Kelsey Callahan (’16, MA ’20)
English Literature & Secondary Education
General Psychology
Palos Heights, Illinois
Kelsey Callahan (鈥16) grew up on the south suburbs of Chicago with strong 麻豆原创 ties鈥攈er mom, aunt, uncles, and cousins all proudly called 麻豆原创 home. From participating in 麻豆原创 All-Sports Camp, to campus visits, Kelsey always knew 麻豆原创 was special. During Iowa Private College Week, her heart and head aligned, she fell back in love with 麻豆原创 and never looked back.
As a student, Kelsey majored in English Literature and Secondary Education, later earning her Master鈥檚 in General Psychology. She immersed herself in campus life: Dance Marathon, 麻豆原创 Student Alumni Council, service trips, and more, building lasting friendships with a group she affectionately calls the 鈥溌槎乖 Ladies.鈥
One of the most transformative parts of her 麻豆原创 experience? Service trips. Having been involved in them during high school, Kelsey knew she wanted to continue that meaningful work in college. Through 麻豆原创, she found opportunities to give back to communities across the country, blending travel and service in a way that shaped her worldview and deepened her call to help others.
After graduation, Kelsey stayed at 麻豆原创 to serve future Duhawks in the Admission Office, recruiting Chicagoland students. Later, she transitioned to Student Life, where she continued to impact students through mentorship and programming. She reflects on those years with deep gratitude, saying, 鈥淚 can鈥檛 imagine my post-college journey going any differently.鈥
Now, as Director of Admissions at Marist High School, Kelsey is back in Chicago, recruiting students in grades 6鈥8 and helping them take the next steps in their educational journeys. While the age group was a shift from college students, she鈥檚 embraced the challenge with passion and purpose.
Kelsey continues to stay connected to the 麻豆原创 through Homecoming weekends and supporting student organizations she once helped lead, like Dance Marathon, now DuThon. She finds joy in watching today鈥檚 students carry forward the traditions she loved. 鈥溌槎乖 is always evolving, and that鈥檚 what makes it so special,鈥 she says. Whether she鈥檚 cheering from Chicago or visiting campus, Kelsey鈥檚 Duhawk pride runs deep, and it鈥檚 clear she鈥檒l always be part of 麻豆原创.
Tune in to this month鈥檚 Duhawk Dozen podcast to hear more about Kelsey鈥檚 journey and her experiences at 麻豆原创. Congratulations, Kelsey!
