The seniors on the 2021-22 Kalamazoo College football team have selected their Most Valuable Professors to recognize this season. These Most Valuable Professors were recognized prior to the home football game on Sept. 25.
The Hornets selected Dr. Patrik Hultberg, Dr. Jeff Bartz, Dr. Binney Girdler, Professor Amy Smith, Dr. Daniela Arias-Rotondo, Dr. Kiran Cunningham, Professor Amy MacMillan, Professor Maria Romero-Eshuis, Dr. Timothy Moffit ad Dr. James Lewis.
Senior Tanner White has selected Dr. Patrik Hultberg from the Economics Department as his Most Valuable Professor. Tanner appreciates Dr. Hultberg's commitment to his students as well as the energy and light-heartedness that he brings to the classroom. Tanner is grateful to know him both as a professor as well as an academic advisor, helping him to stay on his best academic track.
Our next MVP is Dr. Jeff Bartz from the Chemistry Department, selected by senior Marco Savone. Dr. Bartz's introductory class is what inspired Marco to decide to major in the subject. Dr. Bartz created an enjoyable learning process through the ability to have fun in the classroom. Marco is extremely grateful for the amount of support Dr. Bartz has provided him in the pursuit of his career after Kalamazoo College.
Senior Pierce Burke has selected Dr. Binney Girdler from the Biology Department as his MVP. Pierce praises Dr. Girdler's amazing abilities as a professor and also praises her personality. He appreciates her welcoming nature, her approachability, and her excitement about the subject matter. Her classroom environment brought out the best in him as a student.
Our next MVP is Professor Amy Smith from the English Department, selected by senior Andrew Puckett. He calls Professor Smith the single most influential professor he has had in his academic career at Kalamazoo. Through all his trials and tribulations both in the classroom and in the real world, Professor Smith continued to point Andrew in the right direction and pushed him to believe in himself when he was at his lowest points. He is very grateful for her understanding and compassion, especially during the COVID crisis when he was balancing class and late-night work shifts.
Senior Walker Chung has selected Dr. Daniela Arias-Rotondo from the Chemistry Department to recognize as his MVP. Walker praises Dr. DAR for doing a great job at acknowledging her students' efforts and recognizing when to step in and help during a struggle. He appreciates that she has never made him feel inadequate or less smart for not understanding a concept. Walker hopes to take another class with her before he graduates this year.
Our next Most Valuable Professor is Dr. Kiran Cunningham from the Anthropology & Sociology Department, selected by senior Austin Bresnahan. Austin enjoyed her class because it opened up his mind to new perspectives different from his previous beliefs. Dr. Cunningham's class gave Austin the space and opportunity to explore outside his Business major and become a more critical thinker with less bias.
Seniors Jamison Brown, Jr. and Isaiah Fleming both selected Professor Amy MacMillan from the Business Department as their Most Valuable Professor. Jamison praises Professor MacMillan for helping him continue to make strides in his academic and professional career. She has helped him build his resume' and network with professionals in his career field, allowing him to feel more ready for life after Kalamazoo College. Isaiah selected Professor MacMillan because her classes were vital in helping him become more confident in his leadership abilities. Through her feedback and support, Isaiah has applied himself as a better leader on the football team. He is beyond grateful for her confidence in him.
The next MVP is Professor Maria Romero-Eshuis from the Spanish Department, selected by senior Nick Dailey. Nick appreciates Dr. Romero-Eshuis for always going above and beyond for him when he struggled with the classwork. He is grateful for her always being available to help during office hours and for doing everything necessary to help him succeed.
Senior Scott Peters has selected Dr. Timothy Moffit from the Business Department as his MVP to recognize. Dr. Moffit created a learning environment that helped Scott get the most from his learning. Scott praises Dr. Moffit for being relatable and approachable outside of the classroom.
The team's final MVP is Dr. James Lewis from the History Department, selected by senior Nick Lang. Nick has appreciated the last four years of Dr. Lewis's academic advising mixed in with his History classes. He praises Dr. Lewis for being there to support Nick with any problem he ever faced. Nick calls Dr. Lewis a great role model and someone who he aspires to be like in the future.
On behalf of the athletic department, THANK YOU to these Most Valuable Professors for being such positive influences for our student-athletes. Your work is greatly appreciated!
Kalamazoo College senior athletes have the opportunity to recognize their Most Valuable Professors throughout the 2021-22 season.