Tower-Summer 2019

KYLIN CAMBURN ’18 & LEVI WALBERT ’18 communication studies philosophy TYLER LEPLEY ’11 criminal justice H igh school sweethearts Kylin Camburn ’18 and Levi Walbert ’18 shared a bioethics minor at Kutztown, and a commitment to service. Today, the two live in Zionsville, Pa., with Camburn working at Project SILK Lehigh Valley, and Walbert employed as a minister and teacher at the Bright Dawn Center of Oneness Buddhism. Both credit their experiences at Kutztown for shaping their career trajectories. On campus, Camburn was a GLAAD campus ambassador, and president of the Lambda Delta Xi Diaternity, which emphasizes advocacy for the LGBTQ community. In her position at Project SILK, she focuses on clients’ mental, emotional and physical health. “Our main program is a youth drop- in, where they can relax, socialize, and get tested for STIs or pregnancy,” she explained. “We also teach about LGBT issues, and have a healthy-eating access program.” For Walbert, his internship in pastoral care at Lehigh Valley Hospital was a pivotal experience, and integrated his philosophy major and bioethics minor with hands-on experience. “I learned how to work in the health care field in a supportive role, rather than trying to cure or manage medical needs,” he recalled. Camburn and Walbert are engaged, and plan to pursue graduate degrees in the future. A few years ago Tyler Lepley ’11 was sleeping on the floor at his cousin’s place, when a serendipitous encounter with a producer at a Los Angeles boxing gym led to a starring role in independent horror film “Slumber Party Slaughter.” It wasn’t a ‘big break,’ but it whet his appetite for performing. Lepley began taking acting classes, and soon landed roles on “90210” and “Baggage Claim.” His star was rising, and when given the opportunity to audition for the role of ‘Benny’ on Tyler Perry’s “The Have and the Have Nots,” he nailed it. Lepley considers his acting career a second chance. Once, he thought the NFL might come calling (he was a running back on a football scholarship at KU for two years). A 2007 arrest changed that, and after graduation he found himself working at a gas station, a sandwich shop and even as a bookie. He trusted his gut, and moved to LA to be closer to family. “I don’t want to be somebody who’s repeatedly making mistakes,” he said in an interview with Kacie Whaley in Rolling Out magazine. “So, I find myself on the West Coast, God drops an opportunity in my lap, I want to apply myself all the way. Right now, I’m going to put my head down, grind and support my mom and dad.” 30 TOWER | SUMMER 2019 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT