Times indeed are changing, and a new generation of students has arrived on the Alma campus. This is a generation that has never known life without the Internet, instant television coverage of news on other continents and cell phones. This well-connected, bright, achievement-oriented generation thrives on activity and wants to make a difference in the world, and Alma College is changing to meet the needs and expectations of this generation.
The Millennials' interest in making a difference in the world translates to expanded opportunities on and off campus. For example, our fall campus-wide theme of "Choices" focused on the elections, with students actively engaged in the political process. "Get-out-the-vote" drives resulted in virtually all students registering to vote. Fall courses in numerous disciplines had an election theme — civic engagement.
Evidence of this interest in students' career goals is seen in our Marshall Scholarship winner (don't miss the story on Stacy Kowal in this Accents), in international internships with humanitarian emphases in the Ukraine and India, and the variety of service projects associated with courses across our curriculum.
Some of the changes at Alma College in response to the Millennials are very visible, such as new styles of living space that foster independence, responsibility and stewardship of our natural resources. The new Wright Hall, which opened Jan. 8, 2005, is a self-governing student community dedicated to providing campus leadership on environmental sustainability. Students prepared to live there by reading and discussing a book on civil society and creating a set of community expectations. The students and I greatly appreciate the alumni support we have received that allowed us to build this beautiful new facility.
Other changes are less visible — technology at one's fingertips, new teaching styles that better engage learners used to a videogame world, and new strategies for delivery of services attuned to these learners. For example, career services now offers instant-messaging career assistance to students, recognizing that traditional appointments in the Center for Student Development may not fit the learning and lifestyles of Millennials.
The Millennials remind us that although generations change and Alma College must change with the times, the core characteristics of the Alma experience endure. An Alma education remains grounded in rigorous academics and personalized experiences. An uncommon range of opportunities await Millennials and generations to follow.
Saundra J. Tracy
Alma College President
