Trustee Emeritus Continues To Support Alma College
Fred and Stephanie Secrest, long-time supporters of Alma College and current donors to the Open Windows Campaign, are enjoying life at the Henry Ford Retirement Village in Dearborn.
“Like Alma, it’s a place that provides a quality environment,” says Fred. “If you are someone who needs medical attention, you are able to get it here. If you are able to live alone, you can do that with a huge range of activities to choose from. We are 85 now and still able to get around. I use the swimming pool regularly, while Stephanie goes to fitness/balance class.
“We are very pleased with what we have seen and heard about what has been happening at Alma College,” says Fred. “We know that the College is in good shape.”
The Secrests have supported many College initiatives, but most recently have given to the ALMA Fund, the Wright Hall Campaign, the Stone Recreation Center, and the Stephanie and Fred G. Secrest Professorship for Performing Arts. The Secrest Professorship, established in 1993, is currently held by Will Nichols.
They also are Heritage Club members who have included the College in their estate plans.
Fred and Stephanie first became aware of Alma College through their church and when their son, Stephen, enrolled in Alma, graduating in 1969. Fred eventually joined the Board of Trustees in 1975, serving more than 20 years.
“I had the distinct privilege of working with three different presidents — Bob Swanson, Oscar Remick and Alan Stone,” says Fred. “All were different, but each was a great pleasure to work with. I probably worked most closely with Stone because he came to Alma when I became chair of the Board of Trustees. It was an interesting time because we were facing one of those periodic financial crises that the College faces from time to time.
“I have had greater involvement with Alma than any other institution,” he says. “Stephanie and I believe it has done an excellent job in positioning itself as an institution with something unique to offer. It provides a very high class liberal arts education, keeps its curriculum up to date, and makes it possible for graduates to have the best opportunities for acceptance into graduate school or their professions.”
Fred is a retired executive vice president/consultant with Ford Motor Company who served the Dearborn First Presbyterian Church as an elder, trustee and Board of National Missions member. He received an honorary Doctor of Law degree from Alma College in 1996.
Open Windows Campaign Update
The Secrests’ gifts to Alma College support the Open Windows Campaign, which seeks to strengthen Alma’s endowment to help support academic programs, student scholarships and facility improvements. Launched in October 2006, the Campaign has achieved 88.4 percent of the $35.25 million fund-raising goal as of June 30.
Click here to view the College’s newest Campaign Flash video.
