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 a sophomore from Santa Ana, California. Although seemingly quiet when you first meet her, she is funny and engaging – just ask her about the sun.

Austin Clowes is the rookie member of our health promotions staff. He currently staffs the Wellness Lounge but you can find him at many of our campus-wide events as well. Austin is a first year student from Lee's Summit, Missouri. Classical guitar is his instrument, but he switches it up a bit as a member of the Macalester Jazz Band.

Bante Alebachew is a senior 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 junior from Chicago majoring in Art History. Along with working with the health promotions team, Camille is also the coordinator of the SEXY program. 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 junior from St. Louis, Missouri. David is eloquent about health issues that are important to him. He is one of our SEXY educators. His kind personality makes him enjoyable to be around.

Kathryn Klein, known as Katie, is a sophomore from Washington state. She comes from a long line of "Katies" who have worked at Health and Wellness Center, making an immediate impact. Katie is always ready to think outside the box and look at health from a unique perspective. She has a quirky sense of humor that matches her effervescent wardrobe. She is a music major and her instrument is the viola. Although piano lessons this semester may make her a musical double threat.

Kevin Khuong is a senior 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. 

Rachel Higgs is a senior 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 junior 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 shy about anything, he is a energetic presence at any of the health promotion events. Plus have you seen him play dodgeball at our Protect Your Balls tournament? Sam is funny, friendly and everyone's best friend in the HWC.

Sarah Birkholz is a sophomore from the neighboring community of Shoreview MN. She is a hockey goalie, a rugby star, and record-holder of weight lifts at the Leonard Center Fitness Center. As the lead person coordinating the Wellness Lounge, her skills in organization and details are a perfect match. Look for her new ideas on Fridays in the Lounge this year.