From the Hilltop October 2025

The Mountains Are Calling and We Must Go

KUA's annual Mountain Day offers a chance for the entire KUA community to enjoy the company of one another and take in New Hampshire's natural beauty. Buses pulled out for the 7-mile drive to Whaleback Mountain where a short hike was rewarded with a spectacular view. A picnic lunch and games awaited hikers at the mountain's base lodge. Whaleback, which for years served as the training ground for KUA's ski team, has become a year-round destination just a stone's throw from campus.

Peterson Honored with Educators Award

Anne Peterson, Director of the Gosselin Center for Teaching and Learning, was recognized as a recipient of the 2025 Borislow Insurance Commitment to Excellence Award.

Fascination for Drones takes Scholar to New Heights

Through a Cullman Scholarship, James '26 designed a nine-week experience in his home country of South Korea in order to understand the mechanical and operational aspects of drones, as well as practical commercial usages for the unmanned aircrafts.

Scenes From: Family Weekend

KUA is committed to crafting the best experience possible for students. More than 420 family members from nine countries were able to see that experience first hand during KUA's 2025 Family Weekend. Families took a peek inside their students' daily lives through time in the classroom, meetings with advisors, shared meals, games and performances, and the small moments of joy that come as a result of meaningful relationships.

Building Skills for the College Transition

Andrea Brenner, co-author of How to College: What to Know Before You Go (and When You’re There) offered parents tips for helping their child transition to college as part of a special Family Weekend presentation.

The transition to college - familiarizing yourself with those crucial life-building skills...can even start as early as middle school.” Andrea Brenner, Ph.D.

Students Recognized by National Merit Scholarship Program

Two KUA seniors earned Letters of Commendation from the National Merit Scholarship Program after scoring among the top 3 percent of the more than 1.3 million juniors who took the PSAT last fall.

Something Wicked This Way Comes

Madness, love, betrayal, epic battles, magic, and murder most foul—this classic of classics has it all. First performed over 400 years ago, Macbeth remains strikingly relevant today; its themes of greed, corruption, and the dangers of unchecked ambition speak directly to our own time. The play explores what can happen when loyalty to a person outweighs loyalty to the common good, and what is sacrificed when we allow our darkest desires to govern our choices.

This 90-minute production, staged without intermission, promises an intimate and immersive experience. Tickets are free, but required - and selling out fast!

Wild About KUA

Fall sports are bringing lots of action to the Pope Field Complex and the cross-country and mountain biking trails. Grab your orange and black and come out and cheer for the Wildcats!

KUA in the News

Thygesen On Top at Dairy Judging Contest

Keenan Thygesen '22 and his team at the University of Minnesota took home the top ranking in the National Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest for the second year in a row.

Pitcher Primed for DI Shot at Bryant

The New England Baseball Journal profiles Nolan '26, a solid right-handed pitcher/outfielder who will enter his final season with the Wildcats. (Subscription required)

"Seeing the academic benefits of the school, including its amazing support system and a shifting schedule of shorter classes, was immediately appealing. The Barn Field House, which is a first-class facility, was another piece that led to my decision" - Nolan Gillis '26 on his decision to attend KUA

Legendary Lacrosse Coach Roy Simmons Jr. '54 Honored

Roy Simmons Jr. '54 was recognized in September as a 2025 recipient of the Alfie Jacques Ambassador Award, which keeps the legacy of the Onondaga stick maker alive, promotes the game’s sacred Indigenous roots, and honors members of the larger community who share Alfie’s love of lacrosse and his commitment to its growth.

One Day. One KUA.

Join the Day of Giving on November 6

This fall, send your love back to KUA during the 2025 Day of Giving. Join others in the KUA family by supporting the KUA Fund, as we aim for a record-breaking 900 donors! You don’t have wait to participate. All gifts made from now through November 6 count toward our Day of Giving total, and 250 Early Bird Gifts will unlock a $25,000 challenge gift for the KUA Fund! Your early gift helps inspire others and ensures we start strong on November 6.