Meet Our Team

Janet Alexander ’11

Where are you from?
San Rafael, California.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Psychology/Organization studies, minor in Economics.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Amount of control students have socially and academically.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
KSPC radio station, Claremont Independent (campus journal), Dining with Democracy and Kohoutek.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing callers reminisce.

What are your interests?
Indoor soccer, art, rock climbing, radio, film, journalism.

Maia Ashkenazi-Cnaany ’11

Where are you from?
San Mateo, California.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Major: Art (photography and design), possible minor: Linguistics.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The friendly atmosphere and 5-College resources at our disposal.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Otherside Literary Magazine, swing dance.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester (so far).

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
The opportunity to connect with alumni in my field and get an “insider’s scoop.”

What are your interests?
Art, music, design (fashion, graphic, interior)

Anything else?
Favorite color is purple. Favorite cookie: Milano.

Rachel Babener ’11

Where are you from?
Portland, Oregon

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Neuroscience/Psychology.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
I love the campus. It’s so lively, friendly and free.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Students for Sensible Drug Policy, racquetball, POA (Pitzer Outdoor Adventures).

How long have you worked Phonathon?
This is my second semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
I enjoy hearing about the lives of alumni.

What are your interests?
I am interested in health, art and music.

Jenjeera “Kawa” Boonsombat ’09

Where are you from?
Thailand.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
I’m majoring in psychology.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Small campus, Pitzer students.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Psi Chi

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Second day.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Talking and giving opinions with alumni.

What are your interests?
Special education, talking with people, reading Manga, having tea time.

Pamela Brooks ’09

Where are you from?
Scottsdale, Arizona.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Psychology.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Small class sizes, liberal arts.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Psychology. Club/PSI CHI, Jewish Student Union, Speak Out for Them – Women of Juarez Mexico, internship opportunities teacher’s aid at Sycamore Elementary School, Prototypes – Mentor, Jewish Mentor Program.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Four months

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Being able to help sustain our wonderful lifestyle at Pitzer.

What are your interests?
Psychology – especifically children and adolescents, autism spectrum disorders, Middle East politics.

Paula DeOliveira Santos ’11

Where are you from?
Vitoria, Brazil.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Psychology and art.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The small classes and the freedom to study what I like.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Yoga, Camp Afflerbaugh-Paige, and Pilgrim Place volunteer.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
This is my second semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Our great boss.

What are your interests?
Art therapy and orphanage care.

Hannah Dithrich ’10

Where are you from?
Oakland, California.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
International Studies and Spanish

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The importance of social justice, study abroad programs, small classes, and sense of community.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Dance, gardening, POA, Pilates

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One year

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing what alumni have done with their majors.

What are your interests?
Traveling, being outside, music and dance.

Teresa Diviacchi ’12

Where are you from?
Boston Mass!

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Whatever sounds good (I’m undeclared).

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The beautiful weather I was promised.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Sleeping.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
First shift!

Bailey Hedequist ’12

Where are you from?
Seattle, WA

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Sociology

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The social justice and environmental awareness aspects of Pitzer were really important in my decision to come here. Also, Pitzer is a very close-knit community, and that was important to me as well. Who wants to get lost in a big, scary university where you’re just a number?

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
My favorites are my involvement with the Day Laborers at Rancho Cucamonga and being a poetry mentor with incarcerated youth at Camp Afflerbaugh-Paige.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Just a few weeks

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
I really like talking to people! It’s cool to connect with the Pitzer alumni/parent community.

What are your interests?
Painting, learning new things, Pitzer Phonathon!

Reily Janson ’10

Where are you from?
Dallas & Pennsylvania.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Anthropology.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The people.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Track, intramural sports, ESL teaching.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Three years.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing people’s stories about Pitzer.

What are your interests?
Soccer, Frisbee, tree climbing, laying on the mounds, reading outside of class, chilling with kids.

Anything else?
I like turtles.

Evan Kelley ’11

Where are you from?
Wilmette, Illinois.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Art history.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The diverse array of classes.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Bands, Otherside Magazine.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
December 2008.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Being able to communicate with people about their Pitzer experiences.

What are your interests?
Music, art, writing, skateboarding.

Arianna Kenyon ’12

Where are you from?
The Bay Area (Northern California).

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Anthropology.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Its encouragement of student independence and its mellow atmosphere.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Since Fall 2008.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing about the alumni experience.

What are your interests?
Horses, politics, environment, current events.

Taylor King Hedequist ’09

Where are you from?
Seattle, Washington (the best place on earth).

What do you study here at Pitzer?
I’m a Sociology major with a minor in Eastern Religion.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The focus on community involvement and social justice was a major factor in my decision to transfer here. I feel that I have a true partnership with my professors and a lot of control over my education. And I learn so much from my fellow classmates. Pitzer has a unique vibe, it was pretty much love at first sight. Plus orange is one of my favorite colors.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
For freaking ever, it’s the best job.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
I think we all agree that getting to connect with alumni is a lot of fun. Phonathon has also helped me hone a lot of important skills; I’m pretty much fearless when it comes to asking for anything now. Most of all I enjoy contributing to the success of Pitzer in such a direct way. And I love the people I work with!

What are your interests?
Learning to play ukulele, organic farming, education, cooking, dancing, natural medicine, reading for my own enjoyment, record collecting, making art, adventures.

Anything else?
My little sister goes to Pitzer, I’m gluten intolerant, and you should donate when I call you!

Elizabeth Lipschultz ’10

Where are you from?
New Jersey

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Media studies

What attracted you to Pitzer?
I was attracted to the campus, the active student body and the schools stress on social responsibility

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Two years.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
It’s great hearing about where Pitzer alumni are now. Makes me excited for the future!

Kyle Marcano ’11

Where are you from?
Brea, California

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Chemistry, math

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The whole open and free attitude that’s on campus. I felt I could really just set loose and find myself here.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Whatever really happens to be going down. I like to try out whatever I can so I’ve done an open-mic night at the Grove House, chilled out with the 5C Chemical Society, done some math stuff at CMC, tutored where I can, and I sometimes volunteer at a local daycare.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Getting in touch with some pretty awesome alumni.

What are your interests?
Chemistry, math, teaching, gardening, poi (the spinning kind).

Atang Mogome

Where are you from?
Bokaa, Botswana

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Economics

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The campus, and the people – very friendly and very casual (I love that, hate dressing up just for classes).

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Aerobics, also volunteered at an elementary school, and parties!!

How long have you worked Phonathon?
On my 2nd week now

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Just talking to alumni. I love that, and also the fact that I am beginning to master the American accent, thanks to hours on the phone!!

What are your interests?
Reading novels, traveling, watching TV, relaxing with my friends Anything else… Wish there was a way to bring Pitzer closer to the beach (Newport! Haha!)

Sam Newman ’11

Where are you from?
Chicago, Illinois.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Studio art major, probably sculpture focus.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
I liked the small size and lack of focus on large sports teams/Greek life.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Filming for Platform skateboard shop in the town of Pomona.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
This is my second semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Getting a friendly person who will talk about their time at school.

What are your interests?
Skateboarding, filming skateboarding, building, construction.

Natalya Ratan ’12

Where are you from?
India!

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Environmental Studies and Political Economy

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The environmental studies courses, Pitzer’s social awareness, and the weather!

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Pomona Partners.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Talking to alumni and hearing about their experiences at Pitzer and life in general.

What are your interests?
Traveling, watching football and parasailing.

Sallam Said ’10

Where are you from?
Yemen/Michigan/Switzerland/Boston.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Hip Hop/International Intercultural Studies/Black Studies.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
I flipped a coin/creativity and I liked the informal open and honest environment. But what I like about it even more now that I’m here is the energetic and engaged Pitzer community.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Hip hop/ poetry/African drumming/Music/Film.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Meeting alumni, the bonuses, environment, and the supervisors!

What are your interests?
Hip hop/Sufism/mysticism/philosophy/word games/puns/creativity.

Anything else?
Life, love, the universal intellect and universal sound of the world!

Andrew Scheyer ’10

Where are you from?
Glencoe, IL. USA

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Neuroscience

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Diversity. Mountains.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Commissioner of the Neuroscience Club, Lindseth Climing Wall Monitor, 5C Roller Hockey Team

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Two Years

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Interacting with alumni and hearing stories about Pitzer in the past.

What are your interests?
Neuropharmacological approaches to Alzheimer’s disease, Free jazz/bop, pajamas

Michelle Schulte ’11

Where are you from?
Tustin, California (Orange County)

What do you study here at Pitzer?
I am majoring Neuroscience and possibly Organismal Biology…we’ll see.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The people and the atmosphere. The school had a distinct vibe that was colorful, eclectic, open, and just happy. I could picture myself lounging on the mounds or chilling at the Grove House.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
A bit of everything. I attend sport, music, cultural, celebratory, and Pitzer sponsored events. My week days are busy though. I also try to do volunteer work online or over the phone.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
Started Fall 08.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing awesome, unique stories from alumni that tell me Pitzer has not changed through the years.

What are your interests?
I am a biology/neuroscience nerd so I like volunteering or hearing the guest lecturers. Also, I frequently attend concerts and I love just exploring the area around here and going to fairs, meets, cultural events or just adventures Anything else?
When I graduate I will have lived in all the dorm complexes (Holden, Old Sanborn, N. Sanborn, and Mead).

Samantha Stroebel ’12

Where are you from?
Originally Central Oregon, but I’ve lived in LA for the past four years.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
I’m studying Political Studies and Sociology – and this semester I’m taking a philosophy class that’s really interesting.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
I like the size of the school and the programs offered.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Changemakers, part of CCCSI and this semester I’m getting involved with Prototypes, a CCCSI program focusing on providing shelter and counseling to women and children who are homeless, or at risk in some way.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
This is my first session.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
I like the work atmosphere and I like Phonathon’s mission statement. I know without Phonathon some people would not be able to attend Pitzer. It’s going to teach me some great skills as well.

What are your interests?
Social activism, volunteering, politics and dancing.

Anything else?
Currently looking for summer internships or volunteer opportunities for the summer.

Natalie Suzuki ’11

Where are you from?
Tokyo, Japan.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Media Studies.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
Small community but has diversity.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
For a semester.

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Some people are willing to talk to me and tell me their experiences and stories.

What are your interests?
I like getting to know people and listening. I’m interested in media because through images (of course media is not only about images) you can see what people think about things and their opinions.

Talor Tulchin ’11

Where are you from?
Santa Monica, California.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Art history.

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The intimacy of the campus.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Track, hall council.

How long have you worked Phonathon?
One semester

Most rewarding aspect of this job?
Hearing about alumni Pitzer experience.

What are your interests?
Fashion, photography, yoga, fitness, Buddhism.

Aden Eyob Weldegiworgis ’09

Where are you from?
London, England.

What do you study here at Pitzer?
Neuroscience and Psychology

What attracted you to Pitzer?
The diversity of students and its interdisciplinary courses.

What types of extracurricular activities have you been involved in?
Black Student Union member, Pan-African Student Association member, Ujima peer mentor program, Diversity Host (2.5 years).

How long have you worked Phonathon?
First day

Most rewarding part of this job?
Being able to help Pitzer stay in BUSINESS! Just kidding, but basically contributing to the Annual Fund.

What are your interests?
Reading (memoirs), traveling (a lot!), going to the movies, partying, going to museums (science), and researching neuroscience articles.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact:

Imani Harris
Assistant Director of Annual Giving
(909) 607-9778
imani_harris@pitzer.edu

Make your gift online now.

Contact Us
Tel: 909.621.8130
Toll-free: 877.357.7479
Fax: 909.621.8539
giving@pitzer.edu