The 1910 lecture notes of Matthew Henson, adventurer, polar explorer, and confidant of Commander Robert Peary, were as relevant 95 years ago to his fellow explorers as they are to Alma College today. In them he wrote of the human species’ unique ability to “get a vision and an inspiration” and to go “forth against all opposition or any discouragement to do and to dare and to accomplish wonderful and great things for the world and for humanity. To no other of God’s creatures is given this power” and that those who have set before themselves “no great and uplifting ideal and never received a vision of the glory of service has never known the joy of real achievement.”
We at Alma College have embarked on our own expedition, creating and nurturing an environment that has become a catalyst for the discovery by our wonderful administration, faculty, students and alumni of the potential of vision, inspiration and daring. These powerful tools, when combined efficiently and passionately, result in accomplishments that for many would seem to be not only impossible, but inconceivable.
“Possibility and its Promise” is a mantra that is not often verbalized but through our actions has manifested itself in so many different ways. The achievements that result from the conscious or unconscious adherence to this mantra affect very real and positive change in communities around the world. We at Alma College are acutely aware of the fact that we are members of a planet Earth community, a village, a tribe, a clan. We are very proud of all that we have accomplished and look forward with wide-eyed anticipation to the infinite number of realities that lie ahead. We are changing and will continue to change the world. Are we thinking too big? No. It’s dawn of the first day.
Serve and Achieve. Accomplish, Know Joy.
Maroon and Cream, Always and Forever!
Patrick William McDonough '85
Alumni Board President
