Alma Symphony Orchestra Celebrates 50th Season
The Alma Symphony Orchestra is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2009-10. “As the orchestra marks its 50th anniversary, it is truly a testament to the visionary founders who established the symphony, the musicians who inspire the community year after year, and the patrons who provide unwavering support,” says Eric St. Onge, ASO Council president. “It takes efforts and commitment to build, strengthen and preserve such an outstanding symphony. Hats off to all those who have played a role in making the ASO a point of pride in Gratiot County.”“
Open Windows Campaign Concludes Early
Alma College successfully completed its largest fund-raising campaign in its history more than nine months ahead of schedule. The $35.25 million Open Windows Campaign was created to strengthen student opportunities that building upon and enhance classroom learning. As of Sept. 30, 2009, a total of $37.3 million in gifts and pledged had been raised. Read more.
Renovations, Addition Planned for Eddy Music Center
The Alma College Board of Trustees has approved planning for extensive renovations to the Eddy Music Center plus the construction of a 5,000-square-foot building addition. The $1.8 million project will be funded by a combination of gifts and the sale of tax-exempt bonds. A $1 million fund-raising has been set. Read more.
NSF Grant Funds Major Science Initiative
Getting more students excited about science is the goal of a major Alma College project that is being funded by the largest federal grant ever received by the College. The National Science Foundation has awarded $4999,950 to fund the PRISM project, or Positive Routes Into Science and Mathematics. The program focuses on increasing research opportunities for new college students, not only in their first year of college but also prior to taking their first college course. Read more.
Near Record Enrollment Passes 12,400 Milestone
Alma College enrolled its second highest number of students in its 123-year history in fall 2009, just barely missing a record enrollment. Read more.
NSF Awards Grant to Study Influenza Inhibition
The National Science Foundation granted $150,000 to Alma College for research that could eventually lead to the development of more effective drugs to treat and prevent certain kinds of influenza, including human infections of swine and avian flu. Read more.
Alma’s First JKC Scholar Studies at Oxford
Will Allen, a 2009 graduate of Alma College, is enrolled at Oxford University in England as the result of being one of 30 scholars from around the world selected to receive the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Graduate Scholarship. Read more.
DDT Conference Receives National Endorsement
The concensus statement drafted by a panel of experts who convened at Alma College in March 2008 to review the link between DDT and human health has received significant national exposure. The concensus statement was published in Environmental Health Perspectives, the premier academic journal in environmental health. Read more.
Sculpture Memorializes Bishop Makarios
Alma College unveiled a figurative sculpture that represents the spiritual ideals of the late Bishop Thomas Makarios during a dedication ceremony on May 16. "This beautiful work of art provides a fitting and enduring reminder of the Bishop's legacy at Alma College, in his beloved church, and in the world religious community," says President Saundra Tracy. Read more.
Hogan Construction Under Way
The College broke ground May 1, 2009 for the $10.2 million Hogan Center renovation and building project, which includes the construction of a 29,000-square-foot arena and convocation center. Read more. Keep up-to-date with building progress by watching the live Webcam view of the construction site.
Two More Fulbright Scholars from Alma Selected
Aaron Pooley of Reed City and James Kruse of Midland, both graduates from the class of 2009, were awarded prestigious Fulbright Scholarships to teach and conduct research in South Korea and Canada. Pooley will teach English to high school students in South Korea, while Kruse will attend McGill University in Montreal while studying environmental policy. They are the 14th and 15th Fulbright Scholars from Alma College since 2003.
Fifth Truman Scholar from Alma Selected
David Bechtel, a junior from Idaho Falls, was among 60 students nationally to be selected as 2009 Truman Scholars. The Truman Scholarship is the most prestigious national scholarship for college juniors. Bechtold is the fifth alma students to receive a Truman Scholarship since 2000.
Alma Shines At National Model UN Conference
For the second straight year, all three of Alma's 2009 Model UN teams received outstanding delegation awards, the highest recognition possible, at the National Model UN Conference in New York City. Alma has received at least one outstanding award in each of the lat 13 years and has won 24 outstanding awards in the last 15 years, the highest tally of any school at the conference.
Alma, Equatorialis Sign Articulation Agreement
Leaders from Alma College and Equatorialis University in Quito, Ecuador, meeting in Alma Feb. 13, 2009, signed an articulation agreement that provides easy transfer for South American students who wish to earn an American degree at Alma College. Read more.
Community Service Efforts Earn National Award
For the second straight year, the Corporation for National and Community Service honored Alma College with a place on the President's Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for exemplary community service efforts. Read more.
Content updated: November 11, 2009
