Sound Off: Chat With a ’Cat

Madison Morgan

Madison Morgan, a senior journalism major from Tarrytown, N.Y. 

If I could meet any alum, it would be Mara Brock Akil ’92. My comfort show, Girlfriends, was created and written by Akil. I admire how she’s used her journalism education to build a creative career. The transferable skills clearly speak volumes. Akil’s face is on the wall in Fisk Hall, so I feel like I’ve already met her. We’ve just never exchanged real words. 

Natalie Roots Nowakowski. Credit: Joshua Sukoff ’26

Natalie Roots-Nowakowski, a junior political science and history major from Washington, D.C.  

I’d like to meet professional GeoGuessr player Jake Lyons ’22. I am co-founder and co-president of Northwestern’s Cartography Club and love to play GeoGuessr — an online geography game. I would ask Jake how he got into such a niche profession and if any part of his time at Northwestern contributed to that. And I’d ask for tips to improve my GeoGuessr skills! 

Jaeda Tagoe. Credit: Joshua Sukoff ’26

Jaeda Tagoe, a senior psychology major from Columbus, Ohio 

Meghan Markle’s journey to become the Duchess of Sussex is inspiring. I remember watching the glamorous royal wedding of Harry and Meghan ’03 when I was in eighth grade. However, I also remember all the criticism Meghan faced. The media scrutinized nearly everything about her: her skin color, her hair, even her past. Yet she rose above the criticism. Before I knew her as Rachel from Suits, before I even knew her as Meghan the Northwestern alum, I knew her as one of the first Black women to marry into royalty, despite what the world said about her. As a Northwestern senior, it is inspiring to know that former and future world leaders and social advocates have walked the same path — probably down Sheridan Road — that I do today. 

Chloe Pestano Que

Chloe Pestano Que, a senior journalism major from Manila, Philippines 

If I could meet any Northwestern alum, it would definitely be George R.R. Martin ’70, ’71 MS, ’21 H. Growing up, my parents watched Game of Thrones religiously, and now our favorite family ritual is watching House of the Dragon together. My goal is to pursue creative writing in some form, and I’d love to pick his brain about how he built such an expansive, immersive fictional world. 

Camille Haines. Credit: Ron McKinney

Camille Haines, a senior journalism, international studies and political science major from Fort Wayne, Ind. 

I’d like to meet Stephen Colbert ’86, ’11 H because I watched The Colbert Report growing up and still enjoy watching The Late Show from time to time. His ability to tackle complex issues through humor has shaped the way I engage with politics today. Meeting him would be an incredible opportunity to learn how humor can challenge power, bridge divides and inspire social engagement. 

Thomas Bakos. Credit: Joshua Sukoff ’26

Thomas Bakos, a senior economics major from New York City 

If I could meet one alum, it would be comedian Ziwe Fumudoh ’14. I was on the debate team, and it’s fun for me to engage in a little back-and-forth. I like to be pushed in a conversation. I think I have a quick wit, but I would like to know for sure if I could really handle a sit-down with Ziwe. 

In the comments below, tell us which alum you’d most like to meet.