Springfield College Alumnus Kris Rhim '21 Continues to do

By: Damon Markiewicz

Springfield College alumnus Kris Rhim ’21 returned home to the campus on Friday, April 11, 2025 as the featured guest during the 10th annual Tom Waddell Symposium for Sports and Values. Now working for ESPN covering the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers, Rhim’s presentation featured his history of doing “Purposeful Work” dating back to his days as a student on Alden Street.

Prior to his time with ESPN, Rhim engaged in a fruitful experience producing multimedia content for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, followed by earning a prestigious fellowship with the New York Times. While with the New York Times, he covered a wide array of stories ranging from an analysis of Tom Brady’s last year in the NFL to WNBA star Brittney Griner’s release from a Russian prison. His opportunity with the New York Times was significant because there were only a handful of individuals throughout the country receiving this fellowship. As a Communications/Sports Journalism (COSJ) graduate committed to telling meaningful stories, the New York Times platform offered him an opportunity to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

This year’s symposium was moderated by Springfield College COSJ faculty member Marty Dobrow, and it was a phone call that Rhim had with Dobrow that reinforced just how important the New York Times fellowship was for Rhim’s career.

“I had only been with the Atlanta Falcons for about eight months when I received the call that the New York Times fellowship was offered to me,” explained Rhim. “I called Marty (Dobrow), and he reminded me just how significant this opportunity was. I am a very loyal person, and I had just started with the Falcons. Marty also believes in loyalty, but as he said to me, ‘Kris, this is an opportunity with the New York Times!’ His message reminded me just how special this fellowship would be to me.”

Rhim and Dobrow’s relationship blossomed at Springfield College and became, and continues to be, so much more than just a faculty member and student connection. It’s a friendship that started to really take shape when Rhim was contemplating leaving Springfield College during his sophomore year. Along with Rhim’s mother, it was Dobrow’s commitment to assisting Rhim both in the classroom and outside, that allowed Rhim to find his niche on campus.

“I had a conversation with my mother, and she reminded me why Springfield College was a great choice for me,” explained Rhim. “My conversation with Marty also led to an opportunity to do some very rewarding research and writing, focused on the Springfield College Black student protests during the 1969-1970 school year. During this project, I was able to connect with many alumni, and form some very meaningful relationships.”

While drafting his story, Rhim was able to connect with alumni such as Linda Cruse Moffat ’73, Roger Moffat ’71, and Carlton Pickron ’79, G’82, EdD, all of whom were in attendance at this year’s symposium. During this project, Rhim really started to find his path on campus, and it would springboard him into some very purposeful work during his junior and senior years.

“Thanks to Marty’s help, I was able to conduct some meaningful interviews with alumni, and do some writing that was very powerful,” explained Rhim. “I am appreciative that Marty helped open this door for me on campus.”

Rhim was already a successful student-athlete entering his junior year competing on the men’s track and field team, but he would also have the honor of serving as Student Trustee-Elect for the 2019-2020 academic year, followed by being named the 50th Student Trustee for his senior year. In addition, Rhim would be named the president of the student-led Men of Excellence Club, and also team up with Dobrow and the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in hosting a weekly podcast titled Liberty, Justice, and Ball, with a focus on the intersection of basketball and social justice.

“Looking back, Mom and Marty were right, Springfield College was a great fit for me,” explained Rhim. “I have been very fortunate because I received great support from my family, and I have also met so many great people at Springfield College who have also helped me on many levels.”

Rhim’s visit to campus was presented by the Division of Campus Life and Inclusion and the Department of Athletics. In addition, the symposium is supported by the Dr. Tom Waddell ’59 Fund, named after a Springfield College Athletic Hall of Fame member, who devoted his life to issues of social justice. At the conclusion of Rhim’s presentation, a current Springfield College student-athlete, Dillon Mortensen, Class of 2025, was recognized with the Tom Waddell Leveling the Playing Field Award. This special honor goes to a student-athlete who has worked diligently to build a more fair and just world. It’s an honor that Rhim also earned back in 2021.

“It was great to come back home to Springfield College and be a part of an event that represents the many great qualities of the College,” concluded Rhim. “My educational experience at Springfield College prepared me very well to achieve professional success, and it means a lot to me to stay connected with the College.”