Alumni Celebrate 'Happy Days' at Homecoming
Homecoming 2009 at Alma College focuses on the theme of “Happy Days” with a weekend full of activities for returning alumni Oct. 9-11.
“It is terrific to come back to the beautiful Alma campus, stroll around and recall those ‘Happy Days,’” says Klotylda Hartshorn Phillippi, a 1964 graduate who is serving as this year’s homecoming chair.
The Kiltie Marching Band in the homecoming parade.
Event highlights include the Matt Reinke 5K Scot Trot at 9 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 10, the homecoming parade at 10:30 a.m., the alumni picnic on the chapel lawn at 11 a.m., the football game at 1:30 p.m., and numerous other events and receptions. The 50-year class of 1959 and 25-year class of 1984 will celebrate reunions.
Serving as this year’s parade grand marshals are long-time Alma supporters F. Martin “Mart” Johnson and his wife, Dottie. Mart, a member of the Board of Trustee for more than three decades, is retired chairman of the board and former CEO and president for JSJ Corporation. They live in Grand Haven.
“Mart and Dottie have been part of the Alma College family for more than 30 years,” says Carol Hyble, vice president for advancement. “Their relationship with Alma is as close as any alumnus. They just love the College, and we’re so pleased that they will be back on campus as our homecoming grand marshals.”
The Alma College Percussion Ensemble helps kick off homecoming weekend with an 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 concert in the Remick Heritage Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff, students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
The Alma College Choirs join with former choir members for the annual homecoming concert and alumni awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 10 in the Remick Heritage Center. Alumni rehearsal begins at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.
Four alumni awards will be presented during the weekend festivities:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Jim McCarty, class of 1969, combines quiet leadership with a passion for service. After working almost 40 years in the printing business, he retired only to be named president of the Ionia County Community Foundation. He also serves on the board of the Independent Bank Corporation, founded his local Lions chapter, stays involved in his church, and chairs the “Light Up The Fields” local fund-raising drive.
George Hebert Lifetime Service Award
Duffy Duncan, class of 1972 and the owner of a State Farm agency for 29 years, stays active organizing alumni reunions. “Duffy is an accomplished business owner but always finds time to serve his alma mater,” says Alumni Director Brent Neubecker.
Bree Brownlee, upper left, with some of her Highland Dance students.
Young Alumnus Award
Bree Brownlee, class of 2004, combines two passions — highland dancing and communications — to serve her community. By day, Brownlee works as a senior account executive for the advertising firm Leo Burnett Detroit. By night, she and her mother Sheila own and operate the Queen of Scots Dance Academy, teaching students of all ages competitive Scottish Highland dance.
Smith Distinguished Service Award
Patrick McDonough, class of 1985, sells both commercial and residential real estate in Chicago and on the North Shore. He also stays active with his alma mater as a current member and former president of the Alma Alumni Board.
Click here for more homecoming information.
Posted: Wed, September 30th, 2009 at 8:12AM
