From the Hilltop January 2026

The Magic of the "First Time"

At KUA, we believe there is a specific kind of joy found in the "first time." Whether it’s a basketball player stepping onto the stage for a Dance I performance, a skier landing their first freeskiing jump, or a student from Dubai feeling the powder for a first-ever snow angel, these are the moments that define the Hilltop experience.

These milestones are more than just memories; they are the result of an environment that encourages students to stretch their limits and defy their own expectations. Thanks to the incredible generosity of one of our alumni, we are ensuring that future generations have even more space to grow. In this issue, you'll learn more about a transformative gift that is elevating our facilities and creating new horizons for our students.

Was there something you tried for the first time at KUA? We’d love to hear about it! Drop us a line at kua@kua.org.

A Vision for KUA's Future

Historic Gift to Launch Athletics and Wellness Project

A $10 million gift from Phillip H. Morse ’60 will launch the vision for a new Athletics and Wellness Center and the development of a centralized Athletics and Wellness Quad, transforming the student experience and advancing one of KUA’s top strategic priorities.

Scenes From: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The entire KUA community came together for a day of dialogue, reflection, and celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Student leaders helped organize a live performance of “At the Table with Dr. King,” a multifaceted collaboration of music and poetry featuring historical video footage and Dr. King’s own words as well as a keynote speech by Henry Mulzac III.

Cullman Scholar Gets Down to Business

After discovering a love of mathematics, Dash '26 enrolled in a two-week business and entrepreneurship program at the University of Oxford in England to learn how he can apply his skills.

Climbers Hold Strong at First Competition

Students took their climbing skills to new heights as the winter climbing activity completed its first of three competitions to be held over the course of the season.

Ella '27 Is All Smiles on Road to Dentistry

Ella '27 plans to become an endodontist — a specialized dentist focused on preserving ones’ original teeth through procedures like root canals — and even designed a unique Cullman Scholarship experience to learn more about the field and helping others. 

As someone who’s interested in a career in healthcare, it was valuable to learn about the importance of an integrated approach between public health and medicine — not just in theory, but in real life.” - Ella '27 (left)

KUA in the News

Infinite Pancakes, Anyone?

The New York Times reports that David Cutler '22, an undergrad at Tufts University, is part of a team of mathematicians seeking to cut an infinitely large pancake into as many pieces as possible. David, you bring the pancakes we'll bring the maple syrup. (Subscription required)

Upcoming Events

Feb 21: KUA Hockey Alumni Reunion

Feb 26-28: Winter Musical - Urinetown

Mar 31: Boston Alumni Networking Event

Apr 2: NYC Alumni Networking Event

May 1: A Grand Day: A Special Day for Grandparents & Friends (Save the date!)

May 23: Commencement

May 29-31: Reunion 2026