The Catalyst

NEWS: Perspectives: In Their Own Words

“ As Co Editor-in-Chief of the Catalyst, I’ve spent the last year and a half reading hundreds of news articles. Some have been about Colorado College, surrounding topics like enrollment, housing and school leadership. Some have been about local politics and propositions, and some have given perspective on overarching federal policies. 

In this edition, our news section will look slightly different. For one, because there isn’t any blaring hard news to report. We are also bringing back an old Catalyst tradition, “Perspectives: In Their Own Words.” This series was once a way to spotlight various members of the CC community. It has since been lost in lieu of other columns and traditions within our paper. But, since this is our very last edition as co-editors-in–chief, my partner, Lilly Asano ‘27, and I thought it would be appropriate to reanimate this series.”

📲Link in bio for full story 
✍️ Story by Lilly Asano & Tessa Frantz ‘27
📸 Brett Levan ‘26

OPINION: The Case Against Snapchat

“Nothing makes me feel older and out of touch than seeing people use Snapchat. The strange avatars, the red and blue squares or arrows next to everyone’s name. Despite having a Snapchat account and, for a time, using it heavily, it feels like a disconnected world to me. I feel like a grandparent asking their grandkids about that new-fangled app. I have all but abandoned the app, but I still see how people use it as a web of interconnectedness, of which I am not a part. I’m not trying to be the ‘fun police,’ as some have called me on Yik Yak. While I’ve criticized platforms like Yik Yak and find them repulsive, my issues with Snapchat are different, and I’m not completely opposed.”

📲 Link in bio for full story 
✍️ Story by Grant Loui ‘28
🎨 Ellie Schwab ‘26

A&E: ‘The Great Divide:’ A Melancholy Ode to Friends, Family and Loss

“Taken as a whole, this album masterfully combines the gut-wrenching lyrics that Kahan is known for, with unique and engaging folk guitar melodies. And while much of the album focuses on a devastating sense of loneliness, songs like “Dan,” “American Cars” and “Paid Time Off” provide a sense of hope for the listener.

Kahan uses non-musical sound throughout the album. The opening track, “End of August,” begins with the sound of cicadas, making you feel like you are sitting on a front porch at dusk. He also has ad-libs at the beginning and end of some songs, reminding the listener that, behind the music and fame, Noah is earnestly human.
Ultimately, in The Great Divide, Noah Kahan tells a story of love, loss and enduring hope, creating a beautiful addition to his discography.”

📲 Link in bio for full story 
✍️ Story by Margaret Freeman ‘28
🎨 Callie Dickman ‘28

FEATURES: The Judiciary: Two Life-Changing Weeks in San Francisco

“The Block Plan is undoubtedly an alluring quality of Colorado College. The small class sizes, quality classroom time and in-depth exploration into a topic at hand are all afforded by the structure of our school. It is at least a factor in the decision many students, including myself, make when coming here.
Yet when I committed to CC in 2023, never did I envision a group of eighteen students returning to my hometown of San Francisco, Calif. for two weeks to attend court hearings, tour law schools, meet with assistant district attorneys and public defenders, tour the county jail and form the closest bond I have ever had with classmates.

The Judiciary, a 300-level political science course, is part of the Career Catalyst Program that CC began in 2023, with a half-block class taught in Los Angeles, Calif. at the toy manufacturing company Mattel. During the 2025-26 academic year, Career Catalyst courses have brought students to National Geographic and the Aspen Institute in Washington, D.C. and Colorado Firecamp near Salida, Colo.

Taught by political science professor Doug Edlin and coordinated by pre-law advisor Gretchen Wardell, the course sought to examine the courts as legal and governmental institutions.”

📲 Link in bio for full story 
✍️ Story by Fiona Frankel ‘28
📸 Fiona Frankel ‘28

SPORTS: Radio Rahim on Campus for 2nd Week

“Radio Rahim is a broadcast journalist and a ringside reporter for Seconds Out Live. He also has a podcast, “Til This Day,” named after a viral meme between Rahim and boxer Deontay Wilder. His podcast delves into the compelling life chapters and lessons of many influential figures. Rahim’s career has been covered in media publications including Access Hollywood, People and Forbes. 

Some of the most notable parts of Rahim’s career include hosting a sold out Crypto.com Arena for the broadcast of KSI vs Logan Paul, guest-starring on Joe Rogan’s podcast to tell the story of his own podcast and a critically acclaimed interview with Bob Saget. He has also become a regular on Dave Chappelle’s “The Midnight Miracle” and has appeared on “Impaulsive,” Logan Paul’s podcast. 
When Rahim interviewed the world heavyweight champion, Deontay Wilder, the interview became a huge viral moment and shook the world. This was one of the many parts of his career that created waves and made history.”

📲 Link in bio for full story 
✍️ Story by Celeste Hammer ‘26
📸 Tessa Frantz ‘28