The seniors on the 2021-22 Kalamazoo College women's soccer team have selected their Most Valuable Professors to recognize this season. These Most Valuable Professors were recognized prior to the home soccer game on Oct. 6.
The Hornets selected Dr. Jeff Bartz, Dr. Jan Tobochnik, and Dr. Santiago Salinas.
Seniors Gina Dvorin, Larkin O'Gorman, and Olivia Oswald all selected Dr. Jeff Bartz from the Chemistry Department as their Most Valuable Professor. Gina praises Dr. Bartz for always going above and beyond in the classroom, consistently making class fun and interesting. She appreciates that he goes out of his way to always put his students' priorities first, no matter what the case.
Larkin selected Dr. Bartz for all the growth opportunity that he provided, both as a student and as a person. He helped her to find ways to believe in herself when she had doubts. Larkin is forever grateful for Dr. Bartz always being available to support her in her learning.
Olivia calls Dr. Bartz the most influential professor of her academic career. As an incoming transfer student, she is glad her first science professor was Dr. Bartz. She appreciates his fun and interesting classes and his very accommodating office hours. She is grateful for his support in figuring out her Senior Individualized Project despite the chaos of the COVID pandemic.
The next Most Valuable Professor is Dr. Jan Tobochnik from the Physics Department, selected by senior Emme DeConinck. Emme appreciates Dr. Tobochnik's genuine enthusiasm about the subject matter and his enthusiasm for working with students on a daily basis. She is grateful for his patience and willingness as she struggled to understand certain topics. Emme attributes Dr. Tobochnik's approachability to much of her success in his classes.
Senior Kai Ketola selected Dr. Santiago Salinas from the Biology Department to recognize as her Most Valuable Professor. Kai is appreciative of Dr. Santiago's ability to teach the subject in a fun and effective way, while also challenging his students to think and approach problems in unique ways. She is extremely grateful for the time in his classroom, allowing her to discover and pursue her academic passions.
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.