Macalester News

An Olympian, a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, a rare economic honor, and more

Maccolades is a monthly round-up of the most recent accolades and accomplishments earned by members of the Macalester community. Below are highlights from January and February 2026.

Macalester Welcomes a Torah Scroll of Its Own

Macalester’s Jewish community welcomed its first Torah to campus in a ceremony filled with dance, song, and nosh.

Bobbie Pennington ’24 Named 2026 Mandela Rhodes Scholar

Pennington is the first Scot to receive the scholarship, which provides funding for up to two years of postgraduate study at a South African university.

Geological Excursions in Argentina

A longstanding geology class is part of a growing group of Mac courses that include short-term study away components.

Macalester Receives Full Re-Accreditation for Maximum 10-Year Term

The Higher Learning Commission's review team concluded that Macalester's clear mission permeates the college's operations and academic programs.

‘Voices of Lake Street’ Project

Caroline ‘Fitz’ Fitzpatrick ’26 created a digital story map that aims to garner support for Lake Street business owners who have weathered many challenges in recent years.

Macalester recognized as Fulbright Program top producer

This academic year marks the fourth consecutive year that Macalester has been recognized as a high-output school.

Giving Voice to Survivors: Inside a Client-Focused Legal Internship

Shweta Shankar '26 recently interned at Tubman, a Twin Cities nonprofit serving survivors of domestic violence, homelessness, and trafficking. While on the job, she gained valuable experience working with clients and advocating for them in court.

MacGPT: 2025

Winning team creates plan to treat mercury poisoning

Studying in another country

Students are able to study away on almost every continent.

The science behind smell

Geological Excursions in Argentina

A longstanding geology class is part of a growing group of Mac courses that include short-term study away components.

Robotic Telescope Training Connects Astronomy Students Across Midwest

Macalester Students at the United Nations

Macalester students traveled to New York City in late October for three intensive days at the United Nations, meeting with officials to discuss the United Nation’s Women, Peace and Security Agenda.

Eight Macalester professors awarded tenure status

Eight faculty members representing a broad range of disciplines have been awarded tenure.

MACRO Consortium Celebrates Acceptance of Peer-Reviewed Article for Publication

The MACRO Consortium, which includes Macalester College, is proud to announce the acceptance of its first peer-reviewed paper for publication.

Chem student designs 3D-printed tool to revolutionize lab work

Ellie Corbett ’26 found an unexpected opportunity to reinvent the chemist's wheel with the 'Easel': a 3D-printed tool she designed as a creative solution to streamline lab work.

MacNest is Building a New Generation of Entrepreneurs

Founding Day and Pushball 2026

Macalester Welcomes a Torah Scroll of Its Own

Macalester’s Jewish community welcomed its first Torah to campus in a ceremony filled with dance, song, and nosh.

What We All Can Agree On

Forensics students at Mac excel in competitive argumentation—and thrive in an environment of shared values.

Thirteen seniors receive 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards

Meet the thirteen recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Award for Outstanding Seniors.

Founding Day and Pushball 2025

Macalester's Founding Day celebration honored the college's rich history and vibrant community on March 7.

Empowering Entrepreneurship

Basir Talayee ’25, his sisters, and Mac students are helping young Afghan women continue their educations.

The Soundtrack of Macalester

For seventy-five years, the Macalester College Pipe Band has provided the college’s signature sound.

Athletics: Scots Find Success On The Pitch

Support Macalester athletics and read about soccer successes.

Mac Fest 2024 Photo Gallery

Check out photos from this year's Mac Fest.

Exploring Public Service at the Attorney General’s Office

For Mostafa Abdelmageed ’27, the call to help others is hardly anything new. But this fall, he explored community service on a whole new level as an intern at the Minnesota Attorney General's Office.

Macalester grant for internships

Interning at the Hennepin County Public Defender's Office

Internship at the Nature Conservancy

Amanda de Souza ’25 works creating a best practices guide around tribal engagement

Coding accessible educational tools

Student interns at a start up

Uncovering Ancient Fossils

Interning at the Science Museum of Minnesota

Internship at the Center for Energy and Environment

Georgia Barnes monitors Minnesota's gas and electric compliance

Story-writing intern brings ideas together

As part of her environmental studies capstone, Julia Chamberland has been writing stories for Minnesota Upstream.

MacConnect: Washington, D.C.

Over spring break, a group of students explored social science careers in Washington, D.C., with MacConnect.

Vehicles for Change

Ellie Hohulin '19 looks back on her academic and professional journey so far, including community engagement at Macalester and beyond.

Olympics Up Next for Speedskating Star

Conor McDermott-Mostowy ʼ24 is Olympics-bound

Frame of Reference: Macalester’s Living Art Collection

Mac’s permanent art collection reflects a dynamic intersection of education, identity, and creative legacy.

Banking on the Future

Serial entrepreneur and cryptocurrency leader Jeremy Allaire ’93 is redefining the way money moves around the world.

Macalester’s Stereo Types

For nearly fifty years, WMCN 91.7 has been the soundtrack to student life and a training ground for students who pursue audio-linked careers.

The Ground We Share

Dance scholar Alessandra Williams ’07 uses movement to connect communities and create social change.

Beer Today, Beer Tomorrow

Sustainability leader Monica Keaney ’10 is working to make sure the brewing business has a future.

Now More Than Ever

President Rivera writes about the importance of Macalester's mission and values in today's world and in the future.

Energizing Tomorrow with Yesterday’s Batteries

At the Minnesota State Fair, Mac’s CollectED project turns toxic trash into an electrifying lesson.

Volunteer Spotlight: Tartan Trivia Champs Daniel Kerwin ’10 and Ryan Kerwin ’12

The brothers, based in Denver, have turned their love of trivia and sibling camaraderie into a fun and easy way to give back.