The 2023 Kalamazoo College women's soccer seniors have selected their Most Valuable Professors to recognize this season. These Most Valuable Professors were recognized before the home soccer game on Oct. 10.
The Hornets selected Dr. Regina Stevens-Truss, Dr. Daniela Arias-Rotundo, Dr. Ivett Lopez-Malagamba, Dr. Santiago Salinas, Dr. Amanda Wollenberg, Dr. Blaine Moore, Dr. Pam Cutter, Dr. Karyn Boatwright, and Dr. Dwight Williams.
Holly Bowling selected Dr. Regina Stevens-Truss from the Biochemistry Department as her MVP. Bowling picked Dr. Stevens-Truss because she was highly influential in her decision to become a biochemistry major. Dr. Stevens-Truss taught in a way that challenged Bowling and deepened her understanding rather than simply memorizing. Dr. Stevens-Truss is an exceptional professor and mentor and an even better person.
The next MVP was Dr. Daniela Arias-Rotundo from the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department, selected by Maddie Coffman. Coffman is grateful for Dr. Arias-Rotundo's immense support and mentorship throughout her time in the classroom and the lab. Dr. Arias-Rotundo's kindness and positivity make spending time and working in the lab fun, creating an uplifting and collaborative learning environment.
Olivia DePauli selected Dr. Ivett Lopez-Malagamba from the Spanish Department as her MVP. DePauli chose Dr. Lopez-Malagamba because every class she has taken with her has been inspirational and empowering. Dr. Lopez-Malagamba is an unforgettable mentor in DePauli's life, and she encourages her to be the best version of herself as she navigates her own womanhood and Latin American heritage within academia and beyond.
The next MVP was Dr. Santiago Salinas from the Biology Department, picked by Destiny Garcia. Garcia selected Dr. Salinas because she felt like he was a guiding light. Dr. Salinas always pushed and believed in her when she didn't believe in herself. The bonus is they also connected on soccer and could chat about it.
Anna Murphy selected Dr. Amanda Wollenberg from the Biology Department as her MVP. Murphy chose Dr. Wollenberg because she introduced her to biological research and supported her unconditionally as she developed as a scientist and student. Dr. Wollenberg's unwavering support in class, in the lab, and as Anna's advisor has been invaluable throughout her time at K.
The next MVP is Dr. Blaine Moore from the Biology Department, chosen by Savera Rajendra-Nicolucci. Rajendra-Nicolucci selected Dr. Moore because she learned educational content from his classes and life lessons such as kindness, compassion, hard work, relentlessness, and drive. Rajendra-Nicolucci will never forget her experiences in Dr. Moore's class and all that she was taught inside and outside the classroom, which has shaped her into who she is today.
Amalia Scorsone picked Dr. Pam Cutter from the Computer Science Department as her MVP. Scorsone chose Dr. Cutter because, as a junior taking a senior seminar class, Dr. Cutter never let her feel out of place in class. Dr. Cutter was always supportive and helped her grow confidence in herself and her work.
The next MVP was Dr. Karyn Boatwright, who was not able to attend and is from the Psychology Department, selected by Cassidy Short. Short picked Dr. Boatwright because she is an exceptional teacher whose remarkable openness and introspection have catalyzed a profound transformation in Short's approach to life. Short wanted to thank Dr. Boatwright for her guidance, which has empowered her to live life with greater authenticity and purpose.
The final MVP was Dr. Dwight Williams from the Chemistry Department, selected by Erin Somsel. Somsel picked Dr. Williams because he challenged her in ways that she hadn't been challenged by having students come to the solutions to problems on their own. Dr. Williams cares so much about his students, and working in his lab this summer was one of Somsel's best experiences at K. Somsel will always appreciate all of the help and guidance he has given her throughout her years here.
On behalf of the athletic department, THANK YOU to these Most Valuable Professors for positively influencing our student-athletes. Your work is greatly appreciated!
Kalamazoo College senior athletes have the opportunity to recognize their Most Valuable Professors throughout the 2023-24 season.