Donor profile: Judy Maze
Student scholarships, the arts and athletics are among the interests that guide Judy Maze and her support of Alma College.
Maze was a 27-year member of the College’s Board of Trustees, joining the board in 1972 during the presidency of Robert Swanson. She served as board chair from 1994-97 during Alan Stone’s presidency. She also is the parent of an Alma College alumnus, Cindy Trout '80.
“I always have felt that the College was well managed,” says Maze, who resides in Kalamazoo. “In the 1960s and ’70s, many colleges were changing their curriculum. Though I am not usually considered conservative, I thought Alma made wise conservative decisions at that time.
“The highlight for me was when Alma became a Phi Beta Kappa college. I always felt a great relationship between the faculty and students. Alma faculty are nurturing, encouraging and excellent teachers,” she says.
Maze has been a consistent supporter of Alma College, primarily directing her gift dollars toward the arts, student scholarships and the library.
Her mother, Flora Kirsch Beck, also was a board member at Alma. “She was shy, but she was interested in the arts,” says Maze. “When she went off the board, my family gave a gift to have the art gallery named after her.”
Maze also is a member of the Alma College Athletic Hall of Fame, being inducted in 1999 for meritorious service.
— Mike Silverthorn
