To call Patrick S. Lucas, 36, of Battle Creek, an alumnus doesn’t do him justice. Since earning Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees in 2016, he’s remained a constant presence at KCC and at KCC activities – onstage, in the choir and even overseas.
A past president of the Encore Theatre Club and winner of KCC’s 2016 Outstanding Achievement in Theatre award, Lucas has performed in countless productions, including in the international premiere of “Pando” at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in Scotland in August. He also joined the KCC choirs on their summer concert tour of the Baltics in June.
Why did you choose your major/area of study?
When I first started at KCC I was actually considering an English major, but I ended up switching to psych after taking a few classes. As I continued to learn and grow as a person, I eventually switched again to science. Around that time I was dealing with some heavy social anxiety, and my sister convinced me to take an acting class with her. I nearly dropped the class several times, but thankfully she kept me on track, and after falling in love with the performing arts I added the art degree to my program.
Why did you choose to study your major specifically at KCC?
I knew that I wanted to start at a community college, since tuition is cheaper, and with KCC being in my hometown and the place where all of my friends were starting out, it was the clearest choice.
What are you doing now, and how did KCC help you on your path?
I am currently studying to take the LSAT. KCC not only taught me valuable skills, but it also built up my confidence and granted me connections, through theatre, that I otherwise might not have made at another college.
Was your favorite part of your time at KCC, and why?
Between the friends I made, the trips to Taco Bell (back when it was still cheap), my performances both theatrical and choral, making the Dean’s List one semester, and many other experiences, there was a lot to love in my time at KCC. But my favorite part overall was being able to perform onstage with my siblings. Especially during “Antigone: Closure.” In other shows I was able to perform with one or two other siblings, but in that one show all four Lucas siblings (or Luci [Loo-ki], our proper plural form) were together onstage!
What’s the most interesting thing you learned at KCC?
That art students are a weird bunch in the best of ways. Seriously, if you enjoy quirky personalities and conversation, hang out in Davidson. You’ll meet all types of characters of various ages and life experiences. The Student Center might be more lively, but Davidson is alive!
What advice do you have for current or future KCC students?
I have a few pieces. Explore the school; KCC is a lot bigger than it seems. Since most programs have us confined in one or two buildings, we never see the majority of the school. There are hidden gems throughout. For instance, there is a small courtyard past the art gallery in Davidson that has the best vibes, especially in the fall. There are little cubby windows near the journalism rooms that are great for resting in. Outside of the library is a tree on a hill that provides shade and a wonderful, inspiring view during the spring and summer.
Utilize the library, not just for the computers. The study rooms are a great resource, whether you’re studying or tabletop gaming. And check out some books, or look through the archives. I once found an encyclopedia of DC heroes and villains. On the bottom floor, they’ll sometimes be giving away free books.
Finally, take a walk to the hospital cafeteria for your meals. You’ll get some decent steps in, and the meals cost significantly less, are higher quality and more varied.
Anything else you’d like to say?
KCC almost never closes due to weather, but when they do, it will never be on a day that you have class. If the sky dropped three feet of snow on your doorstep and you can’t get your car out of the driveway, you better start hoofing it!
This Q&A first appeared in the September 2025 edition of BruIN magazine. To read the issue online, please visit kellogg.edu/bruinmagazine.
