Damian Washington ’03 is an actor, content creator, and multiple sclerosis advocate whose work is rooted in vulnerability and storytelling. After studying theater at Middlebury, Damian built a career in acting while using his voice to raise awareness about living with MS.
Mike Bender ’97 has built a career around finding the stories hidden in everyday life, from co-creating Awkward Family Photos to writing books and screenplays. In this video, Mike talks about the moment he first recognized the power of storytelling at Middlebury and how learning to pay attention, to really watch the people around him, shaped the way he approaches his work today. His path shows how the small and often awkward moments we share can connect us in unexpected ways.
Before becoming one of the most celebrated voices in audiobook narration and the author of bestselling novels, Julia Whelan ’08 came to Middlebury as a former child actor ready to start over.
From Middlebury classrooms to Capitol Hill, Nathaniel Reed ’18 has built a career rooted in thoughtful inquiry and a drive to understand the full picture. Now a congressional correspondent for Scripps News, Nathaniel reflects on how Middlebury challenged him to question assumptions, listen across perspectives, and engage deeply with political complexity.
Cameron McKinney came to Middlebury thinking he’d become a diplomat. Instead, his love of dance and Japanese led him somewhere unexpected: founding Kizuna Dance, a company that blends street and contemporary styles to build cultural connections between the U.S. and Japan.
Before she became a James Beard Award–winning cookbook author and cooking teacher, Molly Stevens was a Middlebury student exploring new ideas and building unexpected connections.
Alyssa Limperis has made a name for herself in the world of comedy, from viral sketches to stand-up stages and screen roles. But it all began with a blurry childhood photo, a Rhode Island accent, and a relentless drive to make people laugh.