Alumni Profile: Alan Otis
Several years ago, Alan Otis '71 made the momentous decision to pledge half of his estate to Alma College.
“I have never once doubted the rightness of choosing Alma as my sole philanthropic posthumous target,” says Otis. “Central to my decision about Alma College is the deepening respect, admiration and love that have been rekindled for the institution as an active alumnus, which magnifies the wonderful life experiences and excellent education I had as a student.”
Otis, an investment advisor and financial planner in Grand Rapids, freely admits that his life has had its ups and downs. A recovering alcoholic who has been sober now for more than 13 years, Otis has embraced a “joy of giving” attitude that has sustained him in his years of sobriety.
“For most of my life, I had a nagging belief that I needed to give back to society and, ultimately, needed to give back more than I had been given,” says Otis, a member of the Alma College Alumni Board. “My activities with Alma College and the Alumni Board, plus some involvement with Homeless Youth Services in Grand Rapids, have been things that I find deeply satisfying.”
Growing up in Midland, Otis chose to attend Alma College, following in the footsteps of his two older brothers. He initially assumed he would major in business. However, a biology class with Ron Kapp changed everything.
“It did not take very long for Dr. Kapp, with his passion for science, his passion for teaching and his gift of communication, to turn me on like a light bulb,” he says. ” I ended up with three As and a major in biology and a minor in chemistry.
“While today I do not work in a field of biology, it has served me well. It particularly has fed my passion for gardening. I have had wonderful times talking gardening with [former director of alumni relations] Bob Eldridge,” he says.
Individuals wishing to consider an estate gift to Alma College are encouraged to contact , director of planned giving, 1-800-291-1312, to learn how to join the Alma College Heritage Society.
