Student Ambassadors

Shared Vision

As members of the Student Ambassador team, we contribute to our community by encouraging each other to explore our passions and challenge ourselves. Through positive communication with visitors and prospective students, we adapt to create new opportunities for professional and personal development. We strive to represent our college as best as possible and educate our peers and guests on what makes Champlain unique, both as an institution and as a home.

We'd love to take you on tour of our beautiful campus and, because we are all sophomores, juniors, and seniors at Champlain, we can answer any questions you may have about living on campus, academics, Burlington or anything else regarding life as a student here. If you aren't able to visit campus, or if you have any questions you'd like to ask us as current students, feel free to email us at studentambassador@champlain.edu and one of us will be sure to get back to you soon! So how about it? Schedule a campus visit!

Meet the Ambassadors

Student Ambassador Juliette Albert

Juliette Albert '26 (she/her)

Major:
Business Administration

Hometown:
Stow, ME

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because I loved the idea of being on a small campus in a city. I've also always wanted to live in Vermont ever since I was a kid.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Going to Burlington Bagel Bakery with friends, then going down to the boardwalk.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Going into any and all of the random unique stores in Burlington, with my friends. Then try to keep my friends from buying absurd things that they'll never use.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
College brings on many changes, make sure that you follow your heart, and listen to your instincts. 

Abbey Berger-Knorr '24 (she/her)

Major:
Communication

Minor / Concentration:
Global Studies, Specialization in Public Relations and Strategic Communications

Hometown:
Enola, PA

Other Campus Involvements:

  • President of PRSSA
  • Orientation Leader

Why I Chose Champlain:
I loved the aspect of the Upside-Down Curriculum and the creativity of classes at Champlain. I also love downtown Burlington and the stunning lake views!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Getting ice cream down at the waterfront and watching the sunset and then going downtown to catch some local music on Church Street.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Staying up until 3am with my residents playing a Kirby game that had just come out. One of my favorite Champlain memories has been being involved with the Orientation program!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Everything will work out in the end! Stay authentic to you and keep a positive mindset.

Grace Berry '27 (she/her)

Major:
Business Administration

Minor / Concentration:
Business Administration

Hometown:
Barre, VT

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Crochet Club
  • Stiller Women in Business
  • PRSSA

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of the gorgeous campus and the upside-down curriculum helping me to study major specific topics my first year.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington is walking around down by church street to visit the makers markets and then getting chocolate at Lake Champlain Chocolates.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite Champlain memory was being able to express my passion for business and art at the Champlain Weekend market and meeting alumni and peers that share the same values.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Changing your mind is allowed, you need to listen to yourself and do what you feel is right.

Brandon Cherry '27 (he/him)

Major:
Game Programming

Hometown:
Farmingdale, NY

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Martial Arts

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of how welcoming the community was. From the first moment I stepped on campus, I felt cared about. This has not changed one bit, and I love being around people that I feel I belong with.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Going out and exploring! A lot of times I will just go generally towards something, such as the local Barnes and Noble or the waterfront, and then I'll just walk around that area and see what's around! 

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite Champlain memory is meeting my girlfriend. Although she does not go to this school, I met her on an app when I was sitting in my dorm room. The first time I said I love you to her was on the phone outside of my residence dorm. These memories mean the world to me, and I'm glad they happened while I was on Champlain property. 

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Look for a school that you feel at home in. Somewhere that you feel like you can be you and you will be cared about in.

Student Ambassador Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook '24 (he him/they them)

Major:
Early Elementary Education

Minor / Concentrations:
Professional Writing

Hometown:
Wolfeboro, NH

Other Campus Involvements:

  • First Year Support Program Mentor (FYSP)
  • Willard and Maple Editor (Champlain's Literary Magazine)
  • Hiking Club Member

Why I Chose Champlain:
Besides that fact that I love Vermont, but I may be bias because I have gone to school here for 10 years now, I chose Champlain because I instantly fell in love with the supportive and accepting community that existed. I came into college with tons of ideas of what I wanted to do, but was not sure which direction to settle on. I loved the idea of the upside-down curriculum because I was able to jump right into real world experiences within a major of interest verses waiting until my third or fourth year to do. This has given me the time I needed to explore all my options for my future and know well before my final year what I wanted to do within my major.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My Ideal weekend in Burlington would be to go to Muddy Waters (Tea and Coffee shop) for chia and coffee with friends. Then play board games at Quarter Staff ( a local Board game store where you can play games for free.) while drinking our hot beverages. It would be even better on wintery day.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
I have too many memories to pick just one, but one of my favorite memories is watching the supermoon and taking pictures of it outside of the Library with my friends. It was magnificent!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Looking at Colleges that are not exactly right can help you figure out what you do want and is just as valuable as looking at colleges that speak to you.

Student Ambassador Raven Duke

Raven Duke '24 (she/her)

Major:
Graphic Design & Visual Communication

Minor / Concentrations:
Entrepreneurship

Hometown:
Ferrisburgh, VT

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Co-President of State of the Arts Club
  • Graphic Design Intern at Champlain College Marketing
  • Fall Orientation Leader
  • CHAMP Member

Why I Chose Champlain:
Something I looked for during my college search was blunt honesty. When I met with the program director of my major at our Fall Open House, she was able to review my portfolio before I applied and I made sure to ask as many questions as I could about the program. Out of all the schools I checked out, how she described the program and who she was looking to add to the program exactly lined up with my hopes for the college I would attend.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
I love going to the Farmer's Market on Saturdays! It's always a short walk from campus and they have the BEST potstickers there.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite Champlain memory would have to be Halloween weekend of my sophomore year. I helped plan all the festivities for students to attend, the Halloween dance, pumpkin carving, and my favorite, campus-wide trick-or-treating. It was so fun to see everyone out in costumes enjoying a childhood pastime.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Specifically for students going into the arts: Lots of colleges use LinkedIn for their student's professional development meaning most of their 3rd and 4th year students will have their whole work and portfolio experience there. Check out the students in the program you're looking into and see if their work matches up with what you want from that program.

Ethan Engeldrum '27 (he/they)

Major:
Degree Design Lab

Hometown:
Bronx, NY

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Champlain Coffee and Tea Club President

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of the welcoming environment, beautiful area, and the opportunities for the majors I was interested in, particularly the DDL program. When I met Emily Rudolph in NYC I knew right away this college was for me. 

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington is exploring the area with my roommate, whether it be going to a new thrift store or a great restaurant in the area, I always like using the weekends to become more acclimated with the area. 

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite Champlain memory is having a meeting with my club and hearing about how the space I and the other leaders created was welcoming and made everyone happy. I was really excited to know that I had fulfilled my mission of creating a safe space for everyone!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
One piece of advice is to take it slow. I know that sounds a bit cliché, but it's something that helped me a lot. I was extremely stressed out while searching for colleges, but as long as you take it slow and talk to those around you, especially your counselor, you'll find the right school for you. I especially recommend checking your emails to see which colleges have reached out to you and if any of them strike a chord with you, check them out!  

Student Ambassador Evan Gartner

Evan Gartner '25 (he/him)

Major:
Game Production Management

Hometown:
Hopewell Junction, NY

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Event Staff for Champlain College Esports
  • Marketing Intern for Champlain College

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because it offered a unique major that combined my interests of video games and business. I also liked how small the campus is. It makes it very easy to find your way around and meet new people.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Sleep in, Shop at the UMall, Grab coffee at Black Cap on Church St.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Movie nights with my friends in my dorm.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Visit the campus, talk to the students, and think about what you want to do and ask yourself, "Does this college match with what I want to do?"

Lily Haut '27 (she/her)

Major:
Game Art

Hometown:
Deep River, CT

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Women in Technology
  • Admissions Ops Employee

Why I Chose Champlain:
I've always adored Vermont and New England as a whole (anywhere with mountains, really). Finding out that Champlain has so many opportunities for Game Art/Design students while also offering programs in Montreal was just perfect to me. 

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Walking down to Church Street to get coffee, shop for books and gifts for my friends, and then going back to my dorm to relax.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Hanging out with all my friends in the common room of our residence hall and doing homework, playing video games, or watching movies together.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Trust your gut and try to imagine where you can see yourself being the happiest and most comfortable.

Student Ambassador Kyle Holland

Kyle Holland '25 (he/they)

Major:
Game Sound Design

Hometown:
Guilford, CT

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Member of CSI

Why I Chose Champlain:
I really liked the environment, and felt very welcomed by everyone.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Spent on Church Street with my friends.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Watching my friend play through one of my favorite games in the common room and cheering them on.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
I know it can be very difficult to decide which school is the best fit for you. Do your research and trust your gut and your heart.

Student Ambassador Sarah Kelly

Sarah Kelly '26 (she/her)

Major:
Accounting

Minor / Concentration:
Psychology and Forensic Accounting

Hometown:
Salem, MA

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Stiller Women in Business

Why I Chose Champlain:
I had wanted to visit another school in Burlington and my mom wanted me to look at Champlain even though I had not wanted to. But as soon as I stepped on campus I fell in love with everything Champlain has to offer. I loved the classroom sizes, the upside down curriculum, and the short walk to from class to my dorm.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend would be (if it's nice outside) taking a walk down to Church Street and finding new places to go and get food and coffee. (if the weather is not so pretty) I also love staying indoors and playing video games with my friends in the common room.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite memory is from one of the very first nights at Champlain, I was feeling a little homesick and couldn't sleep. So I sat out in the common room where someone from upstairs was and my RA. That night I had never laughed as much as I did and met one of my best friends.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Go with what your heart wants, everything will work out for the best.

Lisa Lafayette '27 (she/they)

Major:
Social Work

Minor / Concentration:
Family Studies

Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY

Other Campus Involvements:

I am in a variety of clubs such as our Black student Union and Tea Club. I also partake in some Champlain intermural sports such as dodgeball.

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of rigorous classes and the opportunity that are created by their upside down curriculum. 

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington is hanging out with my friends at Champlain weekend events or hanging out with my friends on Church Street.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite Champlain memory was the first time I attended an intramural sport event with my friends. It is my favorite because despite Champlain not having D1 sports team the competitiveness and bond displayed by the teams made the event more engaging and fun.  

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
The application process is stressful however when you receive your results in the mail, you will gain relief from knowing that your hard work and determination was worth it.

Student Ambassador Vilcina Laplante

Vilcina Laplante '24 (she/her)

Major:
Data Science

Hometown:
Brooklyn, NY

Admissions Ambassador Responsibilities:

  • Events Captain

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Office of Diversity and Inclusion
  • JEDI Student Advisory Board
  • Orientation Leader
  • CHAMP

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain College because when my parents and I were looking for colleges for consideration, Champlain College fit a lot of what I wanted in a college. Champlain College is a small campus, meaning I can get to know my professors better and still connect with my classmates. Also, when visiting the campus, Church Street Marketplace reminded me a lot of home.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Saturday: Going to the Farmers Market with some friends, having a friends lunch, and going out the local activity later on in the day. Sunday: Going to a local coffee shop and enjoying the weather and sights.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Going to Snowball in Spring 2022. It was so fun to help plan and see come to real life. I also loved the different ways that everyone dressed to the theme.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Take a leap of faith with everything, the school that anxious about applying to, the major that you don't know if you will be support to pursue, anything and everything. It will take you to somewhere great.

Student Ambassador Tori Long

Tori Long '24 (she/they)

Major:
Marketing

Minor / Concentration:
Activist Marketing

Hometown:
Abington, MA

Other Campus Involvements:

  • ResLife
  • Stiller Women in Business
  • Rugby Club

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain for the opportunities it gives their students. There is so much room to grow and explore different passions or ideas!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Finding a nice spot outside to either hang out with friends or study.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Staying up late with my roommates and laughing at dumb tiktok videos.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
In college you get out what you put in to it. You have to say yes to opportunities but also know when you need to take a step back from everything and focus on your own health.

Ping Melchior '24 (she/her)

Major:
International Business

Minor / Concentration:
Marketing

Hometown:
Bristol, VT

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Dance team
  • Study abroad

Why I Chose Champlain:
I loved how they really wanted students to study abroad which was something I wanted to have at the school of my choice. 

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Chilling with friends at the waterfront on a sunny beautiful day. 

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Being a part of dance team and having so much fun. 

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Keep an open mind and putt yourself out there to meet new people!

Student Ambassador Wolde North

Wolde North '24 (he/him)

Major:
Game Business and Publishing

Minor / Concentration:
Human Resource and Management

Hometown:
Stowe, VT

Admissions Ambassador Responsibilities:

  • Tour Captain

Other Campus Involvements:

  • President of Climb Champlain

Why I Chose Champlain:
I love video games and working with passionate people. Champlain was a smaller and tighter knit community of both of those things!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington is a weekend of outdoor activities like climbing, snowboarding, and swimming! If a weekend has sun I'll be taking advantage!

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Bringing as many VR headsets as my floor could find to one lab and playing Beat Saber all night long!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Everyone searching for college is feeling the same discomfort you feel. Don't be afraid to talk about it and embrace the excitement such change can bring!

Student Ambassador Aidan Pearl

Aidan Pearl '25 (he/him)

Major:
Law

Hometown:
Nashua, NH

Other Campus Involvements:

  • SGA Vice President
  • Resident Advisor

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of the Upside Down Curriculum, and that I'd get to dive into the law field my freshman year.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
Going to Sweetwaters (before it closed:-()

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Being the reigning Trivia Champions

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Live where/close to where you want your career to start.

Student Ambassador Grace Phelps

Grace Phelps '25 (she/her)

Major:
Law

Minor / Concentration:
Psychology

Hometown:
Watertown, NY

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Stiller Women in Business President
  • Resident Advisor

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because the Law program was something that really appealed to me. I also fell in love with campus and Burlington the first time I visited.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington starts with a breakfast at Burlington Bagel Bakery (Triple B on an Everything Bagel!). I would then go for a walk down by the waterfront and take the shuttle back up to campus to finish up some homework. I would go hang out with my friends on Aiken Green and then eat dinner with them in the dining hall. I also love going to the events that SAPs hosts on Saturday nights, so I would go and do that. I would then go watch a movie with my friends before going to sleep to head back to BBB the next morning.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite memory is hosting Stiller Women in Business' Semi-Annual Networking Event last Spring. I had an incredible leadership team with me and we had the opportunity to connect employers from the Burlington area with Champlain students from every division.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
You will be okay. It seems scary and overwhelming, but I promise you will be okay.

Student Ambassador Johan Sifa

Johan Sifa '24 (she/her)

Major:
International Business

Minor / Concentration:
Psychology

Hometown:
Portland, ME

Other Campus Involvements:

  • DREAM program

Why I Chose Champlain:
Reminds me a lot of my high school. Whereby the school environment encourages community building. The staff and students overall were friendly and created a safe space!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
That's my day to self care! Blast music (at an appropriate volume of course so not to disturb) and focus on the things I personally love like music, dancing, writing. I also take a bit of time to finish assignments and review anything for the upcoming week that I CAN do.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
Freshman year: had a movie night outside on Finney Quad! Was one of the first times I realized that this is where I belonged.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Take time to know yourself and what you are into, it'll help you choose the right college and set you on a great path!

Kamila Skalska '26 (she/her)

Major:
Business Administration

Minor / Concentration:
Accounting

Hometown:
Chicago, IL

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Library Services Associate
  • Career Collaborative Front Desk
  • Champ 101 TA
  • Class of 2026 Discord Moderator 

Why I Chose Champlain:
I really enjoy the upside-down curriculum that Champlain offers! The campus itself is also extremely gorgeous!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
A breakfast at the Friendly Toast, some fun window and actual shopping down on Church St, dinner at the Farm House and a sunset walk down to the lakefront!

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
When it was the first fall of snow last year, it was roughly 9 PM and I made my friends go down to Church St with me, we had the most delicious hot chocolate from Ben and Jerry's and the whole night was just perfect!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Be yourself! If the college is the right fit for you, you'll enjoy it so much more!

Maia Tebbets '27 (she/her)

Major:
Degree Design Lab - Psychology + Social Justice

Minor / Concentration:
Business Administration In the Degree Design Lab, currently working toward a thread in psychology and a minor in social justice

Hometown:
Lisbon Falls, ME

Other Campus Involvements:

  • Dance Team
  • Yoga
  • CHAMP

Why I Chose Champlain:
I chose Champlain because of the small class sizes and tight knit community. Feeling comfortable to talk to my professors is very important to me and I knew I would be able to do that here. I also love the location!

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend would involve sleeping in, grabbing coffee on Church Street at the Cosmic Grind, getting breakfast from the Skinny Pancake, and exploring local businesses and pretty locations.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
So far, my favorite Champlain memory was the hypnotist that came during orientation. The hypnotist was so funny and everyone was having a great time! It made me less nervous to start classes too!

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Don't be afraid to ask lots of questions, the admission teams are happy to answer them. Also, go on tours at the schools you are interested in! The right school will feel right when you go visit.

Student Ambassador Jasmine Tewksbury

Jasmine Tewksbury '24 (she/her)

Major:
Social Work

Minor / Concentration:
Family Studies

Hometown:
Campton, NH

Other Campus Involvements:

  • CHAMP
  • Yarn for Good

Why I Chose Champlain:
When I toured Champlain, the campus felt welcoming and like somewhere I would enjoy spending a lot of my time. The small campus also makes everything seem more connected.

Your Ideal Weekend in Burlington
My ideal weekend in Burlington involves sitting in a hammock at North Beach or going for a hike.

Your Favorite Champlain Memory
My favorite memory so far would be the first time a met my roommate freshman year. We are still roommates now, and I cannot imagine not having her as my friend.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process
Find a place that feels like home.