ALMA — The Alma College Advancement Office this month announced winners of the 2025 Alumni Awards in five areas, spanning multiple generations of Alma Scots.

Mark Kolanowski, Michael Perkins and Mark Blanke, Amanda Zielinski Slenski, M. Jacob Dayringer and Stephanie and Jeff Leppien will be honored as part of the college’s annual Homecoming, Oct. 3-5.

Hugh Brenneman Distinguished Alumni Award

Mark Kolanowski ’86

This is the highest honor presented to alumni. It recognizes those who have brought distinction to the college through their professions, set strong examples for others, and served their communities through personal accomplishments that enhance the prestige of the college. It is named in honor of Hugh Brenneman ’67.

Mark Kolanowski is chairman, president, and CEO of Highpoint Community Bank and its parent company, HCB Financial Corp. He began his career at NBD (now JP Morgan Chase) before joining Highpoint in 1993, rising through leadership roles to become president and CEO by 2002. An Alma College graduate with a degree in business administration, Kolanowski also holds an MBA from Western Michigan University and completed the Perry School of Banking and the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

At Alma, Kolanowski was active as an admissions tour guide, resident assistant, member of the Presidential Service Group, and president/founding consul of Sigma Chi’s Theta Nu Chapter. His choice of Alma stemmed from the appeal of a liberal arts education and the welcoming atmosphere he felt on his campus visit.

Kolanowski remains connected through lifelong friendships, fraternity events and professional networks with fellow Scots. He encourages today’s students to get involved, embrace challenges, and never underestimate their own potential. He and his wife, Sue (Shaughnessy ’87), live in Hastings, Mich., where they enjoy time with their sons, Mitch and Ben, and their first grandchild.

George and Bess (Brown) Hebert Award

Michael Perkins ’86 and Mark Blanke ’86

This award is presented to alumni for their loyalty and service to Alma College and the college’s Alumni Association. It is named in memory of George Hebert, a 1920 alumnus whose love of Alma College and work on behalf of the institution was an inspiration to all alumni.

Mark Blanke is chief corporate officer for the Americas region at Delfingen in Rochester Hills, Mich. Deeply engaged in civic service, he serves on the Hope Fund board at the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and has held leadership roles with Affirmations LGBTQ Community Center and AIDS Partnership Michigan. His recognitions include the Ahee Award for fundraising and community involvement, the Jan Stevens Award for leadership, and Delfingen’s Talent of the Year Award. He enjoys travel, gardening, entertaining and jazz.

Michael Perkins is director of strategic partnership and donor relations at DBG Detroit, serving on boards including the Ruth Ellis Center and AIDS Partnership Michigan. He has chaired galas, led development committees and earned awards such as the Ahee Award for Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser and DBG Detroit’s Enduring Ally Award.

Both Alma graduates with the Class of 1986, they fondly recall overseas study and campus life, remain connected through friendships, and encourage students to embrace global opportunities and pursue their passions.

Smith Distinguished Service Award

Amanda Zielinski Slenski ’07

This award is presented to a graduate who believes in Alma College and has assisted with student recruitment, provided career steps to students or served on a college council or board. It is named in honor of Art ’38 and Carra (Jones) ’42 Smith.

Currently chief of staff for Out for Undergrad, a nonprofit supporting undergraduate students, Amanda Zielinski Slenski previously served Alma College for nearly 12 years in roles spanning enrollment, career development, and advancement, including vice president for enrollment and special assistant to the president. Earlier in her career, Zielinski Slenski held student affairs positions at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Miami University. An Alma College graduate with degrees in economics and business administration, she also earned a master’s from Miami University in college student personnel.

A devoted Alpha Gamma Delta member, Zielinski Slenski has served the organization in various advisory roles and currently sits on its Housing Corporation Board of Directors. She also volunteers for Alma through mentorship and career panels. Living in Mount Pleasant, Mich., with her partner and two children, she enjoys reading, hiking, baking and painting. She stays connected to Alma out of gratitude, believing deeply in its mission and the transformative role it plays in students’ lives.

Young Alumni Award

M. Jacob Dayringer ’11

The award recognizes alumni of the past five to 15 years who are following through on the values of Alma College while attaining a high level of professional accomplishment and volunteer service.

As camp director for Camp Greenwood since 2018, M. Jacob Dayringer helped establish Greenwood Ministries Association as a nonprofit and continues to lead its programs. Previously, he served as technical director for Breckenridge Community Schools through the Gratiot Isabella RESD. Active in professional and community service, Dayringer is on the Fall Gathering committee for the American Camping Association in Michigan and is deeply involved at North Kent Presbyterian Church as a choir and bell choir member, worship committee participant, and elder.

Drawn to Alma College for its welcoming community and strong choral program under Will Nichols, Dayringer immersed himself in campus life through choir, Residence Life (RA and senior RA), Phi Mu Alpha, ACOG, Chapel Life, and as a Phi Sigma Sigma Sweetheart. He remains connected through music, fraternity ties and Homecoming visits. Grateful for unforgettable experiences like choir tours and Spring Term travel, Dayringer encourages students to cherish their time, stay open to new friendships and embrace every opportunity.

Grand Marshals

Stephanie and Jeff Leppien

The parade grand marshal for Alma College Homecoming represents the essence of Alma College.

Stephanie and Jeff Leppien are proud community leaders with deep ties to Alma. Jeff serves as vice president of Garr Tool in Alma and is a board member of Central Michigan Youth for Christ. Stephanie is the office administrator at His Place Family Enrichment Center. Over the years, she has volunteered with Child Advocacy, United Way, Gratiot County Players and Alma Public Schools. She currently serves on the Gratiot County Players board and as a trustee for the Alma Public Schools Board of Education. Her interests include sports, travel, and family time. Their interests include sports, travel and spending time with friends and family.

Both Stephanie and Jeff graduated from Anderson (Ind.) University, where they met. They have a strong connection to Alma College through their three sons: Matt (’20), Josh (dual enrollment), and Sam (’26). Their most meaningful experiences with Alma include seeing how their sons benefitted from their time there and watching the growing bond between the college and the local community. Their advice to students: “Embrace all that Alma College and the surrounding communities have to offer. Study hard, have some fun, make connections and remember it’s never too late to try something new.”