Inauguration Theme Focuses on Building Community
Alma College will celebrate its 125th anniversary with a week-long series of events highlighted by the inauguration of President Jeff Abernathy on Friday, April 8.
Featured events include the 15th annual Honors Day with student presentations on their scholarly and creative work, a symposium on “Building Sustainable and Compassionate Communities,” and the presidential inauguration ceremony.
The week’s events are focused on the theme “Changing Lives, Building Community, Leading Change,” which recognizes the College’s historic commitment to preparing graduates to practice engaged citizenship, service-driven leadership and committed stewardship. Alma College was founded in 1886.
President Abernathy converses with students.
The inauguration ceremony at 3:30 p.m. April 8 in the Art Smith Arena will include student ensemble performances, a 125th anniversary video presentation, and Abernathy’s inaugural address.
Abernathy was appointed the 13th president of Alma College in February 2010 and assumed the presidency in June. He served as vice president and dean at Augustana College from 2004 until his appointment at Alma.
Following is the schedule of events.
April 6/Seventh and eighth graders from Alma Middle School attend a college access presentation by Alma College communication students. “Who Said You Could? Finding the Path To College” takes place at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Remick Heritage Center.
April 6/The Senior Awards Dinner takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Art Smith Arena, Hogan Center. Alma College seniors reveal their choices for outstanding professors, and the top students are recognized, including the 2011 winner of the Barlow Trophy, Alma’s most prestigious academic honor.
April 6/Honors Day keynote speaker Richard Heinzl, founder of Doctors Without Borders Canada, shares lessons from his experiences around the world during his talk at 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 6, in the Remick Heritage Center. Admission is free and open to the public.
April 7/Alma College students present their scholarly and creative work at Honors Day at various campus locations during morning and afternoon sessions on Thursday, April 7. Activities include poster presentations and the awarding of the Ronald O. Kapp Honors Prize. Admission is free and open to the public.
April 7/The rock band Neon Trees performs in the Hogan Center’s Art Smith Arena beginning at 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
April 8/A worship and praise service in the Dunning Memorial Chapel opens inauguration day at Alma College. The 30-minute service, which begins at 8 a.m., is open to the public.
April 8/A dedication ceremony for the Hogan Center sculpture takes place at 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 8. The sculpture, located outside the new Art Smith Arena, was donated in honor of former president Saundra Tracy.
April 8/Alma College presents an inaugural symposium on “Building Sustainable and Compassionate Communities” at 12:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the Remick Heritage Center. Panelists include national urban affairs analyst Aaron Renn, author and neighborhood planner Todd Swanstrom, Grand Traverse County Administrator Dennis Aloia, and Gratiot County Commissioner William Dilts. Admission is free and open to the public.
April 8/The inauguration of Alma College’s 13th president, Jeff Abernathy, begins at 3:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the Art Smith Arena, Hogan Center. All are welcome. A reception follows.
April 9/Invited community leaders continue the symposium discussion on building sustainable and compassionate communities during a workshop from 9 a.m. to noon at Alma College.
April 9/The Alma College Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony takes place at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 9, in the Art Smith Arena, Hogan Center. Inductees include the 1970, 1971 and 1972 football teams; the 1985 and 1986 softball teams; former football coach Phil Brook; athletes Manda Paul, Marissa Proctor, Cindy Short, Kathy Gilbert and Bill LaPaugh; distinguished alumnus Dick Lee; and broadcaster Greg Siefker for meritorious service.
April 9-10/The Alma Symphony Orchestra joins the Alma College Choirs to present Poulenc’s choral masterpiece “Gloria” in the annual Masterworks Concert at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9, and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 10, in the Remick Heritage Center. Call (989) 463-7304 for ticket information.
Posted: Thu, March 10th, 2011 at 8:26AM
