Our Path Forward: The Campaign for Kenyon

Kenyon Class of 2012 Spring Class Letter
Dear 2012 classmates,

After a tumultuous year, we hope that life can return to normal so that we can all see each other again soon. In the meantime, please enjoy reading about some of the updates we have from the Hill!

Kenyon is planning its return to normal operations, after receiving a record number of applications for the Class of 2025. The new Chalmers Library will be open to greet them, with the plan of having all four classes back on campus in the fall. And, due in no small part to our alumni support, the College is wrapping up a financially and logistically challenging year by being on track to balance the budget, just like they have the last 50 years. 

We are excited to share that in January, Kenyon received the largest gift in its history that will fund the construction of three new South Campus residence halls, allowing the College to increase focus on growing resources for scholarships. The success of the next part of the campaign, Our Path Forward to the Bicentennial, relies on our increased participation and continued support of scholarships for students.

If you haven’t heard yet, reunion is going virtual this year. The College is hosting two weeks of online programming from May 16-29 and most events are open to all alumni. Even though we aren’t celebrating a reunion this year (looking forward to next year!), we encourage you to sign up for events with your favorite professors or take a virtual tour of Chalmers Library. The College is also kicking off this year’s 36-hour Kenyon Together on the morning of Wednesday, May 19 as part of the virtual reunion. Mark your calendar for a fun chance to help Kenyon students, win prizes, and join in some friendly competition. 

After the success of 2020’s Kenyon Together giving challenge, the College knows just how impactful our young alumni community can be when we work together to raise money for the causes at Kenyon that matter most to us. They heard us when we asked to designate our gifts to things like diversity, equity and inclusion during Kenyon Together, and we are pleased to see these designations remain on Kenyon’s main giving page ever since. As alumni, we can help today’s students by staying connected with the College and making gifts to scholarships that help Kenyon continue to meet the growing financial needs of students and their families. Our alma mater and all of you have contributed to the hope and optimism we feel for the future by providing regular points of connection during an isolating year. 

No matter how you choose to stay involved with Kenyon, we hope you are staying connected. 

We miss you all,
Your 2012 Class Committee

P.S. Scroll down to read our 2012 spring class notes.

Support current students now with a gift to scholarships
Despite a challenging year, the College remains committed to continuing to meet 100% of students’ increased demonstrated need, with donor support. Every dollar you give goes directly to support students this academic year.
Consider giving to:
  • Hannah More Scholarship for first generation students
  • Kenyon Women’s Annual Scholarship for female students
  • Lowry Annual Scholarship for underrepresented students
  • Pope Memorial Annual Scholarship for students from urban Ohio public school
And, of course, you can make a gift to the Kenyon Fund’s scholarships and financial aid designation, which supports the education of every single Kenyon student.

Make a Gift

Virtual Events for Alumni

All alumni are invited to join us at these virtual reunion events in May:
  • Opening Ceremony/Virtual Hospitality Tent
    4 p.m. ET Sunday, May 16

  • Kenyon Together 36-Hour Giving Challenge
    from 9 a.m. ET Wednesday, May 19 – 9 p.m. ET Thursday, May 20 

  • Town Hall with President Decatur
    7 p.m. ET on Thursday, May 27
Visit kenyon.edu/reunion to view our full virtual reunion schedule.

Class Agents

Class agents are your connection to campus. If you would like to learn more about becoming a class agent, contact Parker Subia at subiap@kenyon.edu.

• Alexandra Patterson 
• Brittany Thielke
• Kellyn Caldwell
• Kimberly Qualls
• Michelle Dunavant
• Rachel Keller 
• Ryan Motevalli-Oliner

Class of 2012 Spring Notes
Christian Martinez-Canchola reports: The boys and I survived the winter storm of 2021. Seeing the city covered in snow reminded me of Kenyon. I haven't heard the sound of the snow crunching beneath my feet since the days of walking down Middle Path towards Bexley. Who knew that Gambier's power and water infrastructure was infinitely stronger than that of Dallas? We spent two days without power and 5 days without water in our unit. Thankfully, we had family we stayed with during that time. Back in June, I was promoted to principal of my elementary school. It's been mind-blowing doing this work during the pandemic. We have been offering in-person, virtual, and hybrid learning options since September. But I just received my first vaccine in March -- two days after Biden's announcement to get educators vaccinated. That same week we also moved into a townhome for more space. I'm just happy to see things coming to some semblance of routine. Happy to see or host anyone who is visiting Texas. I wish you, your families, and your cities well. Abrazos fuertes.  (Pictures below)

Jacob Smith reports: My book Minority Party Misery: Political Powerlessness and Electoral Disengagement is coming out on March 30 from University of Michigan Press. In this book, I examine what it is like to be a minority party member of a legislative body in the United States (it isn't fun!). This book includes a discussion of the role of the Democratic Party in the election of Elizabeth Pannill Fletcher ’97 to Congress in 2018!

Madli Rohtla reports: After eight years living and working in the education sector in China, I have returned to my home continent to attend graduate school in Budapest, Hungary. Unfortunately, I have yet to actually arrive there due to Covid. More updates next year...

Sarah Corcoran enjoys living in Virginia with her fiancé and rescue dog, Cali. She is continuing to help many people improve their mind body health through her virtual consulting company. She is building on her education and is halfway through the certification track of the Institute for Functional Medicine practitioner program. She is also excited about her wedding in May 2021!

Brooke Stanley reports: Brooke Stanley is missing other people this year, but they feel grateful to live in Philadelphia with their partner Davy and a menagerie of cats and dogs, and grateful for their job as an English professor at the University of Delaware. When we can all travel again, reach out to them if you're ever in Philly! Take care, all!
Christian Martinez-Canchola’s pup after Texas's snowstorm.
Read notes from the Class of 2013 and the Class of 2011.
New this year! Read notes from faculty.
Support Kenyon
If you missed the chance to share your news for this letter, you can submit a class note at any time via class.letters@kenyon.edu.
Kenyon College
105 Chase Avenue, Gambier, OH 43022