Six seniors on the Albion College swim and dive team took the opportunity to recognize their Most Valuable Professors during the final home meet of their career January 31.
Kaitlind Hooper and Grace Rowe have selected Dr. Vicki Baker from the Economics and Management department. Kaitlind selected Baker because "Throughout my time at Albion, I have had the chance to have Vicki as a professor, an advisor, and a chaperone on a class trip to Paris and I am very thankful to have been able to get to know her in so many ways. She has helped me to get where I am, from helping me with classwork to letting me vent to figure out what I want to do with my future, she has always been willing to listen and give her input". Rowe selected her because "She has been a mentor to me the past three years. She has always encouraged me to go outside of my box and push myself to reach my potential. She helped me balance being a student athlete while excelling in my major and helping me see where I can grow in the future. She has so much compassion and cares deeply about every student. She is always thinking of me whether it's to send me job offers or dealing with my panicking over classes and internships and has been there every step of the way. I owe my success to Vicki and my love for school again with my classes. I can't thank her enough."
Rileigh Eding selected Dr. Heather Betz from the Kinesiology department "because of her passion for teaching and helping students be the best they can be both as a student and a person. I have spent countless hours in her office seeking advice and she is always more than willing to drop what she was doing to offer her expertise. I wouldn't be the student I am without her guidance and support."
Alexandra Horman selected Dr. Carrie Menold from the Geological Sciences. She chose her because "She has been a great leader for me throughout my academic and athletic career. Carrie guided me through each year at Albion, and she pushed me to find my strengths. Through her mentorship I was able to participate in research across the country and find my true passion in geology. I am very thankful to have had her as a professor at Albion."
Nicole McCann selected Dr. Matthew Schoene from the Anthropology and Sociology department. "Professor Matthew Schoene has always held continuous and unwavering support for his students in and out of the classroom. Dr. Schoene has been a pivotal mentor throughout my time here at Albion College. I appreciate all of the opportunities he has provided me with such as aiding is research as a research assistant, co- authoring a published piece, and presenting work at international and national conferences. Even before he became chair of my thesis committee, Matt always made himself available for late- night panicked emails and early morning office visits. I will always value our professional relationship, the countless number of memes, and the endless encouragement I received. I would not be the student I am today without his influence and guidance along the way."
Our final senior, Megan Harvey, selected Dr. Dan Skean from the Biology Department. "His passion to share his knowledge of science with his students is evident in every single class period. He is lighthearted and always willing to go out of his way to help his students. I have only had the opportunity to take one class with Dr. Skean, but it was all that was needed to know how lucky Albion is to have him."
On behalf of the Albion swimming and diving program, we thank you for your continued support of our program and Division III athletics.
Follow Albion Swimming & Diving on Twitter: @AlbionSwimming
Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality at Albion College. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball, men's basketball and women's basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.
The College is continuing to raise funds in support of both projects. To learn more, call 517/629-0446 or email advancement@albion.edu