accenAlma College Alumni Magazine News and Events for Fall 2007 ts
Global Experiences Whether in Scotland, England, Poland or numerous destinations elsewhere, Alma College students experience the world firsthand.
Editor coming next month Mike Silverthorn Designer Watch your mailbox for the 2006-07 Alma Beth Pellerito College Donor List. Alma College thanks the Contributors many alumni, staff and friends who made gifts Josh Ernst ’06 Nan Freed to the College during the July 2006 through Susan Heimburger June 2007 fiscal year. Elizabeth Podufaly ’08 Brent Neubecker ’95 Saundra Tracy Skip Traynor Alumni notes compiled by Elizabeth Podufaly ’08 Board of Trustees David T. Provost ’76, Chair Candace Croucher Dugan, Vice Chair Gary W. Fenchuk ’68, Secretary on the cover Bruce T. Alton Kelle Sajdak, Melissa Ager, Megan VanDerKooi Larry R. Andrus ’72 Sarah Sarchet Butter ’88 and Mark Lavengood climbed to the top of C. David Campbell the Sir Walter Scott monument in Edinburgh, David K. Chapoton ’57 Scotland during their political science Spring James C. Conboy Jr. Term course. Students in the course were in the John C. Foster ’67 Nancy E. Gallagher ’80 country during a historical time as the Scottish Glenn D. Granger ’83 National Party climbed from fringe party to Richard P. Heuschele ’59 assume power in the Scottish Parliament. Kevin. R. Johnson Raymond B. Knudsen II Pictured below, from left: Jillian Sadler, Abigail David P. Larsen ’84 David F. Lau Grieve, Katie Alltop and Elizabeth Heitsch Donald A. Lindow picnic on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower John McCormack in Paris during a break from their off-campus Thomas J. McDowell study programs. James T. McIntyre ’69 Stephen F. Meyer ’80 Roger L. Myers Antje Newhagen ’67 Marcia J. Nunn ’73 Glenda D. Price Ron R. Sexton ’68 Lynne Sherwood Michael D. Stafford ’87 accents Fall 2007 features 6 The national survey on leadership Alma College study points to a desired leadership renaissance in America.
18 The difference maker Successful entrepreneur Greg Hatcher ’83 teaches life lessons to kids through sports.
20 Take time to stop and smell the roses The Percussion Ensemble strikes again, page 13 Moments with Millie describes a caregiver’s struggles with Alzheimer’s disease.
21 In search of leaders Alumnus Gary Fenchuk ’68 supports leadership development. departments 22 An eye for helping others 6 thistle & pipes Robert ’75 and Sandra Caswell ’76 Foote have changed how thousands of people see the world. 16 highland games 18 great scots 24 Arbury’s bliss: Cooking, catering, collecting 28 tartan tidbits Roger Arbury ’62 receives the Smith Distinguished Service Award.
accents is published in October, February and June for alumni, parents, students and other friends of Alma College. Send comments to Mike Silverthorn, Accents editor, mission Alma College, 614 W. Superior St., Alma College’s mission is to prepare graduates who think critically, Alma, MI 48801-1599, or e-mail: serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards of [email protected]. the world they bequeath to future generations. accents is viewable online at: http://alumni.alma.edu/accents/
only one alma. A Welcome to Alma College Team effort results in record new-student enrollment
On August 25, we welcomed the largest as part of the recruitment and retention incoming class in Alma College history. efforts. Faculty interactions with prospec- The class profile is very similar to past years tive students reiterate the message of a except there are more of them, over 100 “personalized education.” Alumni referrals more than last year! The quality and size of connect a prospective student to Alma in this entering class is a tremendous testimo- a special way. Admissions staff members’ ny to the efforts of the entire Alma com- careful attention to detail means each pro- munity, from our talented Admissions staff spective student is treated as an individual. to faculty, administrators, current students, Now that the class of 2011 is on campus, alumni and Board members. This large we must ensure they have the best possible incoming class is coupled with an increase experience. For this reason, several exciting in the retention of continuing students. In changes are in place this year. The list is President Saundra Tracy summary, 2007-08 will be an active and long but let me highlight a few: exciting year at Alma College. • The new Student Services Center is a Several people have asked what we did dif- one-stop location for students bringing ferently this past year to recruit and retain together the Registrar, Financial Aid these talented students. The answer is that and Business offices in a user-friendly, the enrollment growth is a complex combi- integrated approach to student services. nation of many actions, a number of which have been under way for several years but • The new Academic and Career Plan- whose fruits we just now are reaping. ning office supports students from entry through placement into graduate For example, the marketing plan we school or the workforce. It includes as- enacted several years ago to increase sistance in selecting a major, academic Alma College’s visibility is working. New tutoring, internships, and career plan- programs that give Alma College a special ning and placement. niche in the marketplace also are gaining recognition. The Center for Responsible • Athletics augmented staff with a new Leadership has moved from concept to a full-time athletic director and the ad- set of experiences that students describe dition of full-time coaches in volleyball as having a profound impact on their and track/cross country. Implementa- lives. The same is true for our innovative tion of the multi-year athletics plan is in Posey Global Program that offers students full swing. A new track was completed opportunities for service and educational for the start of this year’s track season. experiences in non-profits throughout the Once a new class arrives, Admissions starts world. And our growing Honors Program over from zero so we now are in full swing enters its third year of implementation. recruiting the entering fall 2008 class. Facilities improvements also are a signifi- We continue to seek your help to identify cant part of the student recruitment equa- students who will thrive at Alma Col- lege. Your referrals make a difference; 228 Fast Fact tion. New and improved residence facili- ties, upgrades to Tyler-Van Dusen, alumni referrals were sent to us last year. More than 460 new students McIntyre Mall, and strong attention to Let’s top that number in the year ahead so Alma can continue to benefit from the arrived for Preterm in August. overall campus presentation are paying dividends in both recruitment and reten- momentum and energy these students The previous record for new tion. The student-driven Tyler-Van Dusen bring to Alma College, and they in turn students was 442 in 1992. changes last year reflect a College that gain the quality education Alma College listens to and values student input. has to offer. Finally, all groups within the campus com- munity are beginning to see themselves
only one alma. A “wrecking crew” consisting of members of the Registrar’s, Business and Financial Aid of- fices assisted in the demolition of the former Center for Student Development space in the lower level of Hamilton in preparation for the construction of the new Student Services Center.
only one alma. The National Survey on Leadership Study points to a desired leadership renaissance in America
edia moguls, academic ex- quality of life that America has been Bill Clinton coming in second and perts and national pontifica- known for in the past. Rev. Billy Graham and Gen. Colin Mtors frequently lament the “The challenge for institutions like Powell tied for third. perceived leadership crisis that seems Alma College is twofold: first, change Alma alumni had significantly differ- to be brewing across America. perceptions by defining and showing ent results. Alumni respondents cited A new source has added credibility to superior leadership at work in society their fathers most often as a superior these cries of despair. today, and, secondly, to prepare ethi- leader, followed by former President A national survey on leadership cal leaders with commitments beyond Jimmy Carter. sponsored by Alma College and the themselves to lead change and serve Perhaps more significantly, 20 percent Center for Responsible Leadership the common good.” of non-alumni and 15 percent of provides some new data on the state The survey was conducted by EPIC- Alma alumni indicated they could not of leadership in America today. The MRA, a public opinion polling firm identify any superior leaders. survey asked three key questions: headquartered in Lansing. The survey “The fact that one in five surveyed Who are the country’s leaders? How polled 1,000 randomly selected Ameri- could not name a superior leader strong is leadership in various aspects can business owners, officers, operators suggests that the country is strug- of modern life? What characteristics and managers, plus an additional 200 gling with a perceived crisis of do superior leaders have? Alma College alumni located primar- leadership,” says Leipzig. “As we The findings point to a desired ily in southeastern Michigan. enter another presidential campaign “leadership renaissance,” says John In many cases, the perceptions of season, Americans are desperate for Leipzig, director of the Center for American businesspeople and Alma a candidate who will display the Responsible Leadership. alumni are nearly identical. In other qualities of a superior leader.” “Whether real or perceived, there’s a cases, their perceptions differed. Despite the survey findings, the skills, critical lack of confidence in leader- Who are America’s leaders? values, knowledge and personal disci- ship across America,” says Leipzig. pline necessary to be superior leaders “Many people believe we are in More than 500 people were identified are not limited to aspiring presidents, troubling times. We want our lead- as “superior leaders” by non-alumni. celebrities or people who are “in ers to step up and serve us better. We Despite low approval ratings at the charge,” says Leipzig. They are found hunger for strong, genuine leadership time of the survey, President George in people “in all walks of life, at all in all areas of society that impact the W. Bush was cited most often, with levels of an organization.” “Corporate America, our schools, communities, churches and organiza- tions are not generally led by politi- Table 1: Individuals Named as ‘Superior Leaders’ by America’s Business cians and celebrities; they have to People, or Alma College Alumni; Composite of up to Three Mentions, be led by people who can anticipate Percent of Mentions and manage change, have a sense of ______ethical purpose and commitment, and Business Alma College understand the long-term impact of ______Name Men and Women Alumni decisions on the health and well-being of their organizations and communi- Pres. George W. Bush 11% 3% ties,” says Leipzig. Pres. Bill Clinton 5% 2% Rev. Billy Graham 4% 3% How strong is leadership in var- Gen. Colin Powell 4% 3% ious aspects of American life? Respondent’s father 3% 6% Microsoft CEO Bill Gates 3% 1% The perceived quality of leadership is Pres. Jimmy Carter 2% 4% highest in the domains of science and Sen. Barack Obama 2% 3% technology, the military, and volun- Mayor Rudy Giuliani 2% 2% teer and community service. It is low- Sen. Hilary Clinton 2% 1% est in the domains of politics, health Television personality Oprah Winfrey 2% 1% care and K-12 education. Vice Pres. Al Gore 1% 2% • Forty percent of businessmen and Respondent’s spouse 1% 2% women rate the quality of leader- Gov. Jennifer Granholm --% 3% ship in science and technology as Sen. Carl Levin --% 2% high, while 36 percent give high ______marks to military leadership and Source: EPIC-MRA. Percentages rounded to nearest whole percent. Columns do not sum to 100%. 28 percent to volunteerism and community service.
thistle & pipes • Twenty-two percent rate the quality Table 2: Mean Ratings of Quality of Leadership in 10 Domains by America’s of leadership high in higher educa- Business People, and Alma College Alumni, Using 1 (Excellent) to tion, compared to 20 percent in busi- 5 (Poor) Scale ness leadership, 17 percent for local ______community leadership, and 12 percent Mean Rating Mean Rating for religious leadership. Business Alma College • Only 11 percent rate the quality of ______Domain Men and Women Alumni leadership in K-12 education as high. Nine percent give high marks to Science and technology 2.63 2.50 health care and eight percent to politi- Military 2.89 2.99 cal leadership. Volunteer and community service 3.00 2.86 Higher education 3.10 2.74 Perceptions by Alma alumni are genu- Business and commerce 3.22 3.25 inely consistent with non-alumni, though Local communities 3.37 3.05 Alma alumni perceive leadership as being Religion and spirituality 3.59 3.46 of somewhat higher quality in each of the K-12 education 3.72 3.24 domains. Health care 3.97 3.66 “The poor response to K-12 education, Politics and public affairs 4.11 4.06 ______health care and politics suggests less confidence in the leadership of those areas Source: EPIC-MRA. Statistically significant differences shown in boldface. that we entrust to the government: Our children’s education, our citizen’s health and the governance of our country,” says Leipzig. Many respondents were critical of reli- gious leadership. Fifty percent described religious leadership as “fair” or “poor.” Table 3: Traits of Superior Leaders as Volunteered by Business People and Alma College Alumni, Percent of all Mentions “The nurturing of ethical values is as ______important to leadership development as acquiring knowledge and skills,” says Business Alma College Leipzig. “Confidence in religious leader- ______Trait Men and Women Alumni ship is lacking, but the respondents in the Honesty 11% 10% survey have a higher opinion of leaders in Integrity 9% 8% the community service sector. The moral Intelligence 4% 3% obligation of people giving back their Vision 3% 5% time and resources in service to their com- Compassion 3% 4% munities seems to be resonating well with Good listening skills 3% 3% business people.” Good communication skills 3% 2% What characteristics do superior Morality 3% 2% leaders have? Education 2% 3% Faith/Christianity 2% 2% Of the 65 traits mentioned in all, both ______Alma alumni and non-alumni rank integ- Source: EPIC-MRA. Columns do not sum to 100%. rity and honesty as the salient attributes of leaders, with intelligence and vision also playing a role. Least important are charisma and physical attractiveness.
thistle & pipes Table 4: Traits of Superior Leaders as Volunteered by Business People and Institutes and major speakers Alma College Alumni Mentioning 1-3 Traits, Percent of Respondents Who Mentioned Trait The Center for Responsible Leadership ______sponsored three institutes last summer and hosted Madeleine Albright on Sept. Percent of Respondents 12. Here’s a recap: ______Trait Who Mentioned Trait • Forty-three Alma College students, Honesty 32% the 2007 class of Leadership Fel- Integrity 24% lows, attended the LeaderShape In- Vision 9% stitute at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, Good listening skills 7% New Mexico, June 25 through July Intelligence 7% 1, for an intense immersion experi- Morality 7% ence in leadership development. Compassion 6% The Institute challenges and pre- Fairness 6% Decisiveness 6% pares students to lead with integrity. People skills 5% • Twenty-nine rising seniors attended Ability to lead by example 4% the weeklong Dow Chemical ______Company High School Leadership Source: EPIC-MRA. Does not sum to 100%. Institute, sponsored by Alma Col- lege, July 9-13 on the Alma campus. Attendees, who are high school Five different segments of people “These findings suggest a desire seniors in 2007-08, participated in were identified based on their pre- by many Americans to return the study and practice of leadership ferred leadership styles: to the core values of individual character and compassion to- through workshops, case analysis • more than one-third (36 per- and experiential activities. cent) value a visionary people- ward others that Americans person have relied on during other • Forty-four students, the 2006 class tough times in our country’s his- of Leadership Fellows, attended the • about one-fourth (24 percent) tory,” says Leipzig. “These traits International Leadership Institute value a physically attractive of character and compassion are at Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, visionary really about ‘thinking beyond England, from Aug. 1-11 (photos • about one-fifth (19 percent) self’ — some might say that our below). The Wroxton Centre for value a clear thinker country has become self-indul- Global Dialogue’s faculty and guest gent — and about a positive speakers provided programming on • about one-fifth (also 19 percent) can-do attitude, a confidence value a can-do team player European topics, including the Euro- which some say our country is pean Union, the UK automotive and • a small group (one percent) rapidly losing.” chemical industries, environmental values a physically attractive More information about charismatic person issues, industrial relations and na- the findings of the National tional politics. “Americans are longing for leaders of Survey on Leadership can be character — self-disciplined, honest found online at
thistle & pipes Dana Professor studies dinosaur ancestor
Faculty biologist David Clark spent a portion of his 2007 win- ter sabbatical on a remote island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean near New Zealand studying the lizard-like tuatara. “Tuatara are easy to work with,” he says. “The island we visited was restricted to researchers, and there are 30,000 to 50,000 tuatara on the island — they are everywhere. Tuatara is a reptile that looks like a lizard but is not a lizard. It is an ancestor of the dinosaurs.” Clark studied the behavior of tuatara using computer play- back of animated versions of tuatara. He presented video im- ages of a male tuatara invading the territory of another male tuatara and observed their reactions, particularly when the invading tuatara began courting a female. “It worked like gangbusters,” he says. “The tuatara puffed up big and literally slammed themselves into the computer monitors to protect their turf.” Clark was announced as the Charles A. Dana Professor of Biology during commence- ment last April. The Dana Professorship is one of the highest awards bestowed upon a faculty member at Alma College. In addition to Clark, other Dana Professors are John Davis, Scott Messing, Bill Palmer, Carol Slater and Ute Stargardt. — Mike Silverthorn
10 thistle & pipes Common Table addresses global rural concerns
A new Alma initia- nity sustainability. Recommendations will focus on tive called the Com- how to make rural life, migration and agriculture mon Table Project more humane, says Lorenz. seeks to pioneer “Alma College is ideally suited to host the Common dialogue between Table discussions,” Lorenz says, “because as a liberal rural residents of the arts college, we are structured to bring together Mexican state of Chi- interdisciplinary perspectives needed to fully assess huahua and farmers the options people face.” in Michigan. The first Common Table forum was planned to “Our purpose is to occur in Chihuahua in late August 2007. A forum in provide a forum to bring together farmers and other ru- Michigan later this fall and at least two more in 2008 ral residents in the United States and Mexico to see what will follow. concerns are common, and which are not, and what can be done to address concerns,” says Professor and project Funding for the initial meetings is provided by a organizer Ed Lorenz. grant from the W.K.K. Fund of the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supported by the The Common Table Project will initiate a global per- W.K. Kellogg Foundation as part of a trustee mini- spective on the cultural, economic, environmental, politi- grant program designated by Dottie Johnson, wife cal, social and technological challenges and impacts on of Alma College Trustee Emeritus Mart Johnson. agricultural practices, rural life and the broader commu- — Elizabeth Podufaly ’08
thistle & pipes 11 Gift supports Heritage Center upgrades
Major facility upgrades and equip- “The upgrades that are possible as a ment enhancements to The Oscar result of this generous gift from The E. Remick Heritage Center for the Strosacker Foundation will bring one Performing Arts soon will become of our premiere facilities into the new reality thanks to a $313,000 gift from century — technically, functionally The Charles J. Strosacker Foundation and aesthetically,” says Tracy. in Midland. The gift will be used to fund light- Originally built in 1993, The Heritage ing upgrades in the concert hall and Center is the College’s primary public theatre; a new acoustic shell in the artistic performance venue. The gift concert hall; a new hardwood stage will ensure that the Heritage Center floor in the concert hall; new speaker meets industry standards, thereby clusters in the concert hall and theatre; increasing performance capabilities carpet upgrades in the lobby, concert and enhancing the training of students hall and theatre; a new grand drape in who seek careers in the performing the concert hall and theatre; and seat arts, says Alma College President and aisle light repairs in the concert Saundra Tracy. hall and theatre.
Ottenhoff leaves Alma for new position
After 18 years on the English Department faculty and two as associate provost, John Ottenhoff has taken a new position as vice president of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest in Chicago. At ACM, Ottenhoff will work with faculty programs for the 14 member colleges of the consortium (Beloit, Carleton, the College of the University of Chicago, Coe, Colorado, Cornell, Grinnell, Lake Forest, Knox, Macalester, Law- rence, Monmouth, Ripon and St. Olaf) and help to oversee a dozen off-campus study programs. Dr. Ottenhoff would love to hear from his former students at [email protected] and especially looks forward to the King Lear up- dates from his former Shakespeare and British Survey students.
12 thistle & pipes Jim Levitt
Rhythm Outreach
The Alma College Percussion Ensemble had the distinct privilege of being the only college ensemble ever invited to perform on the main stage at Jazz Port Townsend (Port Townsend, WA) in its 29-year history. The Ensemble was joined by special guest vibraphonist Joe Locke (pictured at left).
“Alma College’s Percussion Ensemble displayed the high level of professional musicianship that we present at the Centrum Jazz Festival. As I knew they would, they made thousands of people feel good and left an indelible impression on all who were in attendance. Not only are they technically proficient, this ensemble plays with SOUL! It was a pleasure to witness their success and acceptance by the Pacific Northwest audiences.” — John Clayton Artistic Director, Centrum Jazz Program Jim Levitt
thistle & pipes 13 14 thistle & pipes Students enrolled in the Spring Term course “Holo- caust Causes and Legacies” conducted by Drs. John Arnold and Holly Liu in Wroclaw, Poland, clean up and restore a Jewish cemetery. In addition to the service component, students learned about the greatest genocide of the 20th century by visiting the Auschwitz concentra- tion camp. Students also visited former centers of Jewish culture, tradition and history in Krakow and Prague, Poland, and Berlin, Germany. Arnold and Alma students have been leading the cleanup efforts since the early 1990s.
thistle & pipes 15 New A.D., new coaches The Scots enter the 2007-08 academic year with a new ath- Folske named baseball coach letic director and several new coaches. Here’s a summary: Judd Folske, assistant baseball coach last year, was promoted to Leister named athletic director the head job following Leister’s appointment John Leister, a member of the coaching staff since as athletic director. 1994, was named the College’s permanent full-time Folske is a veteran athletic director in June. In addition to his A.D. du- baseball man, with ties, he continues to serve as offensive coordinator for previous head coach- the football team. In accepting the position, he steps ing duties at Ferris down as the Scots’ head baseball coach after 11 sea- State University and sons. One of his first assignments was filling several Central Michigan coaching vacancies. University. He also “We want to fill the Alma College Athletic Depart- serves as an assistant ment with coaches who work hard and together to director of athletics bring Alma College athletics to the next level and to and is a go-to-guy for the everyday problems that arise the top of the MIAA,” says Leister. within the department. One can always tell when Fol- ske is heading to a baseball game because he walks out of the offices with a smile on his face and announces, Luzynski named volleyball coach “I’ll see you tomorrow; I’m heading to heaven.” Cheyenne Luzynski takes over the volleyball program after serving Aldrich named track/cross country coach a number of roles last year. She One of Leister’s first decisions was to hire a new full- directed the Stone Recreation time cross country and track and field head coach. Center in 2006-07 while coach- Long-time high school coach Gordon Aldrich has led ing both the men’s junior var- teams to state championships at every school he has sity basketball team and the coached. Aldrich earned his undergraduate degree from junior varsity volleyball team. Michigan State University and his M.A. in education In addition to her volleyball administration from CMU. The first change Aldrich coaching responsibilities, made as head coach was to add the NCAA Division III Luzynski was named as- Championship date to the cross country schedule. sistant director of athletics, making her the Ath- Kohtala resigns as basketball coach letic Department’s senior Ed Kohtala resigned as head men’s basketball coach woman administrator. after six seasons in June to take an assistant coaching She comes to Alma position with Division I University of Missouri-Kansas from Central Michigan City. The hiring of a new coach, following a national University, where she was captain and search, was anticipated in September. coach of the CMU club volleyball team. — Josh Ernst ’06
great scots 16 highland games h o m e c o m i ng 2007
Visit www.alma.edu to learn more about this year’s schedule of events, lodging information and more.
highland games 17 The difference maker Successful entrepreneur teaches life lessons to kids through sports
ages 5 to 18 and unlimited opportu- — the last athlete from Alma to nities to play. compete in three different sports for “We have two gymnasiums, two all four years of college. He played soccer fields, a baseball field and a on six championship teams — three football field,” he says. “We coach in wrestling and three in baseball. these kids every day. They all win Five of those teams have been in- because we have great coaches. Our ducted in to the Alma College Hall soccer teams have won 13 of the last of Fame — three in wrestling, two 14 state titles. Our girls’ basketball in baseball, the most for any athlete players all received Division 1 schol- in Alma history. arships. We outwork everybody and “I care a lot about Alma College,” he Greg Hatcher ’83 is a businessman, give the kids the very best facilities. says. “Just like the Bluebirds, there pure and simple. That’s my passion.” are two or three things that stand He was a coach well before he ever out about Alma: the right people, the He built his own company — The right facilities, and the right student- Hatcher Agency — from scratch had his own kids, who now range in age from 6 to 17. “My proudest days athletes. Having the right people and into the largest health insurance facilities attract the right students. agency in Arkansas in just three are yet to come,” he says. “I have a years. He is a past president of the lot of fun coaching kids.” “Sports brings a campus together. Little Rock Rotary Club, the eighth Hatcher describes his passion for If you don’t have a football team, largest Rotary in the world with 500 coaching in the pages of his most you lose that community, which is members. He is a Chartered Life recent book, titled Every Game Is especially important for a school Underwriter (CLU) and a Char- Won or Lost Between the Ears: How like Alma, where 30 to 40 percent tered Financial Consultant (ChFC). to Think Like a Champion (2006), of the students want to play a He has written a book about his phi- which provides anecdotes and tips sport,” he says. losophy of business success: 55 Steps for helping kids become better Hatcher returns to campus in to Outrageous Service (1999). competitors. September 2007 when he will be But his greatest passion is coach- “The Mighty Bluebird Organiza- inducted into the Athletic Hall of ing kids. tion has given the kids of Arkansas Fame. (For information about the new opportunities the results of Hall of Fame induction ceremony “I have taken off work everyday at on Sept. 29, call (989) 463-7279). 3:30 p.m. for at least 12 years to go to which we will be seeing for years practice,” says Hatcher, who coaches to come,” writes former coach and “I’m always talking about Alma youth football, baseball, basketball, University of Arkansas Athletic College and the Scots to people in soccer and wrestling in Little Rock, Director Frank Broyles. Little Rock,” says Hatcher, who Ark. “I practice from 4 to 6 p.m. so graduated from Alma with a Pro- gram of Emphasis in public relations. kids can be home for dinner with A Hall of Fame career their families.” “The Hall of Fame is a great honor. Hatcher’s devotion to sports and the Bruce Dickey coached me in all three To further engage his passion for life lessons that are gained from ath- sports. I enjoyed practice as much as coaching, he created “The Mighty letic participation dates back to his the games. It’s the thrill of climbing Bluebirds,” a 501c non-profit organi- Alma College years. He played soc- the mountain, not just being on top zation with sports facilities for youth cer, wrestling and baseball at Alma of the mountain.
18 great scots “I just happened to be at Alma ning an insurance agency, Hatcher “We offered to buy wrestling mats College at the very best time to be devotes time to his community. He for the first 20 schools to start wres- a wrestler and baseball player,” he has served on several community tling programs,” he says. “Eighteen says. “Those were the very best boards and foundations. He was came through. We have raised the teams. I learned so much about chair of the inaugural Little Rock money for five of the 18 mats so far. hard work and relationships. When Marathon, started in 2003 and We started last October, and began I think back to the Alma years which now attracts runners from 50 having meets in November. The sup- with Coach Dickey and Coach Bill states and 15 countries. port nationwide was unbelievable.” Klenk, I don’t remember the wins as He also chairs the Broyles Award, Hatcher maintains his ties to his much as the one-on-one talks about which recognizes the top assistant alma mater by serving on the anything and everything.” football coach in the country. President’s Advisory Council. He Most recently he founded the Ar- also is a member of a College com- Outrageous service guides kansas Wrestling Association and mittee overseeing plans to renovate business serves as commissioner. His efforts and build an addition to the Hogan Physical Education Center. Hatcher’s business continues to to launch wrestling as a varsity sport thrive with its focus on “outrageous in Arkansas resulted in a positive — Mike Silverthorn service” to customers. vote by the Arkansas Activities Board of Directors in June 2007 to Only three years after creating The sanction wrestling for the 2008-09 Hatcher Agency, it was named Ar- school year. kansas’ “Small Business of the Year” by Arkansas Business newspaper. He is the only agent in Arkansas to be awarded the Golden Eagle Award seven consecutive years, which rec- Equipping kids for life ognizes the top insurance producers in the United States. “Examples of what ‘outrageous “People often ask me why I spend so much time coaching all of my service’ is happens on a daily basis kids’ sports teams. I have five children, four girls and a boy, and I at The Hatcher Agency,” he writes in his book, Outrageous Service. “A have coached every single one of their sports teams and will continue customer calls the agency and asks until they reach the junior high and high school level. In the end I for a supply of claim forms. The cus- believe that the time spent coaching them is the most important thing tomer expects us to mail the forms to be received in a couple of days. I can give them. I certainly care about school and their getting good Our customer representative says, grades, but anybody that knows me knows that I believe what I can ‘We will be happy to get you some extra claim forms,’ and a courier teach them in sports is the difference maker later in life. I believe if I is dispatched to deliver the forms, can help them be a success in sports — especially the mental side of it along with a bag of gourmet cookies, where they learn how to do the little extras and pay more of a sacrifice, that afternoon. have more discipline, and deal with the synergies of a team and the “Service is only outrageous when it is part of company policy,” he writes. destructive things that can occur within a team such as jealousy, poli- “The CEO or any other executive tics and other things that are often unfair — they will be much better in a company cannot deliver ‘outra- equipped for life after school and sports.” geous service’ unless every employee understands the concept and prac- — Greg Hatcher tices it consistently.” Excerpt from the forward of Between the Ears In addition to being a husband and father, coaching kids and run-
great scots 19 Take time to stop and smell the roses Moments with Millie describes a caregiver’s struggles with Alzheimer’s disease
Michael ’62 and Millie through in our moments together. She had an integrity Howe Pritchard ’62 first that never wavered — a no-nonsense approach to life that I met at Alma College in appreciated. She was never conniving or manipulative, but 1958. They fell in love, she would tell you what she thought.” married, raised children, In the first chapter of the book, Michael describes how he worked hard at their met Millie on a blind date when both were freshmen at professions and enjoyed Alma. They graduated together in 1962 and were married more than 40 years of in the Alma chapel a week after commencement. Millie marriage. was a Spanish major who also had an interest in journalism Millie, however, no longer remem- and was editor of The Almanian. She taught school, worked bers any of that. She is a victim of Alzheimer’s in public relations and later became a librarian after achiev- disease, a dementia that steals one’s past and future. For ing a master’s degree. those with Alzheimer’s disease, there is only the present “Alma was a wonderful growing up period for me, socially moment, which is quickly forgotten. and intellectually,” says Michael. “I discovered philosophy As Michael witnessed Millie’s slow departure from her was something I really loved. I started taking classes from past, he struggled to find meaningful moments with her Wes Dykstra and Charlie Ping. Socially, I met Millie there — moments they could share and enjoy together. and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love. I look at my He writes about his struggles in Moments with Millie: A Alma experience as really pivotal as it gave me a sense of Memory Walk (2007). He shares his moments with Millie, direction for my life. And Millie was central to this.” who enjoyed daily car rides with Michael — each day a Michael wrote Moments brand new experience for Millie though routine and redun- with Millie with two dant for Michael. audiences in mind. For “It is very much a first-person piece written in a way that friends and loved ones, he hopefully helps others who are struggling with this dis- wanted to capture a flavor ease,” says Michael. “It was written to benefit the caregiver. of Millie and her struggles. It seeks to answer the question: How can you find ways He also wrote it for non- of sharing meaningful moments with someone who can’t acquaintances and people remember them?” who are going through similar struggles. Michael Pritchard has taught at Western Michigan Uni- versity since 1968. The Williard A. Brown professor of “I was reminded of the old philosophy and co-director of the Center for the Study of cliché: Stop and smell the Ethics in Society, he has written 10 scholarly books on ethi- roses,” he says. “I reflected cal theory, practical ethics and philosophy for children. on my own life: How much do I think about my past His newest book, though, is his most personal. and future but forget about “What was most difficult in writing this book was trying to the moment? With Millie, I was connecting with her in find out how to communicate to others the concerns I had,” the moment. That’s something to think about indepen- he says. “I worried about how to put together the notes and dent of any dementia. I’ve learned to take time and smell anecdotes about Millie in a way that made sense. By the time the roses.” I was writing the book, Millie was no longer taking rides. So Michael, who continues to live in Kalamazoo, regularly I was concerned about not losing the vivacity of those mo- visits Millie in a nearby assisted living facility. He recently ments as time went on. I didn’t want to lose those moments. published Phrawg Phables, a children’s story intended to “I also didn’t want to say anything that would demean Mil- help young children better cope with the challenges of lie in the process,” he says. “She was a very bright woman. Alzheimer’s. I wanted to show her brightness and wit, which often came — Mike Silverthorn
20 great scots In search of leaders Alumnus Gary Fenchuk supports leadership development
To Gary Fenchuk “The presence of National Merit Scholars ’68, Alma College authenticates the endorsement of Alma is the natural College as a high quality, relevant insti- place to develop tution,” says Fenchuk. “National Merit leaders for the Scholars also can be an inspiration to other 21st century. students. Their later success in their profes- “By virtue of be- sions will enable them to potentially sup- ing a small liberal port the College long after they graduate.” arts college with Fenchuk developed his commitment so many activi- to giving through his experiences as a ties, clubs and as- student and graduate of Alma College, sociations, Alma particularly through the mentorship of College offers each student far greater oppor- George Gazmararian, the Charles A. tunities than bigger institutions to participate, Dana Professor Emeritus of Business practice and get experience working with Education. Gazmararian taught at Alma Open Windows others and potentially leading others,” says from 1966 until his retirement in 1996. Campaign Fenchuk, a member of the Board of Trustees “While he gave us superior education, he since 1990. also took a personal, one-on-one interest Fenchuk has expressed a tireless commitment in us,” says Fenchuk. “His efforts on my Alma College is in the to the College over the years through his role behalf opened untold opportunities for midst of the $35.25 as a member of the Board of Trustees and me. We’ve been lifelong friends, and I visit through his frequent gifts. He targets his gifts him every time I come back to Alma.” million Open Windows to specific initiatives, including the market- Fenchuk is president and chief execu- Campaign, which focuses ing of the College, the Center for Responsible tive officer of Virginia-based East West on strengthening student Leadership and the recruitment of National Partners, a firm that develops communi- opportunities that Merit Scholars. ties and resorts in Virginia and through- His financial support has enabled the College out the United States. He is the author build on and enhance to sponsor a national survey on leadership to of a book, Timeless Wisdom, a collection classroom learning. The determine public perceptions on the status of of more than 700 inspirational quotes on leadership in America. risk taking, dealing with adversity, loving campaign continues “My enthusiasm for the leadership survey is and serving others, and other topics that to progress, with total two-fold,” he says. “First, it’s a great way to relate to the “art of living.” funds received as of June advertise and distinguish the College as being He describes his attendance at Alma Col- 30, 2007, at $25,424,143, very relevant to students and their leadership lege as a “life-changing experience” that development. Secondly, as a businessman I see helped him reach his potential through which represents 72.1 students coming out of schools without any the mentoring of faculty and out-of-class- percent of the goal. formal training in leadership. We owe it to the room activities. Additional information students and the business world to take a leader- “I feel a sense of gratitude – and obligation about the Campaign ship role in developing superior leaders.” – to support the College so it can sustain its He also has pledged support for the recruit- high quality,” he says. “The distinction of and ways of giving can ment of National Merit Scholarship recipients, Alma over other colleges is its extraordi- be found on the Alma providing full-ride scholarships to National nary commitment to helping students reach College Web site. Merit Scholars who chose to attend Alma. their potential through participation.”
great scots 21 Alma College Distinguished Alumni Award An eye for helping others
Over the past 16 years, Robert ’75 and Sandra Caswell ’76 Foote have changed how thousands of people see the world. Almost every year since 1991, the Footes have traveled to Central America to administer free eye care through Michigan’s chapter of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (VOSH). They and their team prescribe glasses, treat eye infections and perform cataract surgeries. On a few mis- sions, medical ophthalmology and surgeries have been offered. On two occasions, corneas transported from Michigan eye banks were transplanted. The missions usually bring between 14 and 36 people from Michigan to the aid of others. The group is generally a mixture of optometrists, optometry students and sometimes dentists and dental technicians. Occasionally, Alma students have accompanied the husband-wife team on optical missions. Robert and Sandra were biology majors at Alma College. Together they are the 2007 recipients of the Alma College Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor presented to alumni. The award recognizes Alma graduates who have brought distinction to the college through their professions, have set strong examples for others, and have served “Our Alma experience made us not afraid to try new their communities. things,” she says. “This takes will and a lot of hard work. Alma taught us how to be successful, but also that you “Since I asked Sandy to be my lab partner in Larry Wittle’s physiology need to take success and try to make a difference, and class in 1973, we have been partners,” says Robert. “We have been mar- you do that one person at a time. ried for 32 years and continue to function as partners in all that we do.” “Once we brought prosthetic eyes for a young girl from Robert, an optometrist at Traverse City Eye Consultants, and Sandy, a Honduras with diseased eyes,” remembers Sandy. “Her medical technologist at Munson Medical Center, have accompanied or father had thrown her out of the house because she was ‘de- co-directed trips to La Esperanza, Tegucigalpa and Ojojona in Honduras; formed.’ Robert first met the girl in the spring, and we went San Carlos in Mexico; Coya in Peru; and Camanchaj and Urbina in Gua- back in October with the eyes, ready to do the surgery.” temala. In 2000, they also served five Detroit homeless shelters through VOSH International. The Footes also set up a scholarship fund for the girl and her family. She is now 23 years old and lived with the On their trips, Robert handles the set up of the eye clinic, corresponds Footes this past summer to experience U.S. culture and with the area’s hosting group, and handles or supervises the medical pro- better her English. On another occasion, a blind Hon- cedures. Sandy organizes the personnel, hotel accommodations, food and duran lived with them for two weeks while he received gifts for the hosts, social events, in-country interpreters, medical referrals, surgery and recovered. and the eyeglass dispensary. “Person to person involvement. It’s one of Alma’s great- “We go for about two weeks, which consists of about five to seven clinic est strengths, and it really makes a big difference,” says days,” Sandy explains. “We try to see 800 to 1,500 patients, and usually hand Sandy. “You don’t go to war with people you know, like out between 4,000 and 5,000 pairs of reading, prescription and sun glasses.” and respect on a personal level.” In LaEsperanza, Honduras, the mission group works from an eye clinic The Traverse City residences are active in their community. named in Bob’s honor, the Clinica De Oftalmologia Dr. Robert Foote, Club de Leones la Esperanza Honduras. Robert has served as president and outbound exchange officer for the Sutton’s Bay Rotary, president of Mich- “This is a building that is always made available for our use when we are igan’s VOSH chapter, and vice president of VOSH in Honduras to provide vision and now dental care with Dr. Dale Nester International. He has received numerous awards for his ’75,” says Sandy. “It serves as an ongoing eye clinic with the equipment leadership and volunteer work, including the Rotary and glasses we have provided.” International Service Above Self Award, The Traverse Nester, Robert’s roommate and close friend from college, has accompa- City Lions Club Citizen of the Year Award, the Lions nied the optometry team on several occasions to provide dental services to of Michigan Service Foundation Outstanding Service the communities. Award, and Northwestern Michigan Migrant Education Sandy believes that Alma College instilled them with a sense of purpose Outstanding Humanitarian recognition. and responsibility that has made their work successful and meaningful. — Elizabeth Podufaly ’08
22 great scots Alma College Young Alumnus Award Maintaining a persistent curiosity
Beringea, formerly known as GMA Capital, is an international private equity and investment banking firm. Investment bank- ing services range from advising corporate clients on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, to assisting with the establishment of joint ventures and serving as placement agent on private financings. Ahn’s business administration degree has proved useful in his ventures, whether he is advising company transitions, organizing successful events for Alma alumni, or fund raising for community projects and groups in which he participates. When Ahn began school at Alma, it wasn’t a business degree he dreamed of earning but a chemistry degree. “I was pre-med when I came to Alma,” says Ahn. “I thought I might become a doctor or a surgeon.” During his second year, Ahn realized his true calling lay in a dif- ferent field. “I’ve always been interested in business,” he says. “I’ve always liked stocks and, after taking some classes, I found that I happened to like economics a lot.” Ahn credits his many accomplishments and array of involvements to his persisting curiosity to learn and experience new things. While at Alma, Ahn was involved in the Union Board, Student Time is the only thing stopping Christopher Ahn ’98. Congress and the President’s Advisory Board. He also was an ac- tive member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) and the men’s tennis Luckily, the 2007 recipient of Alma College’s Outstand- team, for which he served as team captain his senior year. ing Young Alumnus Award has a lot of time ahead of him to try new things and delve into his interests. “I wanted to get out of my time at Alma College everything I could,” Ahn says. “And you get out what you put in.” While at Alma, Ahn pursued a business administration degree with a focus on finances and economics. He is now Ahn lives by this philosophy still today, as evidence of his range director of investment banking at a firm in Royal Oak. of personal and community commitments. He has started a small business that installs wireless systems. He has joined the Royal The Young Alumnus Award recognizes alumni who Oak Library Board, which he, with various political ambitions of have graduated within the past 10 years and who have his own, says is “a microcosm of city management.” He also judges given faithful service to Alma College and their com- for the Great Lakes Entrepreneur Quest, a contest that awards munities. seed funding to start-up businesses. After Alma, Ahn moved to Connecticut to work for de In addition, Ahn is the treasurer/secretary of the College’s Metro- Visscher, Olson and Allen, a Greenwich-based invest- Detroit Round Table Group, which promotes networking oppor- ment-banking firm that specializes in assisting family- tunities for Detroit-area alumni and current students. owned and closely held businesses. Ahn is married to Kristi Didocha ’98. The couple enjoys spending “I lived in a hotel for the first few weeks and ate a lot of time participating in outdoor sports and activities and playing with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches,” remembers Ahn. their seven-month-old daughter Taylor. “I spent some time thinking, ‘What did I get myself into?’ But it turned out to be a tremendous experience and a great job.” — Elizabeth Podufaly ’08 Ahn stayed with the firm in Greenwich for two years before he returned to Michigan. He now works for Beringea as director of investment banking.
great scots 23 Alma College Smith Distinguished Service Award Arbury’s bliss: Cooking, catering, collecting
Food for thought. We’ve heard it, we’ve said it, but for Roger Arbury ’62, the phrase is more than idiomatic, it’s literal. Arbury spends half of his year in Naples, Florida, running one of the area’s most successful catering services. You’ve Got It Coming catering, owned and operated by Arbury and friend Victor Kenyon, has gained popularity and many satisfied custom- ers, having grown from 40 parties catered the first year to an average 200 parties annually. “It’s my bliss,” says the 2007 recipient of the Smith Distinguished Service Award about his job. “The work I do is more for fun than profit.” Arbury hasn’t forgotten the college that taught him the lessons and pro- vided the experiences that helped develop his interests and strengthen his skills. He learned and contributed leadership qualities as sophomore and junior class president, an Inter Fraternity Council (IFC) member, and Delta Tau Gamma, now SAE, brother. He also learned at Alma what has now become an essential skill for him: cooking. “I was a breakfast cook for one of the halls,” he says. “It was definitely an important role for me. Who knows, maybe everything I do now started back at Alma making breakfast.” “They were new when I got them, but now they are When he came to college, however, Arbury wasn’t planning for a catering antiques,” he laughs. career. Rather, having a fondness for learning about and working with Arbury stays in Naples for half of the year and in Hol- people, he thought of pursuing a teaching career with his history major land, Mich., for the other half, and he is active in both and economics minor. communities. In addition to leading the alumni chapter “I always scored high on the math portions of different tests, but it never in Naples, he has served as president and board mem- interested me as much as history,” he says about his program choices. “I ber of Unity Church. He is also on the board of Oxbow liked studying about people throughout time. I liked things with people School of Art, a top summer art camp, in Saugatuck, involved. I still do.” Mich., and contributes his time and resources to a num- Arbury shows his appreciation and commitment to the college by orga- ber of charities. nizing and participating in meetings for alumni in the Naples area. “I don’t really think about retiring because I am follow- “Alma was and is such an important part of my life,” says Arbury. “I hope ing my bliss,” Arbury says. “And when I finally do, I’m to stay active with the college for a long time. I really like alumni groups not just going to sit around. There are lots of things for because I can keep in touch with the College and my friends.” me to do out there in the world. It’s my goal to travel somewhere south of the equator and do more in-depth Arbury’s involvement often takes a most delicious and festive form, as he work with the groups I’m involved in during that extra donates his catering services to College and alumni events. In the upcom- time I’ll finally have.” ing year, he plans to donate a catered reception for the choir during one of its concert tours. Arbury also has some helpful advice at hand. When he isn’t working or spending time with alumni organizations, “You can find success and happiness by following your Arbury enjoys attending and supporting Detroit Boat Club, his former bliss,” he says. “Make what you do in your life because rowing team, events. He also enjoys photography, golfing, biking and you love doing it. Throw your whole heart into what- old cars. ever you decide to do.” “I’ve kind of gotten into collecting old cars,” says Arbury, who has a ’55 Ford station wagon and a ’65 Pontiac station wagon. — Elizabeth Podufaly ’08
24 great scots George Hebert Lifetime Service Award ‘When people work together... marvelous things can happen’
Bob Eldridge ’71 is a man whose smile, enthusiasm and “Always in the back of your mind, you want to go back to your devotion to Alma College have strengthened the morale alma mater and serve it in any way you can,” says Eldridge. “I’ve of students, alumni and the College community alike. been really fortunate to have had the opportunity and experience.” Formerly alumni director, athletic director and head Eldridge returned to Alma College in 1989 as head basketball basketball coach at Alma College, Eldridge is the 2007 coach and part-time men’s athletic director, becoming full-time recipient of the George Herbert Lifetime Service Award. director of athletics in ’93. Wanting to get more involved with the Since 1961, the Alma College Alumni Association has administration, Eldridge became the alumni director in 1996. presented the Herbert Award to alumni for unusual “Working with alumni for the past 11 years has been the highlight loyalty and service to the College and the association. of my career,” Eldridge exclaims. “I think everyone should be The award was named in memory of the 1920 alumnus alumni director at some time in their life.” whose love of Alma College and work on behalf of the During his time as alumni director, he increased the number institution was an inspiration to alumni. of Tartan Clubs from 12 to 47 nationwide, advised the student- After graduating from Alma College and earning a alumni group Alma Leadership Alliance, which grew to be the master’s degree, Eldridge taught and coached at Kimball largest leadership organization on campus, and enhanced Home- High School, East Jackson High School and Monroe coming from a one-day event to a Friday-to-Sunday celebration High School. In 1982, Eldridge returned to the college of the College. scene as a professor and head men’s basketball coach at Eldridge is particularly proud of his work with the alumni board to Lake Superior State University. construct the College’s current Alumni House. Though he and his family loved Sault Ste. Marie and “I wanted a place for alumni to be able to go and call their own,” the university, Eldridge didn’t hesitate a moment when he says. he was offered the chance to work at Alma College. In less than six months, Eldridge and the Alumni Board raised more than $155,000 for the house’s renovations. The Smith Alumni House, named in honor of Art ’38 and Carra Jones Smith ’42, is available to host meetings and events. Alumni and friends of the College are able to stay overnight in one of three guest rooms. In celebration of the College, there is maroon in every room. “It makes me feel good,” says Eldridge about the house receiving so much financial support and positive responses from alumni. “But I couldn’t have done it by myself. It was the Alumni Board and anybody who had anything to do with the dream of our own house. It didn’t cost the College anything — it was all alumni love and support. “When people work together, doing anything, marvelous things can happen. It’s how we continue to develop the fiercely loyal closeness with one another as well as those unique bonds you can’t find in larger universities that make it special and meaningful to say you’re from Alma College.” Bob and his wife, Pam Chase ’70, first met when they were stu- dents at Alma. They have two children, Erin Simon of Kalamazoo and Scott ’00 of East Lansing, and have been married for 36 years.
— Elizabeth Podufaly ’08
great scots 25 26 great scots A group of 44 Center for Responsible Leadership fellows traveled to Wroxton College in Oxfordshire, England in August. The students pictured here were part of the Environmental and Agriculture group and were on a visit to Chimney Meadows to explore the conservation site. They also looked into other styles of conservation including organic farming and biodiversity. The Oxfordshire area experienced severe flooding the week prior to the students’ arrival.
great scots 27 Speaking with an Accent Alumni notes submissions Birth and wedding announcements Greetings, fellow Scots! Due to space constraints, we are unable to publish The summer has come and gone, wedding or baby photos. We do not publish an- and we are once again welcom- ing a new class of future alumni nouncements of engagements or pregnancies, but to the mix. This is an exciting encourage submissions following the event. time for me as well as everyone Note submissions else here at Alma College. Alumni notes can be submitted online at
28 tartan tidbits alumni notes Annual Delta Sigma Phi reunion attracts many alumni 1938 Art ’38 and Carra Jones ’42 Smith marked their 65th wedding anniversary on As I drove to the annual Alma College Delta Sigma Phi fraternity reunion June 13, 1942. at Hubbard Lake, I wondered if I would recognize people I hadn’t seen for 1944 Mary Catherine Bell Sherovich four decades, receding hairlines and paunches notwithstanding. Would they ’44 and John Sherovich ’45 writes, “Where recognize me? have all the flowers gone — the classmates I anticipated seeing guys smoking cigars and drinking cold ones while playing of 1944-45? John and I are still thriving in poker. When I arrived several guys were talking in the yard outside the game Lake George, NY, the queen of American room; no one smoked, and they drank diet sodas and bottled water. The wives lakes. We have 14 grandchildren and four were inside playing cards and having drinks. great-grandchildren. We retired in 1985, So much for the Animal House image we used to have. John as superintendent of Lake George Schools for 20 years.” I arrived just in time for the Saturday barbecue and quickly learned that the best way to enjoy the reunion is to come for the whole event, from Friday afternoon to Jane Kersten Butters ’54 and 1954 midday Sunday. And that’s what I did this summer on the third weekend in July. Spenceley Butters ’53 write, “Our son Edward, born at Alma College, is now a The host is Lanny Caverly ’67, who has a one-acre, lakefront spread at Hubbard grandfather. Our great-granddaughter Lake in northeastern Michigan (Lower Peninsula). The idea for the reunion came Kylie Butters was born Dec. 6, 2006, in when Caverly, a retired pilot, and John Foster ’67, a judge and member of Alma’s Albuquerque, NM. We had a busy year in Board of Trustees, got together with their wives for a weekend visit in 1998. Florida and attended a Sarasota reunion. “None of us had seen each other since graduation,” said Caverly. “We thought, We had a wonderful Mediterranean Sea ‘Let’s have some others come over,’ and the next year we were up to seven people Cruise last summer and visited Bob and and then 17. We’ve been up to 40 and have averaged 32.” Elmere Erikson Sloan in Rogue Bluffs, All the guys were Delt Sigs (now Zeta Sigma) and Alma students in the 1960s, Maine. They live on a bluff overlooking and several married Alma coeds. the ocean, a little bit of heaven on earth!” • Marilyn Gordon Drumm ’54 sold her home The reunion includes campfires by the lake on Friday and Saturday nights, with and, after three months in Florida, moved Wally Waluk entertaining by playing the guitar and singing. Some songs are to Rockford. She had a mini reunion lunch original and include an ode to the Hubbard Lake reunion. with Janie Butters while in Florida. Caverly, who announced his engagement to former Alma student Danise Perrico 1955 Denny Stolz ’55 writes, “No man during the reunion, has room at his home to house all of us, though two couples in Alma College history was more revered bring their own trailers and sleep there. Attendees have come from as far as by his athletes than Lloyd Eaton. His passing Egypt (Bill Pendell) and Brazil (Dave Bailey). Last year Tom Miller came from leaves a hole in the hearts of all who knew California, and this year’s group included John LaRue from Montana, Jim Bristol and Dick Dana from Colorado, Pendell now living in Austin, Tex., and myself and loved him. In my last conversation with from Florida. Michigan residents included Bud Acton, Dave Gierhart, Bill Haas, him, he still talked with warm memories of Tom Mayle, Jim Paris, Ray Moore, Joe Robertson, Ted Rowland, Dave Blanden, those who played for him at Alma.” plus Caverly and Foster. Eugene Pattison ’56 presented a 1956 Previous attendees have included M.J. Bauer, Hugh Breneman, Jon Hawley, Jim paper on the “Culture of the Ohio Frontier, Ogg, Kurt Schultz and Michael Weatherwax. Former basketball coach Wayne From James Fenimore Cooper to Nature Hintz comes by on Saturdays, and former football and baseball coach and director Conservancy: Some Oak Openings in Ohio of athletics Bill Carr attended several times before he died. and Michigan” at the 28th Symposium in Marshall on April 29, 2007. • Richard Wal- There was a surprise treat this year courtesy of Alma. Last winter while cleaning lace ’56 writes, “I really enjoyed our Golden closets at my home in the wake of Hurricane Wilma, I found 16mm films of the Scots’ basketball team in 1962-63 and 1963-64. The latter season was arguably the Thistle class reunion last fall. The College best in school history and was led by Bud Acton, who played in the NBA. Most did a great job!” He played in the Klenk of the players were Delt Sigs. I asked Alma’s Alumni Director Brent Neubecker Open with Dick Humphreys and George if he could have the films converted into a DVD to be shown at the reunion. Not Huyshen in June. only did he make that happen, he delivered it in person, gave updated news on 1957 Chuck Hornbrook ’57 retired in the College and handed out Alma caps, shirts, pens and flags. Four decades or so Florida in 1979. after graduation, Alma and Delta Sigma Phi remain part of our lives. 1959 David Hogberg ’59 enjoys retire- ment but misses teaching from time to — Jim Martz, Class of 1965 time. He has triplet grandchildren, 8, and
tartan tidbits 29 another, who will be 1 in August. E-mail: Riordan ’64 has two daughters and two with SUNY Medical University. • Richard [email protected]. granddaughters. In 1977, she received her Douglass ’68 recently returned from a sec- 1961 Martha Jean Dent Dice ’61 is M.A. in early childhood development from ond Fulbright tour to Ghana where he con- retired after 36 years of teaching Spanish, Manhattanville College. Penelope has been ducted a national study of health services. English and sociology. She has two children an airline hostess for TWA and was the He is planning a new degree program with and two grandchildren and lives one block educational director of Woodland School Ashesi University in Accra. • Tom Traynor from the College campus. • Carol Stamper in Chappaqua, NY, for 20 years. She is an ’68 is EVP of Breehl, Traynor and Zehe, a Ringenwald ’61 retired after 32 years of assistant to the director of the Block Island Cleveland brand development firm, and teaching but still works part-time as a cir- Chamber of Commerce. is one of only 10 certified brand strategists culation manager for Harp Column maga- 1965 Susan Porter-Becker ’65 lives in in the U.S. He also is managing partner zine. She is a harp student of 10 years and Bellingham, WA, and has three grand- of The Brand Establishment, a nationally sings in the New Jersey Master Chorale. children. She tutors for the local literacy recognized brand development company. Tom and his wife, Rosemary, have three 1962 Marilyn Rollins ’62 has been council. She is preparing for her daughter’s wedding in their garden. Her husband is daughters and seven grandchildren and live retired and living in Florida for almost five in Bay Village, OH. years. Last winter she did some school test- retired. Cathy Peck Woodburn ’69 ing for a national testing program. It was 1967 David Bailey ’67 and Aidee have 1969 and “fun being back in the classroom again.” been retired and living in Brazil for 12 her husband Don enjoy living in southeast She loves living near Disney and all the fun years. They have built three houses, walked Kansas where he is president of Coffeyville things in Orlando. • Jim Sorenson ’62 and on the beach every morning, and helped Community College. They welcome visitors. Suzanne Keck ’62 moved from Saginaw their two grandsons with their studies, in- 1970 Karen Burgess ’70 has a daugh- to Marquette in February. “We now live cluding coaching a soccer team. They travel ter-in-law graduating in December from in a charming little home on the shore of three times a year in South America, Eu- Denver School of Nursing. Her only Lake Superior. So far we’ve weathered two rope and the U.S. They recently returned granddaughter attends Montessori school major snowstorms and watched the UP200 from Colombia and Ecuador and will in Denver. Her youngest son, Tim, and his dogsled race go past the front of our place.” be heading to Lake Tahoe next. • Todd girlfriend, Blair, live in Philadelphia where 1963 David Stoller ’63 and Janet Church ’67 has been granted a sabbatical she teaches special education, and he works Lincoln ’64 still practice law in Prescott, for 2008 and intends to spend time at his part-time while attending Temple Uni- AZ. Janet is the Yavapai County Public cabin on Neebish Island in the U.P. and in versity majoring in medical social work. Defender, and David is in private practice. the mountains of Himachal Pradesh. • Tim Lutes ’70 and his wife, Kathleen, • Diana Vezmar-Bailey ’63 retired and 1968 Bruce Bean ’68 and his wife, Jan, were present for the birth of their second moved to the Pacific Northwest where she recently completed their eighth triennial grandchild, Piper Linda Snow, in England. plans to receive Reiki training and offer Colorado River Grand Canyon rafting They then traveled to Ireland to celebrate. spiritual guidance. trip. Art Bova ’68 joined their group again. “Classmates, come see us in our summer Michael Oelz ’70 Friends interested in our next river running home in Presque Isle.” • 1964 Nancy Berg Howell ’64 and her and Lynda Smith Oelz ’70 are active in two husband have moved to Palmcoast, FL. trip in June 2010 can contact Bruce at trav- [email protected]. He still treats dogs and car clubs and still drive the 1969 MGB that Nancy is heavily involved with the Flagler Tom cats in Phoenix, AZ. • Mason Cobb ’68 and was on campus their senior year. • Playhouse and Flagler Co. Art League. Schumm ’70 family live in Saigon, Vietnam, and the Se- was honored as a Volunteer She recently played Kate in A. Miller’s All of the Year for the Detroit Metropolitan My Sons and has had paintings in a gallery attle area. They operate a clinic in Vietnam with plans for expansion. He also works YMCA and will be the new chair of its in St. Augustine. • Penelope Maguire Livingston County branch. 1972 Shirley Dowen Good ’72 retired Feb. 1 from Huntington Bank. She and her husband, Richard, celebrated by going on a six-week vacation to Australia and Hawaii. Family doctor honored in Idaho They now live in Grand Haven and plan to Andrew Jones ’78 was awarded the Idaho Family Physician of the spend more time with their four grandchil- Year Award by the Idaho Academy of Family Physicians. dren, ages 11, 9, 4 and 2. • Kathryn Allen Jones is a family doctor with St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics in Heriford ’72 received a promotion in August Cottonwood, Idaho, joining the staff in 1989. 2006 from field sales engineer to vice presi- dent of sales-eastern region for Teleco Inc. of “Dr. Jones cares very deeply about his patents,” said Casey Meza, Greenville, SC. She still resides in Hartwell, CEO of St. Mary’s and Clearwater Valley hospitals in an article in GA. E-mail: [email protected]. the Cottonwood Chronicle. “He has excellent rapport with them, 1973 Amy Bossie ’73 has started a new and they appreciate not only his experience and knowledge, but his business making competition and practice passion and concern for their welfare.” outfits for ice skaters, several of which were worn at the 2006 Junior Nationals.
30 tartan tidbits principal at West Point Elementary School, located on the grounds of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. She is thrilled to be in the same time zone as her family. • Sha- ron Gyorkey Hutchison ’75 teaches general and physical chemistry at the University of Idaho. Her husband, Fred, is the director of environmental health and safety at the university. They have been married for 25 years and have a son, Kevin, who is a junior in high school. • Penny McElroy ’75 is pro- fessor of art at the University of Redlands in Californa. She was awarded the Outstand- ing Faculty Award for Research/Creative Activity in May 2007. • Cheryl McCarty Pell ’75 was recently inducted into the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. Pell has been the director of Michigan Interscholastic Press Association since 1987 and is on the faculty of the School of Journalism at Michigan State University. • Jennifer Thebo ’75 is manager for the Laboratory and Respiratory Therapy departments at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. In her spare time, she referees high school and college basketball and enjoys her two sons and three grandsons. 1976 Antonio Sims ’76 is still single and Have you ever spotted a fellow alumnus at the airport, a sporting living in West Los Angeles, CA. event or just out and about? 1977 Dale Hutchinson ’77 is a professor It’s a great feeling to see the Maroon and Cream and know there’s at UNC Chapel Hill in the department of another Scot in the midst! Next time you “Spot-a-Scot” proudly anthropology, where he relocated after 10 wearing Alma College gear, get their name, address and grad year. years at East Carolina University. His third Submit the information on the online form at:
tartan tidbits 31 Rockford. He also has been active with the Bonsai Club of West Michigan, chairing their shows at Meijer Gardens for the past DIA purchases art from Alma graduate two years. Elise teaches religion and theol- ogy at Muskegon Catholic High School. The Detroit Institute of Art recently purchased a work of art from Susan E-mail: [email protected]. • Matthew Goethel Campbell ’79. Vicari ’87 was elected vice president of the The artwork, titled Hub, is a mixed media book on magnetic sheeting Grand Rapids Bar Association for 2007- consisting of 11 split, double-page images of a building’s demise from the 08. He is an attorney for Miller Johnson in moment the explosives are detonated through its obliteration by a great Grand Rapids. dust cloud, and to its eventual emergence as a pile of rubble, according to 1988 Jim Fletcher ’88 and wife, Jodi, the DIA member newsletter. have two sons, James, 7, and Jonathan, born in March. In 2000, he received a master’s degree from Walsh College in accounting. They live in West Bloomfield with their beagle, Owen. E-mail: JFletchers@comcast. bry-Riddle Aeronautical University. She for her 25th reunion and hopes to see many net. • Anna Manko ’88 has spent the last 10 previously was director of advising, enroll- familiar faces there. years traveling to Ukraine with UCARE, Bar- Inc. focusing on Ukrainian orphans. She ment and recruitment for ERAU. • 1983 David Powers ’83 was appointed bara Allen DeNutte ’79 is in her 25th year has been a customer service project manag- by the International Joint Commission to er for nine years at DaimlerChrysler Finan- teaching in the Merrimack (NH) school its Public Interest Advisory Group to the district. Her daughter, Megan, is a sopho- cial Services, currently focusing on IVR/ International Upper Great Lakes Study. Web Strategy. E-mail: mankoa@hotmail. more at the University of New Hampshire Powers is vice president for the nonprofit and her son, Tyler, is a freshman in high com. • Kim Griffith Nelson ’88 and Jim Save Our Shoreline, which is committed to Nelson ’88 reside in the Seattle area with school. Her husband of 23 years, Peter, is the preservation of beaches and waterfront the assistant director of New Hampshire’s their children, Shane, 4, and Samantha, 2. areas. He is a partner in the law firm of Kim is CFO of Union Bay Sportswear. Jim Emergency Management/E911. E-mail: Smith, Martin, Powers & Knier, P.C. in Bay [email protected]. manages clinical research at the University City. of Washington. • Phil Pattengale ’88 and Kathi Higgins Rito ’80 1980 writes, 1984 Anne Sargent Sleeman ’84 has Carmen announce the Oct. 28, 2006, birth Justin ’08 “Our son, , will be the Alma been appointed papers series editor for the of their son, Connor Nathaniel Pattengale. College Kiltie Band drum major this year. Association for Library Collections and Siblings Mike and Chris are thrilled with Come see the football team and stay for an Technical Services of the American Library their new little brother. The Pattengales Suzie Palmer We- amazing band show.” • Association. • Craig Turner ’84 com- celebrated their second anniversary July 8. ber ’80 writes, “Busy year — we’re empty pleted his 14th year as a college professor at E-mail: [email protected]. nesters. Both boys are at the University of Georgia College in Milledgeville. For the 1989 John Bonandrini ’89 accepted the Arizona. Palmer Ford Mercury in Chelsea past three years, he has been on the shared celebrated its 95th anniversary April 15th. position of director of information technol- governance leadership team on the steering ogy with the Sebaly Shillito & Dyer law My dad has been diagnosed with dementia, committee of his University Senate. “The though fortunately they live next door.” firm in Dayton, OH. “Hello to all Sigma beauty of being a college professor is the Chi brothers and sisters!” E-mail: yetibon@ 1981 Susan Freshaw Sickelka ’81 is flex-time schedule, as professors get to hotmail.com. • Heather Hall ’89, profes- thrilled that her son, Anthony, will be a choose which 18 hours of the day we work sor of kinesiology at Elmhurst College, has freshman at Alma this fall. • Neil Tuomi (okay, this is only a slight exaggeration—it’s been named associate dean of the faculty, ’81 is a physical education and mathematics only 16 hours some days).” E-mail: craig. effective July 1. She will be responsible for teacher at Derby Middle School in Bir- [email protected]. the assessment of the College’s academic mingham. He coaches high school wres- 1986 Bruce Chittick ’86 and his partner, programs, including a review of the general tling at Seaholm and football at Derby. He Russ Kaake, announce the March 22 birth education requirements for graduation at married his wife, Jenni, on March 17. He of Spencer Kaake-Chittick. Bruce is an the four-year, liberal arts college. She has has three children and two stepchildren, M.Div. student at Seattle University and been a member of Elmhurst’s kinesiology Cass, Tobie, Dakota, Jake and Susie. hopes to be ordained in the American faculty since 1993 and also served for a year 1982 Dirk Hyde ’82 was promoted in Baptist tradition in 2009. • Mark Conley ’86 as the college’s director of adult programs April 2006 to president of Crestliner Boats and his wife, Lisa, announce the December, and academic partnerships. Her research in Little Falls, MN. • Linda Ban Sand- 23, 2006, birth of Jett William Conley. has been published in The American Journal bloom ’82 lives in Phoenix, AZ and works of Health Promotion, International Journal for the Superior Court of Maricala County. of Sports Medicine, and the Journal of School She has two daughters, Amanda, 13, and 1987 Elise Graveline Hilton ’87 and Health. She has presented her work at sev- Jenna, 10. Linda is hoping to make the Ed Hilton ’85 have children ages 10 to 15. eral national conferences. • Lauren Marce cross-country trek back to Alma College Ed works at Grand Rapids Controls in ’89 and her husband, Brad Hubert, a 1989
32 tartan tidbits Hillsdale graduate, have two boys, John, head next to South Bend, IN. By no means 1993 Judy Kirkwood Florido ’93 an- 3, and Bobby, 1. She teaches high school are these 13.1 mile journeys easy, but after nounces the birth of their fourth child, science and volunteers with Junior League. running 22 now, they are a little bit easier Christian Thomas. He now joins siblings Brad is working on his MBA at ASU to go and MUCH more fun than full marathons. Brendan, 9, Griffin, 6, and Bridget, 4. into management consulting and chairs a Look for me in your city soon.” E-mail: Judy’s Ob/Gyn practice is thriving. “Life is YMCA board. [email protected]. nice and busy. Miss all my AZD friends.” 1990 Susan Garvey Baker ’90 and her 1992 Rose Marie Fabrizio Brook ’92 is E-mail: [email protected]. • K. husband, Troy, announce the June 28, 2007, a managing partner at Fabrizio & Brook, Stephen Lauer ’93 and his wife announce arrival of Claire Elizabeth. Claire joins PC in Troy. She recently moved to West the August birth of their son, Alexander big brother, Aidan, 2. • Kris Giles ’90 and Bloomfield with her three children, ages 7, Jacob Lauer. Stephen is a product launch Christine Johnson ’96 both work at Okla- 4 and 3. • Steven Gardner ’92 was promoted engineer at a precision metal stamping homa State University. Kris is associate to associate professor of modern languages company in Holland. He also partners in professor with tenure in the department of at Illinois College. • Patti Westphal Hogan a small construction company that builds entomology and plant pathology. Chris- ’92 is a senior financial analyst with General custom spec houses in the Saugatuck area. tine is an associate dean for research and Motors. She and her husband, Dion, have He spends a few weekends playing with graduate studies and associate professor three children, Justin, Mallory, and Drake. his band. E-mail: [email protected]. • with tenure in the department of human E-mail: [email protected]. • Kendra Victor Lebedovych ’93 opened his surgical development and family science. Bunge Newton ’92 announces the May 16, practice, Foothills Oral & Facial Surgery, in Simpsonville, SC, in January 2007. See 1991 James Chinery ’91 is a pastor at 2007, birth of daughter Sarah Ann. She joins www.foothillsofs.com. First Lutheran Church in Iron Mountain. big brother John Michael, 5. E-mail: kend- Thuy To-Richard- • Ann Mora Ramos ’91 writes, “June [email protected]. • 1994 Leah Coleman ’94 lives in Portage son ’92 2007 will mark three years for me liv- married Rodney Richardson in 2001. and teaches deaf and hard-of-hearing ing in Nashville, TN. It took a while, They have two children, Connor, 4, and students. She loves to travel in and outside but now I am really enjoying life here. I Samantha, 3. Thuy just finished her MBA in of the United States. She would love to hear continue working as a massage therapist internal business last fall and is looking for a from old friends. E-mail: lcolem72@yahoo. and volunteering at the local Humane job in logistics management. She works for com. • Noreen Lyall Marando ’94 still Society. We have now completed 13 states the Coca-Cola company. The Richardsons lives in the Chicago area. Charlie Marando on our 50+DC half marathon quest. We live in Vicksburg. Call or e-mail at (269) 649- joined big sister Margaret, 5, on May 10, recently completed Atlanta, GA, and will 5683 or [email protected]. 2006. • Michael Shehab ’94 lives with his wife, Jessica, and their two sons, Matthew, 2, and Jason, 3 months, in Sterling Heights. He is a partner at Deloitte & Touche. “We are enjoying following the Tigers’ success this year. Hello to all my TKE broth- ers! Please reach out and say hi.” E-mail: Do you know the next great Scot? [email protected]. • Heather May We’ve all met that great high school student who we immediately Stommen ’94 and her husband, Patrick, think would be a great addition to Alma College. Maybe it’s your announce the Dec. 22, 2006 birth of their neighbor, someone you go to church with, your best friend’s cousin or daughter, Sarah Kathryn. your nephew! 1995 Nicole Perdue ’95 and Holly Bishop ’92 announce the Dec. 8, 2005, Whoever it is, make sure the Admissions Office knows about them. By birth of their son, Elijah Jameson. He completing the form at:
tartan tidbits 33 leave from teaching to be home with her boys, ages 6, 4, and 1. E-mail: kerrikrafft@ hotmail.com. • Bonnie Palmer ’96 started a new job doing Web design in Ann Arbor. “Hello to my KI’s! Please keep in touch.” E-mail: [email protected]. • Josh Sellers ’96 and Heather announce the Feb. 20, 2007, birth of their first child, a son named Cameron Paul. Cam weighed 7 lbs., 13 ozs. and measured 20 inches. “Mom and Dad couldn’t be more proud of their future Alma Scot.” • Catherine Stuckey ’96 is married to a German citizen and lives in Heidelberg, Germany. Their son, Logan, was born February 1. E-mail: catstuckey@ hotmail.com. • Lauren Heystek Tochacek ’96 and Martin announce the January birth of their first baby, Klara Marie. 1997 David Bartley ’97 obtained his Ph.D. in medicinal chemistry from the Uni- versity of Michigan in 2004, moved to Johns Hopkins University for a post-doctorate and more recently moved back to Michigan to accept his first faculty position at the Uni- versity of Detroit Mercy. E-mail: bartledm@ udmercy.edu. • Tonya Bussema ’97 is moving again somewhere in the Coldwa- ter/Sturgis/Vicksburg/Schoolcraft area. Her husband, Chris, accepted a new position at a foot and ankle practice in Sturgis. “I’m super busy with two kids, 3 and 2, and my photog- raphy business.” See www.tonyamariepho- tography.com. • Kristen Kaiser Dankert ’97 and Tom announce the Dec. 3, 2006, birth of their first child, Lucas, weighing 9 lbs. 6 ozs. They are happy in their new home in Livonia. • Staci Hill McKeon ’97 and Mark announce the June 8 birth of their second daughter, Annabelle Patrice weighing 9 lbs., 6 ozs. at 22 in. Big sister, Moira, is 2. Staci is taking the summer off from her job as an acute care physician. They built their house in Dubuque, IA, and moved in August 2006. • Chad Milletics ’97 and Mary Ann an- nounce the April 16 birth of their daughter, Maya Annelise. Mother and daughter are both healthy and doing fine. • Judy Marcus Darryl Schimeck ’82 and Will Wallgren ’82 completed a successful climb to the summit of Washington’s Opalek ’97 and David Opalek ’96 announce Mount Rainier (14,414 feet) on July 6, along with Darryl’s son, Peter, 17. This was the second time on the summit for Darryl and Will, first for Peter. (Top photo, from left: Darryl and Will; bottom photo, from left: the May 16, 2007, birth of a son, Alexander Will, Darryl and Peter.) David. Big sister Ellie will be two-years-old in June. “All is good in Ohio. Friends, keep in touch!” • Eric Walton ’97 and Kristine deGuia ’96 announce the March 21, 2007, 1998 Holly Bailey ’98 and Will Deeds research, and he is beginning a Master’s birth of their second son, Cayden deGuia ’97 announce the adoption of their first of Library Science degree program. Jane Walton. He joins older brother Lucien, 3. child, Elizabeth Kassandra, born April 14, completed her Ph.D. in evolution, ecol- Eric is working on his master’s degree at 2007. They enjoy being first time parents. • ogy and population biology at Washington Wayne State in special education. Kristine is Neil Hunt ’98 and Jane Kenney-Hunt ’99 University. E-mail: kenneyhunt@biol. an R.N. at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit. live in South Carolina, where she is doing sc.edu or [email protected]. • Cindy Miller ’98 is buying a house and starting a
34 tartan tidbits Ph.D. program in counselor education at the University of Virginia this fall. E-mail: [email protected]. • Douglas Potter ’98 and Kelley Butler Potter ’02 moved Denison names Alma graduate as provost to Waterford. Doug has changed jobs to Bradley Bateman ’79 was named provost and chief academic officer associate director of admissions at Eastern at Denison University (Ohio) earlier this year. He was formerly Michigan University. associate dean and the Gertrude B. Austin Professor of Economics at 1999 Melissa Heist Gibbons ’99 and her Grinnell College in Iowa. husband, Jim, announce the March 26 birth of Sarah Jo. Sarah joins three-year-old twins, “Brad is an outstanding find for Denison,” said Denison President Hannah and Emma, and five-year-old lab, Dale Knobel. “He has had a distinguished career in teaching and Merlot. Melissa still lives and teaches in scholarship at Grinnell...He combines experience as a teacher-scholar Oxford. E-mail: melissajgibbons@hotmail. ...with proven administrative achievement.” com. • Maggie Czachor Guarensimo ’99 Bateman has an international reputation as a student of the economic announces the Sept. 26, 2006, birth of a thought of John Maynard Keynes and is author of Keynes’ Uncertain second boy, Vincent Anthony. Big brother, Revolution and co-editor of two additional books: Cambridge David, is doing great. • Matt Hudson ’99 Companion to Keynes (with Roger E. Backhouse) and Keynes and and Amy Mathewson Hudson ’99 announce Philosophy: Essays on the Origin of Keynes’s Thought (with J.B. Davis). the April 4, 2007, birth of their son, Hunter His essays have appeared in many scholarly journals. Aiden. They continue to be amazed by him everyday. They live in Gobles. 2000 Erin Hufnagel DeSmyter ’00 and her husband, Mike, announce the April 7, 2007, birth of their daughter, Madison Leigh. Erin teaches seventh- and eighth- grade social studies in Grand Rapids. • coordinator in the Office of Admissions 2003 Dawna Anderson ’03 and her Michael Wenzel ’00 and Nicole DeFrance and Orientation at Oakland University. fiancé, Michael Steelman, live in DC • ’01 announce the April 29 birth of their • Jessica Kotas Eng ’02 married Dreek Betsy Richards ’03 changed jobs recently son Lukas Michael. Lukas joins big sister, Eng from CMU on Oct. 13, 2006. Many to Epsilon, an e-mail marketing company, Sophia Grace born April 8, 2005, at home Alma alumni attended. They live in Metro as an account executive working with in Shelby Township. Detroit. E-mail: [email protected]. General Motors. 2001 Keleigh Osborn Lee ’01 and • Matthew Friar ’02 and his wife, Heather 2004 Ryan Healey ’04 and Rachel Edge Jeremiah Lee ’00 are thriving with their Monroe, announce the birth of their third Healey ’02 announce the April 11 birth of growing family in Ann Arbor’s cohous- child, Jackson E. Friar. Their five-year-old their son, Luke Bower Healey. • Darby ing community (touchstonecohousing.org). daughter Brenna and one-year-old son Max Kennerly ’04 has received her master’s de- Marion is three-years-old, and Henry is and entire extended family are as happy gree in theatre and is moving to Chicago to almost two. Keleigh intends to change jobs as the parents. • Julie Harris ’02 lives in pursue a career in acting. • Kristen Kuzak soon and has a pregnancy henna side busi- Lakeland, FL. She finished her first year of ’04 teaches first grade in Windsor, Ontario. ness at bellybeautifulhenna.com. Jeremiah teaching and can’t wait to enjoy the sum- has been a stay-at-home father for more mer. • Dana Moats ’02 and Geoffrey Kent 2005 Jennifer Washburn Harning than two years. • Megan Thurber New- Wyatt, both of Juneau, AK, were married ’05 was married June 3, 2006, to Thomas man ’01 married Jeremy Newman in June in Juneau, June 9, 2007. She is a teacher Harning. They live in Fort Wayne, IN. 2007. Michael Thurber ’73, Laura Baker ’01, at Riverbend Elementary School. He is They announce the April 21, 2007 birth of a Kelly Boeneman ’01, Sara Bickler ’01, Laura a teacher at Glacier Valley Elementary girl, Natalie. • Sherri VandenBos Vander- Nelson ’01 and Sara Vaughn ’01 were in School. • Andrew Pomerville ’02 recently Meulen ’05 and her husband, Michael, an- attendance. Megan has been teaching second graduated from Princeton Theological nounce the Dec. 17 birth of their first child, grade west of Chicago for the last six years. Seminary with his Master of Divinity de- Kayla Marie. gree. He has accepted a call to be the pastor She received a Master of Arts degree from 2006 Tiffany Balducci ’06 was awarded for Church in the Hills in Bellaire follow- Aurora University in 2004. “Hello to Alpha the Wayne State University Library and In- ing his ordination on June 24 in Brighton. Gam sisters.” • Aaron Simmons ’01 and formation Science General Scholarship and Rachell Monville Pomerville ’01 is finishing Jana Mapes ’04 announce the Christmas Day is working to complete her MLS Degree. her master’s degree in literacy from Rider birth of their daughter, Angela Rose. Aaron • Andrew Smith ’06 teaches science and University. Their daughter, Denali Rose, is now the head baseball coach at Great coaches softball at Superior High School in celebrates her first birthday on June 14. Lakes Christian College in Delta Township. Mesa, AZ. He coached the softball team to • Lindsay Pryor ’02 married Jeff Yaroch Mindy Booth ’02 completed the Class 1A state championship and was 2002 June 16. She accepted a teaching job in a master’s degree in English in August nominated for Arizona Softball Coach of Sumpter, SC, where she now lives. E-mail: 2006 and was promoted to new media the Year. [email protected].
tartan tidbits 35 TKE to celebrate 50 years The Zeta Delta Phi Phi Alpha Chapter of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity will host a 50-year reunion at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Mt. Pleasant, Mich. The celebration takes place Oct. 13, 2007, in conjunction with the Alma College homecoming celebration. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:30 p.m. All alumni and guests are welcome to join in the festivities. On Oct.13, 1957, Phi Phi Alpha Alumni attend the annual Delta Sigma Phi fraternity reunion at Hubbard Lake in joined Tau Kappa Epsilon to northeastern Michigan (Lower Peninsula). The host is Lanny Caverly ’67 (front row, become a national fraternity after far right). operating as a local fraternity from 1926 to 1957. The Phi’s, as they were known, were preceded by the Phi Phi Alpha Literary Society from 1896 to 1926.
Imagine...... receiving only one alma fund solicitation this year! Sure, chatting with Alma students is fun and maybe you really enjoy our mailings, but you could save yourself a couple phone calls (and a few trees!) by sending your gift to the alma fund today. You can make your gift using one of three easy methods: Call - 1-800-291-1312 Click - www.alma.edu Mail - enclosed post-paid envelope Your gift to the alma fund supports Alma College operations in many ways including scholarships, facilities, equipment and maintenance. Thank you for your loyalty to Alma College. only one solicitation! P.S. If you really miss us, we’re only a phone call away!
36 tartan tidbits years, South Dakota State Representative, Rev. Dr. J. Robert “Bob” Zinn ’50 of executive director of Blue Shield of S.D., Waukegan, Illinois, died March 11, 2007, in in memoriam president of Blue Cross-Blue Shield of Ari- Chicago, Illinois, from Parkinson’s disease. zona plus serving as a member of the Board Rev. Zinn was pastor of the Oak Park Mr. Alfred “Al” J. Fortino ’37 , formerly of of Directors of the National Association of United Church of Christ followed later by Pontiac and Alma, died July 13, 2007, in St. Blue Shield Plans representing eight west- the Waukegan First Congregational United Louis. Mr. Fortino was a retired attorney ern states. His expertise in health services Church of Christ where he was honored and had represented Alma College in his delivery and prepayment was recognized with the title of Pastor Emeritus. He was a business of Fortino, Plaxton, Moskal and nationally. He was predeceased by his wife, voice major from Alma and a loyal alum- Constanzo. He also was a partner in Bobenal Muriel Wert Foster ’43, in 2000. nus; upon returning for homecoming in Investments in Alma, supporting business 1993, Rev. Zinn shared additional words for ventures for Alma and the surrounding area. Mr. Donald C. Martyn ’40, formerly of the “alma mater” from the alumnus per- Mr. Fortino was a letterwinner in sports and Palo Alto, California, died April 18, 2007, spective. He also was very proud to receive The Almanian was on staff while at Alma in Okemos, Michigan. Mr. Martyn was a his Golden Thistle pin at his 50th reunion in College. In 1975, he was inducted into the retired chemical engineer from Stanford 2000. He was predeceased by his parents, W. Alma College Hall of Fame as a Distin- University in California. While at Alma, he Roger Zinn ’22 and Pauline Strick Zinn ’24, guished Alumnus, and in 2001, he received was a member of the Zeta Sigma Fraternity. who met on campus and provided a great the Order of the Tartan Award from the Alma College heritage for Rev. Zinn. city of Alma for his outstanding achieve- Mrs. Alftruda Bell McDonald ’41, formerly ments. He was a former Central Michigan of Centerville, Ohio, died May 27, 2007, in Mr. K. Clark Pester ’51, formerly of Cincin- University trustee and chair, authored Grand Marais, Michigan. She was a retired nati, Ohio, and Alanson, died May 15, 2006, two novels, wrote for newspapers and was teacher and librarian. She was preceded in in Newport, Kentucky. He was a retired involved in politics in the Nixon era. His death by her husband, Joseph McDonald ’40, commercial artist in Cincinnati. He was wife, Mary Alice Damon Fortino ’38, and in 1997. She is survived by three sons and a predeceased by his wife, Anna McKinley sisters, Marion Fortino Aquino ’39 and Betty daughter, including Ira E. McDonald ’69. Pester ’50 in 1998. He is survived by two Fortino Metz ’48 predeceased him. Among sons, a daughter and sister-in-law, Joyce his survivors are his three children, including Mrs. Beverly Hopkins Holmes ’43 died McKinley Spalding ’48. Richard D. Fortino ’72, and his brother and October 6, 2006, in Norristown, Pennsylva- sister-in-law, Silvio P. ’43 and Silena Luchini nia. Mrs. Holmes was a retired teacher and Mrs. Mary Beth Parker Harlan ’55, formerly ’43 Fortino. Mr. and Mrs. Fortino were both artistic bird carver. Among her survivors is of St. Louis, Michigan, died May 29, 2007, Heritage Society members who planned for her husband, T. Rex Holmes ’42. in Montana. Mrs. Harlan met her husband, Alma College in their estates. Richard M. Harlan ’53, at Alma College, Ms. Marvel J. Ullman ’45 died December 25, and he survives her. She was a lab technician Dr. Charles “Chuck” G. Humiston ’39 , 2006, in Owosso, Michigan. Ms. Ullman was prior to raising her family, and in later years, formerly from Midland, died July 6, 2007, a retired Avon representative. they wintered in Hawaii and summered in in Sun City, Arizona. While at Alma, he Montana in addition to living at their home and Professor Charlie Skinner revived the Mr. William A. Ellsworth ’48 died July in Redding, California. Per her wishes, her baseball program. After serving as a captain 31, 2006, in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Mr. ashes were scattered under the lilacs at their in WWII, Dr. Humiston received his doc- Ellsworth retired from the U.S. Navy after 30 mountain cabin in Montana. torate in biochemistry from the University years and then became a free-lance artist. He of Illinois in 1949. He was a senior research is survived by his wife and three daughters. Mr. Richard D. Samson ’56 died September biochemist and toxicologist with Dow 2, 2004, in Columbia, South Carolina at Chemical Company in Midland before retir- Mr. Henry C. Meyer ’48 of Leesburg, age 72. With his Alma College degree in ing to Sun City. Among his survivors are Florida, died December 1, 2006. chemistry, Mr. Samson held positions with his wife, Frances Kaufmann Humiston ’40, Dow Chemical in Midland, Thiokol in New who retired from Dow Chemical Company Mrs. Audrey Kneal Waldrop ’50, formerly Jersey and Charlotte, North Carolina, and as a registered nurse, two daughters, one of Petoskey, Michigan, died April 1, 2007, in then retiring as a chemist and director of son, six grandchildren and 10 grandchil- Homosassa, Florida. Among her survivors is research after 25 years with Avondale Mills dren. Memorials have been designated to her husband, William L. Waldrop ’51. in Graniteville, South Carolina. the Jonathan Nugent Memorial Endowed Scholarship at Alma College. Mr. A. Thomas Washburne ’50 of Peto- Mr. David H. Stockham ’56, formerly of skey died May 17, 2007. Mr. Washburne Gary, Indiana, died July 9, 2007, in Lexing- Mr. John C. Foster ’40, formerly of Grayling was co-owner of Tom and Dick’s Grocery ton, Kentucky. Mr. Stockham was the son and Gladstone, Mich.; South Dakota and in Petoskey for 38 years, retiring in 1991. and grandson of Presbyterian ministers. He Arizona; died May 30, 2007, in Phoenix, He was an outdoorsman and avid sports received his master’s degree from Michigan Arizona. In his lifetime, Mr. Foster had enthusiast of Michigan college teams plus State University and doctorate from the been a teacher and a major in the Army’s being a lifelong member of the Petoskey University of Kentucky, Lexington, retiring administration followed by Veteran’s Ad - First Presbyterian Church. from UK as dean of students in 2000. He ministration employment, secretary of the campaigned for diversity, and counseled South Dakota Medical Association for 18 at both Eastern Michigan University and
tartan tidbits 37 the University of Kentucky. He served his veteran of Vietnam and a skilled carpenter a vice president. In 1965 he managed all of country as a medical officer in the Army and who built his own summer house on the Chrysler’s automotive manufacturing opera- Michigan National Guard and was a faithful Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. He loved sail tions in the United States, including supervi- volunteer in many organizations and causes. boating with his family and helping people sion of 200,000 employees; in 1966 he received As a member of the Beaumont Presbyterian in need. Among his survivors are his brother the Outstanding Achievement in Manage- Church in Lexington for 37 years, he was and sister-in-law, C. Thomas Scholl ’57 and ment award from the American Institute of deacon, elder, youth activities director and Muriel Bois Scholl ’62. Memorials have been Industrial Engineers. Mr. Bornhauser served teacher. His wife, two sons, and a sister, designated for the Scholl Family Endowed in many leadership capacities in various orga- Nancy Stockham ’54, survive him. Scholarship at Alma College. nizations throughout his lifetime and enjoyed sailing in his later years. Among his survivors Mr. James R. Wittenberg ’58 of Three Rivers, Mr. Richard T. Bennett ’66, formerly of is his son, Charles Bornhauser ’71. Michigan, died May 31, 2007, in Kalamazoo. Westland and Detroit, Michigan, died De- Mr. Wittenberg was an All-State musician cember 14, 2006, in Scituate, Massachusetts. Mrs. Beatrice Allen Hahn, generous sup- and spent several summers at Interlochen Mr. Bennett was executive director of Ben- porter of Alma College, died June 2, 2007, and with the Kalamazoo Jr. Symphony. He nett Associates in Norwell, Massachusetts, in Whitehall, Michigan. Mrs. Hahn was a retired as president of a construction company and formerly with Community Programs homemaker and is survived by her husband, in southeast Michigan. In his travels, he spent and Services in Detroit. Lynn H. Hahn ’57, a daughter, a son, and time in Bonita Springs, Florida; Hawaii; and five grandchildren. She was a member of the Three Rivers, Michigan. He was predeceased Ms. Susan L. Hill ’68 died October 2, 2001, Whitehall Methodist Church and was active by two wives and a son; survivors include a son in Providence, Rhode Island, at age 54. with the Methodist Women over the years. and brother and their families. Ms. Hill received her Master of Fine Arts degree in 1975 and was an accomplished Mr. Basil D. McKenzie, friend and loyal Mrs. H. Sue Ridder Mills ’59, formerly of jazz singer. supporter from Breckenridge, Michigan, Plymouth and Kalamazoo, Michigan, and died April 25, 2007, in Alma, just six days Scottsdale and Tempe, Arizona, died Febru- Mrs. Lisa Cresswell Combs ’80, formerly after his 96th birthday. He was born in ary 14, 2007, in Mesa, Arizona. Mrs. Mills of Ann Arbor, Michigan, died of cancer on the family home where his son, Duncan, was a retired art teacher, having taught March 22, 2007 in Arcadia, California, at age now lives in Breckenridge area. With his in Kalamazoo, Redford Union, Detroit 49. She was preceded in death by her hus- degrees in agriculture from Michigan State and South Redford schools. She later was band, Dr. David J. Combs, in October 2006 at University and master’s degree from the employed as regional manager from Multi- age 48 from cancer. Lisa received the Barlow University of Michigan, he became superin- craft, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona. She enjoyed Trophy in 1980 along with the Outstanding tendent of schools in Hartland 1936-43, and traveling, camping, painting, weaving and Senior Leadership Award. She was a science in the farming business, he was a leader in gourmet cooking and was active in the resource teacher at Occidental College in Los the Michigan seed industry and a founding YMCA Indian Guides. Angeles. After Alma, with her B.S. in biology member of Great Lakes Hybrids. He also and minor in chemistry, she graduated from held many community positions: associate Dr. William W. Powell ’60, formerly of the University of Michigan, department of professor at MSU; director of Farmers State Grand Ledge and Fowlerville, Michigan, and physiology. She was accepted into the gradu- Bank for 30 years; charter director of Gratiot Sapphire, North Carolina, died June 20, 2007, ate program and was one of 17 students from Co. Soil Conservation District; commissioner in Athens, Georgia. Dr. Powell was an educa- the world to study in the Jackson Laboratory to the General Assembly of the Presbyterian tor and school administrator in Michigan Summer Research Program in Bar Harbor, Church; member of Gratiot Co. Planning and Georgia, specializing in middle school Maine, during summer of 1980. Lisa’s family Commission and Road Commission; charter education, a concept he developed. He joined has designated memorials for the Alma Col- member of Michigan Bean Commission; the faculty at the University of Georgia and lege Biology Department. recipient of Minute Man Award bestowed the Georgia College and State University by the Michigan governor, received MSU promoting the very successful Middle School Mrs. Amanda Lee Messing Spencer ’02 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award Education Program. He also developed died April 16, 2007, at her parents’ home in in 1972 and 1973, received agricultural an education administration program and Ruth, Michigan, while under hospice care. award from Farm Bureau, and was inducted became full professor, teaching this program Amanda, age 26, was a cum laude graduate into the Farmers Hall of Fame in 1987. and school law. Upon retirement in 1994, he from Alma and enjoyed working with arts Mr. McKenzie also was a trustee of Gratiot was honored as Professor Emeritus of Educa- and crafts, painting and scrap booking. She Community Hospital for 11 years, mem- tional Administration at Georgia College and was employed at Michael’s Arts and Crafts ber of Breckenridge School Board for four State University. He influenced many lives of Saginaw and painted the mural inside the years, and received the Paul Harris award with his guidance, love and spirit which leave Harbor Beach Coast Guard Station. by Rotarians in 1981 along with a lifetime a lasting tribute to his legacy of service. membership. He served on the Alma College Mr. Leroy “Borny” Bornhauser, trustee Centennial Fund Campaign Committee for Dr. John N. Scholl ’62, formerly of Allen 1970-1981, formerly of Evansville, Indiana; the Lake Huron Presbytery, promoting the Park, Michigan, died June 22, 2007, in Penn Osprey, Florida; and Bloomfield Hills; died College through area churches in 1984-85. Valley, Pennsylvania, at age 66. He was a March 11, 2007, in Ventura, California. Mr. Mr. McKenzie was a long-standing member clinical psychologist of 35 years, much loved Bornhauser enjoyed a career of 42 years as of the Emerson Presbyterian Church near by his patients; he was also an Air Force a leader with Chrysler, retiring in 1979 as his home.
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tartan tidbits 39 Community outreach
Scotty the mascot (played here by Mackenzie McGrady ’10) made a recent appearance at the Gratiot County Fair for Youth.
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