2021 in Review: Dawn of the Firebird era
Before turning our attention to the 175th anniversary that Carthage will celebrate in 2022, let’s take one long look at a memorable 2021. Here are the top stories of the past year, as selected by the Office of Marketing and Communications.
1. New team name and mascot revealed
In February, the Board of Trustees voted to adopt Firebirds as Carthage’s new team name, culminating a five-month search that gathered extensive community input. The change united men’s, women’s, and coed varsity sports under a single identity.
Next came a new mascot, a firebird that made its first appearance at the Homecoming parade in October. Carthaginians submitted hundreds of suggested names, and Ember emerged as the winner of the final vote.
Torchie, who graduated after 24 years as mascot, got a formal sendoff during Commencement weekend in April.
Find out how we selected a new athletic identity
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2. Carthage wins first NCAA team championship
Although our student-athletes have won at least 20 national titles in individual events, no Carthage team had brought home the biggest trophy — until 2021. The men’s volleyball squad rallied to win the NCAA Division III championship in April.
The Firebirds went 23-0, becoming the first undefeated champs since the NCAA started sponsoring D-III competition in 2012. Three players made the All-America first team, and JW Kieckhefer was voted national Coach of the Year in just his second season here.
Carthage was chosen to host the 2022 Final Four matches, giving the team a possibility to repeat on its home floor.
Learn more about Carthage Athletics
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3. Series celebrates 75 Years of Black Excellence
Throughout the year, Carthage held a series of events paying tribute to Black students and alumni who have established a tradition of excellence since Lorraine Wiggan ’46 became the College’s first African American graduate.
The 75 Years of Black Excellence celebration ramped up during Homecoming weekend, featuring a networking panel discussion, a tailgate party, and the signature Evening of Elegance. The schedule concludes in 2022 with tie-ins to a Martin Luther King Jr. Day program and Journey Through Black History activities.
Meet some of Carthage’s accomplished Black alumni
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4. New VP coordinates equity and inclusion
In September, Michele Hancock transitioned from education professor to vice president of College culture for inclusion. In the new Executive Staff position, Ms. Hancock will work with President John Swallow and other administrators to implement an expansive anti-racism plan.
Fall also saw the College take its first meaningful steps in Moon Shot for Equity, an initiative to wipe out race- and income-based gaps in graduation rates by 2030. Guest speaker Tim Renick shared a blueprint for success, the new Navigate platform came online, and four cross-departmental teams began to formulate other solutions.
Explore Carthage’s commitment to equity and inclusion
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5. Esports begins in renovated arena
Positioned to meet rising student demand, in March the Athletic Department announced the launch of competitive esports — the official term for competitive video gaming. It’s the first coed varsity sport at Carthage, and the 28th overall.
From a series of tryouts, founding director Kevin Palmer selected a team of 42 student-athletes to compete in five different games as part of the National Esport Collegiate Conference. The College converted the former WOH’s Place to an Esports Arena on the lower level of the Todd Wehr Center.
Follow the progress of the 2021-22 esports team
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6. New academic programs take flight
Blending the best of its liberal arts tradition with high-demand degree offerings, Carthage continued a flurry of academic additions.
The newest offerings include a major in engineering science, a minor in game development, and an entirely new Bachelor of Music degree (in piano performance and collaborative piano, as well as music education).
Explore Carthage’s 60+ areas of study
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7. Strong incoming class counters U.S. trend
Carthage welcomed 833 new students in fall 2021 — its second-largest incoming class ever — as the College returned to a full in-person format for the first time since the pandemic’s onset.
The final count in October included 754 freshmen, just seven below the all-time high in 2018. That’s no small feat, considering the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reports a nationwide 13.1 percent drop in freshman enrollment since 2019.
Apply to be part of the next incoming class
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8. HARIBO Scholars Fund established
In April, the College partnered with HARIBO of America to establish a scholarship fund. The candy company, known for its Goldbears gummies, made a $250,000 gift to provide need-based scholarships for Carthage students from Wisconsin and Illinois over the next 10 years.
In gratitude, Carthage dedicated the HARIBO Pool inside the Koenitzer Aquatic Center. The 100-year-old company is building a massive manufacturing facility in the nearby village of Pleasant Prairie.
Read more about the partnership
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9. Influential Carthaginians remembered
Stung by the losses, the community celebrated the lasting legacy of several larger-than-life Carthaginians who passed away in 2021. Those we mourned included:
- Donald D. Hedberg ’50, a longtime trustee who established a distinguished professorship and provided the lead gift for Hedberg Library.
- Al Van Maren ’65, a major donor who served on the Alumni Council for nearly 20 years.
- Penny Woodward, wife of former president Gregory Woodward.
See Class Notes for more milestones
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10. Urban teaching program gets big grant
The William & Sheila Konar Foundation awarded Carthage $150,000 to expand its Urban Teacher Preparation Program. With the grant funding, the distinctive program will boost activities and research over the next three years.
Plans include strengthening external partnerships nationally; providing STEAM certification for teacher candidates; and launching a new summer program for middle- and high-school students who want to pursue teaching careers.
Learn more about the UTPP at Carthage
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Honorable Mention
CPA EXAM HONORS
Carthage ranked in the top 6% of schools nationwide for CPA exam pass rates, according to a study by Accounting Today magazine.
FLAME RECIPIENTS
Three people were awarded the Carthage Flame, the College’s highest honor: Al Van Maren ’65, Michele Bonn, and the late Bob Bonn.
SOFTBALL FIELD
With significant starter funding in hand, Carthage has begun additional fundraising to renovate its substandard softball field.
Thank you to everyone who made 2021 such an impactful year at Carthage. We wish you all a healthy and happy 2022!