Student

Emma Katz

School/Division	Robert P. Stiller School of Business
Programs	Marketing Degree
Class	2019
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Home State	Maine
Study Abroad	Prague, Czech Republic

Internship

Brand Strategy Intern at Fuse in Winooski, VT

Post-Grad Job

Associate Account Manager at Fuse in Winooski, VT

What is the best thing about professors at Champlain?

My professors are so personable and kind. They get to know me and what my career goals are, and they always help me pursue those goals. I’ve had professors recommend internships to me and help me network with companies. Our professors really want to see their students succeed in class and in their careers.

Did you get the chance to study abroad?

I went to Prague in the Czech Republic, where I studied at the Anglo-American University. While in Prague, I took courses like Brand Management, Project Management, EU Policies in the Business Market, and I did two classes for our Core curriculum: Prague Art & Architecture and Cultural Journalism. I learned a lot about the city, brand management, and even myself. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, met new people, and had a lot of fun.

Can you tell us about your internship?

I was a Brand Strategy intern at Fuse in Winooski, Vermont my senior year. Fuse is a local marketing agency that works with national companies on event-based marketing aimed towards millennial and Gen-Z audiences. Towards the end of my senior year, Fuse started searching for a junior associate to join the team. They were looking at all of the applicants, but they just kept thinking about me and my work. My supervisor said she didn’t want somebody new to apply, and she wanted to hire me because of all of the amazing work I did as an intern. Now, I work there full-time.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Colin Keilbach

School/Division	Division of Information Technology & Sciences
Class	2023
Pronouns	He/Him/His

Advice to Students?

Make sure you have time to take breaks. A lot of problems are really easy to solve once you get back from a 15 minute break.

Favorite: Book, Movie, Podcast?

Book: The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan

Inspirational Quote?

“People will think what they want to…Never take too much notice of it.” – John Flanagan

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Sarah Kelly

Class	2026
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Home State	Massachusetts

How did you apply to Champlain?

Regular Decision

Why I Chose Champlain

When I was first looking into colleges I knew that I wanted a small school, it was also in a beautiful location and when I was first visiting I got to meet so many wonderful professors that made me feel heard before I was even their student and many other schools did not make me feel as seen as Champlain had done.

Ideal Weekend in Burlington

Starting the day off with a maple latte from Burlington Bagel Bakery, then going paddle-boarding on Lake Champlain with my friends followed by a picnic at Oakledge Park. Lastly ending my day with either a cup of ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s or a scoop of gelato from Shy Guy Gelato.

Clubs & Student Involvement

• Event Coordinator for Stiller Women in Business
• Vice-President for Student Government Association
• Rugby Club

Favorite Champlain Memory

I have many different small ones, but some are having a cookout at Oakledge Park in the rain, getting way to many scoops of ice cream during Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry’s or playing board games with my roommates and friends.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process

I would just say to follow your gut and don’t listen to closely to what others are telling you to do.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Avery Kelly

Programs	Writing & Publishing Degree
Class	2027
Pronouns	He/Him/His

Biography

 

 

Research

 

 

Distinctions & Awards

 

 

Publications & Abstracts

 

 

Why do you want to be a tutor?

I love teaching and I love writing, so this combines them both.

 

Advice to Champlain Student?

Make friends, write a lot, and just experience college.

 

Fun fact

I have 5 cats

 

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Michael Kirkpatrick

School/Division	Division of Information Technology & Sciences
Programs	Game Programming Degree  Applied Mathematics Degree
Class	2025
Pronouns	He/Him/His

Advice to Students?

Don’t hesitate to ask teachers and others around you for help, most people would love to help if your stuck.

Favorite: Book, Movie, Podcast?

Book: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Inspirational Quote?

“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used to create them.” – Albert Einstein

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Colin Kuhn

School/Division	Robert P. Stiller School of Business
Class	2020
Home State	Vermont
Study Abroad	Dublin, Ireland

Pronouns

He/Him/His

Internships

Marketing & Event Intern at Sarah Ramsey Strong Fund in Burlington, VT

How has Core changed your perspective?

During one of my Core classes, I got the opportunity to research and learn about the importance of clean water and the impact of microplastics. I enjoy being outside and, having lived in Vermont my whole life, I have a deep connection with nature and Lake Champlain. In my Core class, I realized how big of a problem microplastics can be, and now I care a lot about that.

What made you choose Champlain?

I was drawn to the individual attention that I would get in the classroom. This gave me a chance to discuss topics one-on-one with my professors. They’re approachable, and they always challenge me to think deeper.

How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?

I was able to start getting internships the summer after my first year because the Upside-Down Curriculum gave me the experience I needed. I’ve had four internships during my time at Champlain, ranging from marketing to event planning to business development. My studies made me adaptable and confident at work, and I was able to take in new knowledge and skills. I was surprised to find out how many certifications I can get through my classes. I’ll have a leg up on the competition when I graduate.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Lisa Lafayette

School/Division	School of Social Innovation
Programs	Social Work Degree
Class	2027
Pronouns	She/They
Home State	New York

How did you apply to Champlain?

Regular Decision

Why I Chose Champlain

I chose Champlain for the endless opportunities for my major and the amazing autumn season.

Clubs & Student Involvement

• Office Assistant Housing and Res Life
• School of Social Innovation Representative SGA
• Discord Moderator
• Champ 101 Peer Facilitator 

Ideal Weekend in Burlington

My ideal weekend is hanging out with friends around and off campus.

Favorite Champlain Memory

My favorite memory was when I went to Canada with my division and we were able to see Montreal and explore.

One piece of advice for students going through the college search process

It is something that is hard however with persistence and patience, it becomes worth it in the end.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Maliki LaForce

School/Division	Division of Communication & Creative Media
Class	2023
Pronouns	He/Him/His

Advice to Students?

Time Management is your best friend. Use Google Calendar and get that ball rolling.

Favorite: Book, Movie, Podcast?

Movie: Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse

Inspirational Quote?

“I see now that the circumstances of one’s birth are irrelevant. It is what you do with the gift of life that determines who you are.” – Takeshi Shudo

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Vilcina Laplante

School/Division	Division of Information Technology & Sciences
Programs	Computer Science & Innovation Degree
Class	2023
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers

How have the Pathways Scholarship and CARE program supported your journey at Champlain?

The Pathways Scholarship and CARE program have connected me to individuals on campus in different areas that support students like me. CARE has helped me create relationships and connect with people that I didn’t know could exist. CARE started a lot of conversations about the goals and dreams I want to accomplish. It changed the phrase ‘I can’t do this’ to ‘I can’t do this but I know who to talk to to reach there.’ The programs have pushed me out of my comfort zone when I couldn’t. Without me being a part of CARE, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

What is the most rewarding part of the CARE program?

The most rewarding part of the CARE program is the relationship you make. From the students that start with you to the staff checking on you, wondering what else they can do to help your journey at Champlain. Including you in every event on campus that’s possible. CARE created the support system that I didn’t even know I needed in my first year and I’m thankful for that.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Emily LaPlume

Class	2017
Study Abroad	Dublin Ireland and New Zealand.

Internships

Fuse Marketing

Favorite Class

Marketing

Work Experience

Founder, Saturday Swimwear

Getting Her Business Started

After Emily returned home, she taught herself about clothing design and sewing, then developed and tested her first prototypes. She began developing her brand, Saturday Swimwear, along with a website and social media presence using skills learned from her advanced marketing class. She joined BYOBiz* in the fall of her senior year and worked to complete her launch strategy, including pricing, production and distribution, financial projections, incorporation and IP protection. With encouragement received from BYOBiz, Emily sought and achieved her first retail accounts.

Making Professional Connections

She also competed in the Elevator Pitch, LaunchVT Collegiate, and was a finalist in the nationwide Draper Competition for Collegiate Women Entrepreneurs. Following her graduation, Emily planned to continue developing her business while also working at Fuse Marketing.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Addie Laprey

School/Division	Division of Communication & Creative Media
Class	2020
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Home State	Maine
Study Abroad	London, United Kingdom

Internship

Graphic Design Intern at the Champlain Marketing Department in Burlington, VT

Favorite Class

Visual Communication Design Capstone

Did you get the chance to study abroad?

I studied abroad in London at Central Saint Martins. It was very different from Champlain, and I learned a lot about working conceptually and independently. While it pushed me out of my comfort zone at the time, it also taught me how to approach design from an entirely different perspective and shaped how I view visual communication today.

What is the best part of the Visual Communication Design major?

One experience I have found incredibly valuable at Champlain is the emphasis on collaboration in classes—every design class involves group critique from peers. I’ve had the opportunity to work on various collaborative projects, either in small groups or with the entire class. Working so closely with my peers has helped me create a tightly knit support system of people I consider not only peers, but some of my closest friends.

Are you involved with any extracurricular activities?

I helped organize a club called In The Arts, which encourages Champlain students to become involved in the art community around town, collaborate, and share their work with each other. I have met a ton of people through this club that I wouldn’t have otherwise known. It’s inspiring and motivates me to be creative.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Alex Lasker

School/Division	Robert P. Stiller School of Business
Programs	Business Administration Degree
Class	2021

Hometown

Colchester, VT

Transferred From

CCV and Castleton (One semester at both)

What is different about Champlain in comparison to your previous college/university?

Teachers put more time into you. They are much more willing to help you figure out a problem, rather than leaving you to deal with it alone.

What do you think is unique about Champlain?

[Champlain] is an open school. People are accepting and innovative. Coming from Castleton – which is basically four more years of high school – I really liked the attitude of everyone at this college. People want to be here, they don’t have to be here.

How has Champlain prepared you for the professional world?

Champlain teaches teamwork and how to apply skills to classroom environments like Excel in my business classes. It teaches you to be more mindful which is something that most business classes do not teach you.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Max Laudenslager

School/Division	Division of Communication & Creative Media
Programs	Game Art Degree
Class	2020
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Home State	Vermont

Favorite Class

Advanced Seminar

Can you tell us about your experience in your major?

Reflecting back on my time at Champlain, these past four years have been absolutely insane. Regarding my major in Game Art, from day one, students are taught the fundamentals and principles of art and design and the history of game development. Champlain College’s Upside-Down Curriculum offers students the wonderful opportunity to explore their field of study from the very beginning. Students are pushed to go above and beyond, and to unlock their highest potential. The teachers and faculty from the different game majors work hard to provide students with the right resources and skills to prepare them for the industry, and after reflecting back on where I was four years ago in comparison to where I am now, I can certifiably say that the most passionate and dedicated individuals who pursue this field will graduate from Champlain with all of the right tools, skills, and resources that the industry is looking for.

How has Core changed your perspective?

It opened up my mind to a greater understanding of the unfathomable life experiences of others, which can be dramatically different from my own life experience. Karma is a collective experience, not just an individual one. Everyone is influenced by the way each of us shows up in the world. I grew to enjoy it, and I’ve learned an incredible amount about the world and current issues we’re working through, on both a personal and global scale.

What advice do you have for students looking to get into Game Art?

First, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your teachers, your peers, and the Career Collaborative are all here to help guide you and support you on your journey to developing your skills, passions, and aspirations. Second, know your limits, and break those boundaries even when all seems hopeless. If you don’t push yourself, you don’t go anywhere. Fail when you can, and learn from those mistakes (just don’t do it your senior year!). And third, there may come a time when you will ask yourself: “Do I have what it takes to make it?” The answer is yes. You CAN do this! Be bold, be daring. Love what you do, and learn how you can contribute and help others. In turn, they will help you to succeed.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Aaron Leach

School/Division	Division of Information Technology & Sciences
Programs	Computer Networking & Cybersecurity Degree
Class	2022
Pronouns	He/Him/His
Home State	New Hampshire
Study Abroad	Aesthetic Expressions travel course in India over Spring Break

Specialization

Cybersecurity Operations

Internship

Programming Intern at the Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity

What projects have you worked on that you found particularly rewarding?

My final project for my first year Business & Entrepreneurial Mindset class was to make a customer value proposition for a business we came up with. My group came up with a product that ended up not only getting us an A on the final, but also led to my professor inviting me to present the project idea to Samsung in New York. That project got me into the finals for the Elevator Pitch competition that year as well.

How has your Champlain experience prepared you for your future career?

With the large amount of hands-on work with software and tools, I feel like my classes have helped me prepare my technical skills really well. Out of the classroom, the number of extracurriculars and resources available have helped me explore my interests and learn transferable skills.

What advice do you have for students thinking about coming to Champlain for college?

Try your hardest to physically come to Burlington. Picture and videos just don’t do it justice. Once you see the lake at sunset there is no going back. Also, bring a winter coat-you’re going to need it.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page 

Abaigael Lebrun

Class	2023
Pronouns	She/Her/Hers
Home State	New York

Concentration

Broadcast Media Production

What do you like about your major?

I love that everyone is passionate about what they are pursuing. Since there is so much choice involved in the program and curriculum, you never feel like your work is done in vain. This creates passion for the work, and that energy is shared with peers.

What projects have you worked on in classes that you’ve found particularly rewarding/useful?

In the Fall of 2020, my project design class was given the opportunity to work with local organizations working to improve food access in Vermont. From that experience, the class created an online resource website where Champlain community members could go and find information on education, volunteering, and assistance with food insecurity. It was rewarding to create a product that real people could and would use.

What advice do you have for students thinking about coming to Champlain for college?

Whether you come for a tour or an open house or some other admissions event, take a few minutes to sit and observe the school in action—there’s an energy about this place that you can’t find anywhere else.

• Copy Link to Share 
• View this Person's Detail Page