St. Lawrence graduates have a thirst for knowledge, are innovative problem-solvers, and make their communities, companies, and the world better places. This periodic roundup features Laurentians at the focus of news stories shared by and within their communities.
Glenn Steckler ’87
Earlier this year, Glenn Steckler co-edited and published the book, “Stories from the Age of COVID,” with his father, Larry Steckler. He discussed the personal stories and poems in the book and why he and his father are sharing the book’s proceeds with a local food bank on Mountain Grown Community Radio on Thursday, Nov. 18.
“We’re super appreciative of all the authors who decided to contribute to the collection,” said Steckler. “For many of the authors, it was a way for them to express their feelings. It was a help for them mentally and emotionally [and] in a state of isolation, to be able to share and communicate outside of their own home.”
Steckler majored in government at St. Lawrence.
Thomas Vorisek ’68
Thomas Vorisek ’68, a retired educator and Army veteran, was named Veteran of the Year in Berryville-Clarke County, Virginia. The recognition of his dedication to the nation and his community during the county’s annual Veterans Day observance was featured in an article published by the Winchester Star on Friday, Nov. 12.
“It’s a great honor,” said Vorisek. “I’m greatly appreciative.”
Vorisek majored in geology at St. Lawrence.
Maggie Fellows ’13
Maggie Fellows ’13 discovered her passion for rowing when her first-year roommate convinced her to try out for the Rowing Team at St. Lawrence. She recently took the top prize at the Head of Charles Regatta in Boston, Massachusetts and shared the lessons her athletic career taught her in an article published by the Greenfield Recorder on Oct. 29.
“...I’ve learned how to overcome challenges, and focus on the process of long-term goals,” Fellows said. “There’s definitely days that don’t go right, but I’m still making progress over the long-term and keeping my perspective on broader goals.”
Fellows was an environmental studies and multi-language double major at St. Lawrence.
James Merrill ’08
James Merrill ’08 is an avid surfer who was inspired to upcycle plastic bottles after working for the U.S. Agency for International Development. He shared how he built a company that creates environmentally conscious eyewear in an article published by Surfer.com on Thursday, Nov. 18.
“To date, we’ve collected over 300,000 water bottles off the coast of Bali–and that’s just for the limited amount of product we’re starting for our first product run,” says Merrill. “Our goal is to create competition in the marketplace to encourage a large volume of water bottles to be taken out of landfills and the ocean. Because it’s a durable product, you can apply this concept to so many different things. Then the true change happens.”
Merrill majored in religious studies at St. Lawrence.
Kendrew VanGorder ’21
Kendrew VanGorder ’21 took his adventurous spirit on the road as he completed a solo bicycle ride from Seattle, Washington, to his home on Mount Desert Island, Maine. He shared his nearly three-month-long experience, navigating winding roads and connecting with other cyclists, in an article published by Mountain Desert Islander on Sunday, Nov. 28.
“It was really an enjoyable experience. I’m glad that I did it,” said VanGorder.
VanGorder majored in conservation biology at St. Lawrence.
Kennedy Marchment ’18
Kennedy Marchment ’18 was a leader on the ice during her time at St. Lawrence– earning third-team All-ECAC honors and All-Rookie team selection, and securing a spot as a Patty Kazmaier Award Finalist. As a current forward for the Connecticut Whale women’s professional hockey team, she shared how she’s making an impact on a new rink in an article published by OurSportsCentral.com on Saturday, Dec. 4.
"What the league stands for, creating a love for the game with younger girls playing hockey, the way everything is going is up. I want to try and make the PHF the best it can be, a sustainable league, and it's important to show it can be done and grow," said Marchment.
Marchment majored in psychology at St. Lawrence.
Philip J. McWhorter ’69, P’95
Philip J. McWhorter ’69, P’95 retired from Greenwich Hospital after more than four decades as a surgeon. His medical career and legacy were featured in an article published by Westport News on Monday, Nov. 29.
“At the end of the day, I don’t think anybody could think that being a physician isn’t the greatest profession of all and I want to thank all of those who allowed me to fall into it,” McWhorter said.
McWhorter majored in biology at St. Lawrence.
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