Alma College plays an important role in Alma and the greater Gratiot community.
Cultural and sports events are offered on a regular basis during the academic year, and admission is often free or very reasonably priced. Summer activities bring large numbers of out-of-town visitors to campus as well.
College facilities, including the Alan J. Stone Center for Recreation and the McClure Natatorium, offer wellness education, swimming instruction and recreational opportunities to community members and local businesses. The Alma College library, housing more than 271,000 volumes, also is a resource for the community.
Hundreds of Alma College students participate in community service, internships and service-learning. College faculty and students actively conduct research in the local community—one example includes faculty who are leading experts in environmental policy and who work with students to clean up the Pine River and impact local and national regulation of Superfund sites.
The College’s 125-acre campus serves as a community partner and the host to the annual Highland Festival, featuring traditional Scottish games, music and revelry during Memorial Day weekend.
Each fall, the College hosts a Community Appreciation Day that includes a picnic, children’s games, and the awarding of the Alma College Community Service Award in recognition of an outstanding commitment to both Alma College and the greater Alma community.
