Abraham Lincoln statue on Carthage College?s campus.
Kara R. Oldham

Kara R. Oldham

Class Year

’26

Hometown

Greenwood, Wisconsin

Major(s)

English and Religion

Minor(s)

Women’s and Gender Studies

Kara Oldham ’26 came to Carthage after winning the Spring Scholarship Competition for transfer students. She works to ensure that transfer students at the College have the best possible experience as the transfer student senator of Student Government and the vice president/secretary of the Transfer Student Club.

As a double major in English and religion, Kara’s goal after graduation is to earn a master’s degree and eventually become an author or editor, or be in a position in which she can help others.

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“I chose Carthage for the location, small class sizes, and the limitless opportunities to pursue your passions. The views don’t hurt either!”

Kara R. Oldham, ’26

Faculty mentors

“Carthage faculty have helped me succeed in so many ways here at college. My student success advisor has offered me so much advice and put me in contact with other people who provide great opportunities to get involved here on campus! My professors have always shown a willingness to work with me and provide insights so that I can be the very best student I can be. I also very much appreciate all the work that Carthage staff does so that students can enjoy a safe and healthy atmosphere here on campus.”

Favorite class

“My favorite class so far would be Issues in Living and Dying. In this class, we were able to have candid discussions about death and how to support people in grief, which I think are very important skills and outlooks that can be overlooked. I’m a people-person, so I love to have a discussion about how people think!”

Toughest class

“My toughest class so far has definitely been Statistics for Social Justice. As a humanities double major, math is obviously not my strong suit, but I still appreciated the challenge this class provided. It made me a better person and allowed me to see ways in which social injustice works in our society.”

Campus involvement

“I am very much involved in extracurriculars here at Carthage! In addition to my involvement as a transfer student, I am the treasurer of Carthage United to Rescue Earth, a sustainability awareness club here on campus. I am also an active member of numerous student organizations, including Trailstompers Outdoor Club, Book Club, First Generation Club, and the Blitz Ultimate Frisbee Team!”

Golden opportunities

“One of the incredible opportunities I’ve had since coming to Carthage was a trip to Canada with the English Department. We went to Stratford, Ontario to see five shows at a world-class theatre festival. It was amazing and a trip I will never forget.”

Favorite spot on campus

“My favorite spot on campus is hands down the Kissing Rock! It has the best views of Lake Michigan, and every week, students paint it to bring awareness to all different types of things — it’s beautiful!”

Favorite memory

“My favorite moments here at Carthage are just the times that I’ve spent studying and talking to friends, taking trips outside of the classroom, and doing simple stuff like connecting with people through the love of learning.”

Biggest surprise

“The biggest surprise I’ve experienced since coming to college is how much I have changed internally in such a short amount of time. I’m a firm believer that one of the best aspects of higher education is getting to meet people who are from all different walks of life. Without coming here and learning new things and meeting new people, I wouldn’t be the same person I am today, and that’s been the best gift I’ve ever given myself.”

What would your 8-year-old self think of you now?

“I know that my 8-year-old self would be incredibly proud of me now, and how far I’ve come. There was a time when I was sure college and furthering my education wasn’t meant for me and too out of reach, and I ended up proving myself wrong!”