Middlebury College: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Middlebury College, founded in 1800, has a rich history of producing influential alumni across various fields. From academia and the arts to business and athletics, Middlebury graduates have made significant contributions to society. This article explores the diverse achievements of some of the college's most notable alumni.

Academia: Shaping Minds and Institutions

Middlebury College has a long tradition of producing leaders in academia. Many alumni have gone on to become presidents of prestigious institutions, including:

Ezra Brainerd 1864: President of Middlebury College from 1885 to 1908.
Harvey Denison Kitchel 1835: President of Middlebury College from 1866 to 1875.
John Martin Thomas 1890: President of Middlebury College, Penn State, and Rutgers University.
Carolyn "Biddy" Martin (MA): President of Amherst College and Chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Charles S. Murkland 1884: President of the New Hampshire College of Agriculture and the Mechanic Arts.
Stephen Olin 1820: President of Randolph Macon College and Wesleyan University.
Nathan S.S. Beman: President of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 1845-1865.
Jonathan Blanchard 1832: Abolitionist and president of Knox and Wheaton Colleges.
Joel H. Linsley 1811: Congregational minister and president of Marietta College.
Edward Hitchcock 1846 (DD): Geologist and President of Amherst College.
Martin Henry Freeman 1849: First black president of an American college, later serving as president of Liberia College.

Beyond presidential roles, Middlebury alumni have also excelled as professors and scholars at renowned universities:

Mary Annette Anderson 1899: First black woman elected to Phi Beta Kappa; later a professor at Howard University.
John Barlow 1895: Entomologist and college administrator at the University of Rhode Island.
Ana Cara 1972: Creolist, translator, and Professor of Hispanic Studies at Oberlin College.
Paul O. Carrese 1989: Director of the School of Civic & Economic Thought and Leadership at Arizona State University.
Pamela Chasek 1983: Writer and professor in the Department of Government at Manhattan College.
Thomas Jefferson Conant 1823: Biblical scholar.
Christopher D'Elia 1968: Dean of the College of the Coast & Environment at Louisiana State University.
Edward Diller 1961 (MA): Professor of Germanic Languages and Literature, University of Oregon.
Peter Gries: Linguist, scholar and diplomat.
Dan M. Kahan 1986: Elizabeth K. Dollard Professor of Law at Yale Law School.
Lawrence Kritzman (MA): Scholar, the Willard Professor of French, Comparative Literature and Oratory at Dartmouth College.
Ben Mathes 1981: Professor of Mathematics at Colby College.
Christopher Merrill: Poet, essayist, director of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa.
Martha Merrow 1979: Chronobiologist, director of the Institute of Medical Psychology at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
James Morone 1975: John Hazen White Professor of Political Science and Public Policy at Brown University.
Joseph Nevins 1987: Associate Professor of Geography at Vassar College.
Avital Ronell 1974: Professor of German, Comparative Literature, and English at New York University.
Stuart B. Schwartz 1962: George Burton Adams Professor of History at Yale University.
Suzanna Sherry 1976: Herman O. Loewenstein Professor of Law at Vanderbilt University Law School.
James Reist Stoner, Jr. 1977: Chair of the Department of Government at Louisiana State University.
Hollis Summers 1943: Poet, novelist, short story writer and editor, Professor of English at the University of Kentucky.
Anthony Julian Tamburri: Dean of the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute of Queens College, CUNY.
Enoch Cobb Wines 1827: Minister, Prison Reformer and Professor of Languages at Washington College.
Sheila Miyoshi Jager: Professor of East Asian Studies at Oberlin College.

These individuals have dedicated their careers to advancing knowledge and shaping the minds of future generations.

Arts and Culture: Shaping the Creative Landscape

Middlebury College boasts a vibrant arts scene, and its alumni have made significant contributions to literature, film, music, and visual arts.

Read also: Middlebury Tuition Guide

Literature

Middlebury's writing programs, including the renowned Bread Loaf School of English and Writers' Conference, have nurtured numerous talented authors:

Julia Alvarez 1971: Award-winning author, poet, and writer-in-residence at Middlebury. Her notable works include "How the García Girls Lost Their Accents," "In the Time of the Butterflies," and "Yo!"
Stacie Cassarino 1997: Award-winning poet and author of "Zero at the Bone."
Marvin Dana (1867-1926): Poet, novelist, and magazine editor.
Frances Frost: Poet and novelist.
Dwight Garner 1988: Literary critic for The New York Times.
Patricia Goedicke 1953: Poet.
Richard E. Kim 1959: Korean-American writer and professor of literature; author of "The Martyred," "The Innocent," and "Lost Names."
Peter Knobler 1968: Author, former editor-in-chief of Crawdaddy magazine.
Jeff Lindsay 1975: Playwright and crime novelist, best known for his "Dexter Morgan" novels.
Judy Malloy 1964: Poet whose works explore hypernarrative, magic realism, and information art.
Louise McNeill: Poet, essayist, and historian of Appalachia.
Wesley McNair (MA and M.Litt): Poet, writer, editor, and professor.
Emily Mitchell (1997): Anglo-American novelist.
Wendy Mogel 1973: Speaker and author who addresses parenting problems through Jewish teachings.
Jacqueline S. Moore: Poet and author of "Moments of My Life."
Dan O'Brien: Playwright whose plays include "The Cherry Sisters Revisited" and "The Dear Boy."
Joel Peckham 1992: Poet and scholar of American literature.
John Perkins (attended): Activist and author of "Confessions of an Economic Hit Man."
John Godfrey Saxe 1839: Poet known for retelling the parable "The Blind Men and the Elephant."
Lawrence Raab 1968: Poet.
Lewis Robinson 1993: Writer, author of "Officer Friendly and Other Stories."
Johan Theorin (foreign guest student 1985-86): Swedish journalist and novelist.
Vendela Vida 1993: Novelist, editor of The Believer magazine.
Anne Walker 1995: Architectural historian and author.
Carol Weston 1979 (MA): Author and "Dear Carol" advice columnist at Girls' Life.
Katherine Arden: Author.
Emma Cline: Novelist.
T Cooper: Author.
Andrew Gross: Author.
Rebecca Makkai MA '04: Author.

These writers have captivated audiences with their diverse voices and compelling narratives.

Film and Television

Middlebury alumni have also made their mark in the film and television industry as actors, writers, directors, and producers:

William Blake Herron ’85: Co-wrote "The Bourne Identity"; wrote and directed "A Texas Funeral"; created and worked as showrunner on "Agent X."
Maia Hollinger ’06.5: VP of drama programming at HBO.
Tim Leavitt ’06: Emmy-nominated freelance editor, known for work on "The Celebrity Apprentice" and "Hell’s Kitchen."
Ioana Literat ’09: Assistant professor of communication, media and learning technologies design.
Caryn LoCastro ’07: Formerly director of marketing and promotions at Sundance Channel.
Sarah Peters ’04: Works in the Publicity Department at Warner Bros.
Aaron Smith ’09: Assistant media planner at Wieden & Kennedy New York.
Plummy Tucker ’87: Editor, known for "The Invitation," "Jennifer’s Body," and "Girlfight."
Michael Tolkin 1974: Filmmaker and novelist, screenwriter for "The Player."
Shawn Ryan 1988: Creator of the FX television series "The Shield" and CBS series "The Unit."
James Cromwell (attended): Actor known for roles in "Babe" and "L.A. Confidential."
Jason Mantzoukas 1995: Comedian, writer, and actor, known for "The League" and "The Dictator."
Anna Belknap 1994: Actress, known for her role as Lindsay Monroe on "CSI: NY."
Vanessa Branch 1994: Actress and model, known for Orbit Gum commercials.
Roscoe Lee Brown (MA): Actor and director.
Jeffrey Bushell 1994: Writer for "The Bernie Mac Show," "Drawn Together," and "MADtv."
Kristen Connolly 2002: Actress known for roles in "The Cabin in the Woods" and "House of Cards."
Malaya Drew 1998: Actress known for roles on "The L Word," "ER," and "Entourage."
Cassidy Freeman 2005: Actress and singer, known for her role as Tess Mercer in "Smallville."
Warren Frost: Actor, known for "Twin Peaks," "Matlock," and "Seinfeld."
Justin Haythe 1996: Novelist, short story writer, and screenwriter for "Revolutionary Road."
Antonio Macia 2000: Screenwriter, writer of "Holy Rollers."
Emily McLaughlin: Soap opera actress.
Amanda Peterson: Actress, star of "Can't Buy Me Love."
Rodney Rothman 1995: Writer, screenwriter, and producer for films and television.
Jessica St. Clair 1997: Actress and comedian.
Angus Sutherland 2005: Actor, "Lost Boys: The Tribe."
Jake Weber 1986: Actor, known for "Dawn of the Dead" and "Medium."
Julia Whelan 2008: Actress, "Once and Again."
Becky Worley 1992: Journalist and tech contributor for "Good Morning America."
Charles Frank: Actor and television director.
Amanda Plummer (attended): Tony Award-winning actress.
Jimmy Wong '09.5: Actor, Director, Producer, and Musician.

These alumni have entertained and inspired audiences through their creative endeavors.

Music

Middlebury College has also fostered musical talent, with alumni making contributions to various genres:

Cherine Anderson 2005: Jamaican actress and dancehall/reggae vocalist.
Dispatch 1996: Indie jam band formed at Middlebury.
Bill Homans (attended): Blues musician known as Watermelon Slim.
Anaïs Mitchell 2004: Folk singer-songwriter.
Oneida 1995: Brooklyn-based noise rock band co-founded by Middlebury alumni.
John Valby 1966: Musician and comedian.
William Burden 1986: Opera singer.

These musicians have enriched the cultural landscape with their diverse sounds and styles.

Visual Arts

Middlebury College has also produced notable figures in the visual arts:

Tiziana Domínguez: Spanish fashion designer and artist.
Alexandra Kotur: Fashion journalist and author.
Peter Gallo 1981: Artist known for his mixed media works.
Robert Gober 1976: Sculptor whose works are exhibited in major museums.
Timothy Rub 1974: Director and CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
James Rondeau: President and Eloise W. Martin Director of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Alan Gussow: Artist.

These artists have challenged conventions and expanded the boundaries of creative expression.

Business and Entrepreneurship: Leading in the Corporate World

Middlebury College alumni have also achieved success in the business world, leading companies and shaping industries:

Louis Bacon 1979: Hedge fund manager, founder of Moore Capital Management.
Joseph Beninati 1987: Real estate developer and private equity investor.
Randy Brock 1965: Executive VP, Fidelity Investments; former Vermont Auditor of Accounts.
Willard C. Butcher (attended): Chairman of Chase Manhattan Bank.
George Arison: Founder and CEO of Shift.
Brendan Bechtel: Chairman and CEO of Bechtel.
Carlos Calleja: Businessman.
Jim Davis: Chairman of New Balance.
Patrick Durkin '79: Founder of PSLA.
Ari Fleischer 1982: White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush.
Dori J. Maynard: President of the Robert C. Maynard Institute for Journalism Education.
Andrew Purvis: Journalist.
Ron Somers: US-India Business Council.
Nina Munk: Journalist.
Dan Schulman: Former president and CEO of PayPal.
Shane Scranton ’12: Co-founder of IrisVR.
Nate Beatty ’13: Co-founder of IrisVR.
Akshay Khanna ’09: Vice president of strategy for the Philadelphia 76ers.

These individuals have demonstrated leadership and innovation in the business sector.

Read also: Evolution of the Middlebury Logo

Athletics: Excelling on the Field and Beyond

Middlebury College has a strong athletic tradition, and its alumni have achieved success in various sports:

Koby Altman 2004: General manager of the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hedda Berntsen 1999: Norwegian world champion skier and Olympic silver medalist.
John Bower: Nordic combined skier and coach.
H: 2010 Olympic Cross-Country Ski Team.
Steve Hauschka 2007: NFL placekicker for the Buffalo Bills.
John W. Hollister (attended): Football player and coach.
Peter Holmes à Court 1990: Australian businessman and owner of the South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Thomas M: 2010 Olympic Cross-Country Ski Team.
Kevin Mahaney 1984: Competitive and Olympic sailor, silver medalist at the Barcelona Olympic Games.
John Morton 1968: Olympic biathlon skier.
Jacquie Phelan 1981-1994: National mountain bicycle champion.
Donald Rowe: Former coach of the University of Connecticut men's basketball team.
Chad Salmela: NBC commentator and former member of the US skiing team.
Chris Cheng: History Channel's Top Shot winner.
Ray Fisher: Major League Baseball player.
Penny Pitou: Skiing champion.
Chris Waddell '91: Paralympian.

These athletes have demonstrated dedication and excellence in their respective sports.

Politics and Public Service: Shaping Policy and Serving Communities

Middlebury College alumni have also made significant contributions to politics and public service, shaping policy and serving their communities:

Ari Fleischer 1982: White House Press Secretary for President George W. Bush.
Bradford Bishop: Diplomat.
Mark Gordon: Governor of Wyoming.
Kimberly Breier: Government official.
Lisa D. Kenna: United States Department of State.
Litzenberger Earle D.: United States Department of State.
Eli Porter Ashmun: United States Congress.
Elbert S. Brigham: United States Congress.
Titus Brown: United States Congress.
Daniel Azro Ashley Buck: United States Congress.
Alexander W. Buel: United States Congress.
Davis Carpenter: United States Congress.
Calvin C. Chaffee: United States Congress.
Barbara J. Comstock: United States Congress.
Bill Delahunt: United States Congress.
John Dickson: United States Congress.
Solomon Foot: United States Congress.
Calvin T. Hulburd: United States Congress.
Rollin Carolas Mallary: United States Congress.
James Meacham: United States Congress.
Frank Pallone, Jr.: United States Congress.
Albio Sires: United States Congress.
Robert T. Stafford: Governor of Vermont.
John Wolcott Stewart: United States Congress.
James Wilson II: United States Congress.
Carlos Coolidge: Governor of Vermont.
Jim Douglas: Governor of Vermont.
Horace Eaton: Governor of Vermont.
William Alanson Howard: United States Congress.
Lyman Enos Knapp: Politician.
John Mattocks: United States Congress.
John Abner Mead: Governor of Vermont.
Stephen Royce: Governor of Vermont.
William Slade: Governor of Vermont.
John Wolcott Stewart: Governor of Vermont.
Nicole Grohoski: Politician.
Arthur F. Stone: Politician.
Bert L. Stafford: Attorney.
Richard C. Thomas: Politician.
Sean Casten: representative for Illinois's 6th congressional district.
Ron Brown: United States Secretary of Commerce.
Frank Pallone: representative for New Jersey's 6th congressional district.
Brian Deese: Director of the National Economic Council.
Kenneth Rapuano 1984: Deputy Homeland Security Advisor for President George W.

These alumni have dedicated their careers to serving the public and shaping policy at the local, national, and international levels.

tags: #middlebury #college #notable #alumni