Activities Planned for Community Appreciation Day
Jim Wheeler To Receive Community Service Award
Alma College celebrates community with family-friendly activities and the awarding of the sixth annual Community Service Award prior to and during the Scots’ Sept. 22 home football game against the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh.
Community Appreciation Day activities near the Bahlke Field entrance include a family picnic and inflatable games for the kids beginning at noon, followed by the football game at 1 p.m.
Students engage with the Alma community in many ways, including visits to the Masonic Pathways Senior Living Facility.
President Jeff Abernathy will present the Community Service Award during halftime of the football game to James Wheeler II, president and chief executive officer of Firstbank-Alma. Also recognized will be local attorney William Goggin, this year’s chair of the college’s community fund drive.
Wheeler, president and CEO of Firstbank-Alma since January 2000, also serves on the boards of Greater Gratiot Development, Alma Industrial Development, Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club and the City of Alma Planning Commission.
“Jim Wheeler is a leader who works tirelessly to help Gratiot County to thrive,” says Abernathy. “From his leadership of United Way to his current role as chair of Greater Gratiot Development Board, Jim makes a difference in the lives of so many across Gratiot County. I greatly appreciate his deep commitment to the Alma community and his interest and advocacy in the success of Alma College.”
Sept. 22 also is Parents Day at Alma College, with several activities planned, including panel presentations and a conversation with President Abernathy, says Brent Neubecker, director of annual giving and community relations.
“Community members serve as valuable mentors to our students and help them learn, grow and be members of a community that is not their hometown,” says Neubecker. “Community Appreciation Day is our way to thank all those who support Alma College and its students.”
Admission is free to the pregame activities. Football game admission is $5 for adults and free for students and children 12 and under.
-mjs-
Posted: Wed, September 12th, 2012 at 10:49AM
