Our Team

Chauncey T. Beaver

Biography

Dam, I love being a Champlain College Beaver!

Hey everyone! I’m Chauncey T. Beaver, Champlain’s official mascot. You’ll often see me around campus at events, taking selfies with my friends and throwing out high-fives left and right. I love all of my fellow Beavers and it makes my day when we get to hang out! Seeing your faces light up when you see me really fills me with joy. You are what makes Champlain so special, and I’m eager to meet new friends at every event I attend, so don’t be afraid to say hi! I can’t talk, but I’ll be sure to wave back. 🙂

My school spirit is off the charts and I’m always there to rally you for the big life events: move-in, orientation, graduation, Spring Meltdown, Dare to CARE Wellbeing Week, you name it: I’m cheering you on. I’ve got some pretty sweet dance moves, too, so get ready!

Do you want me to make an appearance at an event you’re hosting? Email my friends at studentengagement@champlain.edu. They’ll check my schedule and get back to you. See you soon for a dam good time!

Let’s play corn hole together!

I’ll never say no to a photo with friends! Catch me at campus events like the Fall Career Fair.

Not gonna lie, I’m a pretty big hit at Orientation.

You might even catch me hitting the slopes come winter!

You can call me Captain Chauncey! The Lake Champlain Ethan Allen boat cruise is my favorite Champlain tradition—we get to ride it together during Orientation and during Senior Week! The perfect bookend to your Champlain journey.

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Christine Koogle

Biography

Christine is from Baltimore, Maryland where she first had her taste of beautiful events. After searching for schools that would provide her with an education that she could take and apply anywhere, she came up north to attend Champlain College. Here, she studied business administration and event management. Christine held many student leadership positions as an RA, Student Activity Programmer, Orientation Leader, CHAMP President, and more. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Christine stayed in Vermont to manage a luxury event catering company. After several years, she returned to Champlain and Student Engagement. Now, she gets to run the events she always participated in as a student!
When she’s not having fun with students, you can find her planning weddings for friends and family, kayaking in the beautiful state of Vermont, or trying out a new recipe to share.

What are your hobbies?

Cooking and Baking, kayaking, planning parties!

Favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

I love to eat and drink! And, of course, explore. Top places to eat: Honey Road, Poco, May Day, The Tillerman, and Philo Ridge Farm

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Kelsey O’Connor

Biography

Kelsey O’Connor currently serves as the Director of Residential Life & Student Engagement at Champlain College. A 2014 Champlain graduate with a BS in Event Management, Kelsey has dedicated her career to enhancing the student experience at her alma mater, where she has worked since 2015. Throughout her time at Champlain, she has held multiple roles, from Associate Director of Student Engagement to Area Coordinator, gaining a broad perspective on student activities and residential life. She also holds a Master of Science in Executive Leadership from Champlain College Online.

Originally from Bedford, Massachusetts, Kelsey moved to Vermont to attend Champlain and fell in love with the state’s vibrant community. Outside of work, she enjoys kayaking and spending time with her two golden retrievers, Maple and Frankie.

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Kyra Yu

Biography

Kyra Yu joined the Student Engagement team in Fall 2024 after serving as Champlain’s Event Operations Coordinator for two years. In 2021, Kyra graduated from the University of New England with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Minor in Coaching.

What are your hobbies?

Ice hockey, hiking, biking, snowboarding

Tell us about your favorite local eateries and things to do in Vermont:

While biking on the Burlington Bike Path, I love making a pit stop at Burlington Bay to get a maple black raspberry creemee!

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