Passion, Grit, and Growth: Meet the Class of 2025

Now, they’re preparing to take the next step—as software engineers, public defenders, environmental leaders, social workers, professional athletes, and more. Meet a few of the graduates who made the most of their time at St. Lawrence and are ready to make their mark far beyond campus. 

Brandon Dickson ’25 

Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Two classes created a full-circle academic moment for me—one from my first year and one from my senior year.  

In my First-Year Seminar, The Culture of Surveillance, we explored how power operates through data, visibility, and control. Then, during my final year, I took AI Communication, which revisited many of those same concerns but through the lens of modern artificial intelligence. We analyzed how machine learning, datafication, and algorithmic bias are shaping our world and the ethical responsibilities of those who build these systems.  

Together, these courses shaped how I think about technology—not just as a tool, but as a force with real social consequences. They deepened my commitment to being a thoughtful, responsible software engineer who builds with both impact and integrity in mind. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

It’s hard to pick just one, because my time at St. Lawrence has been filled with many moments of growth, grit, and gratitude. As an international student, earning a computer science degree far from home was no small feat—and I’m proud to have made the Dean’s List every semester and been inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. I’m also deeply honored to have received the Vasco Abbott Award, the Jeffrey Worthington Campbell Award, and been named Community Assistant of the Year—recognitions that reflect the leadership and care I’ve poured into this community.  

But the accomplishment that means the most to me is StatKey 4.0, my Senior Year Experience project. I completely rebuilt the platform from the ground up, modernizing its design and functionality for the millions of students and educators who rely on it. Knowing that this version of StatKey will serve future generations of learners long after I graduate is a legacy I’ll carry with pride. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Assistant Professor of Computer Science Kevin Angstadt has been my academic advisor, professor, and the brain I turn to first whenever I’m wrestling with tough questions. Associate Dean Jodi Canfield and Administrative Assistant Suzanne Noble in Student Life have offered me unwavering guidance and shown me deep care, patience, and encouragement through every season. Assistant Director Megan Putney and Director Tsewang Lama in International Student Services were always ready with answers, a good laugh, and a whole lot of heart. And I’ll forever be grateful to residential coordinators Sharon Rodriguez and Sean Collins for their wisdom and support throughout my three years as a Community Assistant.  It’s taken a village, and I’ve been lucky to have one filled with love, wisdom, and unwavering support. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

I secured internships every summer since my first year, learning and growing through each one, and ultimately landed a return offer from my dream company, Datadog. After graduation, I’ll be returning full-time as a software engineer. My goal is to keep building tools that improve the developer experience—software that is intuitive, fast, and helpful. Long-term, I hope to contribute to the growing movement around ethical tech and developer empowerment. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

Moving-Up Weekend. It’s a weekend filled with pride, reflection, and recognition, where the campus community pauses to celebrate how far we’ve all come. This year, it reminded me that growth is worth celebrating—and that every step of the journey mattered. 

 Sarah Marchand ’25 

Major: Biology 
Minors: Sports Studies and Exercise Science 
Hometown: Belle River, Ontario 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

The Power and Influence of Sports with Mare MacDougall-Bari, associate head women’s hockey coach. This class was super interesting and allowed me to learn many different perspectives from various students with different backgrounds. I struck up engaging, intellectual conversations around sport and how it impacts different people and groups in America and society today. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

Being a member of the women’s hockey team. We made it to the NCAA tournament and were one of the final eight teams in back-to-back seasons. Being part of such an amazing team and program and working toward this accomplishment meant the most to me as a player and person. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

My coaches. Head Women’s Hockey Coach Chris Wells and Mare truly created a home environment for me after I transferred here during my junior year. Without their help on the ice and in the classroom, I wouldn’t have been able to graduate and become the person I am today.  

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

The multiple opportunities I had to connect with alumni. Many former hockey players would come to watch our games, and we had the chance to speak to them and learn about what they did after their college hockey careers ended.  

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

I am going to continue my hockey career and play professionally for the next few years. I am planning to play overseas in Sweden for a year or so, then hopefully return to North America and continue playing. Simultaneously, I will be coaching in my home area, teaching young kids how to play hockey.  

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

Route 11 Rivalry week. These games were some of the most fun and intense games I've ever been a part of. Seeing everyone there in the stands cheering for you to succeed is truly something special. I’m honored to have experienced it. 

McKenna Alardi ’25 

Majors: Environmental Studies and Mathematics 
Minors: Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino Studies; Spanish; and Statistics 
Hometown: Andover, Mass. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Kenya Biodiversity Safari, taught by Professor of Biology Alex Schreiber and Biology Specialist Megan Lane. I spent almost four weeks traveling in the beautiful country of Kenya, an experience that broadened my worldview and deepened my connections with the peers I traveled alongside. It also allowed me to return to campus for my senior year with a renewed perspective on global sustainability challenges and how to critically engage with them as an environmental studies major. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

As a transfer student, I didn’t experience the traditional first-year mentoring that many students receive at St. Lawrence University. I first met my advisor, Executive Director for Advising, Retention, and Student Success Tina Tao, over Zoom the summer before I arrived as I anxiously prepared to transition to campus. From that moment on, Tina became a vital part of my support system, guiding and encouraging me through every journey I undertook over the next three years. Thank you, Tina, for everything you do for students like me! 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

Deciding to walk onto the cross-country team as a senior, despite never having competed in the sport before. I’m grateful to Coach Mary Kate Howard and my teammates for their warm welcome. What started as a personal challenge turned into one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I was proud to represent St. Lawrence at the NCAA Division III Championships in Terre Haute, Indiana, as one of just three student-athletes from our school to qualify. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

Next year, I will be attending American University to pursue my Master’s in Sustainability Management at the Kogod School of Business. This opportunity would not have been possible without the incredible support of my environmental studies professors, especially Diane Husic, executive director of the Center for the Environment, and Kearney Coupland, visiting assistant professor of environmental studies.   

Cooper Anderson ’25 

Major: Computer Science 
Minor: Outdoor Studies  
Hometown: Woodstock, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Intro to Computer Science. When I first came to St. Lawrence, I started on a pre-health track. In the fall of my first year, I took this class with Dr. Kevin Angstadt ’14, and it shifted my trajectory. I had so much fun; I was independently learning outside of class, doing homework in social situations. It was the first time my work was truly a joy. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

I’m proud of accomplishing my bucket list goals—securing a job, earning consecutive Dean’s List honors, and maintaining strong grades overall. But these achievements are especially meaningful because I accomplished them while living in the Outing Club house. The Outing Club demands a high level of extracurricular commitment. It’s exciting and tiring work—but deeply fulfilling. I’m most proud of how I balanced these responsibilities without sacrificing the fun and excitement of college life. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Dr. Kevin Angstadt ’14 has supported my academic and professional growth, but John and Cindy Staie have impacted my personal growth the most. Both John and Cindy are workers in Dana. They say “hi” every morning and “bye” every evening. I’ve heard stories about their house, their new car, their dogs, and countless stories about the North Country weather. They taught me how to care for and give to others. They’ve been some of my greatest teachers without ever trying. Their actions have shown me what it means to live with generosity and heart. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

In the winter of my sophomore year, I climbed and skied the Trap Dike on Mount Colden with two of my best friends. It was a goal we hadn’t planned to tackle until senior year—done by our second winter. We ice-climbed, mountaineered, rappelled, and skied. It tested our physical and mental limits, and we had a blast doing it. I’ll never forget that trip. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

After graduation, I’ll be joining nearly a dozen of other St. Lawrence alums working as a junior software engineer at Veoci. I’m excited to continue the strong relationship between this company and the University and deeply thankful to the people who helped me land this role. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

During my sophomore year, I took a careers-focused seminar course with Associate Director Michelle Gould. We explored what we want to do and how to reach out to recruiters. From that point forward, Michelle has helped me find my place in a massive industry and connect with the right people. She’s reviewed my resume, LinkedIn profile, emails… all to help me network, build, and grow. The Center for Career Excellence is a fantastic resource for navigating our extensive alumni network in intentional and meaningful ways. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

My college experience wouldn’t have been the same without our theme houses. Every time friends visit, it’s the first thing they talk about. The sense of community among the theme houses provides a fantastic support system and contributes to the overall spirit St. Lawrence is known for. 

Chantel McCarthy ’25 

Major: Psychology
Minor: Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Norfolk, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Psychology of Gender completely transformed my academic experience. I was so inspired that I asked the professor, Associate Professor of Psychology Megan Carpenter, if I could join her research team. Through that opportunity, I got to present at two professional research conferences, one regional and one national. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

My two-semester honors Senior Year Experience research project. I got to do research and create an experiment with the help of my advisor. We created a 30-page paper, and I delivered an oral presentation at the Festival of Science, Scholarship, and Creativity. Working on this project gave me extensive professional experience and helped me learn about the populations of people I’m interested in working with in the future.  

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Dr. Megan Carpenter. She is hardworking and dedicated to her research but more importantly her students. Not only is she my professional mentor, but she’s also a personal role model of mine, as she cares greatly for her students and works toward social justice in all her projects. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

The best thing I did on campus was join the Laurentian Singers. I created a community of people who loved to bond over song and go to travel to new places, like San Francisco, New York City, Boston, and Mexico. As a first-generation student local to the North Country, these trips were formative to my St. Lawrence experience and transition to adulthood. They have made me confident in my abilities to navigate the world with grace and an open mind.  

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

In the fall, I’m headed to Binghamton University where I’ll be pursuing a master’s degree in social work. After that, I hope to get my license in clinical social work and offer mental health services to clients one-on-one. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

Yes! I was fortunate to get to work with the CCE starting my sophomore year. I worked with a mentor who helped me build my resume, and I used my skills to get a fellowship the summer before my junior year. For eight weeks, I shadowed a licensed MSW at an inpatient rehab unit for substance use. This experience ultimately led me to pursue social work professionally.  

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

Singing the school songs at every big school event and all our concerts. They connect us on a much deeper level than spoken word ever can. I will take these songs with me everywhere I go, and I can’t wait to step on stage and sing them as an alum. 

Kobe Villeneuve ’25 

Majors: Economics and Mathematics
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

The Fed Challenge. This course was the most immersive academic experience I have had at St. Lawrence. We took a deep dive into the country's economic state, and I was exposed to a fire hydrant of information throughout the semester. It was the course that created the most friendships for me, and the course that prepared me the best for engaging in interesting conversation about current events outside of class. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

I am most proud of placing second at the St. Michael's Winter Carnival during the 2025 Alpine ski season. It was the first EISA podium our team has had since 2019, and our first second-place finish since 2012. It meant the word to me to be able to deliver that performance with my team and family watching from the finish. The moment I shared with my team at the bottom of that race trail will stay with me forever. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

My LINC mentor, Sheila Schroeder P ’24, whom I met during my sophomore year. She changed my perspective on my career, helped me sharpen the tools necessary to succeed, and empowered me to choose my own path. I owe a lot to the lessons I have learned from her, and I hope to pass them on to more Laurentians in the future. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

Joining Greek Life really pushed my personal development and helped me become a more sociable, outgoing person. For that, I will always be grateful. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

I will be joining the Boston Consulting Group in its Denver office this fall. I am looking forward to embarking on this important next step in my life and meeting alumni in Denver. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

Laurentian Weekend because it brings people together. The thing that I value the most is a strong sense of community, which I feel is perfectly represented by this tradition.  

Berenice Gervacio ’25 

Major: Global Studies and Spanish
Minor: Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino Studies
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

LGBTQ+ in Latin America and Abiayala. This class challenged me to move beyond Western-centric frameworks of gender and sexuality and instead understand queerness through Indigenous, decolonial, and Afro-diasporic perspectives. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

As a first-generation Mexican American student and a HEOP/CSTEP scholar, it’s hard to choose just one. After my first year, I interned at the St. Lawrence County Public Defender’s Office, which deepened my commitment to public service and justice. As a sophomore, I received a Digital Scholar Fellowship and a grant through Weave News, which supported my research while studying abroad in Spain. That summer, I was honored to be one of only 18 students selected for the University at Buffalo’s Discover Law Undergraduate Scholars program. I’m proud of how these accomplishments reflect not only academic growth but also a deepened connection to my community, my culture, and my purpose. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

I have a few, including Assistant Director of HEOP Erin Colvin; Professor of Caribbean, Latin American, and Latino Studies Martha Chew Sanchez; and Assistant Professor of Gender and Sexuality Studies Mahrou Zhaf.  

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

As a junior, I was awarded a Tanner Fellowship and traveled to Mexico with my father to explore indigenous identity and museum narratives. I later presented this work at the Festival of Scholarship and Creativity.  

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

After graduation, I’ll be joining Partners for Justice in San Diego for two years as a fellow. In this role, I’ll be working alongside public defenders to support clients navigating the criminal legal system, while also addressing the broader social and economic challenges they face. This opportunity allows me to engage directly with community-based advocacy and holistic defense work, deepening my commitment to justice and preparing me for law school in the future. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

In addition to working with Senior Assistant Director Elizabeth Girard and Assistant Director Shannon Marlatt on resume and interview preparation, I participated in SLU Connect Washington, D.C., the LINC Mentor program, and multiple alumni panels and summits.  

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition?  

Kaleidoscope. 

Alex Tidd ’25 

Major: Statistics
Minor: Chemistry
Hometown: Pittsford, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

As weird as it may seem, Applied Statistics. I was originally a biochemistry major, and I took this class as an elective. It really opened my mind to how applicable mathematics are in the real world. I enjoyed it so much that within a month of starting the class I changed my major to statistics. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

Commissioning as a Second Lieutenant into the US Army Aviation Corps. I have been in Army ROTC for the past four years and have loved every second of it. Commissioning is a huge accomplishment for me, and I am super proud that I was selected for my top choice in branch, Army Aviation! 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

I would say Professor of Chemistry Samantha Glazier. She has been my advisor since my first year. She was incredibly supportive in my academic career and really encouraged me to follow my academic interests even if it meant switching out of a chemistry major. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

Going to Amherst, Mass. with the cycling team as a first-year student. It would have been just another ordinary race weekend for us, but I had a huge crash in the first lap of the race and broke my hand. Luckily, my teammate's father is a former Army combat medic. He wrapped my hand up and we drove the six hours back to St. Lawrence to get an X-ray. Truly an unforgettable experience. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

Next up for me is 12 years of active-duty service in the Army Aviation Corps. I plan on doing at least 20 years in the Army. After that, my biggest goal is to become a high school mathematics teacher and coach high school hockey. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

The Center for Career Excellence helped me with my resume and cover letters! They were an integral part of helping me get hired as an Admissions Senior Fellow. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

I love Titus weekend. It's amazing that the school buses students out to ski and snowboard for the day. Plus, my band (Marcy) performed at the event the past two years. It was really fun to play music not only in front of our friends but also other students on campus that weren’t in our usual crowd! 

Lane Haehl ’25 

Majors: International Economics and French, Business in the Liberal Arts
Minor: Sports Studies and Exercise Science
Hometown: Old Forge, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Book Club for Sports Lovers with Associate Head Women’s Hockey Coach Mare MacDougall Bari. It rekindled my love for reading and helped me channel my passion for sports in a new direction. Book Club didn’t just teach me to analyze text and have conversations about sports; it taught me to make meaningful connections and to consider the overarching context of the media we consume and the world we live in. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Franco Bari. He understands the unique challenges and opportunities that come with balancing academics and athletics. Whether we were meeting to discuss an Athletes for Athletes initiative, preparing speeches for the Karpus Atrium dedication, or working together during my internship in Corporate Sponsorships, he consistently supported my student-athlete journey on and off the golf course and volleyball court. Most importantly, he connected me with an alum in the sports industry, which helped me land my job in professional hockey. His guidance, encouragement, and mentorship have shaped my experience and prepared me to be a Laurentian for life. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

This summer I am headed to Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment’s south office in Camden, N.J., to work for the New Jersey Devils as a sales associate! 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

Yes! In my first year, I attended the "Leveraging the Student-Athlete Experience" panels, which opened my eyes to the opportunities available at St. Lawrence. As a sophomore, I got to know Associate Director Aaron Todd and Senior Associate Director Beth Larrabee, who were instrumental in helping me with my cover letters and resumes. In my junior year, I participated in the LINC Mentor Program, and as a senior, I became an Admissions Fellow as part of the On-Campus Internship Program. All these experiences helped me secure a career in the sports industry after graduation. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

My favorite tradition is the Golf Invitational. It is our only golf tournament where our entire team gets to play, and the crowd surrounding the 15th and 16th holes really highlights our close-knit campus community and Laurentian spirit. 

John Hill-Edgar ’25 

Major: Finance
Minor: Statistics
Hometown: New York City 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

The Federal Reserve Challenge class changed my perspective on how to think about the world entirely. I started drawing connections between different sectors of the economy that I never thought had any overlap. I did such a deep dive into my research that I started making predictions about the future. They’re wrong a lot, but I’m still making them. I spent countless nights in the Bloomberg Lab in debates that turned into full blown arguments because people were making differing economic predictions based on the sector they were looking at. I mean how weirdly cool is that?   

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

I probably sound like a broken record, but the Fed Challenge. I could not believe the final project we created. Even though we did not win (we should have) I was so proud of our group and the effort it took to work together towards one goal over five months.  

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Dan Braz ’01. We met when I was interning at Morgan Stanley. His team came in to pitch us a fund, and at the end of the meeting he asked where I went to school. A few months later, I was coincidentally paired with Dan through the LINC mentorship program. We got on a Zoom call, and he goes "you look awfully familiar.”  

From then on, he went above and beyond as a mentor. He connected me with friends, gave me advice, and even recommended that another alumnus (Bill Noonan ’05) hire me. When I was getting ready to interview for my internship at Invesco, he stayed on the phone with me for over an hour to make sure I was 100% prepared. There is not a chance in the world I would be where I am now without him. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

I worked with them a lot. I did a SLU Connect trip, the LINC Mentor program, Saints Accelerate, and I just asked them a ton of questions. Director Jillian McKernan-Walley, Senior Associate Director Beth Larrabee, and Associate Director Aaron Todd were each a great help. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

Next, I will be working for three St. Lawrence alumni as an analyst at Landmark management. Trustee Trip Samson ’80 and Danny Graham ’00 co-run the firm and Peirce Jordan ’22 is also an analyst. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

Laurentian Weekend. I love seeing friends who had graduated and meet parents who went to St. Lawrence many years ago. 

Faith Olusegun ’25 

Major: International Economics and French 
Hometown: Accra, Ghana 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

My First-Year Seminar, Chocolate and Environment. Our conversations in class ranged from how chocolate is made to food injustice in the cacao and chocolate industry. Outside of the classroom, we organized movie screenings, hot cocoa tastings, and Valentine’s Day chocolate giveaways, all to encourage people to pay attention to the cacao industry and promote justice in the chocolate market. This class was a wonderful experience for me because it started my journey into the world of chocolate and opened doors to the many opportunities I’ve had to nurture my interests outside of my academics.  

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

I was so honored to have received the Douglas M. Brown Senior Award this year. This award recognizes members of the senior class who exemplify a well-rounded St. Lawrence experience, and it prompted me to reflect on my time here. I thought back on the new experiences I plunged myself into as well as how rewarding it felt to take on a college education as an international first-generation student. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Sara Ashpole was my first-generation mentor. We’ve had many conversations and walks with her dog Dacks over the years. She has always encouraged me end embodies the way St. Lawrence professors care for their students beyond the classroom. She helped me acquire an internship with a Ghana-based chocolate company, secure a Chocolate Passport grant, and pursue a research project in chocolate while studying abroad in Toulouse, France. I appreciate her dedication to being an educator and all the support she’s given me over the years.  

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

I took a sewing class, and it was an absolute adventure going from having no sewing skills to learning how to hand sew to finally graduating to a sewing machine.  

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

I am very excited to be heading back to Toulouse, France (where I studied abroad with CIEE in the fall of my senior year). I will be interning with CIEE and supporting their high school summer abroad programs. I am very excited about the opportunity and the chance to be in Toulouse again. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

In addition to the numerous times I visited the CCE for interview support, help with my cover letters, and resume, I remember how beneficial the Saint-to-Saint Women's Summit was for me. I was one of the student leaders for this event in 2024, and I learned so much from the women who spent the day with us. I also did the Saints Accelerate program and spent spring break of my junior year in Burlington, VT for SLU Connect. These networking opportunities always gave me fresh motivation for my college career and beyond. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

I have attended every Commencement since I was a first-year student. There is something so beautiful about seeing how proud all the seniors are on that day. It brings me so much joy to hear their laughter, see the pride in the eyes of everyone around them, and experience the joy of the moment. As a first-generation college student, watching people graduate always gave me a tingly feeling inside (so tingly, I purchased my graduation outfit at the start of my sophomore year). And now, my own commencement is here! 

Elwood Warren-Kuelgen ’25 

Major: Philosophy
Hometown: Canton, N.Y. 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Philosophy of Language profoundly impacted me by teaching me to adopt a metacognitive perspective on my own thinking and language use. It required me to examine the mind’s internal operations—how we represent, interpret, and understand meaning. In doing so, I developed a heightened awareness of my own cognitive processes, a shift that I believe has increased my intellectual autonomy. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

My senior honors thesis, "Relevance, Resonance, and Meaning", is the result of two summer fellowships and over two years' worth of research. In addition to teaching me how to produce professional-level work in analytical philosophy, working on this project has been inherently fulfilling. I learned how to start with a question and let it guide my inquiry down uncertain paths, picking up small pieces of wisdom along the way. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Each and every member of the philosophy department has influenced me in both intellectual and practical ways. Associate Professor Jeffrey Maynes has been my philosophical advisor for most of my time at St. Lawrence, teaching me how to perform professional work and hold myself to high standards of intellectual virtue. Professor Jennifer Hansen constantly challenged my perspectives, causing me to rethink everything from abstract questions about truth to immediately consequential questions about the difference between right and wrong. Visiting Assistant Professor Richard Lauer taught me about friendship and working as an academic. Associate Professor Katharine Wolfe taught me about diverse perspectives in philosophy and the importance of using lived experience as a starting point for inquiry. Associate Professor Laura Rediehs showed me how to remain authentic. 

 Additionally, the list would not be complete if I did not mention HEOP Director Bill Short and Assistant Director Erin Colvin. They both pushed me to pursue several life-changing opportunities, including becoming a McNair Scholar. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

I went on multiple hiking trips with the Outing Club, including an overnight Peak Weekend trip in the Adirondacks. One of my favorite things about St. Lawrence is our proximity to nature. I will miss being surrounded by mountains and trees when I am gone. 

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

This fall I will be starting a Ph.D. program in philosophy at the University of Missouri, where I will continue the research I started at St. Lawrence. Afterwards, I hope to become a professor. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why? 

The weekly Java barn shows are a nice way to unwind after long days and stressful assignments. I also love Folk Fest. 

Sam Voter ’25 

Major: Environmental Studies
Minors: Digital Media and Film and Outdoor Studies
Hometown: Cornville, Maine 

What is one class that positively impacted you?  

Aaron Iverson's Sustainable Agriculture Class. Through this class I discovered my passion for developing a more sustainable food system. 

What accomplishment are you most proud of?  

Helping to establish the compost station in Dana Dining Hall and seeing the impact that it has had. So many different campus groups came together to make this happen, and I have a lot of hope that the students carrying on this project will continue to do amazing things. 

Who is your most influential Laurentian mentor?  

Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Peter Pettengill has been a great mentor in encouraging me to pursue what I am passionate about. His level of understanding and support for young people preparing to enter the world after graduation goes a long way. He’s a great, down-to-earth person; it is so easy to connect with Pete on a level beyond the standard professor-student relationship. 

What was your greatest adventure during your time at St. Lawrence? 

The Adirondack Semester. My time living and learning in the woods taught me a lot about myself. It helped me grow to become a more well-rounded person, which I believe is an essential aspect of the liberal arts experience.  

What do you plan to pursue in the future?  

Immediately post-grad I will be working on Birdsfoot Farm here in Canton. My next steps are uncertain, but I wish to continue working in food systems and sustainable agriculture. Regardless of what my next steps are, I plan on doing plenty of fishing. 

Did you work with the Center for Career Excellence throughout your college journey?  

My internship with Birdsfoot Farm last summer was funded by a SLU Fellowship. 

What is your favorite St. Lawrence tradition and why?  

The North Country Folk Festival! It is such a fun and meaningful event that brings students and the North Country community together through art, music, and dancing. As a member of the Greenhouse, I was proud to help organize this event and was particularly excited about this year’s community turnout. It is so important to both show students the beauty of North Country culture, and to show the community that St. Lawrence students are kind and caring folk.