The Tradition of Excellence
Katie (Mans) Gorno '94
"My experience at Alma definitely foreshadowed what was coming beyond
graduation. The biggest lesson I learned at Alma that assisted me upon
life after graduation was learning to be prepared. Whether for a thesis
presentation or a first game of the season, I learned that taking the
time and putting forth the effort weeks and months [in advance] was
well worth the reward in the end. Playing basketball at Alma taught me
how to handle extreme highs and lows that always seem to accompany us
throughout life. Winning a national championship, and then being unable
to duplicate the achievement was an important lesson for me. It taught
me to truly enjoy a grand moment, because they are fleeting, and to
never expect success based simply on the fact that you had it once
before." 
Frank Knox '08"You may tackle us at first around the ears, and you may suffer the ignominy of having your nose stepped on by some opponent, but before long you will find yourself growing in strength and courage, and best of all in the ability to act quickly under trying circumstances."
Robert D. Swawnson, 1956-80
"They came to Alma as 'kids' and they left us as mature men and
women. Here they were, years later, insisting that the lessons learned
on the playing field, and the strong bonds of friendship trhat were
forged by the fires of competing together on behalf of their
college, were vital elements in their educational experience. This
reminds us that for [more than] 100 years the lecture halls, the
laboratories, the library and the playing fields at Alma College have been a creative and positive mosaic of venues wherein the Tradition of Excellence has flourished."
Jim Cole, '74"The values of togetherness, the virtues of hard work and the importance of focus upon a common goal are all essential if success is to be achieved. Dependence upon one another, irrespective of the odds, and the necessity of thorough prepraration become as natural for success on the playing fields as it is in the "greater game" ahead for all successful college graduates. For the player loyalty, preparation, recreation, caring, laughing, and sharing are common threads of our daily experience."
