Donor Profile: Eugene Reed
Long-time Alma College supporter Eugene Reed left Michigan in 1953 for Texas and has lived there ever since. He enjoyed a successful career as a businessman and real estate developer. Though it has been many years, the 81-year-old member of the class of 1951 still has a treasure trove of memories of his Alma College days.
The San Antonio resident recalls with fondness his professors—legendary names such as Harold Dean, Charles Skinner and William McKeefery. He was a member of a fraternity and played basketball, football, baseball and track.
Eugene Reed ’51
He remembers the cold winters and nearly freezing his fingers one morning when he couldn’t get his car started. And then there was the time that he was almost denied the opportunity to graduate because he missed attending weekly orientation meetings during his freshman year.
“I had a job and was working and blew off the meetings, but the College and I settled it in some way,” he chuckles.
Following graduation he went to work for his wife’s father and brother at Redman Manufacturing and was active in the mobile home construction business until his retirement.
“Giving back to Alma College is important for helping young people get a good education,” says Reed. “When a need is brought to my attention, I try to help out. Alma gave me a basis for applying myself.”
Reed has provided financial assistance since the early 1970s. His gifts have supported the ALMA FUND, alternative breaks, scholarships, Alumni House renovations, the Kresge Science Initiative to endow science equipment, and the performing arts.
In addition, he established and endowed the Ruth Redman Reed Memorial Endowed Scholarship in honor of his wife, who died in July 1991.
Originally from Vernon, his family moved to Harrison, then Ithaca, and finally Alma, where he graduated from Alma High School before enrolling at Alma College.
His son Michael is a 1975 graduate of Alma and lives about 30 miles away in Texas. Eugene has nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He also is active in his local Methodist church.
