In Search of Leaders
Alumnus Gary Fenchuk Supports Leadership Development
To Gary Fenchuk '68, Alma College is the natural place to develop leaders for the 21st century.
“By virtue of being a small liberal arts college with so many activities, clubs and associations, Alma College offers each student far greater opportunities than bigger institutions to participate, practice and get experience working with others and potentially leading others,” says Fenchuk, a member of the Board of Trustees since 1990.
Fenchuk has expressed a tireless commitment to the College over the years through his role as a member of the Board of Trustees and through his frequent gifts. As an active participant in the College’s $35.25 million Open Windows Campaign, he targets his gifts to specific initiatives, including the marketing of the College, the Center for Responsible Leadership and the recruitment of National Merit Scholars.
His financial support has enabled the College to sponsor a national survey on leadership to determine public perceptions on the status of leadership in America. The findings are published on the CRL Web site.
“My enthusiasm for the leadership survey is two-fold,” he says. “First, it’s a great way to advertise and distinguish the College as being very relevant to students and their leadership development. Secondly, as a businessman I see students coming out of schools without any formal training in leadership. We owe it to the students and the business world to take a leadership role in developing superior leaders.”
He also has pledged support for the recruitment of National Merit Scholars, providing full-ride scholarships to National Merit Scholars who choose to attend Alma.
“The presence of National Merit Scholars authenticates the endorsement of Alma College as a high quality, relevant institution,” says Fenchuk. “National Merit Scholars also can be an inspiration to other students. Their later success in their professions will enable them to potentially support the College long after they graduate.”
Fenchuk developed his commitment to giving through his experiences as a student and graduate of Alma College, particularly through the mentorship of George Gazmararian, the Charles A. Dana Professor Emeritus of Business Education. Gazmararian taught at Alma from 1966 until his retirement in 1996.
“While he gave us superior education, he also took a personal, one-on-one interest in us,” says Fenchuk. “His efforts on my behalf opened untold opportunities for me. We’ve been lifelong friends, and I visit him every time I come back to Alma.”
Fenchuk is president and chief executive officer of Virginia-based East West Partners, a firm that develops communities and resorts in Virginia and throughout the United States. He is the author of a book, Timeless Wisdom, a collection of more than 700 inspirational quotes on risk taking, dealing with adversity, loving and serving others, and other topics that relate to the “art of living.”
He describes his attendance at Alma College as a “life-changing experience” that helped him reach his potential through the mentoring of faculty and out-of-classroom activities.
“I feel a sense of gratitude — and obligation — to support the College so it can sustain its high quality,” he says. “The distinction of Alma over other colleges is its extraordinary commitment to helping students reach their potential through participation.”
