Following Dan Koop Liechty’s departure to India over the summer, many of his former roles at Goshen College have since been left vacant. 

Absorbing some of  his roles during this shift are Kellam Venosky, senior counselor for select populations; Nata Fontan, assistant professor of social work and director of  field instruction; and Steve Wolma, vice president for enrollment management. 

Now, in addition to their standard roles with the college, Venosky and Fontan serve as the International Student Club advisers and Wolma serves as the primary designated school official for the student and exchange visitor information system compliance.  

Wolma was the primary designated school official at other institutions prior to his time at GC and has worked as a designated school officer at the college. Wolma advises international students with whatever visa information they may encounter throughout their time at GC. 

“The beginning of the year is always a really busy time. It’ll be kind of busy at the end of the semester because international students want to travel, so I’ll have to handle some of the things that they need for that purpose,” Wolma said. 

With Venosky’s experience in admissions for international students, he is eager to continue the welcoming of cultures from across the world. “International Student Club exists to connect Goshen to the globe as well as to share that even though we come from different cultures,” Venosky said. 

He said that the largest challenge in the adaptation to becoming an ISC adviser has been the time aspect of juggling both an admissions role as well as supporting an affinity group. “As with any change, there are always some growth opportunities to learn and adjust as necessary,” Venosky said.

Fontan was approached for the role of co-adviser of the ISC by Henrique Castelhano Eichenberger, an assistant coach of men’s soccer, last year prior to Koop Liechty’s retirement from GC. He felt that the role was fitting for him as he was an international student from Argentina himself while studying at a Mennonite seminary in Paraguay. “My hope is that I can help international students get to know the broader Goshen and Elkhart County community,” he said. 

Venosky and Fontan’s work will include attending monthly meetings, helping planning and attending events, and supporting international students in any way possible. 

The student leaders of the ISC this year include Shalom Solomon Teferi, a junior molecular biology and biochemistry major from Ethiopia and the president of the ISC; Ines Villasenor Rodríguez, a sophomore molecular biology and biochemistry major from Spain and the vice president of the ISC; and Caroline Jelimo, a senior nursing major from Kenya and the treasurer of the ISC.

The leadership team hosted their first welcome back event last Sunday at the GC cabin, where they served pizza, snacks and drinks to welcome all students of all backgrounds to campus.