Kenyon College Anthropology

04/13/2021

Where Are They Now? Alumni Interview
Lisa Schott, Class of 1980
Managing Director, Philander Chase Conservancy

What were you involved in when you were a student at Kenyon?
I was one of the first women archons, so I was a member of the Archon society. I also played volleyball. And worked all through school at the foodservice all four years.

What made you decide to major in Anthropology?
My mom helped me with this, she said to me “When you think about what you enjoy reading about most, what is the most enjoyable to you? And that’s really how I chose it. As a little kid, I always used to get National Geographic and I still do. It is the kind of reading I still love doing, so that was really what connected to me. As a child, I always liked everything in that sort of area. It was between anthropology and English because I still am a big reader, and I decided on anthropology and I am glad I did.

Did you have a special interest in any of the subdivisions?
I would probably say cultural, and a close second was biological anthropology because I loved primates; Jane Goodall was my hero. I was just always interested in people and what makes them click, and how they come out of different backgrounds, so I would say cultural was my first love, but I also loved archaeology, and biological.

Do you have any fond memories of the anthropology department or classes you took?
I graduated in 1980 and I came back in 1985 to work at the college in the alumni office. It was really because of a couple named Rich and Rita Kipp who I got really close to. They lived at the house that is now the Kenyon Farm. So they were both anthropology professors at the time and I just became close to them as a student. I stayed in touch with them after I graduated, and they helped when the job became available in the alumni office, that’s who I called, and they encouraged me to apply. So it was really because of my anthropology major, and the good relationships I established with that major, that I have been working at the college for 36 years. The Kipps are still good friends and it was a very special relationship in my life. I even helped arrange their 50th-anniversary party here on campus.

What path did you take following graduation?
I had wanted to pursue anthropology, so I had done an off-campus program and worked in museums. I had decided that I would try to take some of my museum interest and background, and my anthropology and get into museum work. So I went and got a master’s degree at Case Western in History and museum studies because at the time I was told it might broaden my background in terms of getting a job. At the museums, I was working with and managing a lot of the volunteers. In 1985 I got a postcard from Kenyon advertising an opening for a job in the alumni office working with volunteers. I grew up in Cleveland but having gone to Kenyon, I wanted to get back to the rural setting, it just spoke to me more than the city. So my husband encouraged me to apply for the alumni job. He said that I was dealing with volunteers in my museum work, and that’s what I’d be doing in this job, so it will be wonderful. He didn’t go here, but he had visited me here and he thought it was lovely too. So it was a funny sort of weaving path and the Kipps knew my husband and encouraged us so that’s what brought us back.

Can you talk more about your current work as managing director at the Philander Chase Conservancy?
So, this to me is really liberal arts education. From 1985 to 2010 I was in the alumni office, and I have been at the conservancy for the past eleven years. I was the alumni director for years, I did annual funds work, and major gift fundraising, but the reason we still love living here is because of the rural surroundings. My predecessor at the conservancy was actually my boss in the advancement division, so I had worked with him for seventeen years. When he retired, one of the board members for the conservancy recommended me for the job. My move to land conservation work from alumni work was thanks to my liberal arts education because I had zero background in land conservation, but I had extensive relationships both with the college and the community and figured I could learn. I think that’s why they hired me. Despite having no background, I’ve managed to grow into the job and have been here for eleven years. I really love the work. This part of my career has been very rewarding, and for such a tiny place, Kenyon has given me a ton of varied career opportunities.

How has anthropology been relevant to you throughout your career?
I think my cultural anthropology was useful in my alumni work because I was able to use all the background of how you approach people and how to listen. I have used the major throughout my career. I remember writing in my comps about this, I think everybody should take anthropology just to learn about the cultural filters that people bring to their experience. If you take our national nightmare political situation, if people had a background in cultural anthropology, I think they would better understand all these different backgrounds people come from, why they may think so differently than another group. I think most people have these cultural blinders on and don’t take time to care or think about what other people are coming from. I see it as a kind of fundamental. Also, biological anthropology is very useful to understand our place in the world. Archaeology for the same reason because it gives you a better understanding. I think children should have better training in anthropological ideas, I am so glad my mom gave me that advice, and I chose it. No matter what you do, an anthropology background will serve you well in developing relationships and more fully understanding one’s own experience.

What advice would you give to current students?
I always say that I don’t give advice, I give experience. Based on my life, I would suggest that people keep doing what they enjoy doing. Think about what you played as a child, and what has made your heart sing throughout your life. Keep going towards that and stop worrying about all the different pressures. I think that has been important to me throughout my life. There is a great book about this called Play by Stuart Brown. There is usually some form of doing what made you happy as a kid, even as an older adult. I love playing outside, and now I get to play outside and I still get National Geographic. Life is hard, so you have to keep focusing on the things that bring us joy, and it can even be in a career.

03/31/2021

Senior Spotlight: Liza Brilliant
From Washington D.C

Who is your advisor?
The one and only Dave Suggs.

Are you involved in any other departments?
I also concentrate on Women’s & Gender Studies as well as African Diaspora Studies. I owe both of those to Dave’s influence, from taking the Human Sexuality and Culture class as well as him encouraging me to take intro AFDS with Professor Kohlman who I am so incredibly thankful to have learned from.

Do you belong to any campus organizations?
I am one of the Co-President for the Owl Creeks Singers. I am also one of the head tour guides for Kenyon’s Office of Admissions.

What made you decide to major in Anthropology?
I was fortunate enough to take an anthropology class in my junior year of high school (IB Sociology and Anthropology) and fell in love with the discipline. Shortly after that, when I came to Kenyon, I was paired with Dave as my first-year advisor. He “snuck” me into his cultural anthropology class (despite the fact that it was already overflowing with students)

What were some of the Anthropology courses you enjoyed?
I would say all, but if I am getting more specific than I would say my favorite courses have been: Human Sexuality & Culture; Whiteness, Power & Race; Drinking Culture: Anthropology of Alcohol Use and Consumption; Anthropology of Food; History of Anthropological Thought (AKA the senior seminar); and Dave’s Marx, History, & Anthropology course.

Any thoughts on study abroad?
I LOVE STUDY ABROAD!!! I went abroad to Copenhagen where I studied prostitution and the s*x trade in Europe. I was also studying human trafficking and modern-day slavery, which has since become a passion of mine. Even though my time was cut short due to COVID, I wouldn’t change anything about my experience. My time in Copenhagen and the courses I took have led me to the realization that I want to work in advocacy and policy, specifically in the realm of anti-trafficking.

What would be the best advice you would give to younger students?
Try to keep your mind open--not just to courses outside of your area(s) of interest, but also to viewpoints outside of your own. You will never really learn unless you challenge yourself, challenge your beliefs, and challenge your own biases. Discourse is the only way forward.

What is something you regret about your time at Kenyon?
I came to a school that is known around the world for its English program and yet I have never taken an English course here. I allowed my past experiences in high school English classes to color my view of the discipline, and I truly wish I hadn’t. I do live with two English majors this semester, and I love launching into conversations with them about their studies, but it’s not the same.

Is there a professor that has had a significant impact on your time here at Kenyon?
Other than Dave Suggs, there are two professors on campus who have undoubtedly changed my life and the way I see the world. They are Professor Ed Schortman of the Anthropology department and Professor Marla Kohlman of the Sociology department. I have taken several courses with professor Kohlman, and she has never once stopped pushing me to go beyond the surface level of understanding of a text or concept. She always challenged me in my writing and during class, for which I am eternally grateful because it made me a better writer and critical thinker. There is no such thing as an “easy A” with professor Kohlman; you have to work to earn every single point in every single one of her courses, and that’s the way it should be. On the other hand, I have only worked with professor Schortman for one semester, and yet I don’t think I could ever run out of wonderful things to say about him. I don’t think that he knows this, but he is actually a huge part of the reason I decided not to defer last semester. Seeing as it was his last semester teaching the Senior seminar (History of Anthropological Thought) and after hearing nothing but praise for him from Dave, I knew I would be missing out on an incredible opportunity if I didn’t hop on the chance to learn under his tutelage. I do not regret that choice for an instant, because it has led to some of the best and most rewarding conversations I have ever had with a professor at this school.

Have you participated in any summer internship experiences?
Unfortunately, I can’t speak for any summer internships. I have spent most of my summers working closer to home and gaining hands-on job experience wherever I could get it. Funny enough, I did work at Anthropologie one summer, but obviously not as an anthropologist. That said, if you get the chance to do a field internship or summer scholars program, DO IT!! I myself am looking into some fieldwork post-grad opportunities.

Do you have any post-grad plans yet?
Right now I am looking at internships, fellowships, and jobs in the D.C. area that focus on advocacy work, development, and policy. I am interested in issues of anti-trafficking, food scarcity, gender-based violence, and s*x education. I have applied to several jobs and am just waiting to hear back. My fingers and toes are all crossed.

What is your greatest memory from the department?
I have a whole lot of love for the Anthropology department. Our annual goat roasts, the overwhelming abundance of adorable office dogs (shoutout to Professor Finn, aka my biggest motivator for going to Dave’s office hours all the damn time and who I miss SO MUCH), our love of discourse, and our wonderfully wacky courses have been some of the biggest and best highlights of my Kenyon experience. I am so incredibly thankful to the anth faculty, majors, and minors--even those of my Kenyon peers who just dipped their toes into anth courses-- for the amazing discourse and for opening my eyes to the world around me.

03/14/2021

Kenyon Anthropology students, faculty, and alumni,

Get ready for a new series on our social media pages of "Where are they now?" interviews with Kenyon alumni who studied anthropology. To start us off, we have a wonderful interview with a department alumnus from the class of 2019, Rita Carmona!

Where Are They Now?
Rita Carmona, Class of 2019
Chicago, IL

-What were you involved with when you were at Kenyon?
I was a big part of the multicultural organizations, my senior year I was co-president of Adelante. The whole time I was at Kenyon I was a member of Adelante, BSU, and Sisterhood. I was a part of the spoken word group, Vocal Box. I was involved in theater and was in a few shows. I also played cello for a few shows. I played cello in different ensembles and the Handsome Devils.

-When you were taking anthropology classes at Kenyon, what area did you focus on?
I was definitely more focused on cultural anthropology, but I definitely learned a lot from taking classes in all the subdisciplines. I still carry that information with me in how I approach things. I think the anthropology department does a really good job at showing how anthropology is more than just the classes you’re taking, or this one set of books, or this one philosophy, it’s more about how you approach the world. I think that came across in all the classes I took. I took a lot of courses focused on race and social justice. A lot of the papers I would write would have to do with race, capitalism, anti-capitalism, and looked at people of color, especially Latinx and black people, around the world.

-What has your path been since graduated?
Right after graduation, I spent some time with my family. Then I worked for a non-profit called El Valor which is an origination that works with people with developmental disabilities. So I worked in a home with 5 or 6 men who all had different developmental disabilities and I helped them like do their laundry, and cook dinner, and hang out.

Then I started working at I Grow Chicago, as a development assistant, and then my position grew to cultural activism manager. The focus of my job became public education and focusing on individual donors and building out the donors that we have. I do a lot of writing of different blogs and newsletters, and things like that. I also ran our summer camp last summer. I also organized an event for voting and an open mic, but when COVID-19 hit it made it a lot harder to do events. I focused on educating people and ran a book club with our donors.

I also did an internship at Kartemquin which is a non-profit organization that does documentaries. I learned about how a documentary works through different workshops and worked on a project to share with the group. I also did yoga teacher training, and now am a 200 hours certified yoga instructor. I’m now working on doing another, 300 hundred-hour training. I recently got to play cello on a new song for the band Family Junket (also made up of Kenyon Alumni).

-In what ways does anthropology apply to the kind of jobs you have had since graduating?
I really love anthropology and I’m thinking about continuing to study anthropology in grad school. I think working at I Grow Chicago I had to have an understanding of different systems and how they affect people. Concepts of power and connections were really helpful in terms of the analytical viewpoint for the work I was doing. A lot of the writing I did for the job was influenced by classes I had taken and books I had read, and understanding that I had grown of the world around me. I thought about the effect of the systems we live in and the cultures we have, and how it changes the way we think about the world. So, that’s the conceptual side of how anthropology has influenced my work.
For me, I think anthropology is about storytelling and the power of human connection, and the power of the people. So, that is important to me in everything I do and the way I approach the world. Stories are important. Everyone has stories, and everyone has something to share and something to contribute. When we sit down and we listen to each other, and we listen to perspectives and experiences that others have, it gives a fuller understanding of what it means to be human. That’s something that I try to put forward in how I interact with people whether that be on a bus, at a coffee shop, or talking to people in the neighborhood I was working in. I think everything I learned is really important to me and I carry it with me.

-What advice would you give to current students?
I think something that I've learned a lot recently is just the power of being intentional. I think all of the things in my life that have really taught me something about myself and about what I want and the things that have challenged me in ways that have made me grow have been things that I've approached intentionally. I think the more we get stuck in this idea of who we should be or what we should do, the more we lose from what's around us.

Looking back at Kenyon, there are so many all these little moments where think: I wish I had said something or I wish I had tried this, but I wish that I had stepped away from it. I wish that I had taken some time to think. When I look back on why I didn’t feel like I could have take time at that moment, it's because I was so caught up in my own head. I think that that’s something that I still really struggle with. I think especially after graduating, there's so much pressure and you don't really know where it's coming from. It’s like do I have to playbills now? What is a job? What do I want? And I think it’s so hard to really take your time to do something, but the more that you can remind yourself there is time, even if it’s just the rest of the time of your day that you always can take 20 minutes to sit down with something. You can always say I need to take a breath or I need to go for a walk. There's nothing wrong with taking a second to think.

For a long time, I thought the world was going to explode or something if I didn’t do something right now. Then when I would take a second and try to think about what I want, the more I realized I don’t really even know what I want. I was always just doing what I thought a should do or what seemed like the easiest or best situation at the moment, but at Kenyon, you do have a lot of time. You need to take the time to sit with yourself and figure out what you want. The better you are going to be and the more you can move forward. Then you realize, I don't know what I am doing and no one knows what they're doing, but at least I know what I want and I know what I’m working towards. That is so powerful and can make such a huge difference to your life if you take that time to figure it out. So my advice to everyone is to take that time even if it is scary or uncomfortable. Ask yourself what are you really willing to work for because no matter what you do, you’re going to have to work. No matter what, it’s going to be hard, and there are going to be bad days, so you have to figure out what’s worth it to you.

To read more about some of what Rita has been involved in since graduating, check out the links below:
https://www.igrowchicago.org/
https://elvalor.org/
https://kartemquin.com/
https://familyjunket.bandcamp.com/releases

03/07/2021

Senior Spotlight: Molly Keen
From Ann Arbor, Michigan

Who is your advisor?
Bruce Hardy

Are you involved in any other departments?
No.

Do you belong to any campus organizations?
Theta Delta Phi, and Planned Parenthood Generation Action
What made you decide to major in Anthropology?
As I was exploring different departments my freshman and sophomore year, my Anthropology classes and the professors who taught them continued to be my favorite!

What were some of the Anthropology courses you enjoyed?
Life Along the Kokosing; Whiteness, Power and Race; Habitat and Humanity; and Bioarchaeology of Africa.

Any thoughts on study abroad?
I loved my study abroad experience in New Zealand and would recommend going abroad to every Kenyon student. Experiencing classes, college life, and a new community in an unfamiliar country was eye-opening for me in recognizing all of the complex diversities and similarities between our cultures and educational institutions. Studying abroad also allowed me to really explore my priorities, gain independence, and go on amazing adventures!

What would be the best advice you would give to younger students?
Life is 90% confidence and 10% skill. Don’t take yourself too seriously.

What is something you regret about your time at Kenyon?
I regret not going to office hours and the Kenyon Farm more often.

Is there a professor that has had a significant impact on your time here at Kenyon?
All of my anthropology professors have helped me in my time here at Kenyon whether it be finding my academic passions or post-grad goals. By providing a safe and comfortable classroom environment to learn about culture, humans, and life, they have all simultaneously given me opportunities to grow as an individual and learn about myself. A special shout out to Professor Novotny, Professor Gallerta Cervera, and Professor Hardy, and Professor Schortman!

Have you participated in any summer internship experiences?
During the summer 2019 season, I had the opportunity to join Professor Novotny and Professor Gallerta Cervera in Belize on the Chan Chich Archaeological Project as a field student. I had planned on returning for the summer 2020 season as part of a Kenyon Summer Science project, but due to Covid, we had to postpone our plans. I will also be sticking around after graduation for Summer Science to do a different (but very exciting) project here at Kenyon!

Do you have any post-grad plans yet?
While I do not have any official plans for my future, I hope to explore the professional field for a few years looking for something that I can apply my anthropological skills and passion towards! Maybe non-profits, maybe museum education and curation, maybe graduate school eventually? We will see what the world has in store!

What is your greatest memory from the department?
My greatest memory from the department was during our Bioarchaeology of Africa class taught by Professor Hardy. Our class was on one of its frequent excursions down at the BFEC where we were learning how to start fires with tools. Once we had a fire lit, Bruce proceeded to pull out a couple of cornish hens and cooked them right there for us. They were delicious! Better than Peirce!

03/02/2021

Senior Spotlight: Kayleigh McCoy
From Charlottesville, Virginia

Who is your advisor?
My advisor is Dave Suggs!

Are you involved in any other departments?
Not officially, but before the pandemic I was planning on minoring in Spanish.

Do you belong to any campus organizations?
I am a member of the Sexual Respect Peer Alliance (SRPA), a few q***r-focused organizations, a Kenyon Review Associate and Wright Center tour guide, and I am also pretty heavily involved in the Kenyon Student Worker Organizing Committee (K-SWOC).

What made you decide to major in Anthropology?
History was my favorite subject in high school, but I was always the most interested in the cultural side of it. I learned about anthropology from a high school history teacher and came to Kenyon thinking of it as a possible major. I took several courses I really enjoyed and then put off majoring until pretty late as I considered a few other departments. Ultimately, I think majoring in anthropology has shaped how I view the world in ways I really value and that makes me a better person and I am glad I chose the major.

What were some of the Anthropology courses you enjoyed?
I really loved Engaged Archaeology with Professor Novotny! I enjoyed the engaged aspect of it where we taught local middle schoolers about archaeology, and I also appreciated that it explored the intersection of archaeology/anthropology and social justice issues, particularly how the discipline can actually engage with the social issues we often study and be a tool to confront injustice.
I’m also currently on a special topic called Archaeology of Colonialism with Professor Harris and I’m really enjoying it so far!

Any thoughts on study abroad?
My study abroad experience in Valparaíso, Chile was unfortunately cut short because of the pandemic, but the month I had there was absolutely amazing. My program was through SIT and focused on the impacts of the Pinochet dictatorship, human rights, and even when I had to go home and continue the classes online, I still learned a lot about a subject I don’t think I would have been able to study as in depth anywhere else. I was honestly very nervous to go abroad to a country where I was not fluent in the language but my program provided a lot of support to help the students adjust, and my host family was wonderfully welcoming and kind. Even though it was for a short period of time, my time abroad was like nothing else I’ve experienced before and helped me grow both as a person and as someone who studies anthropology and is interested in community organizing. If you’re interested and able to go abroad, I think the experience is especially beneficial for students in this department.

What would be the best advice you would give to younger students?
I think the best advice I have is find your community and nurture it. There are a lot of amazing people here who will be there for you and who care about you even when institutional support is not as good as it should be. Also talk to older students and alums--the issues you find here have probably already been going on for a long time, and one reason they are hard to solve is because students are here usually for only four years and graduate before real institutional change can be made. The administration relies on this lack of institutional memory to avoid making changes. And older students and alums also just want to get to know you and be your friend! The Kenyon community is more than just your peers and friends--it’s alums, it’s your professors, it’s the staff who make this school run. Talk to people, get to know them, support each other! The interpersonal relationships and community that you can have here is what really makes Kenyon a special place.

Also make friends with Old Bob in Peirce. He’s a lovely person and will give you great advice and extra dessert if you ask.

What is something you regret about your time at Kenyon?
This is a difficult question to answer because I have a lot of complicated regrets about my years here. I both regret not being more involved in the organizations I’ve worked with that do important support and advocacy work on campus, and I also regret overextending myself with those groups. On a less complex level though I regret not getting to know some of my professors more! I’ve had some amazing professors in my time here and I wish I had made more of an effort to go to office hours and talk outside of class. I also thought about doing a full year abroad and I wish I had taken the leap to do that, especially given that my spring semester was cut short because of Covid.

Is there a professor that has had a significant impact on your time here at Kenyon?
Pretty much every anthropology professor I’ve had has been super lovely, but Dave and Ed have definitely been really great and supportive professors and I’ve appreciated them both a lot.

Have you participated in any summer internship experiences?
Not related to anthropology!

Do you have any post-grad plans yet?
I would love to find a job working at a greenhouse, a plant store, or even a farm! I think I would eventually like to pursue a career related to s*x education, especially focusing on q***r s*x ed, and I’m also really interested in museum work, even though I have lots of issues with the inherent exclusivity and lack of accessibility of most museums. In the meantime, however, I want to take a break from the more emotionally draining aspects of the fields I am interested in and the work I have been doing at Kenyon. My love of houseplants really took off during covid and I’ve found taking care of my plants and watching them grow to be a lovely way to remind me to take care of myself, and to find small joys in these difficult times. Post grad, I really just want to have a cat and lots of plants, work in a greenhouse or farm, and volunteer at an organization focused on s*x education in my spare time.

What is your greatest memory from the department?
I don’t really have specific memories, but any time we’ve had larger gatherings of the department has been really fun! I always feel like I get to know new people or learn more about the people I already know, and I’m reminded how many interesting people there are in the department. Also petting all the dogs! Though it’s not really possible at the moment, going and petting Finn or any of the other pups was always a great stress reliever and I’m really grateful for all the professors who have been willing to share their pets with students!

01/23/2021

It looks like mittens Bernie made his way to Palme. I bet he is excited for the Kenyon Anthropology students to return to campus next week. See you all soon!

12/14/2020

Virtual Holiday Open House @ Fri Dec 18, 2020 5pm - 6pm Join with Google Meet: meet.google.com/edc-zpor-yhe Join by phone (US) +1 570-630-1112 (Pin: 732514905)

11/23/2020

FUNDING FOR SLAVIC STUDIES
(ANTH Majors and others) Check this out:
Funding Available for Online Study
Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Languages
Summer 2021
Indiana University now offers funding for summer study of Azerbaijani, BCS, Estonian, Hungarian, Kyrgyz, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, or Uzbek in its Language Workshop. The Workshop offers intensive, accelerated instruction at a range of levels, combined with cultural enhancement programs.

PRIORITY DEADLINE : JANUARY 29, 2021
FUNDING
Generous funding available covering full cost of attendance.
Many awards include stipends for living expenses.
PROGRAM FEATURES
1 year of coursework in 2 months (8-10 credits)
In-person and online options available
Open to graduate students and professionals

Learn More

Fellowships & Scholarships