Kalamazoo College is spotlighting its President’s Student Ambassadors to let you know who they are and the roles they serve for K. As student leaders, ambassadors serve as an extension of the president’s hospitality at events and gatherings, welcoming alumni and guests of the College with a spirit of inclusion. About 15 students serve as ambassadors each academic year. The students selected show strong communication skills and demonstrate leadership through academic life, student life or community service. Meet Emmeline Wendel ’24 through a Q-and-A conducted with Social Media Ambassador Blagoja Naskovski ’24.
Emmeline Wendel ’24, from Seattle, Washington, is pursuing a double major in with a focus on Western Europe and with a minor. On campus, she works at the as an event coordinator, as a program mentor for the Caceres, Spain, , and she is the president of the Chinese Language and Culture Club. In previous years, she worked as a civic engagement scholar for Students for Reproductive Freedom at the Mary Jane Underwood Stryker Center for Civic Engagement.
What’s your favorite part of being a student at K?
“My favorite part of being a student at K is all the opportunities to leave campus and become an engaged global citizen. Whether I am conducting a digital humanities project in St. Louis, enhancing my writing skills and knowledge about sustainability in Costa Rica, or improving my Spanish-speaking skills in Spain, K allows me to incorporate soft politics into my education and pursue my international career and network.”
Why did you accept the invitation to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador?
“I decided I wanted to serve as a President’s Student Ambassador because I am grateful for all the financial support opportunities I have received from the college. I want to ensure two things for other current and prospective K students: They can engage in the same if not more opportunities like me and enhance the college experience by acknowledging and collaborating with others to solve issues on campus.”
What is your favorite part of being a President’s Student Ambassador?
“My favorite part of being a PSA is having the opportunity to familiarize myself with philanthropy campaigns and events that involve outreach with alumni.”
What would you recommend for the incoming President’s Student Ambassadors in 2024–25?
“I would recommend that a student highlight and celebrate all the little, big and in-between accomplishments, studies and extracurriculars/ communities you are a part of. That being said, I would also remind K students to be thoughtful about where, when and who they give their energy because in order to uplift a community, you must take care of yourself first.”