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From Idea to Impact: Building Successful Startups in Diagnostics and Treatment
A panel of Colby alumni and healthcare industry professionals convened for a Founders’ Forum event in Page Commons to discuss the strategic and operational challenges of building companies that aim to change disease diagnosis and treatment. The forum, “From Idea to Impact: Building Startups that Change How We Diagnose and Treat Disease,” brought together experts in finance, regulatory compliance, and clinical development to provide a practical overview of the necessary steps to turn a scientific concept into a commercial venture.
The panel consisted of three experienced professionals, each representing a major segment of the healthcare landscape: Graham Powis `90 `23, a Managing Partner at Brookline Capital Markets, whose expertise centers on public financing and capital markets advisory; Lori Zablow Salles P`27, who has held legal and compliance roles for major pharmaceutical and biotech firms, focusing on regulatory adherence; and Michael Paul, `87, CEO of MARAbio and co-founder of Lineagen, Inc., a company specializing in genetic diagnostic services.
The initial discussion focused on the core requirements for an early-stage company’s survival and growth. Paul, reflecting on his experience in growing a diagnostics company from a small team, emphasized the critical need for focus. He explained that a startup, faced with limited capital and resources, cannot afford to pursue multiple avenues simultaneously, stating that all efforts must be committed to solving one clear, specific problem. He further argued that, without a singular, defined objective, the company risks dissipating its scarce financial and human resources, hindering its ability to achieve key milestones necessary for subsequent funding rounds.
Salles added that organizational health is a requirement equal to the strength of the scientific idea. She noted that successful leadership necessitates humility, a willingness to actively listen to team members, and the ability to synthesize divergent viewpoints into a unified strategy. She explained that leaders must function as part of the team, and that finding the correct personnel “fit” within a small organization is necessary to avoid internal friction and resource depletion. Salles emphasized that team dynamics are highly sensitive in a startup environment, where every member’s performance is visible and critical to the company’s progress. She concluded that a forced fit in personnel leads quickly to internal conflict and reduced efficiency.
The speakers then addressed the scientific and regulatory obstacles that define the healthcare sector. Salles described the legal environment, noting that innovation is rigorously constrained by compliance requirements from bodies like the FDA and global regulatory entities. She explained that new treatments require not only initial approval but also careful and lengthy post-market monitoring to track and manage any potential long-term effects. She noted that this regulatory rigor is an unavoidable cost of operating within the medical field, demanding significant time and capital investment. Paul focused on scientific strategy, stating that the most successful ventures are those that validate a truly novel scientific mechanism, rather than developing small, incremental improvements to existing treatments. He stressed that once the science is proven, the company must clearly demonstrate how that discovery translates into a measurable clinical benefit for patients. This clinical validation is essential for gaining both regulatory approval and market adoption.
Powis provided a financial overview, detailing the “cyclical nature” of biotech funding. He observed that the market alternates between periods of high and low activity, which directly affects a young company’s strategic choices. He cited data that illustrated this fluctuation, noting that the number of Life Sciences Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) had dropped significantly in recent years compared to the high volume seen previously. Powis explained that a constrained IPO market often dictates that a company must pursue an early acquisition or strategic partnership to secure necessary capital, while an open market provides more control and flexibility regarding exit timing. The panelists advised that founders should prioritize maintaining strong business fundamentals and securing sufficient cash reserves over fixating on final exit strategies or market valuations. They noted that running out of money is the primary risk factor for any startup. Paul added that large pharmaceutical companies are often better positioned to handle expensive, late-stage efforts, such as Phase 3 clinical trials, making partnerships with them a common necessity for companies aiming to scale their impact globally due to the extensive resources and infrastructure required.
The event concluded with questions from students seeking career development and leadership guidance. One student asked the panelists for the most valuable advice they had received concerning leadership. Powis responded that the key was consistency. He explained that a leader must be a steady, reliable presence for the team, especially when the organization faces external pressures or internal crises. He further argued that this consistent behavior establishes trust and builds the necessary internal confidence for the team to continue executing its mission. Another question from the audience asked Paul about the most important non-financial value he gained from his career in healthcare entrepreneurship. Paul stated that the highest value derived from his work was the successful delivery of genetic diagnostic services to thousands of families, confirming that the mission of helping people served as the primary driver throughout the startup process.
~ Stephen Owusu Badu `27
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A Brief History of Music at Colby College
Did you know that The Beach Boys performed at Colby College on May 13, 1973? Or that we hosted R.E.M. in 1983, before they made it big with hits like ‘The One I Love’ and ‘Losing My Religion?’ No shade to Waka Flocka Flame, but these are Rock & Roll Hall of Fame-ers. Who knew Colby was so cool back in the day?
I’m slightly ashamed to admit that, as a senior, I attended my first Colby a cappella sampler last Friday. I managed to squeeze into the last remaining front-row balcony seat above the entrance of Lorimer Chapel, securing a great view of the proceedings. I was blown away by the Colbyettes’ angelic voices, thoroughly amused by the Blue Lights’ performance of a song from Kpop Demon Hunters, and saw some of my best friends performing with Mayflower Chill. The Colby Eight (there are actually 13 of them) ended the show with three songs.
My concert attendance that Friday night may have been an act of procrastination on my extensive list of midterm assignments, but I did learn something: the Colby Eight has a long-running tradition, dating back to 1947, of performing an arrangement of ‘Mood Indigo’ by Stevie Wonder. The “lore,” as Jack Brenner `26 shared with the packed audience last Friday night, is that the Colby Eight asked Bowdoin’s a capella group for their arrangement, and were denied. However, they met them at a bar in Brunswick and asked the group to perform it. Of course, the Bowdoin men were proud to show off their musical prowess. The Colby Eight had the Bowdoin singers perform the number enough times for the Eight to memorize all the vocal parts. Now, the arrangement is passed down to every new member of the group.
The nugget of history above inspired me to do some of my own digging around the origins of music history here at Colby College.
Colby’s radio station has been around since 1949. It originated as a weekly show called Radio Colby on the Waterville AM station. In 1973, Radio Colby transitioned to an FM radio station. After renovations to Roberts Union in 1978, Colby’s radio station, WMHB, moved to its current space in the building’s basement. Meaning, they’ve been down there for nearly 50 years.
In 1959, construction of the Bixler Art and Music building was completed, which meant a new hub for music on campus. The building was named after Julius Seelye Bixler, Colby’s sixteenth president.
In terms of outside groups, Colby has hosted some popular groups. As I mentioned above, we had The Beach Boys and R.E.M. perform here. We also hosted Indigo Girls in 2000, The Replacements in 1989, LL Cool J in 1985, Spin Doctors in 1991, Guster in 2009, Wiz Khalifa/Big Sean in 2011, J Cole in 2012, and Kesha in 2016.
Some notable alumni musicians throughout Colby’s history include Jeff Potter `78, original drummer of the Broadway rock opera Rent; prominent composer Arthur Levering `76; country and bluegrass musician Tim O’Brien (dropped out in 1973); and violinist Linda Hurwitz `80.
~ Alayna Blier `26
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Zohran Mamdani is Shaking Up American Politics. Are You Ready to be More Involved?
If you, as a college student, haven’t been paying any attention to American politics lately, you need to start tuning in, because the political scene today is reaching 1960s levels of political instability. The 2025 New York City mayoral election has become one of the most notable elections in recent history. Why is this? Well, Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic candidate, and he’s promoting himself as a “democratic socialist.” Why is this label so important to current American politics? Why is the NYC mayoral election so important in the first place?
Though early voting has already started (and I hope you’ve cast your votes wherever you’re from), the mayoral election in New York City will be decided on November 4. Looking at early polls, it seems that Mamdami, the Democratic-elect, has a very good chance at taking over as mayor of NYC. First of all, why is this election so important? New York City is more than just a city, it’s an economic and social powerhouse. NYC holds and is the center for trading a large majority of the world’s wealth. Its geographic location is also a gateway for the flow of migration in and out of North America, creating the most populated city in America and a rich community of boroughs consisting of groups of people from different backgrounds, religions, economic levels, and cultures. With such a rich city, the mayor of New York City holds onto a great deal of power in comparison to other city mayors.
So why is Mamdani so important here? First of all, his political stance. Self-branding himself as a “democratic socialist” is a pretty bold move, especially running for mayor in a city as large and important as New York. The last time the U.S. had a socialist mayor was Frank Zeidler, whose term as Milwaukee Mayor ended in 1960. However, Milwaukee as a city can’t
really be compared in influence to NYC. The craziest part of it all? In an American political sphere that’s currently dominated by right-wing ideals, it looks like Mamdani could potentially win the entire election. His campaign has involved travelling to debates using New York subway and train stations, walking with crowds of citizens throughout boroughs of New York, and doing personal interviews in bodegas. Not only has his campaign highlighted his charisma, but also his dedication to working with and for the people of New York. Labeling himself as a socialist and going out of his way to showcase himself as a man of the people.
So why should anyone really care about this branding or Mamdani’s unique political campaign? The moves he’s making can potentially shake up U.S. politics for a very long time. The success of his campaign and the popularity of his policies, including government mandated grocery stores and free buses, highlights politicians changing views on Political Action Committee (PAC) money funding and their connections to big corporations, and instead get out into their cities and involve themselves with the people they may govern over. Mamdani’s potentially successful mayoral campaign is a sign that voting as a citizen is now more important than ever. Politicians may see the success of Mamdani, realize that people are ready for policies that will bring successful change to their way of living and begin mimicking these tactics. Politicians are going to need to start working closer with their people, meaning that now more than ever, is the best time for you to involve yourself in politics.
~ Ivan Ojeda `29
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The Railway Tragedy That Transformed Serbia
On November 1, 2024, at 11:52 AM, Serbian collective consciousness entered a phase of intense transformation — one that would continue to shift and rearrange itself over the months to come. At that precise moment, a concrete canopy at a bustling railway station collapsed in Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, claiming 16 lives. As the news spread across the country, it stirred a wave of shock and sorrow, tearing open frustrations that had simmered for years.
The Novi Sad railway station was built in 1964 and underwent renovation between 2021 and 2024, restarting its operations in August last year. The majority of the Serbian sections of the railway were financed through a flagship project of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in the region, which would connect Belgrade to Budapest. The European Union also contributed funds to the wider infrastructure upgrade. The nature of these investments serves as a manifestation of Serbia’s geopolitical crossroads: a country waiting in the EU’s antechamber since 2012, yet with one eye turned east. But the questionability of this project goes beyond the symbolism of who paid for it.
The station was intended to serve as a symbol of Serbia’s progress and was set in motion by the Serbian Progressive Party, which has held the majority in Parliament since 2012. However, following the tragedy, it raised significant concerns over corruption and a lack of transparency. According to a report conducted by the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Novi Sad, the canopy was 23.11 tons heavier than originally designed. Following the collapse, Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić claimed that the underlying cause of the tragedy was the fact that the canopy was not renovated along with the rest of the railway station. Nevertheless, construction engineer Danijel Dašić explained that the canopy was lined with new marble slabs, which is enough evidence to assume that some work was done on it. Other experts voiced a similar opinion, denouncing the official statements as misleading and highlighting several construction flaws. Suspicion was further fueled by the refusal of the Chinese contractors to share documentation of the reconstruction publicly. Furthermore, the main subcontractor — hired by the Chinese consortium — was a local construction company, Starting, which was directly responsible for the construction. Starting has benefited from a warm relationship with the ruling party, securing numerous valuable government contracts since 2014.
The Serbian public did not take these links for granted or as mere coincidences. Students were the first to start what would soon become known as the Serbian fight against corruption. Student demonstrations evolved into nationwide protests overnight. The unrest gained momentum through symbols like painted red hands to represent the blood of the victims of the collapse, and blank sheets of paper to highlight the state of the Constitution and laws. The Minister of Transportation soon resigned, followed by the resignation of the Serbian Prime Minister Miloš Vučević at the end of January. However, Serbians did not find this sufficient, as they continued to demand accountability and prosecution of those responsible for the disaster — and the President refused to give that to them.
Instead, the President pardoned four men who assaulted a student protester and broke his jaw, authorized usage of a sonic weapon on protesters in Belgrade, and interrupted public transportation to Belgrade on the eve of protests. All of these invoked security concerns. The government went as far as mobilizing its own group of protesters, paying them up to $100 a day. Finally, the President and his party failed to hold anybody accountable; as of the one-year anniversary of the tragedy, no one has been tried, convicted, or sentenced for the collapse, which led to tens of thousands of protestors last weekend, with students marching over 70 miles from Novi Sad to Belgrade.
I visited Belgrade during one of its calmer weeks at the end of May. One of my first stops was the Museum of Yugoslavia, once the residence of Josip Broz Tito, where I met Ana. She was born in Belgrade but left for Paris in 2014. It was her second day back home, and she brought some of her foreign friends. I joined their conversation as it drifted toward the ongoing protests. Ana spoke about the protests with a mix of pride and content. Yet beneath her words ran a current of cynicism — a familiar feeling of disbelief I had often encountered in those who no longer trust that collective action can yield real, structural change. She, like many others whom I talked to, shared a vision of a future that was somewhat removed from the EU vision, which the Serbian government claimed to have. I was unsure whether there was a more positive outlook on the Serbian-Russian relationship, though the deep cultural affinity has been dictating the dynamics of this partnership for decades. However, Ana clearly illustrated the paradox of Serbia, which commonly existed before November 1, 2024, which is that people talked about politics but refused to get involved directly.
Serbia is a lively country with large patches of greenery and the mixed restlessness with fatigue of a young person. There are still remnants of violence and aggression from Slobodan Milošević’s authoritarian rule, reminding those who remember history that inaction is never harmless. The country may still wrestle with its place in the greater geopolitical picture, pledging allegiance to EU membership while maintaining ties with Russia. And yet, in the streets and in conversations with people like Ana, it becomes clear that the Serbian people are aware of their position — and, when pressed, they are willing to act, though the path ahead remains uncertain and fraught.
~ Cristina Panaguta `26
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Greek Food for a Great Deal: College Student Meal Deals are Back at OPA
If you have ever visited downtown Waterville, you are likely to have come across OPA. OPA is a Greek and Mediterranean restaurant located in the heart of downtown Waterville, just across the street from the Bill and Joan Alfond Main Street Commons. These two buildings are so close, in fact, that just looking out the windows at OPA will give you a clear view of the Commons.
With this restaurant being easily accessible, either by driving, taking the shuttle, or just taking a quick walk across the street depending on where you live, you should know about OPA’s College Student Meal Plan. This meal plan is open to college students studying in or near Waterville, including Colby College students, Thomas College Students, and Kennebec Valley Community College students. Just show your student ID, and you are good to go.
The meal plan runs from Monday to Wednesday and includes two options. The first option is one main plate and one soft drink for $20, and the second option is one appetizer, one main plate, and one soft drink for $30. The six main plate options are souvlaki, gyro (pork or chicken), carbonara, pastitsio, falafel, and moussaka, and the four appetizer options are spanakopita, dolmathes, pikilia, and horiatiki or helenika.
Sotirios Gudis, the owner of OPA, was born and raised in Waterville and opened OPA in January of 2019. He said, “I was actually out of state, kind of moved back here, and decided to open up a Greek Mediterranean restaurant here… We’ve been part of the community forever.”
Gudis was inspired by his and his staff’s college experience when putting together this meal plan. He said, “We were sitting around one of the days and talking about our college experience. I have a ton of kids that work for me that are, you know, part time here, or are full time college students as well, with their job here. This kind of got me thinking about when I went to school. I was at UNH, and we offered this meal deal…[that] we could use that at any of our local stores that accepted it. It was like dining dollars.” Gudis figured doing something similar with his restaurant would be a good way to get local college students “to come and enjoy downtown” and to give a “cool reason to come downtown with your friends and hang out for a night.”
Being in the heart of downtown Waterville with college students out and about, Gudis enjoys the atmosphere of being located in a college town. “Colby brings a nice atmosphere,” he said, “The kids are good. I enjoy them.” Although activity dies down a little with the winter cold weather, Gudis enjoys the spring downtown atmosphere: “Obviously, as winter kind of comes through, it is a little bit different. The weather’s cold and people are in and out, but springtime downtown is awesome. You see, the kids will start running and then you have groups of kids walking around with coffees and stuff like that, so it’s enjoyable.”
His good reputation and relationship with Colby College are also things he wants to continue: “We do a ton of catering for them. Something that I would love to continue and keep doing.” He further mentioned how OPA was “off the walls” during this year’s parent’s weekend, so being close to and involved with the colleges nearby is “definitely a supporting factor” for the restaurant.
Winnie Ulland `28 is among the group of people who have brought their parents to OPA during parents’ weekend, having gone with her dad last year. Additionally, Ulland used the student meal deal this past JanPlan when she went with her friends. She said, “The gyro is good, and it’s worth it for twenty dollars.” While not included in the meal deal, Ulland also told me that she thinks their dessert plate is really good. She also feels like OPA is a “hidden gem,” further saying that “their desserts are fun” and how she enjoys the bread and olive oil.
Regarding how long the meal plan is going to last, Gudis said, “I would love to keep it going for the duration that we are here. I don’t think it’s a temporary thing. I think we would like to run it as long as we continue to have support from all the schools, not just Colby. Last night we had Thomas kids that were in here. We had a couple faculty members and stuff that were from [Kennebec Valley Community College] that came in. So, I would like to continue that, keep it going.”
Whether you need somewhere to eat with family, are getting dinner with friends, or want delicious Greek and Mediterranean food, consider visiting OPA. Plus, with the OPA College Student Meal Plan, from Monday through Wednesday we students can get this delicious food for a good deal.
~ Haley Hegarty `28
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From Student to Neighbor: Jon Eustis `69 and His Enduring Colby Connection
For Waterville native and proud Colby College Class of 1969 graduate Jon Eustis, campus is not just a place of learning, but a second home. Having grown up in Waterville, his decision to attend Colby was a natural one. Jon’s relationship to the College spans decades: long before his time as a student living in Johnson Hall, his family played a major role in the process of relocating Colby’s campus to Mayflower Hill, where we call home today.
Beyond helping with the campus move from downtown, Colby has been a part of everyday life for the Eustis family for many years. His siblings graduated from Colby in 1952 and 1954, and his daughter, 1996. In addition, Jon and his wife Paula Eustis take daily walks of the campus and attend many Colby sporting and musical events. Now living just down the road from Colby in his family home, Jon and Paula have resided next to Colby for over 40 years. With more than four decades of proximity, the Eustis’s have seen many of the changes that have taken place for the college, but continue to see other traditions stay alive, such as Colby’s school spirit and sport rivalry with Bowdoin. While we have expanded this rivalry to the Colby-Bates-Bowdoin (CBB) conference, this competition remains an integral part of Colby culture and tradition.
Another element of student life that has shifted in location but not in spirit is the late-night visits to the Spa. Late night Spa runs were also a big thing for Colby students in the late 60’s. However, in contrast to the present location in Cotter Union, the Spa at the time was situated in the library. Just like today, Spa runs were a very big part of student culture, and many students would find themselves taking a break before continuing to work on their homework. While these campus traditions evoke considerable nostalgia, Jon still holds one fond memory closely.
Jon first met his wife Paula in a shared first-year biology class. They had grown up in adjacent towns; Paula coming from Fairfield, Maine, yet they had never met before coming to Colby.
“The joke was that I always asked for her notes because she took really good notes and mine were a little sketchy, so I would sit down and say, ‘What do you get from yesterday’s lecture,’” Jon recounts.
Even though their graduation was over 50 years ago, their Colby connections still remain strong to this day. Both Paula and Jon were involved in the planning of many of their class reunions, including their fiftieth reunion, and still keep in touch with fellow classmates all from California to Maine.
After having all of these years to take in Colby, Jon’s biggest advice for all Colby students is to study hard and fully embrace everything that Colby has to offer, especially the challenging academics, the excellent faculty and staff, the beauty of Maine and student support. Places like Acadia National Park and the Allen and Benner Islands are some of the beautiful places in Maine for Colby students to explore. Jon also believes that all students should get involved with DavisConnects, and find ways to take advantage of the variety of opportunities offered by the school.
Thanks in part to the Eustis family, our campus has been able to grow and thrive on Mayflower Hill. Ultimately, Jon Eustis’s enduring connection to Colby College, marked by family history, cherished student memories, and a lifelong bond with his wife, proves that this campus is far more than a place of learning, but a place that holds many memories.
~ Catherine Galvez `29
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Colby Men’s Soccer Wraps Up a Season of Growth, Grit, and New Beginnings
The Colby men’s soccer team wrapped up its 2025 campaign this past week, concluding a season defined by growth, resilience, and a relentless competitive spirit.
On Tuesday, the Mules traveled down to Lewiston, Maine, for a rivalry matchup against the Bates College Bobcats. In an intense, emotionally charged match, both teams scored late goals to finish in a 1–1 draw. First-year striker Santi Canencio `29 scored for Colby to secure a hard-earned point and conclude the season with a 5–4–6 record.
This fall marked a new era for the Mules with Sean Elvert finishing up his first year as head coach. Elvert has brought new ideas and fresh enthusiasm to the program, emphasizing development, discipline, and team chemistry.
With 10 new first-year players added to the roster, the Mules welcomed the challenge of mixing new talent with experienced leadership. Rapidly overcoming the pre-season turnover, Colby quickly proved itself a disciplined, organized unit that was competitive in every match and fearless against the best in the NESCAC, one of the toughest conferences in Division III soccer.
The Mules ended the season on a three-match run with conference draws. A 1–1 tie at Trinity College included a late equalizer from senior defender Ryan Stewart `26. A 1–1 result against the league powerhouse Wesleyan on Senior Day came with a second-half goal by senior forward Chase Dolinko `26.
As the season comes to a close, Colby bids farewell to a senior class whose impact on the team goes far beyond the stat sheet. The leadership, devotion, and dedication of this senior class have set the standard for future classes of Mules.
Captain Braden Jondro `26, from Westford, Massachusetts, has been the mainstay of Colby soccer for the past four years. He came into every game and session with poise and an insatiable work ethic, truly showing what it means to wear the Colby badge. He was key on defense in the season-ending tie with Bates on the road. A leader to his teammates and a mentor off the field, Jondro’s presence will be felt long after graduation as he has left his indelible mark on the locker room culture. Immediately following graduation, he will be working in New York City as a sales and trading analyst with Goldman Sachs.
The Mules have also been driven by Captain Ryan Stewart `26 from West Chester, Pennsylvania. A four-year player, Stewart has brought leadership and competitiveness to the backline throughout the season. It was his late goal against Trinity College that truly showed his fight and determination. With his voice, passion, and accountability, Stewart pushed those around him to be better every day. After graduation, he will move to New York City, where he will be joining Bank of America as an investment banking analyst.
Senior midfielder Luis Estrella `26, from Panama City, Panama, brought creativity, flair, and leadership into the Mules’ midfield. A four-year contributor and graduate of the South Kent School, Estrella’s technical skill and vision made him a joy to watch, while his discipline and work rate made him a respected leader within the squad. Off the field, Estrella’s professionalism and positivity elevated the culture of the team. Following graduation, he will be moving to Boston to work as an associate for the Boston Consulting Group.
Senior midfielder Jasper Paez `26 from Bedford, Massachusetts, came to Colby as a transfer from Siena College and immediately took a prominent role at the heart of the Colby midfield. Calm on the ball and consistent with his play, Jasper brought poise and intelligence to the center of the pitch. Off the field, he is warm and humorous, a beloved teammate. A double major in Economics and Computer Science, Jasper leaves behind a legacy of consistency and character.
Rounding out the senior class is forward Chase Dolinko `26 of Menlo Park, California Dolinko started every game this year and proved to be a significant contributor in the attack, scoring the equalizer against Wesleyan University on Senior Day. A consistent presence on and off the pitch, Dolinko provided leadership for underclassmen and acted as an excellent representative of the program. Graduating following Jan Plan, he intends to attend graduate school after his time at Colby.
With the seniors passing into their new chapters, the foundation they leave is solid. With Coach Elvert at the head of the program and a promising core returning, the Mules are well-set to build on this season’s progress.
The 2025 Colby men’s soccer team will be remembered not just for results but, more importantly, for the resilience, heart, and unification of this group that set the tone for the next era of Colby soccer.
~ Kameron Mohammed `29
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Women’s Soccer Closes Regular Season with CBB Championship Game
This past Tuesday, Colby women’s soccer closed out its regular season with a 4-2 win on the road at Bates College, clinching the CBB Championship for the second consecutive year. The Mules previously defeated Bowdoin 1-0 on September 6 in their season opener, and hope to carry this championship momentum with them into the NESCAC tournament, where they are set to face Amherst College on November 1.
The team has posted strong results in their second year under Head Coach Seth Benjamin, who led a significant turnaround, finishing the regular season 9-3-3 and fifth place in the NESCAC. In their final four games of the season, the Mules went 3-1, posting wins over Maine Maritime Academy, Trinity College, and Bates College, while dropping a close 1-0 contest to Wesleyan University.
Throughout the season, the squad has been very balanced, with players in each class providing key contributions. Abigail Jarvi `27 is the leading scorer, setting the pace with nine goals on the year, while first-year Amanda Schneider `29 and sophomore Claire Walsh `28 follow with five and four, respectively. Having such key offensive contributors set to return next season is a boost for the Mules, who look to continue their run of recent postseason success. In net, goalkeepers MK Marshall `26 and Sadie Gardner `28 have split the duties, combining for 48 saves and less than a goal allowed per game on average. This combination of youth and experience has led the Mules out of a tough period in program history, in which they didn’t post a winning record for over a decade.
Last year, though, the Mules found new life under Coach Benjamin, narrowly losing out on the NESCAC Championship in penalty kicks before advancing to the third round of the NCAA tournament. Following that season, the team placed its first players since 2011 on the NESAC First Team, as Jarvi and Annie Liebich `27 were honored, and Samantha DeWitt `27 also earned a Second Team honor. This season, all three have been crucial to the team’s effort, as Dewitt also leads the team in minutes played.
In the MMA match, the Mules opened the scoring as the first half wound down with a strike by Amirthini Vithiananthan `28, her first of the year. The Mariners drew level shortly after, but a combination of second-half goals from Jarvi and Walsh put the Mules over the top for the victory.
Against Trinity College later that week, it would be Jarvi who opened the scoring early, finding the back of the net in the eighth minute with assists from Avery Barton `27. Madison Genser `27, Walsh, and Schneider all added scores of their own in the game, giving the Mules another crucial conference victory.
In the Homecoming loss against Wesleyan University, Cardinals goalkeeper Molly Brumbach posted eight saves, blanking the Mules in a rematch of last year’s conference semifinal. Finally, in the CBB-clinching victory on the road in Lewiston, Colby fell behind early, but unleashed a torrent of scoring in the middle of the game, tallying four goals in an eleven-minute span of the second half. DeWitt, Schneider, Walsh, and Ella Carraluzzi `28 all added their names to the score sheet, securing a second consecutive CBB Championship title.
This weekend, the Mules travel to Amherst College to face a familiar nemesis, having drawn this year’s regular season game and lost last year’s NESCAC Championship against the Mammoths. Like last season, the NESCAC tournament offers the opportunity for the Mules to make their case for an NCAA bid, either at-large or by earning the automatic qualifier awarded to the champion. The NESCAC is one of the most competitive leagues in Division III, and the Mules hope to continue their streak of recent conference success.
~ Matt Quealy `26
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Colby’s Best Halloween Costumes of 2025
Halloweekend at Colby: the one weekend a year you are expected to dress as whoever and whatever, however you want. Colby College is not known for its parties; a small quaint rural liberal arts school without fraternities, sororities, or a lively bar scene. Parties at the College usually transpire in the Harold and Bibby Alfond Residence Complex apartments, commonly referred to as ‘senior apts.’ In these parties, students of all ages mosh together in hot, tight-knit rooms, moving from apartment to apartment, maybe venturing outside to the bathroom, and then going home — nothing too crazy. Halloween of 2025 was on a 40 degree Friday this year, meaning that ‘senior apts’ were as hot and tight knit as ever. In addition to the chaos, everyone was in costume.
“I went to the bathroom, which was down one flight of stairs, and it took me 10 minutes because of all the foot traffic,” one first-year said. “I genuinely felt like I couldn’t breathe […] I was getting squeezed between a monkey and a ninja.”
“I kept trying to escape the crowd outside, but it was freezing and I couldn’t stand out there for more than five minutes,” Madeline Lee `29 said. “It was nice to see everyone dress up though. Some of the costumes were awesome,” she added.
It is undeniable that some of the costumes spotted over the course of Halloweekend were more thought out than others. Some individuals, groups of friends, and couples got particularly creative with their costumes.
Tara Gorman `27 dressed as one of the Louvre robbers, in reference to the recent museum heist that happened October 19 in Paris. “It relates to current events,” she said earnestly. Gorman’s favorite costume she saw this weekend was her roommate’s: “Pilar’s costume as Escoffier from the anime Genshin Impact looked really good.”
Pilar Leber `27 said that her favorite costume was a couple’s costume done by Gabi Albuquerque-Hsieh `27. “Gabi and her boyfriend John Ogletree were the karate kid and Mr Miyagi. I thought that was very creative,” Leber said.
Albuquerque-Hsieh concluded that her “favorite costume was the Barden Bellas,” a fictional a capella group from the movie, Pitch Perfect.
Abby Chin `27 decisively identified Alexis Triantaphyllis `28 and her group of smurfs walking around as her favorite costume. In skin tight blue suits, red pants, and fluffy bears, smurfs seemed to swarm the Halloween scene this weekend. Their faces were painted blue, and their shirts were stuffed, truly encapsulating the vivacious, recognizable papa smurf.
Amidst the chaos that unfolded this weekend, Colby’s students did not disappoint with their costumes. Costumes were carefully planned and executed with class. Although Colby isn’t winning any awards for its nightlife anytime soon, when it comes to costumes, it might just take the prize.
~ Molly Garvey `28
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Jan Plan in Bloom
When the wind sweeps across Mayflower Hill and the campus quiets under a sheet of snow each winter, students step into a new way of learning. The usual four-course crawl gives way to a single, specific pursuit: a month meant for exploration. For one short term — the month of January — the pressures of the autumn semester falls away as students enter the space to discover something new.
This is Jan Plan, the College’s signature January Program, a curriculum that has defined the institution’s academic character for over sixty years. Born in 1962 from an experimental idea about intensive education, Jan Plan was designed to, as described on the College’s website, “broaden and extend the learning experience” by allowing students to dive deeper into a single course, internship, or project. Since that idea was put in motion, it has become a hallmark of the College’s identity as well as an annual reminder that learning has and can take more than one form.
During January, the College slows down, and some students go abroad or choose not to partake in that academic year’s Jan Plan. However, intellectually, campus minds are as lively as the snow coming down. Students choose from a wide variety of options: on-campus courses, independent studies, internships, or off-campus experiences abroad.
For many, the sense of fluidity and freedom in this selection is what makes Jan Plan so distinctive. “I think Jan Plan is a good opportunity to be able to take courses that aren’t in my usual field of study,” Audrey Shedler `28 said. “I’m an environmental policy major, but last year I took a Classics course just because it sounded interesting.”
Schedler went on to add that Jan Plan feels like a rare moment of rest. “For me, it feels like a break from the rest of the academic year. I spent a lot less time in classes and doing work than usual.” The lighter structure and quieter campus atmosphere allows students such as Schedler to slow down and reconnect with learning in a more personal, one-on-one way.
The College mandates participation in Jan Plan, ensuring every student experiences the unique model at least three times before graduation. Students spending seven or more semesters in residence on campus must complete three Jan Plans; those here for six or fewer must complete two. Most Jan Plan courses are three credits, with students meeting roughly two to three times per week. While the month is shorter, the intensity of focus and work being done make up for this lesser amount of time.
As mentioned earlier, some students choose to stay on campus for the Jan Plan courses, while others take the opportunity to see what’s past Waterville. “This year I’m going to Ecuador for Jan Plan,” Schedler shared. “One of the things I was looking forward to the most about college was the opportunity to go abroad, and Jan Plan is the perfect time to be able to do that without having to commit to an entire semester.” Programs like a Jan Plan in Ecuador, Martinique, India, or Germany allow students to immerse themselves in a new cultural and linguistic environment while still fulfilling their academic goals and aspirations.
Before heading abroad, some students, such as Schedler, still go through the on-campus registration process to secure backup options. “Before I knew I would be abroad, I still registered for an on-campus course,” Schedler explained. “It was essentially the same as normal course registration for me.” Using Workday — the new online platform (as of Spring 2025) where students browse and select courses — has made the process more efficient, though some students say it can be difficult to follow the timing and pacing of when departments will release their course offerings.
Workday aside, the biggest limitation students cite isn’t technological, it’s structural. “I wish there were more opportunities,” Schedler added. “The abroad programs run by Colby have very limited space and there aren’t a ton of on campus courses offered that aren’t also offered during the fall or spring semesters.”
The scarcity makes Jan Plan course selection competitive, particularly for spots in popular travel courses and interdisciplinary topics. Still, most students find ways to make the month meaningful. Many use Jan Plan to explore interests unrelated to their majors. A physics major might take an introduction to screenwriting course. An English student might study ethics. Others, like those studying government, might spend January partaking in an internship in D.C.
For students juggling heavy course loads or leadership roles during the regular semester, Jan Plan can be a needed pause, a chance to slow down without losing momentum. Some use it to catch their breath; others to push their future paths forward. At its center, Jan Plan is about curiosity.
As the back end of the fall semester nears, students once more will prepare to trade finals for a different type of focus. And for one month each year, even in the stillness of winter, our interests begin to bud.
~ Mia Dinunzio `28
December 14, 2025
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