Kevin Frisch for Keuka College / May 11, 2026
The College’s Spring Weekend included everything from honors society inductions to fireworks.
The annual Keuka College Expo (KCx) once again highlighted the power of hands-on learning, serving as the centerpiece of a May 1-3 Spring Weekend that celebrated student achievement across academics, the arts, and campus life. Held at the College’s Lightner Library, the event brought together students, faculty, staff, and guests to explore the real-world opportunities that define a Keuka College education.
“Keuka College has a robust history of prioritizing experiential learning, with over 80 years of experience in this area,” said College President Amy Storey. “I always look forward to this event because I can learn from our students’ posters and presentations about the knowledge they’ve gained through experiential learning.” From research presentations and senior capstone projects to creative works and panel discussions, KCx offered a forum for students to demonstrate how they apply what they learn in the classroom to meaningful, real-world opportunities.
Experiential learning plays a critical role in preparing students like Daric Frech, a senior Political Science and History major from Lake View, NY, for careers in public service. His tabletop display investigating political ideological influences was informed in part by his summer 2025 Field Period® placement in Washington, D.C.
“Field Period has really added to my education by giving me insight into what it takes to work in politics,” said Daric, who has his sights set on a legislative career in Washington after he graduates in December. “When I eventually move to D.C., I’ll know exactly what I’ll be doing, and what it takes to do that.”
For Biology major Skylar Maynard, hands-on learning led to a change in direction. Initially interested in veterinary medicine, she developed a strong interest in forensic anthropology after hands-on work with the College’s human remains collection. “That’s where I found my true passion,” she said. Her senior research project examined the health claims of juice cleanses, applying critical thinking and scientific literacy to a topic often shaped by misinformation. “These cleanses actually do the opposite of what they claim,” said Skylar, of Scotia, NY. “A balanced, whole-food diet is safer and more reliable.”
KCx also showcased the creativity of Keuka College students. Senior Art & Design major Laura Barrett of Macedon, NY, displayed more than 120 colorful hand-crafted glass flowers and vases, each carrying a simple message: “You are appreciated.” “It’s worth it to make people happy,” she said. Laura plans to continue her studies as she works toward becoming a high school art teacher.
The Expo’s keynote speaker, Dr. Kathleen Clarke-Anderson ’83, reinforced the value of experiential learning through her own story. Drawing on her Field Period placements – in locations ranging from New Jersey to Scotland – she described how early, hands-on opportunities shaped her career. “The first job I went for, I immediately got,” she said. “And the reason why I immediately got it was because I had 40 weeks of experience already.”
A clinical supervisor and professor in residence at William Paterson University in New Jersey, Dr. Clarke-Anderson emphasized that her Field Period placements were about more than skill-building. “Throughout all of my Field Periods, it was about building relationships,” she said. “That’s what has helped me become an advocate for students.”
Additional Highlights In other events during the College’s Spring Weekend:
▶ Dozens of students were honored for academic and service achievements during the annual Honors Convocation. Awards and scholarships were bestowed in each of the College’s academic divisions, along with special awards for scholarship and student leadership. During the ceremony, students heard from Board Chair Dr. Twyla J. Cummings, President Storey, and Sigma Lambda Sigma Honor Society President Grace Eagan.
▶ The annual Nursing, Pinning, White Coat, and Induction Ceremony honored the College’s undergraduate and graduate nursing students. Individual awards were presented, as well as the induction of 11 students into the Upsilon Upsilon Chapter of the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society.
▶ A student fashion show and dance showcase, along with yard games and a Saturday night fireworks display, added to the festivity of the weekend.
Photo: Senior Art & Design major Laura Barrett shared a whole lot of appreciation — and her artistry — during the Expo.
