Jaden Richards: Giving Back Through Public Service

Be it his time on the AAS or his research on public policy later this year, Jaden Richards is constantly searching for ways to apply his intellectual interests to the real world.

Alyssa Xu: On the Rhodes of Sincerity

Alyssa Xu’s path from rural New Brunswick, Canada, to the rarefied ranks of Rhodes Scholars is not just a story of talent and triumph, but of luminous sincerity, fierce curiosity, and a devotion to seeing — and serving — those most often unseen.

Lillia Hammond: From Volleyball Courts to Rocket Science

Fueled by boundless curiosity and a deep love for creation, Lillia Hammond '25 forges connections between art and engineering — mentoring, building, and leading with a spark that lights every room she enters.

Jacquelyn Cabarrubia: Building Community at Amherst and Beyond

Jacquelyn Cabarrubia’s commitment to fostering community manifests not only in her work revitalizing her heritage language, but also through her dedication to empowering and uplifting every person she meets.

Bela Achaibar: Unraveling the Fabric of Diaspora

Bela Achaibar pieced together an education as layered as the cultures she studied, built on curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for where we come from.

Ahanu Youngblood: Chasing Adventure With Boundless Curiosity

With steady and unwavering passion, Ahanu Youngblood moves through the world with a quiet confidence: chasing snow, science, and community with a warmth that draws people in, and a drive that pushes boundaries.

Caden Stockwell: Pure Passion and Open Optimism

Caden Stockwell channels his bold creative vision into his films and political voice, leaving an unforgettable mark on Amherst through art and leadership.

Nick Torres: The Pursuit of Education and Community

Nick Torres balances an intense work ethic with a passion to help others, leading a life motivated by community building and support.

Gabby Avena: A Kind of Knowing

Anyone who encounters Gabby Avena will be instantly struck by her genuine warmth, her ability to listen intently, and the way she makes every conversation feel both meaningful and inspiring.

Ben Clark-Eden: Finding Creativity and Community in Uncertainty

Driven by a desire to form connections, Ben Clark-Eden has created a strong community and cemented his legacy at Amherst, both on and off the field.

Tim Carroll: “A Dedication of Principle”

Whether studying philosophy, performing on stage, or advocating for the rights of animals, Tim Carroll is intentional in the way he crafts his life.

Olly Ajao: “Everything Always Works Out. Just Watch.”

For Olly Ajao, putting herself out there has never been a challenge. Whether it’s getting over her fears of fitting in, finding her calling, or performing on stage, Ajao is convinced there is nothing she can’t do.

Amelie Justo-Sainz: Social Justice from Coast to Coast

Amelie Justo-Sainz has spent her time at Amherst not only learning more about herself and her research interests, but also how she can combine her Latino background with the college’s opportunities and resources to work toward improving her home’s housing issues.

Karen Kang: A Duality of A Brain

Wickedly smart but possessing a heart of gold, Karen Kang has taken advantage of the full liberal arts curriculum to forge her own unconventional path in academia, with an unquenched thirst for knowledge and genuine passion for making positive contributions in theoretical physics.

Gent Malushaga: Running Toward a Higher Office

Well-known on campus as an outspoken yet thoughtful presence, departing Student Body President Gent Malushaga grew at Amherst while learning to love the school itself.

Sarah Wu: Embodying the Liberal Arts

Sarah Wu’s intellectual curiosity, passion for community building, and commitment to education have been the root of her long lasting impact on the Amherst Community.

Anna Baxter: Mentor, Role Model On and Off the Rink

Leading the women’s hockey team to both NCAA and NESCAC championships while completing an experimental thesis, Anna Baxter has demonstrated an impressive dedication that inspired her teammates and professors alike.

Stormie King: Challenge Yourself, Make Art, Get to Work

Brave, passionate, and dedicated, Stormie King ’25 is the true embodiment of what an artist should be: devoted to her craft, ready to experiment, try new things, and never willing to give up on what they truly love to do.

Shreya Joshi: Open-Minded Approaches to Learning

No matter what she does — or where she goes — Shreya Joshi navigates new experiences with empathy and a drive for learning.

Oren Tirschwell: Cultivating Community through Cello, Calculation, and Collaboration

Whether it’s his interdisciplinary research on gun violence, his incredible cello performances, or even his efforts in bringing Tandem Bagels back to Val, Oren Tirschwell’s presence has been invaluable in improving Amherst’s community.

Caly van Leeuwen: Sculpting Hybrid Forms

Inspired by their fondness for nature and animals, Caly van Leeuwen explores the way humans interact with the non-human world in their thought-provoking art.

Dustin Copeland: Finding Purpose in the Process

From his English thesis, to his time at The Student, to the community he’s found at the Zü, Dustin Copeland’s time at Amherst has been shaped by finding the work that feels integral to who he is — and the people that share that devotion.

JinJin Xu: Groundbreaking Poet, Artist, and Amherst Alum

In an insightful interview with LitFest 2025 guest JinJin Xu ’17, staff writer Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’28 discusses the multimedia work of the artist, poet, and publisher, who happened to live in his same first-year dorm during her time at Amherst.

Thoughts on Theses: Sonia Chajet Wides

In her history thesis, Senior Managing Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 explored the little-known 19th century Christian nationalist society dedicated to converting Jews and displacing them to a colony in upstate New York, with members ranging from John Quincy Adams to Amherst College students.

Quick Questions: What is the Life Cycle of a Book at Frost?

In his final edition of Quick Questions, Staff Writer Neil Kapur ’25 illuminates how library books are acquired and why they might be taken off the shelves.

Nuestras Voces: Celebrating Amherst's Bilingual Voices

The fourth annual Nuestras Voces celebrated creative works by Spanish-speaking students related to themes of bilingual identity. Staff Writer Jackson Hersom ’25 spoke with Senior Lecturer in Spanish Carmen Granda and student participants to capture the event's significance.

Cultivating an Ecosystem of Community Science Education

Community collaboration takes center stage in the biology and education studies course “Biology Outreach through Community-Based Learning.” Staff Writer Savita Jani ’28 highlights this unique course and its mission of making science education more accessible to all.

Who is Sabrina — and Where Will She Go Next?

For over 150 years, the Sabrina statue has been on the move. Staff Writer Joline Fong ’26 dives into the mystery of Sabrina and her historical importance to the Amherst student body.

Staff Spotlight: Iris Afantchao

In this edition of Staff Spotlight, Editor-in-Chief June Dorsch ’27 sat down with Iris Afantchao, Frost Library’s Acquisitions Specialist, to learn more about a career in the archives, surprising book requests, and faculty-staff field trips.

Old News: This Week in 1938

In her final edition of Old News, Senior Managing Editor Sonia Chajet Wides ’25 explores the April 29, 1938 edition of the Student, filled with stories about Spring Prom, unbelievable pranks, and the threat of an impending World War.

Quick Questions: Why is It so Difficult to Get a Music Lesson?

For this edition of Quick Questions, Staff Writer Sofia Angarita ’26 spoke with Music Lessons Coordinator Janice Murphy to better understand why music lessons on campus are so competitive.

Student Squared: Grace Nah

In this edition of Student Squared, Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 talked to Grace Nah ’28 about her love for the physics department, using social media as an artistic outlet, and securing spontaneous concert tickets.

Financial Uncertainty and the 2025-26 Tuition Increase

With a 4.75% tuition increase for the 2025-26 academic year and Trump’s impending expansion of the endowment tax, Managing Features Editor Lauren Siegel ’27 and Staff Writer Belaine Mamo ’27 explore how Amherst’s tuition and financial aid could be affected by this new administration.

Photo Series: Casino Night

Managing Puzzles Editor Madeline Gold ’28 captured Casino Night, a collaborative event between Amherst Association of Students (AAS) Senator Charles Tufenki ’28 and the Campus Activities Board, in five photos.

Thoughts on Theses: Sylvan Wold

In this edition of Thoughts on Theses, Staff Writer Ava Nair ’28 interviews English major Sylvan Wold ’25 about her creative nonfiction thesis structured around artifacts of her mother’s life.

Elliott Addresses Fears Surrounding Academic Freedom

Amid ongoing fears surrounding federal intervention in higher education, Editor-in-Chief June Dorsch ’27 spoke with President Michael Elliott about the roots of these attacks and how Amherst will be affected by the current administration’s agenda.

Staff Spotlight: Lauren Gladu

In this edition of Staff Spotlight, Managing Features Editor Olivia Law ’27 sat down with Lauren Gladu, the Spanish department coordinator and campus Zumba instructor, to find out more about her 17 years at Amherst and the Zumba community she has fostered.

Lip Sync 2025: Pitch Perfect Performances Compete for Housing

This past Wednesday, students competed in Lip Sync 2025 to win the first pick in the Herd Housing selection process. Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 highlights the fun performances and perspectives of the winning team.

Amherst Adventures Abroad: Madison Rabb ’26

In this new edition of Amherst Adventures Abroad, Managing Features Editor Nife Joshua ’26 spoke with Madison Rabb ’26 to learn about her semester in Madrid, highlighting her immersion in the Spanish language, travels around Europe, and newfound love for Spanish cuisine.

Amherst Reflects on Trump’s Transgender Athlete Policy

On Feb. 5, Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women and girls from competing in women’s sports, Staff Writer Lily Earnest ’28 spoke to Amherst community members about the ban’s dangerous implications for transgender individuals as well as our campus culture.

Student Squared: Richard Noh

In this edition of Student Squared, Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 talked to Richard Noh ’27 about majoring in biochemistry, singing in DQ, and working in Kirby Theater.

Amherst College Conservatives: Altering Campus Discourse?

Last semester, Amherst students established an official conservative political presence on campus: Amherst College Conservatives. Managing Features Editor Lauren Siegel ’27 explored the impacts of this new club on the Amherst community and its implications for our national political culture.

Staff Spotlight: Martin Garnar

Staff Writer Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’28 sat down with Martin Garnar, the director of the library at Amherst, to find out more about Frost Library — the building where we spend our Sunday nights — and the man behind it all.

Introductory Science Courses Challenge Class Capacity

Introductory science courses saw particularly high enrollment in both semesters of the 2024-25 academic year. Staff Writers Evie Brimberg ’28 and Kaitlyn Cappillo ’28 spoke with department chairs and students to discuss the implications of large classes on the quality of student learning.

Quick Questions: “Snow Day” or a Snowy Day?

Wondering if another snow day is on the horizon? Managing Features Editor Nife Joshua ’26 delves into the mystery of the necessary criteria for classes to be canceled.

Dr. Anthony Fauci Sits Down With Amherst Students

Dr. Anthony Fauci, one of this year’s esteemed LitFest guests, spoke with four Amherst students about the necessity of science in times of uncertainty, the American medical system, and the implications of Covid.

10 Highlights From 10 Years of LitFest: A Retrospective with Jennifer Acker ’00

2025 marks 10 years since the start of LitFest, inviting over 100 guest speakers over the years. Managing Features Editor Olivia Law ’27 and Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 spotlight the most memorable moments from each year.

Storytelling and Screenwriting: Jefferson’s “Craft Talk”

Students had the opportunity to meet writer-director Cord Jefferson at the college’s LitFest this past weekend. Staff Writer Belaine Mamo ’27 gives an inside look into his journey.

Thoughts on Theses: Elias Villanueva Gomez

Elias Villanueva Gomez ’25 is a senior double majoring in Sexuality, Women’s, and Gender Studies and an interdisciplinary major, which focuses on translation and bilingualism studies. His thesis explores philosophies of translation, sociolinguistics, and translanguaging.

Fizz at Amherst: Antagonism or Anonymity

In light of Friday’s email from the President’s Office to the student body concerning anonymous posts on the platform Fizz, Staff Writer Jackson Hersom ’27 explored the psychological implications of anonymity and the app’s impacts on the Amherst community.

Amherst Adventures Abroad: Naomi Habtu ’26E

For many students, going abroad is one of the highlights of the Amherst experience, but it’s not often that students get the inside scoop. Managing Features Editor Nife Joshua ’26 spoke with Naomi Habtu ’26E to learn about her semester in Chile.

Looking Ahead to LitFest: Illuminating our Guest Speakers

In anticipation of Amherst’s 10th annual LitFest this weekend, Staff Writer Belaine Mamo ’27 highlighted the lives and careers of this year’s guest speakers.

Student Squared: Necati Akinci ’25

In this edition of Student Squared, Assistant Features Editor Mira Wilde ’28 talked to Necati Akinci ’25 about his passion for physics, his experience as an international student, and his goal of pursuing educational equity.

Staff Spotlight: Kris Dufour

Life-long sports competitor, writer, and enthusiast Kris Dufour, Amherst’s director of athletics communications, spoke with Daphne Witherell ’27 about his passion for building community through sports.

Hearts of the Herd: Valentine’s Day Edition

In this extra-special Valentine’s Day edition of Hearts of the Heard, resident love expert Daisy Valentine comes to the rescue with relationship advice for students battling love dilemmas.

Exploring the Swoon-Worthy Love Story Behind Reneé Alvarez and Ryan Alvarado’s 13-Year Marriage

Staff writer Ava Nair ’28 interviewed Valentine Dining Hall Meal Checker Reneé Alvarez about her 13-year marriage with Assistant Professor of Mathematics Ryan Alvarado, tracing their love from Missouri to Massachusetts.

True Love or True Disappointment? Students Reflect on the 2024 Marriage Pact

Five months after the announcement of Amherst’s 2024 Marriage Pact, Staff Writers Erin Sullivan ’28 and Savita Jani ’28 follow up with Amherst students on their stories, opinions, and dilemmas surrounding their “perfect” matches.

Amherst Community Reflects on Israel-Hamas Ceasefire

Over the past few weeks, the multi-phase ceasefire deal agreed to by Israel and Hamas has seemed to unravel. Managing Features Editor Lauren Siegel ’27 spoke to Amherst community members about the agreement, highlighting their perspectives on the deal’s implications for the Amherst campus.

Beaming with Pride: Amherst Students Leave their Mark on Future Dining Commons

On Wednesday, students wrote themselves into Amherst history by leaving their permanent mark on the new Student Center and Dining Commons coming Fall 2026. Staff Writer Amaya Ranatunge ’28 spoke to students about the significance of this experience.

Thoughts on Theses: Alma Clark

Alma Clark ’25 is a senior double majoring in computer science and music. Clark’s thesis is a full-length studio concept album, infusing modern electronic and indie pop to transport listeners 100 years into the future.

LA to Amherst: Students Reflect on January Fires

Since Jan. 7, relentless fires have ravaged the Los Angeles community, forcing many to evacuate to safety. Assistant Features Editors Mira Wilde ’28 and Talia Ehrenberg ’28 highlighted the experiences of two students from LA and their transitions back to Amherst.

Portrait of an Amherst Poet: Eliot Cardinaux and The Bodily Press

Eliot Cardinaux is an Amherst-based poet, jazz pianist, publisher, and composer. Staff writer Luchik Belau-Lorberg ’28 spoke with him to learn more about his life and the art that informs it.

Staff Spotlight: Stella Santos

Staff Writer Kaitlyn Cappillo ’28 spoke with associate director of New Student & Family Programs Stella Santos. In her interview, Santos discusses her journey to Amherst and her goal of creating connections among first-years, orientation leaders, and staff.

Amherst Debate Society Makes College Proud in Panama

Over winter break, the Amherst Debate Society rang in the new year with success at the 2025 World Universities Debating Championships in Panama City, Panama. Managing Features Editor Lauren Siegel ’27 spoke to the team about their preparation, accomplishments, and adventures.

Skijoring: Where the Wild West Meets the Slopes

At the peak of winter in Colorado, the unlikely combination of two sports, horseback riding and skiing, creates what is known as skijoring. Assistant Opinion Editor Olivia Tennant ’27 explores the world of this unique extreme sport, which she encountered during her winter break.

Graduating Transfer Students Reflect on Amherst Experiences

This week, a number of transfer students will graduate from Amherst as members of the class of 2025E. The Student interviewed five of them to celebrate their accomplishments and hear about their experiences.

Fake Abortion Clinics Shape Massachusetts Reproductive Health Landscape

Though Massachusetts has some of the strongest abortion rights in the country, 33 unlicensed fake clinics, or “crisis pregnancy centers,” seek to convince — or even deceive — people out of having an abortion. Staff Writer Adela Thompson Page ’26 explores these fake clinics and their impact.

An End to the Doom Scroll: How Students Stay Productive on Devices

Students’ devices offer both essential learning tools and endless opportunities for distraction. Staff Writer Mira Wilde ’28 highlights creative solutions to combat distraction in an effort to maintain their focus and reclaim time from their screens — whether through apps or physical distance.

How Interdisciplinary Majors Forge Their Own Paths

Having the opportunity to major in something that you’re passionate about is special. But what if that major doesn’t exist? Staff Writer Belaine Mamo ’27 addresses this question by sharing the experiences of four students who became interdisciplinary majors.

Thoughts on Theses: Maristhela Alvarez

Maristhela Alvarez ’25 is a senior majoring in biochemistry. Her thesis explores the potential impact of the NCAM2 protein on cadherin localization in the embryos of Nematostella, a species of starlet sea anemones.

Food for Thought: Classes Face the Power of What’s on Our Plates

Food is an essential part of our daily lives. But rarely do we consider food’s broader context or impacts. Staff Writer Olivia Tennant ’27 spoke to three professors teaching classes that dive deeper into our relationship with food.

Hearts of the Herd: Relationship Advice Column

In the inaugural edition of Hearts of the Heard, resident love-expert Daisy Valentine comes to the rescue with sage relationship advice for students battling love conundrums.

Staff Spotlight: Megan Scutti

Staff Writer Litzy Castañeda ’28 spoke with Megan Scutti, Amherst’s nutritionist, about her commitment to helping community members foster healthy habits and a balanced lifestyle amidst the demands of college life.

President Elliott Looks Ahead to the College in the Trump Era

The results of the 2024 election are predicted to have a substantial impact on college campuses. The Student spoke with President Michael Elliott about the possible consequences of President-elect Donald Trump’s second term and how the college is preparing to respond.

Political Action Clubs Regroup Post-Election

Managing Design Editor Anna Wang ’28 spoke with the campus political groups about their efforts leading up to the election and their plans moving forward, highlighting the work of Amherst College Democrats, Amherst College Conservatives, and Reproductive Justice Alliance.

Memories of Merrill: Science Center of the Past

While many current Amherst students may not remember the old Merrill Science Center, it holds a special place in the hearts of those who learned, worked, and forged bonds, on a personal and molecular level, inside. Staff Writer Sam Fetters ’26 reflects on the history of this significant building.

Quick Questions: What Happened to TYPO?

Student Affairs provides the opportunity for students to dine with a faculty or staff member in town through the TYPO/TYSO program. Staff writer Neil Kapur ’25 explains how students can request this subsidized meal and the recent changes made to the program.

Sis’s Place: Student Founds Housing Nonprofit

Aletheia Woodford ’26E is a full-time student and the founder and executive director of Sis’s Place Inc., a nonprofit which will provide immediate housing to domestic violence survivors in the Pioneer Valley.

Student Squared: Charlie Barker ’27

In a new edition of Student Squared, Managing Features Editor Emma Burd ’26 interviews Charlie Barker ’27 on competitive rock climbing, physics, and living in the Zü.

Old News: Five Historic Election Days on Campus

From widespread protests in 1968 to raucous celebrations in 2008, this Election Day edition of Old News explores how The Student reported on five different elections across three centuries.

Professors Plan Syllabi, Class Discussions Around Election

In light of Tuesday’s election, some professors have altered their syllabi. Staff Writer Talia Ehrenberg ’28 and Assistant Features Editor Nife Joshua ’26 spoke with two Amherst professors about how they plan to approach the election in their classes.

Does Rate My Professor Deserve a Perfect Rating?

Managing Design Editor Anna Wang ’28 analyzes the reliability of Amherst professors’ Rate My Professor reviews — the few that exist.

Fresh Faculty: Nathaniel Brennan

Nathaniel Brennan is a visiting professor in Amherst’s film and media studies and English departments. Staff Writer Olivia Tennant ’27 spoke with him about his childhood love for film, his educational trajectory, and his approach to teaching.

Swing State Students Navigate Deep Blue Mass. Election

Voters from swing states are often caught in the middle of intense political difference and discourse. Staff Writer Mira Wilde ’28 interviews Amherst students from these states about their experiences with election season in the more politically homogeneous Massachusetts.

Ghosts of Valentine: Paranormal Activity on Campus

Valentine Dining Hall is haunted. With Halloween around the corner, Staff Writers Fedora Liu ’28 and Jenny Chan ’28 explore the untold stories of the spirits who inhabit Val.

Thoughts on Theses: Tim Carroll ’25

Tim Carroll ’25 is a senior majoring in Law, Jurisprudence, and Social Thought. His thesis explores the intersection of philosophy, law, and politics as it relates to animal rights.

“Don’t Give Up on Anthropology” — Alumni Profile, Chuck Smythe ’70

Throughout his career, Chuck Smythe ’70 has worked with Native tribes to preserve their cultural knowledge and objects, often resisting institutional pressures.

The Up-And-Coming Bug-Crazy Explorer — Alumni Profile, James Colwell ’20

With an acute curiosity for nature and a love for insects, James Colwell ’20 has already found his place among scientists, just four years after his graduation.

Centering Place in Writing and Publishing — Alumni Profile, Jennifer Acker ’00

At Amherst, Jennifer Acker ’00 was an anthropology major. Now, she considers questions about place and culture in her work as an editor and writer.

A Life Unscripted, On and Off the Stage — Alumni Profile, Tom McKitterick ’70

Tom McKitterick ’70 has been an actor, photojournalist, and theater producer — dedicating his life to intellectual curiosity.

The Story Behind Modern Art’s Storyteller — Alumni Profile, Erica Gangsei

As the director of Interpretive Media at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Erica Gangsei helps uncover the narratives of artworks.

Influencing Global Dialogue — Alumni Profile, Amanda J. Bradley ’90

Amanda J. Bradley ’90 now combines her passion for world languages and the environment, alongside a commitment to empowering vulnerable communities, on the international stage.

Finding Where She’s Meant to Be — Alumni Profile, Heather Lynn Grotzinger ’20

From Colorado College to Memphis, Tennessee, Heather Grotzinger ’20 has been following an instinct to work with people — which is now leading her back to school.

From Klingon to E-Commerce — Alumni Profile, Artie Moffa ’00

Artie Moffa ’00 has always been into wordplay. He crafted extravagant fictions for his Amherst application and remains engaged in the poetic arts.

Operating with Openness and Spirit — Alumni Profile, Shazi Lyle ’15

A verve for learning and people has guided Shazi Lyle ’15 in her journey at Amherst, as a camp counselor, and throughout her career, where she’s followed a passion for operations and sexual health.

Reflecting on 30 Years in the Newsroom — Alumni Profile, Wendy Fisher ’85

After graduating from Amherst and returning from Paris, Wendy Fisher ’85 rose in the ranks in her various journalistic jobs in New York City.

Trees, People, and the Pioneer Valley — Alumni Profile, Bob Saul ’80

Bob Saul ’80 wears many hats as a businessman, farmer, and writer. But saturating all of theses trades is a love for trees.

From Memorial Field to the MLB — Alumni Profile, Dave Jauss ’80

After starting his career as an assistant coach at Amherst, Dave Jauss ’80 spent over two decades coaching Major League Baseball.

From Private Practice to Federal Judgeship — Alumni Profile, Samuel Hardwicke Mays Jr. ’70

Although Judge Samuel Hardwicke Mays Jr. ’70 initially wanted to avoid the limelight, his work as a judge has shown him to be a dedicated public servant.

Forging Harmony Through International Diversity — Alumni Profile, Hajime Hayashi ’85

As the Japanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hajime Hayashi ’85 still carries Amherst’s commitment to diversity, empathy, and tolerance with him in all aspects of his daily life.