Alumnus profile: Jeff Barker ’70
Jeff Barker ’70 believes in being actively involved in his community.
Barker is president of Commercial Bank, with offices at locations throughout Gratiot, Isabella and Montcalm counties. Originally from Greenville, Barker came to Alma to attend Alma College and never left. After graduating, he worked in retailing until joining Commercial Bank in 1988. He became president in 1997.
“I owe George Gazmararian everything,” says Barker, acknowledging his former business administration professor. “We were a small group then, about nine or 10. He paid attention to his business students. Alma College gave me everything in terms of my business success.”
Barker continues to support his alma mater through personal giving. Commercial Bank also donates and gives annual $500 Alma College scholarships to students in Alma, St. Louis, Ithaca, Middleton, Mount Pleasant and Greenville.
“Jeff has remained an active and involved member of the College and our larger community,” says Brandan Snook, director of community relations and advancement associate. “He attributes a great deal of his success to these connections and relationships. Jeff's commitment to service and community is a trait exemplified by many Alma grads and something instilled in our students today.”
Barker also looks for opportunities to encourage prospective students to attend Alma College. He was instrumental in persuading his nephew, Billy Hilliard, a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy in Mount Pleasant, to attend Alma College. He enrolled as a first-year student in August 2008.
