Leprechaun Spotting: Student Development

In the enchanting office of Student Development, where each day brings new challenges and triumphs, today, there’s a unique character who adds a touch of magic to the routine – Jerome, the Leprechaun working diligently at the front desk.

Jerome is not your average front desk attendant. From assisting students with a sprinkle of luck to organizing paperwork with a magical flick of his wrist, Jerome’s presence is a reminder that even the most routine tasks can be extraordinary when approached with a hint of enchantment.

When it comes to tackling student concerns, Jerome believes in a bit of “Shamrock and Roll” strategy. With a playful spirit, he rolls out solutions with a side of puns, turning even the most serious issues into opportunities for laughter and growth. His positivity and a quick cookie might just bring a stroke of luck your way!

Image of Jerome the leprechaun (a green shamrock patterned hat) shown looking at a computer screen with a weekly calendar displayed.

“Leprechaun” on the Loose

Jerome transformed for the month of March into a mischievous little leprechaun, sporting a jaunty green hat. With a spring in his step, he moves, leaving a trail of luck and laughter in his wake. His beard, is neatly groomed, adding to his charming demeanor. Jerome-turned-leprechaun is known for his penchant for riddles, his infectious laughter, and his ability to bring a touch of magic to the mundane. As he wanders through campus, he spreads joy and wonder wherever he goes, leaving students and staff alike enchanted by his presence.

Look out for this sneaky leprechaun throughout the month of March! Follow our blogs to see where he shows up.

New Sewing Repair Program: Kickoff Event, February 23rd

Need a hole repaired in your jeans? Or a dress hemmed? “Sew What?” has got you covered.

Sew What? offers easy clothing repairs to students. This includes:

  • Patching holes in clothing
  • Sewing buttons back on
  • Fixing ripped seams
  • Hemming pants, dresses or skirts
  • Mending tears or frayed edges
  • Fixing loose stitches or snags
  • and more

Join us, February 23rd from 3 to 4:45 p.m. and bring your item! We encourage you to fill out the request form prior to attending, but we also welcome walk-ins.

The Student Development S.A.D. Lamp!

When the seasons change, so can your feelings.

As the temperature changes and daylight shifts, you may find yourself feeling sluggish, moody, or disinterested in your usual interests.

While this can be just a fleeting case of the “winter blues,” for some it’s a sign of seasonal affective disorder (sometimes abbreviated SAD). It is not unusual for students to feel this way, and may come as a surprise if you are accustomed to living in a sunnier and warmer climate, but you are not alone.

SAD lamps can (literally) brighten your day! SAD lamps like this one are used in light therapy and work by mimicking the intensity and effects of natural sunlight. So, if you want to literally brighten your day, take a seat, turn on the SAD lamp and hang out for a while!

Abstract yellow happy smiling sun icon isolated on a white background. Vector EPS 10

Welcome Jerome!

Please meet Jerome, our 16” tall gnome. He greets you warmly from his orange stool as you enter the Student Development Office.  

Dressed head to toe in Kalamazoo College logo attire, Jerome’s true passion lies in baking and sharing cookies with students. As the sweet aroma wafts through the hallway, he becomes a culinary wizard, creating delightful treats for the young minds excited to learn and grow. With an tiny apron and an infectious ‘gnome’ smile, Jerome turns every batch into a gesture of warmth and encouragement.  

In this little corner of Student Development, Jerome becomes not just a gnome but a source of sweetness, making the college experience a little more delightful one cookie at a time. 

Collecting topics or focus areas for Toilet Talks

We’re planning for next year’s edition for Toilet Talks! Toilet Talks are newsletters place inside bathroom stalls discussing topics on prevention and education. Editions have focused on relationships, mental heath, studying abroad, etc.

If you are interested in seeing a specific topic or resource located on the Toilet Talks, email Haley.Mangette@kzoo.edu with the information! You can include anything from a resource to spotlight, an topic for the edition to research done that you would like to be included in the newsletter!

Ideas collected before June 6th will be given priority. We welcome you to submit ideas or resources after this date, however, there is no guarantee it will be used in the year’s editions. In some cases, we can tie in topics or resources to our scheduled content, while others may need a separate edition. We will save these ideas for future editions!

Example or Toilet Talk edition.

Wellness Survey

Hey First-Years, Sophomores, and Juniors! Did you complete the Wellness Survey?

It’s a 10-question survey sent to you May 9th that should take around 5 minutes to complete! The email containing the link for the survey should be from studentsurveys@kzoo.edu. If you complete it, join us outside of Hicks tomorrow afternoon (May 11th) for a giveaway!