ALMA — Alma College has announced the creation of the Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship, a new initiative supported by a $1-million commitment from alumnus Charles A. Deacon ’80, and wife Ann, to expand student access to high-impact experiential learning opportunities.
Funded at $200,000 annually over five years, the scholarship will help students overcome financial barriers to participation in transformative academic experiences such as faculty-led spring terms, study abroad programs, and other immersive off-campus learning opportunities that are central to an Alma College education.
Deacon earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Alma College in 1980 and his Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1983. He has served as a Trustee of Alma College since 2013. He and Ann are longtime supporters of the College’s mission to provide accessible, student-centered education.
“Experiential learning is a defining part of Alma’s academic experience,” said Vice President for Advancement Bob Murray ’88. “This gift ensures that more students, regardless of financial background, can take part in opportunities that deepen learning, broaden perspective, and prepare them for leadership beyond campus. We are incredibly grateful to Charlie and Ann for this meaningful, generous gift.”
The Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship is designed to supplement Alma College’s Venture Junior Year Experience program, which provides funding for off-campus learning between the time students reach junior standing and their graduation. The new award allows eligible students to receive up to an additional $2,500, significantly reducing or eliminating out-of-pocket costs for many high-impact experiences.
Each year, the scholarship will support up to 80 students, prioritizing those with demonstrated financial need. Funds may be applied to academic course fees, travel costs, and tuition associated with Alma-approved off-campus programs.
“For many students, cost is the deciding factor in whether they can participate in these experiences,” said Deacon. “When I was a student at Alma, I wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of opportunities like this. I wanted to help ensure today’s students don’t have to make that same choice.”
More than 60 percent of Alma College students participate in off-campus academic experiences during their time at the College, and student feedback consistently identifies finances as a major barrier to participation. College leaders say the Deacon Scholars scholarship represents a meaningful step toward ensuring equitable access to experiences that have a lasting academic and personal impact.
“This gift strengthens Alma’s commitment to educational equity,” said Carla Jensen, director of the Center for College and Community Engagement (3CE) at Alma College. “Experiential learning helps students return to campus more confident, more globally aware, and better prepared to lead. The Deacon Scholars program ensures more students can access those outcomes.”
The first group of eligible students will be contacted in spring 2026, with initial awards issued in October 2026 for upcoming academic experiences.
For more information about the Deacon Scholars – Venture Travel Support Scholarship, or travel at Alma College, contact the Center for College and Community Engagement at alma.edu/3ce.
