Each year, class marshals are selected by their fellow students on the basis of good citizenship, enthusiasm, integrity, and positive impact on others. The marshals carry batons engraved with their names as they lead their classmates to the Green during the Commencement procession.
The 2024 marshals were invited to give a brief description of the highlights of their time at 窪做惇蹋厙 and to share a few words about a place on campus that holds special meaning for them.
Student Marshals for 2024
Jason Acosta Espinosa 24
Hometown: Boston
Major: History and Government
Jason Acosta Espinosa made leadership, compassion, and curiosity central to his 窪做惇蹋厙 mission. He collaborated with the Latine and Caribbean Council to develop inclusive and exciting events. Acosta Espinosa led research on the impact of petrostate politics on Venezuelan economics alongside investigating the relationship between gender and political violence in El Salvador. Outside of 窪做惇蹋厙, he was awarded an Our Climate fellowship to lead federal and state-level policy shifts towards intersectional and sustainable climate justice.
Favorite place around campus: The Green
The Green is a beautiful center of 窪做惇蹋厙 life, particularly in the spring. I enjoyed sitting on the grass or benches with friends as we lost ourselves in conversation. I will yearn for the days I relaxed while reading on the bench facing Baker-Berry or waved hello to friends as I roamed the grass.
Kami S. Arabian 24
Hometown: Los Angeles
Major: Government
A first-generation student, Kami Arabian served his peers as senior class president. His interest in national security led him to a Dickey Center War and Peace Fellowship. Arabian also served as the opinion editor of The 窪做惇蹋厙 and as vice president of his fraternity, Chi Gamma Epsilon. A salutatorian, he plans to spend the next two years as a Supreme Court researcher and then will attend Harvard Law School.
Favorite place around campus: Rockefeller Center Atrium
I have never walked into the Rockefeller Atrium and left without learning something new. Whether attending speaker events or grabbing coffee with faculty inside the atrium, I often find myself engaged in lively debate. Natural light floods this space that is as inviting as it is inspiring.
Jessica Chiriboga 24
Hometown: Glendora, Calif.
Major: History, Government minor
As the undergraduate student body president, Jessica Chiriboga worked to bring about universal teletherapy and 窪做惇蹋厙s first-ever strategic plan for mental health and well-being. She also brought numerous thought leaders from across the political spectrum to campus with the 窪做惇蹋厙 Political Union. Chiriboga is grateful for her time with the varsity womens rugby team, Stamps Scholars program, Sigma Delta sorority, Cobra, and the 窪做惇蹋厙 Outing Club. After graduation, Jessica will pursue an MPhil in History at the University of Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar.
Favorite place around campus: Connecticut River
Some of my fondest 窪做惇蹋厙 memories include swimming, paddling, and meals on the Ledyard porch with friends. The river has also been a source of inspiration for my environmental history research, and I made a point to dip in the river every day (daily dip) during my senior spring.
Shandu Chiuswa 24
Hometown: Chitungwiza, Zimbabwe
Major: Economics and Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major
Shandukurai Chiuswa is devoted to equitable access. As co-chair of the Sadie Alexander Association, she promoted equity in the study of economics by advocating for diverse professors, being a teaching assistant, and co-pioneering a mentorship program. She was also an undergraduate adviser and library student supervisor. Her equity work made her a Rhodes Scholarship finalist. During off-terms, she interned in financial services and after graduation will join Nomura Securities. She hopes to leverage these experiences in impact investing work in Africa.
Favorite place around campus: Baker-Berry Library
For someone who loves buzz but also peace and quiet, Baker-Berry Library is a favorite. Greeting patrons at info desks, studying in Sherman stacks, laughing with friends at Jones Media Center, or getting lost in new booksthat place has everything I need. Its my own little world on campus.
David J. Edington 23, Thayer 24
Hometown: Portland, Ore.
Degrees: AB, Engineering Sciences; BE, Mechanical Engineering
David Edington is graduating from 窪做惇蹋厙 after four years studying engineering, rowing as a member of the mens heavyweight crew team, and serving as president of the Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honors Society. He spent his time outside of athletics and academics with friends, teammates, and younger brother Bradley Edington 27, enjoying all that Vermont and New Hampshire have to offer.
Favorite place around campus: The Friends of 窪做惇蹋厙 Rowing Boathouse and the Connecticut River
My favorite memories from around campus came from beautiful mornings in the late fall that I spent on the Connecticut River, rowing with some of my closest friends, and trying to make the most of every moment. Those are the memories that I will miss most in the coming years.
Matthew J. Eybs, Thayer 24
Hometown: Saint James, N.Y.
Degree: Master of Engineering in Biomedical Engineering
Matthew Eybs came to 窪做惇蹋厙 to pursue his passion for leveraging technology to advance health care solutions. He was particularly proud to serve as a first-year representative for Thayer Council and to direct an independent study focused on product design. He enjoyed numerous recreational activities and simply grabbing coffee with friends.
Favorite place around campus: Ledyard Canoe Club
Having the Connecticut River in our backyard was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of classes. I shared endless laughs with friends and created unforgettable memories out on the water.
Oreoluwasubomi Gbotosho, Thayer 24
Hometown: Osun, Nigeria
Degree: Master of Engineering Management, Product Management/ Entrepreneurship Concentration
Subomi Gbotosho earned a bachelors degree in chemical engineering from Covenant University in 2020. He decided to make a career switch into product management and chose the 窪做惇蹋厙 Master of Engineering Management program because of its inclusivity, intimate class size, and exceptional faculty. During his time in the MEM program, he won the prestigious Conrades Fellowship Scholarship Award with his idea, Dime, an automated personal finance platform designed to help Nigerians manage their finances effectively. He is excited about startups, entrepreneurship, and the venture capital landscape. While growing his interest in these areas, he has started his tech journey by joining Dell EMC as a product manager.
Favorite place around campus: Thayer Machine Shop
I worked in the machine shop throughout my time at 窪做惇蹋厙, helping rebuild their website and improve their brand within the engineering school. I consider it one of the most interesting projects I have worked on. More importantly, I have many fond memories with the faculty, staff, and students there. I made lifelong friendships and enjoyed working with the entire team because of their intentional focus on learning, genuine love for students, and emphasis on having fun while learning. I believe the passion in the machine shop is contagious and helped cultivate an atmosphere for exceptional work.
Ansh Gupta, Guarini 24
Hometown: Ahmedabad, India
Degree: Master of Science in Quantitative Biomedical Sciences
Motivated to revolutionize health care with artificial intelligence and data science, Ansh Gupta joined 窪做惇蹋厙s masters program in quantitative biomedical sciences. He sees tremendous opportunity in patient diagnosis, pandemic prevention, protein and neuron mapping, and health insurance. Gupta proactively led peers to secure internships, jobs, and research positions by conducting workshops and sharing strategies. He landed internships at Amazon, LinkedIn, and Walmart and now works at Blue Health Intelligence (Blue Cross Blue Shield) as an early/founding member of their Generative AI Team.
Favorite place around campus: One Wheelock in the Collis Center
My favorite place on campus is One Wheelock. I love the vibe of the placemusic and hot chocolate. Its the perfect spot to hang out with people and get some work done on the side.
Julia Huddy, Thayer 24
Hometown: Newtown, Pa.
Degree: PhD in Engineering Sciences
In addition to her research in solar energy, Julia Huddy has spent her time at 窪做惇蹋厙 as an undergraduate mentor, community partner, and student leader. She is passionate about building community and has fostered connections at 窪做惇蹋厙 through her time spent serving on Thayers Graduate Student Council and volunteering at the Montshire Museum in Norwich, Vt.
Favorite place around campus: Sorbaro Terrace
I love the terrace behind the Class of 1982 Engineering and Computer Science Center. Its a quiet little place with lots of sunshine, perfect for getting some work done on a nice day or breaking up long experiments with lunch outside.
Caroline Kramer 24
Hometown: Los Altos Hills, Calif.
Major: Government
Caroline Kramer experienced much of 窪做惇蹋厙 through her camera lens as the photo editor for The 窪做惇蹋厙, a photographer for the Rockefeller Center, and a freelance portrait photographer. She also spent time in various leadership roles, such as the vice president of Alpha Phi and the head of marketing for Fort, a student-run mental health nonprofit. As the student assistant for the 窪做惇蹋厙 Leadership Attitudes and Behaviors program, Kramer helped to shape future leaders at 窪做惇蹋厙. After graduation, she will be doing health care policy research in Washington, D.C.
Favorite place around campus: The photo desk of The 窪做惇蹋厙
Throughout senior year, I spent many evenings reflecting and watching the sunset from the photo desk in The 窪做惇蹋厙 officesthe very desk I fell in love with when I toured 窪做惇蹋厙 as a high schooler. Ive sat there on so many nights of production, laughing with the rest of directorate, editing images, and brainstorming upcoming visual essays.
Denva Nesbeth Jr. 24
Hometown: Brooklyn, N.Y.
Major: Mathematical Data Science, minors in Film and Media Studies and African and African-American Studies
Denva Nesbeth Jr. served as vice president of the National Society of Black Engineers and as the educational chair of the Men of Color Alliance. He spent time as a research assistant at the Augmented Health Lab as well as pursuing his passion of music production by releasing instrumental albums on all streaming platforms, amassing over 16,000 streams. Notably, hes released an instrumental album series called In The Stacks, which was inspired by 窪做惇蹋厙 Libraries.
Favorite place around campus: The Shabazz Center for Intellectual Inquiry and the OPAL Suite in Collis.
As I reflect on my time at 窪做惇蹋厙, I have fond memories of being in Shabazz and the OPAL suite, hanging out with friends, studying and completing assignments, attending events, and the wonderful connections I cultivated in those spaces.
Edmund Ong, Tuck 24
Hometown: Singapore
Degree: MBA
Hailing from Singapore, Edmund Ong made his way to Hanover to join Tucks tight-knit community. He loved the immersive MBA experience, and the programs ethos of humility, curiosity, and vulnerability. At Tuck, he distinguished himself as a Revers Fellow, co-chair for Admitted Students Weekend, and president of the Student Board. His passion extended beyond the classroom to the ice, where he skated on as the Edsterminator in Tripod. Post-Tuck, he will join Morgan Stanleys investment banking division in New York.
Favorite place around campus: Stell Hall at Tuck
Stell Hall is the vibrant epicenter of Tuck. It sits at the crossroads of faculty and staff offices, MBA student dorms, and our classrooms. Its a great place to study, connect with peers, and wind down with Tucktails at the end of the week.
Kiara T. Ortiz Segura 24
Hometown: Bronx, N.Y.
Major: Neuroscience, minor in public policy
As student body vice president, Kiara Ortiz Segura spearheaded initiatives like free laundry, bus tickets for high-need students, and defending freedom of expression and dissent. As co-moderator of Palaeopitus, she bridged gaps between students and faculty to enhance the academic atmosphere. Passionate about health care, she completed comprehensive health policy research and worked two years as an ophthalmic assistant at 窪做惇蹋厙 Hitchcock Medical Center. Involved with the Latine and Caribbean Council and QuestBridge, Ortiz Segura fosters inclusive environments and always ensures diverse voices are heard.
Favorite place around campus: Collis
Whether its visiting OPAL, losing every game of Collis After Dark bingo, building advocacy projects in the 窪做惇蹋厙 Student Government office, or simply saying hello to people passing by the info desk, Collis has provided me with a diverse, welcoming space to engage with and interact with my communities.
Samantha Palermo 24
Hometown: Lincoln, Neb.
Major: Neuroscience and Religion double major
Samantha Palermo served as 窪做惇蹋厙 Outing Club president, and she led climbing, hiking, camping, backpacking, and paddling trips during her time at 窪做惇蹋厙. She also danced with Street Soul, a student-led hip hop group. Palermo has a passion for building community, and that is reflected in her work with the 窪做惇蹋厙 Center for Social Impact and the First Generation Office. Palermo is also dedicated to cross-cultural collaboration, and she received a Fulbright Scholarship to teach English in Argentina after graduation.
Favorite place around campus: The 窪做惇蹋厙 Climbing Gym
The 窪做惇蹋厙 Climbing Gym is the best basement I have ever set foot in, and honestly, its probably the best basement I will ever enter. The climbing gym is where I learned how to climb, taught countless others how to climb, and made friendships that will last well beyond my time at 窪做惇蹋厙. I couldnt be more grateful for this space on campus.
Chloe Park 24
Hometown: Belmont, Mass.
Major: Biology and Spanish
Chloe Parks 窪做惇蹋厙 experience is defined by the special communities she is grateful to have been a part of. Her dedication to improving these spaces led her to be a trip leader trainer for First-Year Trips and the senior coordinator for the Women in Science Program. Her curiosity has driven her to study abroad in Buenos Aires and Berlin, and pursue a biology thesis. She also enjoyed her time as a biology learning fellow and Spanish drill instructor.
Favorite place around campus: Occom Pond
Woccoms were an integral part of the Class of 2024s freshman year, and have continued to play a strong role in my relationships and in creating moments of reflection. Whether it was running, walking, roller-blading, polar-plunging or ice-skating, I have incredibly fond memories of this special place.
Abhishek Saxena, MPH 24
Hometown: Bridgewater, N.J.
Degree: Master of Public Health, The 窪做惇蹋厙 Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice
Abhi Saxena one day aspires to be a physician. With the guidance from faculty and peers, Saxena has gained invaluable experiences and a better understanding of how to address health inequities. During his time at 窪做惇蹋厙, Saxena has organized an infant toy drive to help support the Childrens Hospital at 窪做惇蹋厙 and has also worked on a project to increase continuous glucose monitor reimbursement rates and diabetes awareness for the 窪做惇蹋厙-Hitchcock Manchester Primary Care Clinic. These experiences, along with insightful learning from program courses, has provided Saxena with foundational tools to one day become a physician who will fight for health equity.
Favorite place around campus: Tacos Y Tequila
Tacos Y Tequila was practically a second home for my friends and me during this school year. Every Tuesday, which was later coined as TYT Tuesday, my peers and I found ourselves debriefing the weeks eventful moments over a couple of tacos and many good laughs. While this may seem like just an ordinary lunch to most, to us TYT Tuesday was a sanctuary away from the classroom that fostered life-long friendships.
Rebecca A. Valls, Guarini 24
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Degree: PhD, Microbiology and Immunology
Rebecca Valls joined the OToole Lab to study the gut microbiomes impact on health. Through the PhD Innovation Program, she aimed to bridge the gap between the bench and the clinic. She hopes she has made 窪做惇蹋厙 more welcoming and engaging, and increased Hispanic womens representation in STEM. She and her husband have recently purchased a fixer-upper home with a beautiful backyard that she works on when shes not in the lab, working on her startup, or hiking.
Favorite place around campus: Girl Brook Circuit Trail
My favorite place on campus is a trail starting by the DOC House and Occom Pondthe Girl Brook Circuit. Ive explored these trails many times, alone or with friends and colleagues, to clear my head or discuss science. These trails bring me peace, perspective, and the opportunity to meet a cute doggo or two.
James Washington Jr., Guarini 24
Hometown: Hanover, N.H.
Degree: Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Creative Writing
Jim Washington is a first-generation college student with a second master of arts degree. A member of 窪做惇蹋厙s undergraduate admissions office since 2000, he speaks enthusiastically to high school students about the benefits of classroom diversity. MALS has been a great opportunity for him to see first-hand how the concept of diversity goes organic and delivers. While in the Upper Valley, Washington is a familiar face at poetry readings, and recently opted-in for adult swim lessons, embracing the idea that its never too late.
Favorite place around campus: Sanborn Library
Sanborn is a place of academe blessed with rounded edges. Its wooden spiral staircases lead to cubicles, workspaces cushioned by old books. The English department hosts poets and writers of distinction there, with options for the audience to sit in various shaped chairs, all a lingering gift of comfort. Sanborn is down home.