Friend Profile: Candace C. Dugan
Candace C. Dugan is a firm believer in the harmony of mind and body. Her financial support of Alma College reflects that belief.
“I’m devoted to a liberal arts education, which I believe is essential to an individual experiencing a good life as a contributor to his or her community and profession,” says Dugan, vice chair of the Alma College Board of Trustees. “The harmony of mind and body can be achieved nowhere better than at a small liberal arts college.”
She has supported numerous projects at Alma College, including the Soccer Field Project Fund and the construction of the new Wright Hall. The soccer field, dedicated in 2002 as Scotland Yard, was built with donations from alumni, friends and family of the men’s and women’s soccer programs.
“It’s the best soccer field in the MIAA,” she says.
Wright Hall, opened in 2005, is a modern, 60-bed apartment-style hall that features a number of environmentally friendly features.
“I was intrigued with the environmental aspect of Wright Hall and the nurturing of leadership that was reflected in the students as a community making their own decisions about the construction of Wright Hall as a model of environmental sustainability,” says Dugan. “Wright Hall reflected my believe that a liberal arts setting is important to community building and leadership development.”
Dugan grew up in Alma, graduating from Alma High School and attending Oberlin College, where she participated in basketball, swimming and track and field. She later achieved a master’s degree at Central Michigan University and a law degree at the University of Michigan.
She has more than 20 years of litigation experience. She concentrates her law practice in products liability defense, especially complex, high-exposure and multi-state cases for a variety of industry segments and product lines. In November 2006, she joined the Holland, Mich., law offices of Warner Norcross & Judd.
“Alumni who support the College can’t spend their dollars better,” says Dugan. “There is nothing you can support that will give a better return on investment than seeing students graduate from Alma College as better citizens, community members and professionals.”
— Mike Silverthorn
