Dow Foundation Donates $3 Million to Develop Leaders
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation in Midland has committed $3 million to Alma College to help prepare future leaders.
The endowment will support Alma's Center for Responsible Leadership, which seeks to prepare graduates "with a sense of moral purpose, long-term vision and ability to lead change," according to Alma President Saundra Tracy.
"This very significant gift ensures that the Center for Responsible Leadership sustains long into the future Alma's distinctive opportunities for students that prepare them as leaders who will make a difference in our state and nation," said Tracy. "We are thrilled to have The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation partner with us in this bold and critical initiative."
The Center encompasses a large network of leadership-development opportunities for all Alma students, regardless of academic major or degree. Components include a high-profile speaker series, leaders-in-residence, community service projects, monthly seminars and workshops, and an annual high school leadership institute.
In addition, the Center's Leadership Fellows program will provide opportunities for selected students to explore deeper issues related to effective ethical leadership.
"Our trustees are pleased to support relevant experiences that promote accountability in future leaders," said Margaret Ann “Ranny” Riecker, president of The Foundation. "Also, we are impressed that 65 percent of Alma graduates choose to build their futures in Michigan. The development of responsible leaders is important to both The Hebert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation and the future of Michigan."
The Center builds on Alma's existing emphasis on public service and civic engagement while also addressing the needs of today's workplace, said Carol Hyble, Alma's vice president for advancement.
"Alma has had a long partnership with The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation which has had a lasting impact," said Hyble. "The Foundation's generosity will help the College accomplish its goal of building true leaders of character.
"The Center for Responsible Leadership will provide opportunities for students to learn the implications of their actions, develop the ability to create change, practice effective stewardship of resources, understand the importance of an interconnected global economy, and act from a foundation of strong core ethical values," she said.
The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation was established by Grace A. Dow in 1936 in memory of her husband, Herbert H. Dow, founder of The Dow Chemical Company. The Foundation seeks to improve the educational, religious, economic and cultural lives of Michigan citizens.
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Posted: Thu, May 4th, 2006 at 3:07PM
