As a first-time Community Leader (CL) at 5 West Kendrick Ave, known to students as “the Loj,” senior Graham Duncan approaches housing as a space for belonging rather than obligation. Motivated by a desire to be more present in his final year at Colgate University, Duncan focuses on intentional choices that turn a residence into a welcoming community. Duncan — a senior philosophy major and psychology minor from Stanton, Va. — sees the CL role not as a title, but as a way to show up for his school community and help shape an environment where others can feel grounded and welcome.
The Loj is a theme house associated with Colgate’s Outdoor Education members. Although Duncan is not part of the group himself, he has found and shaped the community of residents that live there. For Duncan, that sense of care shows up clearly in the physical space of the Loj.
“[Life at Colgate] gets stressful, and that house undecorated looks dismal,” Duncan said. “I was sad walking into there so I was like, ‘no, this does not do.’”
Armed with garland and seasonal decorations, Duncan transformed shared spaces to make them feel warmer and more lived-in, especially during more stressful moments of the semester.
“We had a gargoyle and spider webs [for Halloween],” Duncan said. “Then, I did some winter decorations to liven up the space.”
That same intention shaped one of his most successful events: a home-cooked dinner for residents. Duncan made multiple batches of “Marry Me” Chicken Orzo, which became the perfect way for his residents to bond during Colgate’s colder months.
“It was just this warm, cheesy chicken dish that sticks to your insides,” Duncan said.
What mattered more than the food, though, was the atmosphere it created: a room of students filled with conversation and people unwinding after their long days. This moment was anchored in finding the needs of students within the Loj, going all in and fulfilling those needs in a way that fostered connection.
On a typical day, the residents of the Loj can be found playing guitar, building a puzzle (Duncan’s personal choice) or watching a movie together on a projector.
Outside of his role as a CL, music has been another strong source of community and passion for Duncan. He has been a member of the Colgate Dischords since his first year on campus, and now serves as one of the group’s music directors.
Graham shared that he especially looked up to the older members of the group during his first few years, who continue to inspire his choices now that he is a senior. Reflecting on his journey from a nervous first-year performer to where he is today, Graham noted that the experience has been unlike anything he expected.
“I look at all of the people performing and it’s just become so much less about being a performer [myself] and more of being a supporter of all of your members while they’re up there on stage,” Duncan said. “Seeing somebody that was really struggling with stage anxiety, like I was freshman year, and then getting up there and [seeing them] nail a solo or a harmony means the world to me. I’m so happy for their successes.”
Duncan performed his first solo with the Dischords during his sophomore year to “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron. This is a memory that he will continue to look back on fondly, even after graduation.
When asked about a few of his memorable classes here at Colgate, Duncan confidently mentioned PHIL332: Philosophy of Physics taught by Professor of Philosophy Ulrich Meyer. Even after completing his seminar requirement, Duncan opted to take Professor Meyer’s seminar — PHIL418 Advanced Topics in Philosophy: Philosophy of Time — due to his positive memories of his class.
“[Meyers] unfolds his lectures like a story,” Duncan said. “And he’s one of those teachers that if your brow twitches, he’s like ‘okay, what are you confused about?’ and listens to what you say, then explains it in a way that you understand everything by the end of class. He’s a phenomenal educator.”
Looking ahead to after commencement weekend, Duncan shared that he is excited about what comes next, although he admits the future is full of possibility and uncertainty.
Currently, Duncan is weighing his options between a teaching career and music. He shared that he is considering pursuing a masters in education to teach English, or work with special needs students. At the same time, Duncan hopes to follow his passion for music to Nashville to perform and songwrite in a new environment.
“I want to be around music and see where it takes me,” Duncan said. “It doesn’t have to be a specific path. I’ll be happy if I’m just making music and sharing it with people.”
As a senior in his final semester, Duncan feels a mix of excitement and nostalgia looking towards commencement weekend. After graduation, he looks forward to celebrating with his family and friends, before embarking on a post-grad road trip with his younger brother to the Theodore Roosevelt and Glacier National Parks.
