EDITOR’S NOTE: This story is featured in the Fall 2025 edition of The Tartan magazine. Read more from The Tartan at alma.edu/tartan.

Dear Scots,

Greetings from Scotland, USA! I’m Dr. Joe Odenwald, and it’s the honor of a lifetime to introduce myself as the 14th president of Alma College. I’m eager to meet you, learn your stories, and work alongside you to grow this vibrant community — together, within our bounds.

Like Alma College’s signature registered tartan, my first days here have been woven into a tapestry of reflections. So many unique, colorful threads have emerged. I’ve met with staff and faculty who work tirelessly to sustain and advance the mission we all hold so dear; alumni who realize how this institution helped them reach their fullest potential and seek to inspire that same devotion in others; and students whose effort and ingenuity inspire us all, every day, year after year. I have purchased my first kilt and fallen in love with the sound of bagpipes, performed brilliantly by the Kiltie Marching Band. My son, Joseph, has caught passes from Scots football players, and my wife, Laura, has hosted guests at the beautiful Tracy House.

We’ve enjoyed Highland chicken for the first time (delicious!) and taste-tested the best pizza places in town (Pizza Sam vs. Pizza One). I’ve attended commencement at the Hogan Center, spoken with students in the Dow Science Center about the ways their education is changing their lives, and found reflection and community in services at the Thomas Andison Chapel. At the core of every thread are the people who make up this wonderful community. I’m looking forward to so much: my first day of classes, my first Homecoming and the first time I meet you. What a pleasure it’s been already to learn about what this place means to you. Please feel free to contact me and tell me so — or tell a prospective student you know. In our day and age, impressing upon our youth the value of higher education is so important, for so many reasons.

Erika Powers Appelt ’91, chair of the Board of Trustees, pointed out in the last edition of The Tartan that Alma College has had only 14 presidents in its nearly-140-year history. That statistic underscores how meaningful a leadership transition is at Alma. I’m a bit of a history buff and Alma’s deep, rich past makes it stand out in any context. It provides us with a stable foundation of vision and values as we step boldly into a future that so greatly needs Alma students. We have always thought critically, served generously, led purposefully and lived responsibly. We will continue to do so as we write this new chapter of our history, together.

As we move forward, however, I’m excited to take a look back — at a few examples of some alumni achievement that are truly inspiring. The Scots featured in this issue stand out both for their love of this institution and for the great places their Alma educations have taken them:

  • Heidi Michael ’17, DO, and Alexander Hall ’17, DO, a couple who met at Alma College and are working as doctors in Detroit;
  • Jessica Karbowski Weare ’04, an attorney who has dedicated her professional life to public service;
  • Tony Annese ’83, Tia Brandel-Wilhelm ’90, Jake Boss ’93 and Jeff Hosler ’02; a group of former student-athletes who have gone on to lead others in the field of coaching;
  • Mark Kraft-Strong ’08, who founded what is now one of Michigan’s fastest-growing companies in his Alma College residence hall room;
  • Brianna Harfmann ’11, an alum who leads Alma College students today as an excellent member of our IPHS faculty.

These and many other alumni are profiled in this issue of The Tartan. Their success is an excellent reminder that the world continues to need Alma College graduates as we confront the issues of today while finding a deep sense of meaning and purpose within ourselves. In all of these stories is a common thread: They didn’t get to where they are by themselves. They had help from our wonderful community of Scots. That is the way we move forward; through collaboration, with a steady focus on our mission. Stay tuned this year for opportunities to meet, partner and contribute to our goal of sustaining Alma College for many generations to come — in order to produce more exemplary Alma College Scots.

Go Scots!

— Joe