We are pleased to shine a spotlight on alumna Kate Kolodi ’15, who is serving her community in a remarkable way in Alaska.
From Tusculum to Skagway
Kate Kolodi earned her bachelor’s degree from Tusculum University in 2015. After graduation, she pursued her interests in the arts and civic engagement, eventually settling in the borough of Skagway, Alaska.
Leadership in Local Government
In June 2025, Kate was appointed mayor of Skagway Borough to fill the remainder of a term following the resignation of the prior mayor.
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She accepted the role after having been an assembly member.
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She emphasized her commitment to collaborative governance: “I’m stepping away from attempting to legislate … the role of mayor is to assist the assembly. I can effectively help the community and our assembly for three months by running effective meetings and ensuring progress is made.”
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During her tenure she chaired or guided major topics such as ethics code reform and municipal meeting procedures.
Creative Roots and Community Impact
Beyond politics, Kate is also known for her artistic work—specializing in murals and creative projects within her community. Her background at Tusculum in the liberal arts clearly resonates in the blend of civic and creative roles she embraces.
Why Her Story Matters for Tusculum Alumni
Kate’s journey is a vivid illustration of the Tusculum spirit:
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Graduating from a small liberal-arts institution and going on to make a meaningful impact in a far-away community.
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Blending artistic expression with civic leadership, showing that graduates can weave multiple passions into public life.
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Representing the value of stepping into unfamiliar terrain (geographically and professionally) and serving with integrity.
A Note of Congratulations
We congratulate Kate on her appointment and the example she sets. Her story is an inspiration for current students and fellow alumni alike showing that a Tusculum education can be a launchpad for leadership in unexpected places.
Sources and Photo Credits:
Information and images for this article were gathered from KHNS Radio Alaska (khns.org), The Skagway News (skagwaynews.com), and Tusculum University News (tusculum.edu).