The health promotion program is led by a professional health education specialist. The vitality and energy of the program is enriched by a diverse team of students who work together - offering education and initiatives to enhance the health of their peers. As Macalester students, the student health promotion team offers unique perspectives on their community’s needs and interests.

Our main mission is to create a campus environment in which students feel empowered to make healthy choices for themselves that contribute to their overall personal and academic success.

Meet the Student Health Promotion Team

Alejandra Marin is the newest member of our health promotion team. She is a first-yea r student from Santa Ana, California. Although seemingly quiet when you first meet her, she is funny and engaging – just ask her about the sun. Alejandra is our Wellness Lab employee – stop by and say hello.

Bante Alebachew is a junior physics and computer science major who comes to Macalester from Ethopia. Bante is our technology staff member who knows his way around computers. But he is also willing to jump in when needed. Even agreeing to lead the Wellness 5K as the bike lead. His good nature and easy going personality are a perfect addition to our staff.

Camille Erickson is a sophomore from Chicago studying International Studies and Chinese. Along with working with the health promotions team, Camille is also the coordinator of the SEXY program. For a newbie to our staff, she is a powerful presence with her infectious laugh and her can-do attitude. She also owns several pairs of boots we covet.

David Lopez is a sophomore from St. Louis, Missouri. He joined the team of Health and Wellness rangers last spring and quickly assumed the coveted position as "Guardian of Condoms and Goldfish Crackers.” He works in our Wellness Lab and is always an inviting presence.

Dustin Studelska is a Wisconsin native hailing from the Milwaukee area – Grafton to be exact. He is a senior history major who adds quiet confidence and a wry sense of humor to the student staff, along with a slight British accent as he studied abroad in London last semester. His team captured gold in the dodgeball tourney in spring of 2009. Don't be thrown by his black t-shirts and leather jacket and rocker hair, he's actually a nice guy.

Erica Lee

Kevin Khuong is a junior from Los Angeles who had never seen the snow before moving to the Twin Cities. Kevin prefers professional basketball to baseball, which can be problematic for some of his work relationships. He never misses a thing and makes sure all our events run smoothly, down to the final details. 

Lauren Martinez is a senior from Redmond, Washington who has worked with our team since spring 2009. She is an economic and anthropology double major with a concentration in community and global health. Lauren is a vital part of our student staff. She co-developed Sustainable Student, a program that targets ways that students as individuals can live more sustainably and represented Mac on the national Student Advisory Committee of BACCHUS. Lauren is also a leader in smaller promotional activities in sleep and fitness. 

Rachel Higgs is a junior who comes to the Twin Cities after having lived all over the country! Rachel never shys away from a task and is deeply passionate about health promotion, especially in the area of sexual assault. She has a lovely heart and very connected friends (she knows someone whose parents have a popcorn machine!)

Sam Dolce is a sophomore from Buffalo, New York, and although he unfortunately has no connections with Mr. Gabbana to order designer condoms, he is a star on the health promotions team. Not only did he attract a whole new following to the Wellness Lab, but volunteers not only himself but all of his friends for any HWC event or need. Sam is funny, friendly and everyone's best friend in the HWC.