored to be a part of homecoming court! I am so happy to be among such fantastic company.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: I love homecoming for so many reasons, but mainly because I get to see all of the Alumnus come back. Seeing how much they love Albion even after graduation makes me incredibly happy to be a student (and a little less nervous to be an alumna). I definitely plan on coming back for homecoming, especially in the years directly following graduation. It will be really exciting to see all of the great changes that are to come.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: Like most great and meaningful experiences I cannot find the words to perfectly encompass it all. My Albion experience would probably be best summed up with an incredibly long list of names of all of the people who have influenced me since I have arrived on campus. That is what I think I have learned the most from Albion; classes, organizations, institutions, it is all nothing without the people who you experience all of these great things. Albion is made up of the most amazing humans I could have ever imagined and have shaped my experiences here.
Phillip Carlisle, Indianapolis, Indiana senior
Lauren Dever, Clarkston Senior
Major/Campus Activities:I’m a history major and a cell and molecular biology minor. I’m the president of my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, and I’m also a member of Phi Epsilon Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Mortar Board.
How does it feel to be a part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: It’s an honor to be a part of the homecoming court and I’m proud to represent my graduating class.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: I’m excited for homecoming and can’t wait to see my friends who are coming back this weekend. I’m also excited because my parents will be here and they’re both Albion alums. Once I’m an alumna, I hope to come back to Albion for homecoming as well.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: My Albion College experience means a great deal to me because it helped me grow as a person. I’ve learned how to be a leader and learned the importance of utilizing the opportunities offered to me. I just can’t believe my time at Albion is coming to an end!
Landon Lefler, Okemos Senior
Major/Campus Activities: I am Majoring in Finance with a Minor in Business & Organizations. I am the Captain of the Swim & Dive team here at Albion, A member of Sigma Nu and a Representative on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee.
How does it feel to be a part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: It is really exciting to be on homecoming court. I never expected to be on court and I am honored to be selected to represent my class.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: I always enjoy homecoming, the atmosphere and excitement on campus is great. I also enjoy seeing all of the returning alumni and hearing about how Albion has changed over the years. I will definitely be returning to Albion for future homecomings to see friends and how Albion will change in the future.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: I have really enjoyed my time here at Albion. I believe it has been the best college experience I could have had. I have learned so much about myself and in all of my classes.
Madeline Drury, Milford Senior
Major/Campus Activities: Alpha Xi Delta, First Year Experience Mentoring, the Ford Institute Council, and On-Campus Event Photographer
How does it feel to be part of the homecoming court?: It feels AMAZING! I’m so proud to represent my graduating class as well as Albion College. I’m so passionate about this place, and I’m genuinely honored
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: Homecoming is so exciting! I love the buzz and overall energy on famous that surrounds returning friends. I will absolutely be returning! They won’t be able to get rid of me!
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: I wish I could adequately explain how incredible my Albion College experience has been. It has genuinely been the perfect balance of challenge, growth, and excitement. In short, I’ve learned who I am, what’s important to me, and a deep passion for my studies in sociology. Albion College is my home.
Christian Schubert, Chesaning Senior
Major/Campus Activities: Gerstacker Business & Organizations and Psychology Double major. I am involved with Sigma Nu Fraternity, Omicron Delta Kappa, Order of Omega, Gerstacker Institute and Ford Institute, and community service leader on campus. Used to be involved in Union Board.
How does it feel to be part of the homecoming court?:I never expected to be part of homecoming court and was surprised when I got the nomination, let alone being selected for the court. I had no idea that Omicron Delta Kappa even nominated me but I feel really honored to represent my class. I feel like our class is really made changes on campus these last fours years and have been very proactive in everything they do so it is really exciting.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumnus/alumna?: Homecoming is one of my favorite times of the year. Just seeing alumni and being able to hang with old friends is always a blast. I always enjoy how everyone is back on campus and campus looks so lively. I am sure I will return when I graduate.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: The Albion College experience has meant a lot to me and I am sincerely grateful to have all the opportunities that I have had. I could go off and say all the things I have learned but I mean realistically you learn through experiences and Albion College is able to provide those. Through studying abroad, courses, internships, etc. you really start to get an understanding of the world works and how to be prepared when you graduate. You may not have all the answers when you graduate but you learn to have confidence in yourself and how to adapt to situations that make you ready when you graduate.
Charles Cotteau, Rochester Hills Junior
Major/Campus Activities:Physics/Engineering Major, Applied Math Minor. I am the President of the Interfraternity Council, Delta Sigma Phi Member, Treasurer for Student Ambassadors, Founder of Pi Rho Epsilon – Pre- Engineering Fraternity, and a member of the Gerald R. Ford Institute Council.
How does it feel to be a part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: It feels amazing to be on homecoming court. It is a little strange being the only junior on the court, but I am excited to represent Albion College and the great class of 2016!
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: This will actually be my first homecoming I have attended while I have been a student here at Albion College. The past two years I had other appointments that have unfortunately dragged me way from an amazing celebration of our great college. I think homecoming is a great event that helps the college students of the past and present connect and create bonds. More importantly, it is a time to celebrate why we all love this campus and everything is has done for us. I will most certainly be attending as an Alumni.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: My Albion College experience has been extremely rewarding. I was able to pursue my passion for engineering while also exploring the other disciplines of the world, becoming a more rounded person. I believe my Albion education will separate me from the other engineers because I will be able to communicate and relate to people better than others. I have also learned to give back to something that has given so much to you. I love Albion College and the Albion Community. They have both shaped my mind, my soul, and my character. I can only hope to repay a fraction of what Albion has done for me.
Aayush Shrestha, Kathmandu, Nepal Senior
Major/Campus Activities: Double Major in Economics & Management and Professional Communications with a production emphasis. I am currently the social chair of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity, the treasurer for Sigma Tau Delta honors fraternity and member of Alpha Lamda Delta honor society. I am an academic coach for first year students and also work in the advancement office.
How does it feel to be part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: Back home, we don’t have homecoming (or prom) so I’ve never really thought about things like these. The only thing I can link it to is movies. I guess it feels new and exciting. Just never pictured myself being involved. Our class is relatively small and I feel like I know almost everybody and to represent this group of wonderful individuals is quite the honor.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumus/alumna?: I think homecoming in general is a fantastic occasion. All your friends are “coming back home” – do you need a better reason to celebrate? I have had quite a memorable experience here in Albion and after graduation I will continue to promote this campus wherever I go – be some sort of a global ambassador if you will. I hope I can return and visit. No, I am sure I will return and visit.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: As a freshman, I was all but ready to transfer out of Albion. Now, three years on, I am representing my class in the homecoming court. It’s sort of ridiculous actually haha. I think it comes down to the fact that Albion is an acquired taste, and I’m not the only one who feels this way. Over the years, I have heard a number of first years talk about transferring to other schools. My only advice to these students and to future incoming Brits is to give Albion a chance. The campus and all of its bizarre yet unique attributes will grow on you -including the squirrels. Your college experience is in your hands. Go out there, out of your comfort zone and lose yourself – only then will you find yourself.
Andrea Walles, The Woodlands, Texas Senior
Major/Campus Activities: I am an Economics and Management Major with a minor in Political Science. I am in Gerstacker, Ford and Honors. My activities on campus are: President of Gamma Sigma Alpha, Vice President of Student Senate, Vice President of Facility Operation for Alpha Chi Omega and Treasurer of Omicron Delta Kappa. I am also in Mortar Board and Phi Alpha Delta.
How does it feel to be part of homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: I am incredibly humbled to be on the Homecoming court. Everyone chosen for the court this year is really involved on campus, and I am proud be one of them. I think that the class of 2015 has had a significant impact on campus and I am proud to be representing them.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumnus/alumna?: Of course I will be returning as an alumna. I absolutely love Albion. Homecoming is a great time to celebrate our school and reconnect with Alumni. I hope everyone has a great time this weekend.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: Albion College has given me so many opportunities that I could not have gotten anywhere else. I know that I am ready to start my career when I graduate. I have made life -long friendships during my 4 years here that I will treasure for the rest of my life. I am so glad that I ended up at this school.
Lily Schmidt, Hemlock Senior
Major/Campus Activities: My major is Integrated Sciences in Elementary Education with a Geology Minor and I’ll graduate next spring (May 2015). As for activities- I’ve been on Union Board since I was a freshman and on executive board for just as long. I’m currently the Vice President of Membership and have been for about 3 years. Before that I was the AVP of Publicity. I’m also involved in the co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega and serve as their president and love every second of it. I’m the secretary of Omicron Delta Kappa, the honorary leadership group on campus. We’re undergoing major changes and growth so that’s very exciting to be a part of. I’ve also been involved with Student Volunteer Bureau, Best Buddies, and Chapel in the past. As far as my involvement not on campus, I work as a preschool teacher in Marshall. I also am the Destination Imagination “Rising Stars” coach for the first grade team at Albion Community School. And in correspondence with my education major I log hundreds of hours in the local schools each year.
How does it feel to be part of the homecoming court? How does it feel to represent your graduating class?: It’s incredibly humbling and such an honor to be on homecoming court. To have the respect of my peers, faculty, and staff means a lot to me. All of us on court work incredibly hard for our campus and community and to be recognized for our dedication, time, and energy validates that what we are doing matters and doesn’t go unnoticed. We have a very diverse court that represents many branches of Albion College and that we were all nominated and selected just paints a small picture of all Albion is and what Albion does. Because of Albion College I am someone who I never expected to be- I am so much more than I ever imagined. Albion has pushed me and molded with every class, every organization, and every opportunity they have given me. I am so incredibly grateful for my time here and Albion’s time and investment in me. Being on Court is a tremendous honor to represent a school who has given so much to me and who has made me who and brought me to where I am today.
What are your thoughts on homecoming? Will you be returning to Albion as an alumnus/alumna?: Every year, it warms my heart to see people come back for homecoming. They loved this school while they were here and they still do. For alumni to travel miles and miles just for a day is an inspiration. I will totally come back! Albion just isn’t a place I was for 4-years or just my college, but it is place that made me. I’m so grateful for all the amazing people here who teach us, take care of us. and keep our institution running. Albion is in an era of change and I will love to coming back to see where time takes us. It’s about connection with the old as we remember our foundation and traditions all while embracing the new and the beauty that arises when all of those things come together.
What has your Albion College experience meant to you? What have you learned thus far?: My Albion Experience is something I never thought imaginable. With every turn and twist, class and organization, opportunity and experience Albion has challenged me to grow, change, expand, and has helped mold me into who I am. It wasn’t easy getting through the last four years, but it was beyond worth it. I will forever be grateful for my friends, professors, advisers, and classmates for all that they have done for me and all that they will continue to do for me long after I leave here because through it all Albion has become a huge part of me and that is a part I will never give up.
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