Why give to Alma

Alumni have been remarkable stewards of Alma; your generosity has impacted students and the campus in amazing ways. Alma College is still the incredible place you remember, and your gifts express your personal “stamp of approval” on The Alma Experience. We are always grateful.


The number of alumni who give annually directly affects Alma’s ranking in national publications, as well as grant distributions from foundations and corporations. Simply put, your annual gift of any amount makes a tremendous difference. Recently, our alumni participation numbers have slipped and we need your help again to reach our goal of 3,000 (30%) this fiscal year (July 1, 2011–June 30, 2012).

The percentage is based on a single counting of alumni who have made a gift of any amount, to any fund-raising effort, within a given fiscal year (July 1 to June 30). Alma College is blessed with wonderful support from alumni who support a vision for Alma's future and the promise of successful lives for new generations of alumni.

ALUMNI GIVING

Fiscal Year Number of Alumni Donors Percentage of Participation
2011-2012 2,187 22%
2010-2011 2,622 26.6%
2009-2010 2,757 28.2%
2008-2009 2,903 30.4%
2007-2008 3,225 34.2%
2006-2007 3,350 36.2%
2005-2006 3,662 35.4%
2004-2005 3,480 33.8%
2003-2004 3,600 35.8%
2002-2003 3,429 42.6%
2001-2002 3,439 33.7%

 

Students conducting research side-by-side with faculty has been an Alma College legacy for generations. Alma students team up with faculty on scholarly research or to collaborate on creative or performing arts projects. An annual Honors Day features student presentations, performances and exhibits. Many students present such work at regional, national and international meetings.

 

Donor Profile

Eric Blackhurst

Eric Blackhurst
Graduation: 1983

The mentorship of Dr. M.J.J. Smith had a powerful impact on Eric Blackhurst ’83.

“M.J.J. was a giant,” says Blackhurst, assistant general counsel for The Dow Chemical Company in Midland. “His will to serve students was unprecedented. All he cared about was students.”