Dr. Saundra J. Tracy,
President
Only One Alma — simple yet filled with so much meaning.
The new College logo of the single pinecone and this three-word tagline grew out of many months of talking with alumni, students and others about Alma College. What we discovered is that Alma College has a uniquely personal meaning for each person. Comments like: “life-changing,” “challenged me in a very personal way,” and “nudged me to be more than I ever anticipated” were repeated by persons of different ages, backgrounds and professions. Only One Alma truly seems to capture the personalized and transforming experience of those who become part of this community. It also captures the sense of pride and warm affection that one feels in the many voices that struggle to find just the right words to describe this place, Alma College. While we each experience Alma College slightly differently, we all share the history, tradition and values of this remarkable institution.
There are many stories we can tell about Alma that begin with Only One Alma. For prospective students, Only One Alma, Only One You conveys our commitment to providing them with a personalized experience that prepares them so very well for the workplace and the world. For alumni, it immediately leads to the common bond we share — the College’s long history and traditions, shared experiences, and shared stories of fulfilling lives contributing to the good of communities and professions. For those of us who serve the College in professional roles, it sums up the commitment we have to translating the College’s mission and core values into life-changing experiences for our students. Only One Alma; it says it all.
Only One Alma is exemplified so very well in this edition of Accents. You will find stories of extraordinary alumni who are using their talents to make a difference in many ways. This Accents also recognizes the many persons who support Alma College with their financial gifts. It is gratifying as president to see the many alumni who give back to their alma mater. These gifts are crucial to our continued institutional strength and quality.
There is another reason to be especially proud of you, our alumni, who support the College; your giving exemplifies Alma’s mission of service, leadership and stewardship. We deeply appreciate your generosity of financial resources and are proud that you indeed embody the values we diligently work to teach: with opportunity comes the obligation to give back, to make a difference. Our heartfelt thanks to the thousands of alumni who are making a difference for today’s Alma students and for those students to come with your continued support of the mission and work of Alma College.
