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Emily McGovern ’24

FYE Leader

My name is Emily McGovern, and I am a senior sociology major with a double minor in government and creative writing. I love reading, crafting, and being silly with my friends. My favorite spot to hang out at Hamilton is KJ because I love working in the open space and seeing my friends while I work. My goal as an FYE leader is to help new students find things of interest to them on campus and find their place in the supportive Hamilton community.

Anusha Karki ’24

FYE Leader

My name is Anusha Karki. I'm currently a senior at Hamilton, majoring in Sociology. As an FYE leader, there's nothing more rewarding than being able to plan adventurous events for new students to engage with life on the hill and meet new people. When I'm not actively planning creative FYE activities, I enjoy going on long walks to the glen or around campus, cooking, and binge-watching sitcoms and rom-com! My goal in this position is to encourage new students to challenge their comfort zones and take advantage of all the socially enriching experiences that FYE and Hamilton offer.

Hope Obolanle ’25

FYE Leader

My name is Hope Obolanle and I am a junior neuroscience major with a minor in literature. During my free time, I crochet and take walks in the glen and get boba from Euphoria. As an FYE leader, my goal is to encourage students to connect and to make the transition to college easy. I hope that our events push students out of their comfort zones and find their interests.

Maddie Mulligan ’24

FYE Leader

My name is Maddie Mulligan, I am a senior and a creative writing and classical studies double major! I love fiction writing, reading, crochet, traveling, and exercising! My goal as an FYE leader is to be a resource for first years as well as help them make friends!

Michelle Estrella ’24

FYE Leader

My name is Michelle Estrella. I am currently in my senior year double majoring in Public Policy and Hispanic Studies. During my free time, I am always up for going on walks around campus, grabbing a smoothie from Euphoria, binge watching movies and simply enjoying the company of my friends. At times Hamilton can be challenging, however, my goal as an FYE leader is to help guide you not just academically but also through your personal journey on campus. I hope that through our FYE events and community you'll be able to make lasting memories and that we'll be able to successfully set the stage for the rest of your college experience!

Elise Kwon ’26

FYE Leader

Hey everyone! My name is Elise, and I’m currently a sophomore at Hammy majoring in biochemistry and minoring in music :) I’m originally from Southern CA, so I totally understand the struggle in transitioning to college especially for those who may be coming from farther places! FYE really helped and made my freshmen year a lot more fun :) I’m involved in various things on campus like orchestra, research with my professors, ROOTS (Society for POC in STEM), solo performance for piano/violin, MP2 Peer Mentoring, chamber music, job at the Career Center, and obviously FYE (the best hehe <3), so let me know if you ever have any questions about anything! Welcome to hammy :)

Tessa Chefalo

Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement

tchefalo@hamilton.edu

315-859-4846

Tessa Chefalo (she/her) oversees Hamilton’s orientation program, including leadership of both on-campus orientation and the Exploration Adventure (XA) trip program, a branch of Hamilton's signature 4-day immersive orientation trips. She directs the First-Year Experience program (FYE), designed to create social and resource connections for new students through their first year on campus. Tessa's portfolio also includes supervision of the Office of Student Activities and the ongoing development of a campus life curriculum. Tessa received her MS in Higher Education from Syracuse University, and a BA in English from SUNY Geneseo. Currently in her tenth year at Hamilton, Tessa remains passionate about building inclusive spaces for new students to make connections, utilize campus resources, and build self-advocacy skills.

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Contact Name

Tessa Chefalo

Assistant Dean of Students for Student Engagement

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