Daniel Alter ’13

Name: Daniel Alter
Hometown: Winnetka, Illinois
Class Year: 2013
Dorm: Pond
High School:  New Trier
Major: Black Studies
Nickname: Mr. Daniels (what his “kids” called him during City Year, an education focused, nonprofit organization that allowed him to work in D.C. public schools)
Ideal date: (1) Go out to dinner and then spend some time outside or (2) Go out for a sail—but not too far out to avoid any motion sickness
Spirit Animal: Eagle—because he is a visionary
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Shapeshifting
Dream Job: Something that can keep me busy, inspired, and connected, while still leaving time for family
Favorite Movie: The Jungle Book
Relationship status: Single
Craziest thing you’ve ever Done: I met Barack Obama in my living room…before he was famous. 
Extra-Curricular Activities: Crew
On-Campus Job: Athletics Liaison for the Center for Community Engagement
Why Dan is our Campus Cutie:
Well, first off, Dan is probably the most modest person you could ever meet.  Second, he could very well be one of the most passionate guys at Amherst College.  Extremely devoted to the national issue of education reform, Dan helped to establish the EDU at Amherst College.  “I wanted to start the EDU because there was a lot of interest in education at Amherst but students weren’t taking it seriously as a profession in order to make the kind of impact we want to make,” Dan clarified.  “Those that did take it seriously didn’t always have the resources they needed to be prepared for what they’re doing now and after they graduate.”  The EDU builds a community of incredibly passionate people by providing a combination of interesting discussions, new perspectives, innovative community engagement activities, and information about classes, internships and jobs related to the field of education.  “It’s all about meeting people and learning through being an active citizen,” Dan explained.
            A first-year student and one of Dan’s former Community Engagement Orientation Trip mentees, Pepper, happened to stumble in when Dan was being interviewed.  When asked about Dan, he said, “I hope, when I’m his age, I’m as pulled together as Daniel so that I can nurture a student like me.”  Then he turned Dan and said, “You’re wise beyond your years and you never steer me wrong; I love you like a brother—thank you.” That’s why Dan’s our Campus Cutie of the week—because after listening to this , you can’t help melting.