Leading the Way in Special Education Excellence
Larry Elliott ’94 was recently honored as New Hampshire’s 2024 Special Education Administrator of the Year. This prestigious recognition comes as no surprise to those who know Larry, as his unwavering dedication and transformative leadership have left a lasting mark on the Kearsarge…
A Legacy of Illustration
Carol Way Wood ’68 knew she wanted to be an illustrator since she was eight years old. It made sense, as she comes from a lineage steeped in artistic talents. Her mother, Grace Godwin Way, was a skilled painter, and her grandfather, Frank…
From Corporate Climb to Creative Entrepreneurship
Josh Pritchard ’05 embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial drive and personal growth. Josh, who is currently serving as the president and co-owner of Anchour, a thriving advertising and branding agency based in Lewiston, Maine, has had a journey from the corporate world to…
Designing His Future
Sam Thomas ’20 found his passion for graphic design during his introductory classes at Colby-Sawyer. These classes laid the groundwork for Sam's exploration of design principles, ultimately leading to his unique style as a graphic designer. Hilary Williams, dean for the School of…
From Maine to Manuscripts
Hailing from Portland and Brunswick, Maine, Deborah Gould ’67 found her academic home at Colby-Sawyer before venturing to Boston for a stint with a major publishing firm. She had just three days of vacation between her graduation and her first day in the…
Building Connections
Kassandra Pike ’12 has had many titles over the years: entrepreneur, student, manager, triplet, coach, dog mom and, most recently, CEO. Alongside her twin sister, Courtney Pike ’12, Kassandra co-founded Fliptable Plus, a digital platform and mobile app, helping to enhance the hiring…
A Monarch Grows in Maine
Casie Weaver '14 isn't your typical front office manager at the Midcoast Recreation Center. Beyond her daily duties, she's deeply involved in a special project – nurturing monarch butterflies. It all started when Casie, who graduated from Colby-Sawyer with a bachelor’s…
A Lasting Legacy for a Memorable Teacher
With the construction of the Janet Udall Schaefer ’52 Center for Health Sciences well underway at Colby-Sawyer, we are excited to share our plans to recognize former long-time faculty member Becky Irving ’42 M.T. with a named space in the state-of-the-art facility. The…
Culinary Dreams
In 2015, Laura Donahue ’15’s culinary journey began in an unexpected place — a gluten-free and paleo bakery called White Lion Baking Company. Working as a bakery chef, she was inspired by the joy and gratitude of customers with dietary restrictions who finally…
Making WAVES
Joan Manda Mueller ’43 is about to celebrate her 100th birthday. Joan resides in Miami Shores, a small suburb in South Florida, with her children scattered around the country. In 2021, she was honored along with other local veterans at a luncheon…
Taking Action
James Thorpe ‘06 is a self-proclaimed “jack of all trades, master of none.” He loves weight training, landscaping, basketball, golf, painting, guitar, cooking, baking and cycling. “Lately, I’m obsessed with longevity and health. But tomorrow? Who knows?” James said. “I love…
Carrying on Tradition
Ever wondered where dairy farms get all those bottles? Ben Burns ’09 can tell you all about it. Quality Containers of New England, Ben’s family business based in Yarmouth, Maine, has been manufacturing bottles for over 30 years. They are a…
Creating His Own Path
Eric Buckley ‘15 attributes much of his success to the multi-disciplinary studies major he pursued as a student at Colby-Sawyer College. While earning his Bachelor of Arts, Eric had the opportunity to explore various disciplines and understand how integrative learning can be the…
Using Her Degree
Another school year has started for Robin Deverill Croteau ’00, this time as the assistant principal of Winchester School in Winchester, New Hampshire. Robin has worked within other southwestern New Hampshire high schools, including ConVal and Keene, as a science teacher and administrator…
The Power of Communication
Jackie Susmann ’14 has landed her dream job: public affairs branch chief for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, helping public officials communicate to people in rural communities across the nation. When Jackie started her college career at Colby-Sawyer…
Finding Her Way Back Home
Amanda Gibbons Moak ’12 has always had a passion for student affairs. As a student, Moak immersed herself in activities and clubs that kept her busy and working with others. During her time as an undergraduate, Moak was involved in Dance…
From Uncertainty to Trustee
Caroline Barry ’16 was not even sure she wanted to attend Colby-Sawyer. Her heart was set on going to another school earlier in her college search. After touring campus, however, Barry fell in love with everything about CSC and had a change of…
My CSC Story
What I love most about Colby-Sawyer College is the friends (or should I say family) I've made, as well as the connections I've made with my professors. I can have a casual conversation with them, feel inspired afterward and have the feeling of…
My CSC Story
I chose Colby-Sawyer College for the small school atmosphere, with a small student-teacher ratio. My favorite thing about CSC is the faculty. The professors are easy to talk to and approach when class topics are difficult. The classes are always interesting and it…
My CSC Story
Growing up, my siblings and I were very active, and we played sports our whole lives. I’ve always loved medicine and assisting others in need. After looking through my options, I knew athletic training is what I wanted to do, and I’ve loved…
Two Alums, One Goal
Ashley Allgood ’20 and Hannah Goepel ’22 share a couple of things in common: their love for nursing and their passion to continue their education by being in the college’s first Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) cohort. Allgood decided to follow her…
The Road Less Traveled
Jordan Wheeden ’23 does things her own way. Never following the path of least resistance or falling in line with whatever everyone else is doing, Wheeden blazes her own trail in life. Wheeden came to Colby-Sawyer College in the fall of…
A Mentoring Match
Olivia McAnirlin ’17 and Charlie Graffius ’22 just missed each other while they were students at Colby-Sawyer. Luckily, their paths eventually led them together, and a unique bond and friendship has formed. McAnirlin and Graffius met through the NH-INBRE research group mentor/mentee…
Three Cheers for a Dedicated Alum
When Hayley Scherer ’22 stepped onto campus as a first-year student in 2018, she couldn’t wait to take advantage of the many exciting opportunities Colby-Sawyer had to offer. Unfortunately, a cheerleading team was not one of them since the sport had been dropped…
Ryan Wilson ’25
Ryan Wilson ’25 has places to go. Dual majoring in accounting/finance and entrepreneurship, Wilson hopes to do some serious traveling after graduation. “In the future I hope to do something related to finance, whether that be investment banking, financial advising, or even being…
Season’s Greetings
Each year, Colby-Sawyer selects one student’s design to be used for the holiday card sent out by the college. This year, Jordan Pollard, a senior majoring in graphic design and minoring in studio art, was selected as the winner of the holiday card…
Abagayle Pitchford '24
I first knew I wanted to be a nurse during sophomore year of high school. That year, my Papa passed away due to cancer. While he was in the hospital, my Papa never received the compassion or care that he should have. This…
A Pillar of the Community
Colby-Sawyer prides itself on helping shape empathic, dedicated individuals who are pillars of the community. And one of the college’s success stories is alumna Martha Clark ’61. Clark has been an active supporter of Colby-Sawyer ever since she stepped foot on campus in…
Meghan Mullane
Meghan Mullane came to Colby-Sawyer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally from Claremont, N.H., she chose Colby-Sawyer because of the small class sizes and hominess the college offers. Megan is a junior majoring in child development and minoring in…
What Are Colby-Sawyer Students Grateful For?
Thanksgiving is the time of year to reflect on what you are grateful for. With midterms underway and stress around campus at a high, it is important to highlight what grounds us and what we are thankful for in our lives. This month…
Hats Off to a Successful Alumna
As long as Kat Whalen ’88 can remember, the mountains have always given her happiness. Whether it was teaching at King Ridge Ski Area when she was a student at Colby-Sawyer, watching her daughter ski race in middle and high school or instructing…
Day Of the Dead
The Day of The Dead is a Mexican tradition of honoring loved ones that have passed away. However, the tradition was first practiced at Colby-Sawyer in 1997, brought to campus by Professor Randy Hanson. “I started it in part because I lost someone…
Students Reclaim Their Power
A sea of bright pink shirts, pins, colorful signs and chants flooded New London’s Main Street following the student-led Bans Off Our Bodies rally. Planned in collaboration by Colby-Sawyer’s Planned Parenthood Generation Action Association (PPGAA), Pride and Psychology clubs, the event brought faculty…
Enjoy The Moments
Being a city girl from Toronto and landing in a rural New Hampshire town was a learning curve for me. Colby-Sawyer College was a great fit for my academic needs. I knew I wanted to be a teacher and needed small class sizes…
The Feast After the Feat
Mountain Day is one of Colby-Sawyer College’s most celebrated traditions, from the speculation surrounding the date and the disappearance of condiments in the dining hall to the anticipation from students hoping that classes will be canceled and the excitement that bursts when the…
Andrew Davison ’23
Andrew Davison ’23 thought he had his life all figured out. He came to Colby-Sawyer College in 2019 after only touring this campus in his college search. Davison majored in Crime & Legal Studies and had intentions of graduating CSC, attending law school…
Daniel Kaigler
Daniel Kaigler wouldn't know what to do if he wasn't coaching. “It’s so much a part of me now,” he said. Kaigler has been playing basketball for most of his life. “I played basketball from a young age,” he said. “My entire…
Colby-Sawyer College Tuition Reset
On Sept. 7, Colby-Sawyer College announced a new, lower tuition of $17,500 for all undergraduate students beginning in fall 2023, aligning the posted tuition with the net cost that most students actually pay after financial aid is factored in. Interim Vice President of…
Featuring Colby Vokernick '25
What do you get when you combine a hardworking Wesson Honors student, a major in nursing, a minor in healthcare management, a student ambassador for the admissions department, a member of the Presidential Blue Key Society, a strong passion for theater and this…
Front and Center at Colby-Sawyer
If you visit Colby-Sawyer College, a new, yet familiar, face will be greeting you at the front desk. Jen Ellis ’85 has recently taken on the role as visitor services coordinator and is ready to greet visiting prospective students, families, alumni, donors and…
Featuring Bella Silva
Kind heart, determination, the color purple, dad jokes, blonde hair, intelligence, drive to be successful, hustle, mother-hen. These are just some of the things that make Bella Silva who she is. Bella came to Colby-Sawyer College in 2019 after being recruited…
Introducing the New VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Ronnie Price had never stepped foot in New Hampshire before coming to campus for his interview. He remembers people in Atlanta telling him that it was going to be cold. “I will probably always remember that day because I was in a regular…
Why I am In Love with Cancer
While I was recovering from breast cancer surgery, my mind was racing a mile a minute with questions: What have I done with my life so far? Where and how do I start the real work I have, for no good reason, been…
With Pain Comes Strength
Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever. - Lance Armstrong. Mark Macenas ’98…
Word Order
Word Order is the creative writing club that has been in existence since 1931 at Colby-Sawyer College. The club is not just for creative and professional writing majors. It’s for anyone who has a passion for the art of writing. Whether it be…
Challenge Accepted
Every December, Gretchen Garceau Kragh ’91 attends a competitive cookie exchange held by a friend. And every year, she arrives at the party with a different themed cookie. Once it was the Grinch, another time it was Christmas in Texas (the Alamo, cactus…
The Life of a Storyteller
I walked into the ceremony racing against the clock. The usher handed me a program and I found a seat close to the front. I opened my notebook to a blank page and began to write feverishly as speaker after speaker honored the…
Julianna DeGray ’24
I guess the saying is true. Time really does fly by. I can’t believe I’m going into my junior year of college. The last two years have been memorable, to say the least. The friends I’ve made and the people I’ve met…
Accessing Accommodations on Campus
At Colby-Sawyer College, one of the tools available for students to succeed is in the form of the Office of Access Resources. According to Director of Access Resources Katie Vedova, “Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, it’s a requirement that there are accommodations…
The Voice of Students
On Tuesday evenings during the academic year, Colby-Sawyer’s Student Government Association (SGA) gathered in Ware 005 to discuss the latest happenings on campus. As president, senior Amira Eid led the weekly meetings, listening to reports from senators in the group. As the end…
Just Keep Swimming
Helaina Sacco, head coach of Colby-Sawyer College’s swimming and diving team, has always been near the water. Growing up on the south shore of Massachusetts, Sacco said, “My parents wanted us to be water safe, which led to swim lessons, and then that…
Design with CAUSE
Michael Lepore ’12 has always been interested in art and drawing. As a child, Lepore enjoyed learning photo editing software and programs such as Paint. As a freshman in high school, he excelled in an applied art and graphic art/printing course. He remembered…
One Family, Three Generations
In honor of Mother’s Day, we would like to celebrate a family with three generations of women that have called Colby-Sawyer College their home. Mary Loudon Eckert ’51, Marcie Eckert Stockwell ’86 and Maggie Stockwell ’20 all attended, loved and graduated from CSC. …
Destiny Cruz ’25
Destiny Cruz ’25 has not been on campus long, but she has already made a big impact. Destiny has just been elected president of SGA, was selected for the Presidential Blue Key Society (PBKS), is a member of the women’s field hockey team…
Ahead of His Time
Colby-Sawyer College became a coeducational institution in 1990. Before this, there were a handful of men who took classes at the all-women’s college. One of the men who blazed the trail for generations of men to come was Dick Baynes – the first…
Home Sweet Home
After Colby, I finished my medical technology training in DC. It was an exciting place to live during the 1960’s. My husband was finishing up a masters in clinical psychology as I worked in Childrens Hospital doing iron deficiency research and clinical work…
Commitment to Family
The people. The character. The network. These are some of the reasons Colby-Sawyer College holds a special place in Collin Bray’s ’06 heart. Bray also fondly remembers wonderful mentors he had while he was here, including Teresa Gallagher (Mama T.), Coach Bill Foti…
For the Love of Dance
Dance Club is an extremely popular organization on campus with several dozen members that join each year. The number grows every year, and the joy of dance brings the campus community together. Dance Club allows students to express themselves through dance. It…
Presidential Blue Key Society
When students search for colleges, a school’s clubs and organizations can be a big draw in choosing a particular school. Colby-Sawyer has a wide variety of options for its attendees, ranging from Student Government to Anime Club. But one organization that is unique…
There's No Stopping this Show
Although delayed by wintry weather, PRIDE’s spring drag ball went off without a hitch on Saturday, Feb. 26. The club holds two drag balls each year. In the fall, they host a Halloween themed ball, and in the spring, they hold one with…
From Student to Safety Officer
Aaron Hodge ’14 never anticipated working for Colby-Sawyer College. A media studies major from Colchester, Vt., Hodge is once again back on campus, this time in a much different role: campus safety officer.After graduating from the college, Hodge launched himself into a variety…
Molly Clough ’22
Senior business administration student Molly Clough’s college story is not your typical one. Molly is from a small New Hampshire town called North Haverhill. Growing up, she envisioned herself on a pre-vet track at the University of New Hampshire. It seemed like the…
One Step at a Time
Most people spend a lifetime waiting for the perfect opportunity to do something they have always wanted to do. Sarah Auer ’20 decided to put her dreams into action as soon as possible. She did something she had wanted to do for as…
African Student Association
On a typical Thursday night at Colby-Sawyer College, the African Student Association (ASA) can be found in Ware Student Center having their weekly meeting. Led by President Ameesah Cotton ’24, the club always has something interesting going on. Some nights it’s a screening…
All You Need is Love
Colby-Sawyer College offers a multitude of things to its students — a solid education, lifelong friendships, and a strong foundation to begin their adult lives. But for these three couples, CSC also gave them the gift of love. …
Farms to Fiction
Adjunct Professor Megan Baxter’s love for writing started at an early age. She was a very creative kid who loved writing and, during a period of time when she was what she refers to as “a Victorian child” due to illness, her father…
Giving Back
Jack Tremblay ’94 recently turned to his graphic design background to support his alma mater. He said, “I was looking for a specific way to give back to Colby-Sawyer in a way that used my CSC education. I’m certainly not in any position…
Spill the Tea with Sarah Fields
Sarah Fields ’16, who graduated as a multidisciplinary studies major, is back on campus, this time as the program manager for Student Activities and Orientation. Before returning to the Colby-Sawyer community, Sarah had a handful of other jobs, including working as a custom…
Favorite Decorations
What’s your favorite holiday decoration and what does it mean to you? December is the heart of the holiday season, and it brings a wide variety of traditions and festive fun no matter which holidays you celebrate. Part of the holiday season…
Designed to Win
Every year a graphic design class is tasked with creating a holiday card for the college. This year, the students were instructed to work with a partner to create an illustration and a motion graphic. Their work was critiqued and reviewed by President…
The Taste of Africa: A Celebration of Culture Through Fashion and Food
On Friday November 19, 2021, Colby-Sawyer’s African Student Association (ASA) Club held their annual Taste of Africa event in Wheeler Hall. The event features a fashion show with members displaying their unique streetstyle and formal wear, along with traditional foods originating across the…
Cracker Jack
If you’re looking for an interesting read this holiday season, look no further than Professor Asher Ellis’s '06 latest thriller novel, Cracker Jack. The book tells the story of ex-safecracker Jackson Phillips, who has abandoned his life of crime to work…
An Evening of Dance
On a Friday night, students, faculty and family gather in the Sawyer Center auditorium. Chatter dies down as the Dance Club’s officers appear onstage. After a short introduction, club president Sierra Lemieux-Rossi ’23 encourages the crowd to cheer as loud as they can…
From Clubs to Career
As a former student, Connor Delaney ’15 brings an interesting perspective to the office of Student Activities. Connor graduated from Colby-Sawyer as a biology major with a minor in chemistry. Initially coming to the college to become an optometrist, he realized after finishing…
How Do You Show Your Gratitude?
Thanksgiving is a time to take a step back to reflect on what we have and what we’re thankful for. Things we tend to stress over don’t feel as big, and we realize it’s the little things that mean the most. The common…
The Art of Activism
On Monday the 18th of October, students took their seats in the black box theater for a unique event. Organized by Professor Jon Keenan, Professor Donna Berghorn and Meredith Ellis ‘23, Portsmouth, N.H.-based artist Richard Haynes gave an hour-long presentation of his life…
Fall Freak Out
The last week of October is always an exciting time for the Colby-Sawyer community. As the chill of autumn settles in the air, students are met with a plethora of exciting activities as part of the college’s annual Fall Freak Out event. …
A Race for a Cause
Colin Bellavance ’09 recently took part in the Killington, Vt., Spartan Ultra Race to recognize the sacrifices made by first responders, military members and their families. The following is a narrative written by Colin describing his incredible experience. The race was…
If Not Me, Then Who?
This year marked the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, and people around the country remembered the victims of this tragedy in a variety of ways. For Colin Bellavance ’09, it meant honoring the sacrifice of the 343 FDNY firefighters who perished…
Making Merry on Mountain Day
Every fall, Colby-Sawyer students eagerly await the ringing of bells on Mountain Day. A tradition dating back to the early days of the academy, Mountain Day is a celebration of the college’s history and a day of fun. For some students, however, the…
Design in Mind
The Mountain Day shirt is the emblem of Mountain Day here at Colby-Sawyer College. But who is the artist to credit behind the shirt worn by hundreds of students, faculty and staff this year? This year, Sierra Lemieux, a junior graphic design major…
A Fresh Perspective: Getting Started
September 3, 2021: A day I knew was coming, but could never have prepared myself for. I don’t think I fully realized that I was actually going to college until I pulled up to Lawson Hall, upperclassmen started cheering, and they took all…
Sewing Up Scares
On a chilly autumn day in New London, one can find Sarah Trout ’24 sewing their newest creation in their dorm. Sarah is a sophomore creative writing major with a minor in studio art, and during their free time they like to create…
Teach – In Every Sense of the Word
Webster’s Dictionary defines the word “teach” as “to instruct by precept, example or experience and ... any manner of imparting information or skill so that others may learn.” And in her 28 years of service to Colby-Sawyer College, Nancy Teach ’70 spent most…
Stacked Against the Test of Time
Mark Cassinelli ’95, Kevin McGovern ’95, James Gowell ’96, Andy Ferguson ’95 and Mike Sansonetti ’98. These alumni live in different states and have followed different paths since graduation. They have had triumphs, defeats and everyday wins and challenges. But over the past…
Combining Two Interests
On the two days following my graduation from Colby-Sawyer College, I drove 934 miles to Luzerne, Mich., a town I had never heard of in a state I had never thought of visiting. My dorm room was packed hastily into boxes in the…
A Valuable Education
Paula Magnanti ’79 has had many work and volunteer experiences throughout her career. But it is her Colby-Sawyer education that she attributes to her ongoing success. She said, “I went on to medical laboratory science and medical technology at Northeastern University. However, the…
From Finger Painting to Art Gallery Owner
Britt Reynolds Bair ’79 realized she loved art when she was in kindergarten. She said, “All the kids were finger painting and I wouldn’t do it because I thought it was messy. Then I tried it and the teacher couldn’t get me to…
Loving Her Alma Mater and Country
Breyon Brown Thomas ’16 always knew she wanted to join the military. Growing up in a family that had multiple members in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force, Thomas decided to join the U.S. Army in the spring of 2019. She…
How I Fell in Love With Farming
Just over a month ago, I started working at Siena Farms in Sudbury, Mass., as a farm apprentice. Two months before that, I decided to search for post-grad jobs in agriculture despite my double major in creative writing and communications studies. My interest…
A Given Opportunity
When Bill Foti first set foot on campus 29 years ago, he was in his 20s working as an assistant men’s basketball coach for New Hampshire College (now Southern New Hampshire University). He said, “I knew I was ready to become a head…
All About Community
Graduating amidst a pandemic and much unrest in the country, Zachary Allen ’20 knew he wanted to do something to make a difference. He chose to join the AmeriCorps NCCC so he could take advantage of a unique opportunity to serve communities in…
A Lifetime of Baseball
Tom White seems to have been born into baseball. His father played Division I baseball at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) and as soon as he graduated, began coaching at UNH. After some time, Tom’s father moved to Lisbon, N.H., and coached…
Committed to Her Students
Exercise and Sport Sciences Professor Jean Eckrich became intrigued with biomechanics when she took a course on the topic and was able to assess her own situation with limited knee movement due to injury. She said, “It really intrigued me and soon became…
A Change of Course
Isabel Price ’18 was lucky to have Professor Lynn Garrioch as an advisor during her time at Colby-Sawyer. “I transferred into the psychology program when I was a sophomore. I felt a bit behind, but the second I walked into Professor Garrioch’s office…
A Second, and Final, Retirement
Assistant Professor for the School of Nursing & Health Sciences Joan Huber knew she wanted to be a nurse at a young age. She said, “As a child I read all the Cherry Ames books and decided that was the career for me.” …
Storming the Art Department
Surrounded by creative and resourceful family members growing up, Loretta Barnett was destined to pursue a career in art. Barnett’s great-grandmother and many of her great-grandmother’s children were very talented fabric artists. Her great-uncle owned a photography studio, and many other family members…
Five Lessons I Learned @ Colby-Sawyer
Here are some of the biggest life lessons I learned during my four years on campus that I continue to practice in my life. Not Everyone Is Going To Like You . . . and That’s Okay I was nervous to come to…
Flying High
Mike Swanson, an exercise science alum from the class of ’16, was 11 years into a construction career that was taking a toll on his mind and body. He decided that he hated his job and did what many of us do to…
A Career She Can Count On
Uyen Nguyen ’18 remembers exactly when she decided to pursue a career in accounting. While attending a leadership program in the summer after her freshman year at Colby-Sawyer, Nguyen met a lot of people in the accounting field. After speaking with them, she…