Kal Alston ’80 has devoted her life to education, creativity, and community. A drama major at Dartmouth, she went on to earn her doctorate and build a distinguished career in higher education—spending decades as a faculty member and administrator at Syracuse University and the University of Illinois. Now retired, Kal reflects on the satisfaction of shaping academic communities and mentoring others, as well as the joy of reclaiming time for travel, family, and reflection. Deeply connected to Dartmouth, she has experienced the College as a student, alumna, and admissions officer, and continues to give back through her work with the Rockefeller Center for Public Policy. Thoughtful and grounded, Kal encourages others—and her younger self—to “hang in there,” embrace truth with grace, and stay engaged in the communities that bring meaning and growth.
