Io Triumphe! Summer 2024

Io Triumphe!

Io Triumphe!

Features

Big Read creating a love for reading, a heart 11 for volunteering

With nearly 1,000 annual participants, the Big Read program reaches community-fixture status.

VITA community tax program turns 20 13

Accounting students who prepare taxes for community members say they are learning lessons far beyond the tax code.

Poland trip underscores the horrors 15 of the Holocaust

Hear from students and faculty from the Holocaust Studies Service Learning Project who traveled with the college to Poland to see history first-hand.

How one Briton composed his musical path 22

Thanks to the support and resourcefulness of Albion’s Music Department, Luke Rivard ’24 heads to graduate school next fall with serious composition credits under his belt.

Albion celebrates the installation of 24 President Wayne P. Webster

Alumni and guests joined campus for a lively Purple & Gold Weekend, highlighting the college’s impact and marking the change of leadership. Learn more about the installation ceremony and the people and artifacts that made it so special.

At long last, the Class of 2024 has its moment! 30 This year’s commencement ceremony had a deeper meaning for graduates and their families who were denied their high school graduations in 2020 due to Covid-19. We share some of the messages of resilience and where some of Albion’s newest graduates are headed next.

Departments

On the Cover: Josie Dunn ’25 stands before her Maemester Boundary Crossings exhibit titled, “Spring Out of Kindergarten” during the 2024 Showcase of Learning at Albion College’s Science Complex Atrium. Dunn spent three weeks this May teaching a science-integrated unit to kindergartners at Walters Elementary School in Marshall. She plans to pursue a career as a reading specialist after graduation. Photo credit: Paige Gustafson ’15

EDITOR

Mark Lowery

DESIGNERS/ILLUSTRATORS

Katherine Hibbs

CONTRIBUTORS

Melissa Anderson Makeba Bantu ’25

Chuck Carlson

Paige Gustafson ’15

William Leung

Jill Marie Mason ’01

Elizabeth Palmer ’10

Jordan Revenaugh ’21

Jake Weber

ADDRESS UPDATES

Office of Institutional Advancement 611 E Porter St. Albion, MI 49224 albion.edu/alumni

Please send class notes and other personal updates to classnotes@albion.edu

CONTACT THE EDITOR communications@albion.edu

Io Triumphe! is published in the winter and summer by Albion College. Opinions expressed in the publication may not reflect those of the College or Alumni Association. Photo and text copyright Albion College, all rights reserved.

ALBION COLLEGE MISSION

Albion College prepares students for lives of purpose characterized by meaningful careers and responsible leadership, with local and global impact. We are committed to sustaining a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and learner-centered environment where all students feel that they belong. We cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and a love of learning rooted in the liberal arts tradition and academic excellence.

Letter from the President

Experiential learning prepares Albion graduates for success

Experiential learning is nothing new for Albion College. In fact, it’s one of our areas of strong distinction. It’s not just because we offer mentorship from faculty scholars and staff who place a priority on innovative teaching; but also because of the investments we’ve made in our centers and institutes and the partnerships we’ve built within the Greater Albion community.

To continue to compete for the next generation of students, we must double down on our commitment to experiential learning—both in and outside the classroom—and in ways that guarantee opportunities for every student (not just those who raise their hand). Our students expect the best liberal arts education in Michigan. Likewise, we must promise to prepare them to make an immediate impact in the world upon graduation by leaning into the community-engaged classroom pedagogy, individual and group-research experiences, practicums, internships, off-campus study, and other forms of experiential learning Albion delivers in new and more upfront ways.

According to a survey of employers released this January by the National

Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), employers cite internships as the top deciding factor when they are choosing between two equally qualified candidates for a job opening. Recent college graduates who are able to articulate the skills gained from class work and various experiential learning opportunities are more likely to be hired.

Among the top most-attractive skills recent graduates can bring to an interview as referenced by the employers who completed NACE’s Job Outlook 2024 survey are: problem-solving, teamwork, communication skills (written and verbal), interpersonal skills, adaptability, technical and computer skills, analytical and quantitative skills, leadership skills, and a demonstrated ability to take initiative.

If those characteristics don’t describe Albion alumni I don’t know what does!

This summer and coming fall, our faculty, led by Provost Lisa Lewis, are discussing ways Albion can make experiential learning a universal part of the curriculum, among other updates. Their work begins by documenting the multitude of ways we already are delivering on this goal. This important work will set the stage for Albion to be successful in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

In this issue, we explore some of the unique experiential learning opportunities Albion students had this year and what they’ve gained from their experiences. In equal measure, we shine a spotlight on several enduring programs that have given students first-hand experiences beyond the classroom to learn and acquire the skills essential for success in their first destinations and those that follow. You will hear from Albion alumni who once participated in these programs and now help them thrive through their service as mentors, volunteers, and advocates.

In the pages that follow we share the latest news and happenings from campus and the greater alumni community. We also share snippets from Albion’s Purple & Gold celebration and commencement, and identify where some members of the Class of 2024 are headed next.

We hope you enjoy this issue and please remember to stay in touch!

Go Brits!

President

Chenier Crawford ’25

Major: Communication Studies

Hometown: Detroit

Membership: Apsio (theatre honor society)

Upon graduation, Chenier is interested in pursuing a career as a creative director at a production company.

When Chenier is not in class or in Ferguson Hall to brainstorm or plan her next social media project as an intern in the Office of Marketing and Communications, you can likely find her at Herrick Theatre shooting promotional videos for shows, assisting with stage management, or acting.

This fall, Chenier will be playing the role of “Nell Shaw” in the Theatre Department’s production of John Proctor is the Villain by Kimberly Belflower, directed by Meghan VanArsdalen of Purple Rose Theatre.

“My favorite aspect of theatre is the creativity and building,” she said.

“I’ve always loved how you can take a script and turn it into this wonderful piece of art; from costumes, lighting, production, all the way to goofing off backstage. There’s a quote that lives within the theatre that it is ’the art that disappears’ and I find that to be true.”

Hidden talent?

“I would say that I can dance.”

What’s a perfect “me” day?

“Watching tv or movies. It’s like my escape for when things are stressing me out. A good show or movie can help take your mind off of things!”

Favorite Marvel characters?

“You got me here, I can’t pick just one. My top three are Black Panther, Scarlet Witch/ Wanda, and Spiderman.”

Favorite campus hangout? “My room. I like relaxing in my own space.”

Motto to live by?

“If everything was easy, then everyone would do it.”

Favorite accompaniment: Chenier’s pink fan comes with her everywhere she goes to ensure she stays cool amid her very fast-paced life and that she is always ready for an impromptu photoshoot.

Favorite show to binge?

“I resonate with so many shows, but I am currently watching Abbott Elementary and Quinta Brunson is amazing!”

Albion 24/7

For over three decades, the Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium has celebrated excellent student research, scholarship, and creative activity. The participants are nominated by their faculty or staff sponsors after having participated in independent research that results in the significant synthesis of new knowledge. The research, study, or creative pursuit must have been performed under the direct supervision of an Albion College faculty member or as part of a college approved, off-campus study program.

34

Number of years Albion College has held the annual Elkin R. Isaac Research Symposium.

2024 ELKIN ISAAC BY THE NUMBERS

9

This year, nine Albion College seniors from the Art & Art History Department presented their awe-inspiring work as part of the “Would You Be Content?” Senior Showcase & Symposium in Munro Gallery.

Number of students who have presented between 1990-2024.

501

Number of poster presentations from 1990-2024.

The first symposium was held on April 20, 1990.

1,681

2,681 1990

Number of platform presentations between 1990-2024.

140

Total participants

PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

39 Poster presentations

with DAMION GEHRES ’25

A mathematics and physics major from Elsie, Michigan, Damion enters his senior year at Albion this fall with plans to pursue a doctorate in psychological neuroscience. But first, he is spending this summer with physics professor Demian Cho investigating how EEG, or electroencephalography signals, are different for two cases of epileptic seizures. He’ll do this by stimulating EEG signals on a neural network he codes in Python. We sat down with Damion, who was diagnosed with epilepsy four years ago, to discuss his personal interest in the research project and where he is spending his time.

Io Triumphe!: OK, this is super-important research that impacts real people, yourself included. Can you share what you will be doing this summer and why it means so much to you?

Gehres: When it comes to epileptic seizures there are two different ideas of the causes. One idea is called the supercritical brain avalanche, in which the lighting of one neuron causes the lighting of too many other neurons, causing the brain to overload. The other is excessive neuronal synchronization in which the neurons in the brain repeatedly and together activate and deactivate.

For my FURSCA project, I am first coding in a singular neuron in Python. From there, I am building a network of connected neurons. Once we have that network, we then code an EEG into the network which will give us what neurologists see when they plug a patient into an EEG. This will hopefully allow us to tell the difference between if their seizure is a cause of synchronous activity within the brain or an overload of the brain.

I feel like through working on this project I am beginning to understand myself as well. I was diagnosed with epilepsy four years ago and my case, like many others, was labeled as idiomatic, which means that the doctors do not know what causes my seizures. I feel as if I am helping myself understand what is going on and this has the potential to make it so other patients don’t have to sit wondering what is wrong with them.

What got you interested in psychological neuroscience as a potential career pathway?

One day, Dr. Cho allowed the physics majors to sit in on a call where a colleague of his was giving a talk about supercritical brain avalanches, which have become a major component of my research this summer. He is a professor at Indiana University which is part of why I want to apply there for graduate school. I eventually want to become a computational neuroscientist and work on epilepsy and other clinical brain conditions to understand what is happening to patients through the use of models and mathematics. I also want to branch out into clinical conditions and use clinical tools to understand how our brain networks affect our psychology.

What does a typical day look like for you as you explore this research? My project is in a small room with a computer and a whiteboard. On a typical day, I put some headphones on and play some music. I open up my research diary that Dr. Cho asks us to keep and I type in my goals. Next,

I review my code from the day prior and I write what is known as “pseudo code” on the whiteboard (This is just the logic of the code without the actual language itself). Then, I open up my Python notebook that I test my ideas in and write it in there and run it before I insert it into the main code. Finally, to end the day, I write in my research diary what I accomplished so when I finish the project I will have a bigger appreciation for what I have achieved.

What interests you about science?

The thing that interests me the most about science is the comradery. Science is one of those fields that even though there are some significant figures it also takes more than one person to prove something. Everything has to be tested multiple times and then also by multiple people. I also love how much it affects our daily lives. I have even found that science improves my mental health with the way it causes me to look at the world and myself.

Gehres is a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon, Phi Mu Alpha, Albion College Drumline, Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Inter Fraternity Council, and serves as a teaching assistant. In his free time, he enjoys disc golf and watching moves at the Bohm.

Enduring programs build community, foster growth

Albion College’s community-based approach to teaching and servicelearning has created programs with enduring impacts on current Brits, local students, community members, and alumni.

This work has manifested itself in myriad ways over decades, including helping community members complete and file their taxes, hosting fun film and craft nights to encourage young people to find meaning in reading, lending

a hand to grow and harvest produce in Albion’s Community Garden (and collecting and sharing recipes like recent alumna Ashlynn Reed ’24!), or bringing fresh ideas and new experiences into local PK-12 classrooms.

In the pages that follow, we share the stories of how these programs have impacted our students and the local community, and explore ways they are sustained through deep engagement of alumni, faculty, staff, and community and organization partners.

Maemester: Preparing tomorrow’s teachers and creating life-long mentors

The creativity and inspiration of Albion’s newest teacher candidates was on full display May 23 during the 18th Annual Showcase of Learning, hosted by the Education Department and the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development.

Guests funneled into Albion’s Science Complex to hear students and view samples of the class projects, planned and implemented over the span of three, action-packed weeks. The students were part of Albion’s Maemester Boundary Crossings program, which has been preparing teachers to thrive in classrooms for 18 years.

Among the crowd were also mentor teachers who remember what it felt like being in those education students’ shoes, as the event didn’t just showcase the work of teacher candidates but also former mentees now doing the mentoring.

McKenna Donahue ’18, now in her fifth year as a kindergarten teacher at Walters Elementary School in Marshall, has been a Maemester mentor for four years. “I believe in the program and want to give back as much as I can,” she said.

Donahue teaches in the same classroom where she was placed for both Maemester and her student teaching. “My mentor teacher is still a great mentor and close friend,” she said. “She’s the one who encouraged me to take on the building sub position and then encouraged me to apply for her position when she was moving on elsewhere.”

Associate professor Betty Okwako-Riekkola, who helped coordinate the program this year (along with Suellyn Henke, professor and chair of the Education Department, and Karen Hoaglin, liaison for the Shurmur Center), said mentor teachers who have gone through the program like McKenna are uniquely suited to support their mentees since they have a shared experience and understand the program well.

“Those veteran teachers play a key role by modeling professional behaviors and responsibilities and providing teacher candidates feedback and guidance to prepare them for student-teaching experiences,” OkwakoRiekkola said.

Nearly two decades of preparing classroom leaders

Maemester started when Mae Ola Dunklin, the former director of the Fritz Shurmur Center, and Deborah Roose, then chair of the Education Department, collaborated with local educators, college faculty, and the community to design a more in-depth, prestudent teaching experience for Albion College students. The idea took off with support from the C. Robert ’63 and Sara ’64 Maxfield Endowed Teacher Enhancement Fund and focused first in the Albion Public School district (APS). The program moved exclusively to Marshall Public Schools (MPS) following the annexation of APS in 2016. The goal of the program remains the same–offering valuable classroom teaching experience in the spring for all junior elementary, secondary, and K-12 education students. Known originally as Maymester, it was renamed Maemester in 2017 to honor Dunklin.

During Maemester, teacher candidates spend at least 140

hours in classrooms, assisting mentor teachers with the daily routine of taking attendance, grading, planning lessons, and assessing students. Mentor teachers then take the supporting role as teacher candidates enact the enrichment projects they’ve designed.

Maemester has survived, and even thrived, through difficult times such as the Covid-19 pandemic, when it became a successful remote event; and when Albion’s high school and middle school closed and were folded into MPS.

“When we started this journey, we were looking for a way to involve prospective teachers with the schools. We did not anticipate this [level of success],” said Dunklin, reflecting on the longevity and success that have surpassed her original goals.

David Turner ’92, principal of Marshall High School, attributes the success of Maemester in large part to its design, which focuses on a strong network of local teachers, including many dedicated alumni.

Josie Dunn ’25, teacher candidate, and her mentor teacher McKenna Donahue ’18, during introductions at the Showcase of Learning.

Those mentor teachers

“benefit the college students and Albion College because they build existing relationships with individuals in the district,” Turner said.

“We see the program as a pipeline for new teachers. Maemester students are more likely to be placed in student-teaching roles and ultimately full-time teaching positions in Marshall Public Schools because of the positive relationships they develop during their three weeks in the classroom.”

What’s more? New teachers who successfully complete the Maemester program at MPS can oftentimes skip a step during contract negotiations, which comes with a higher annual salary.

It is rare for an education program to guarantee this kind of experience for its teacher candidates. The incredible thing, though, is that this applied approach is standard practice for Albion’s Education Department, which exposes its students early and often to real-life classrooms beginning with their very first course.

“We are intentional about where we place teacher candidates, ensuring they are exposed to diverse resources and instructional materials that represent diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences,” OkwakoRiekkola said. “In the

foundation courses, clinical experiences focus on local Albion schools (Harrington Elementary and the Opportunity High School), while later courses include clinical experiences focused on working with exceptional learners including the giftedand-talented, and students in special education contexts.”

Mentees and mentors alike on hand for event

Mentor teachers from throughout MPS were on hand for the showcase, visibly beaming with pride as their mentees shared the achievements of the Maemester program.

“The evening gives education students a chance to talk about their teaching to the community,” said Professor Henke. “They see what it feels like to represent their school and they’re very proud of it. It’s very impressive.”

Henke said this immersive experience provides the opportunity for teacher candidates to build meaningful relationships and develop a deeper understanding of teaching.

“I enjoyed my Maemester experience. I felt like it gave me a great idea of what to expect come time to student teach,” said Megan Moco ’19, a kindergarten teacher at Walters Elementary, who

mentored teacher candidate Liberty Eaton ’25. “I had an incredible mentor teacher for my Maemester and student-teaching experience. She took a very hands-on approach when showing me all that happens behind the scenes. From data collection, assessment practice, behavior management tools; I was able to take it all in.”

“When I finished my Maemester and student teaching experience with Mrs. Marcie Hydrick, I left knowing I could contact her at any point for any reason,” Moco said. “I want to make sure all my mentees leave feeling that they can reach out if they’re in need of advice, materials, recommendation letters, etc.”

Turner said Maemester stands out as a shining example of a program deeply rooted in the local community, with the shared goal of developing expert teachers and sustaining local schools.

“Maemester is embedded in our programming. Kids have pencils, it’s a standard thing. For me, Maemester is a standard thing,” Turner said. “It benefits the college students as they are learning to become educators and hone their craft. It helps our teachers because it brings new energy and ideas and it also helps them with their own planning. Our students benefit from the energy and applied experiences.”

A showcase of possibilities

Nineteen Albion students created unit plans as part of this year’s theme, “Water Connects Us,” under the auspices of 20 mentor teachers.

Donahue, the kindergarten teacher at Walters, mentored Josie Dunn ’25, who plans to teach kindergarten through third grade. Dunn taught Donahue’s class writing lessons about facts and

Community members, local educators, and supporters packed the atrium of the Science Complex to view exhibits and hear from Albion’s teacher candidates.

Hannah Stutler ’24 explains her unit to a guest at the Showcase of Learning.

and students were excited to take them home and continue birdwatching using the skills they had developed in previous lessons taught by Josie.”

When asked to share one thing she learned during Maemester, Dunn smiled and replied, “Kindergarteners need you to explain things step-by-step, many times, and as a teacher you need to build in time for that.”

teacher’s voice and witnessing them become more confident.”

This year’s Maemester projects covered a wide spectrum and included students from kindergarten through high school.

“Anyone Can Be a Journalist,” and focused on how water connects everyone. She had her students create a zine, a small, self-published eMagazine in which several groups focused on water topics such as the Flint water crisis and water as a human right.

opinions related to birds and their habitat called “Spring Out of Kindergarten.”

“It’s science-integrated but it’s a chance for kids to write their opinions,” Dunn said. “Things like, ‘I like birds because….’ and ‘I like owls because….’”

Donahue said her students loved having Josie in class and that she really connected with them through the experiential components of her lessons.

“I think my students had a great time doing all of Josie’s lessons, especially the fun crafts that she guided them to do. I think their favorite thing was painting and decorating bird houses. They were able to complete this project with their third-grade buddies

Dunn said she plans to further her education with a master’s degree and become a reading specialist. And because there is such a need for quality teachers, she is optimistic that she can find that ideal opportunity. “I’ll have more options about where I can go and teach,” she said.

“I love mentoring Albion College students. I enjoy it because it allows me to continue to keep up a relationship with the Education Department which I care greatly about and I love to see students develop a passion and get to be part of cultivating that experience,” Donahue said. “It’s awesome for me to see prospective teachers develop relationships with my students and get to share in loving and caring for kindergarteners. I also love seeing a college students

Brady Gawne ’25 taught eighth-graders at Marshall Middle School about the Civil War’s Reconstruction period. Often overlooked in history classes, Reconstruction was the plan to help the North and South unite after the war. It was all but derailed after the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. Gawne had his students make their own Reconstruction plans.

“They had fun with that,” he said. “A lot of them were wellversed on the big battles of the Civil War and that speaks a lot for the school district that they knew so much. We talked about the KKK, things like that. They were very mature and very respectful. They liked learning about new topics.”

Gawne hopes to earn a master’s degree and eventually become a school administrator.

Bella Bakeman ’25 wanted her sophomore students at Marshall High School to understand and embrace the role and importance of journalism.

The editor of Albion’s student newspaper, The Pleiad, Bakeman titled her unit,

“It’s opinion-based and they wrote it and illustrated it,” she said. The zine was distributed at the high school and the showcase at Albion. “The goal is to teach them the importance of journalism,” she said. “I want students to get excited about journalism.”

Another student taught middle school students poetry; another took students on a canoe trip; and another used music to tell a story.

In addition to helping prepare students to teach, Maemester fuels a passion for education and creates enduring connections.

Hannah Stutler ’24, who this fall will be student teaching at Hughes Elementary School in Marshall, began working with Henke during her senior year in high school to select courses that would transfer into Albion and set her up for success in the education program.

“I want to spend time teaching kids to write and enjoy books,” Stutler said. “My biggest passion is reading and writing and I want to instill that love for reading in my students.”

Big Read creating a love for reading, a heart for volunteering

English professor Jess Roberts is pretty clear about the qualities which make a good volunteer for Albion’s annual Big Read program.

“They go all-in. They express their joy openly,” Roberts said. “They are goofy and honest. They take risks. They care openly about one another and the book.”

The above would be an unusual job description for some community reading programs. But Albion’s Big Read is far from usual. Since its beginning as a grantwriting exercise for Roberts’ Fall 2014 professional writing class, Albion’s Big Read has become a community fixture during October, attracting nearly 1,000 participants annually to multiple book discussions and events ranging from a kickoff parade to film screenings, craft nights, and visits from nationally renowned authors.

Unlike many reading programs, Albion’s Big Read is not led by a cadre of adult bibliophiles. Instead, Roberts and the volunteers spend months with the 8th, 9th, and 10th-grade Albion

young people who lead the book discussions. That staff includes wingman Nels Christensen, the Big Read assistant director, and the volunteers. Together, they mess around with what it looks and feels like to talk about a book, and the volunteers create what Roberts calls “a context of joy.”

Roberts teaches them many of the literary and textual analysis tools used by her college students, while the volunteers assist with developing team-building, group leadership, and problemsolving development skills.

Creating a college, volunteer pipeline

Of course, the Big Read is focused on each year’s book, student-leader training, and the community members who participate, but there are uniqueand-enriching experiences for volunteers as well.

“The Big Read put me on Albion College’s campus,” said Akaiia Ridley ’22, one of the Big Read’s first student leaders, and one of 18 who eventually enrolled at Albion.

As a 10th-grade student leader, Ridley wasn’t yet considering her future college but when she did, that Albion introduction was powerful. “The Big Read made me

more comfortable with the academic environment of college and knowing that I would have professors like Jess and Nels made me more eager to attend Albion,” Ridley said. She eventually served as a college volunteer and just stepped down as the Big Read’s assistant director.

Ridley credits her experience with Big Read with showing her “the importance of sharing/preserving the stories of communities like Albion.” She said her honors thesis focused on oral histories from Albion’s Black alumni and was inspired by this insight.

This spring, Ridley earned a master’s degree in historic preservation from Eastern Michigan University.

Akaiia Ridley ’22

Unlike Ridley, Richard Annorat ’20 had never heard of the Big Read when Roberts convinced him that the volunteering opportunity was worth his time. “What really got me was the intentionality and the structure,” he said. “Jess and Nels were mindful of every student leader, valuing every individual. This was different from how I’d been trained as a camp counselor, where the focus was on the group.”

After three years with the Big Read, Annorat graduated with a degree in English language arts education and spent a year at Harrington Elementary. Now beginning his third year as Earlham College’s (Indiana) track and field coach, Annorat reflected on how the Big Read and Roberts are part of his professional philosophy.

“Jess is all about intentionality and an environment that’s safe and positive so students can put in their best effort,” he said. “Students want to put in effort because they see themselves getting better. It’s leading with love. It’s a cliché but that’s what I want to do as well.”

LaRohnda Richardson ’21 (who served as a Big Read volunteer) has a full-time job but also makes time to work

with youth. “Albion helped me realize that teaching wasn’t for me, but the Big Read showed me that I wanted to help kids discover their love of something,” said Richardson, an accounting administrator who moonlights as assistant director of Bloomfield Hills (Michigan) High School’s theater program. “The Big Read helps kids discover their love of reading, of books, of the community. In theater, we’re working with visual forms of literature. It’s more physical, but I still get the rush I got working with the Big Read.”

What program volunteers gain is different for each one, but Roberts is clear on the unifying opportunities that come from the experience. “We create relationships with the [volunteers] that are rooted in authentic collaboration. The volunteers also gain the opportunity

to create an educational space self-consciously and deliberately, for someone else, and this makes them become increasingly aware of their power to do so,” Roberts said. “Then they take that awareness, and the set of skills they have developed, into other settings.”

“We tell the [volunteers] from the very beginning, ‘It’s not about you. It’s about the leaders.’” Roberts explained. “But there is no Big Read without our volunteers. Their willingness to invest in our leaders, to express their joy, to be goofy and honest and authentic is what makes it possible.”

Artistic representations of the past nine Big Read selections.

Richard Annorat ’20

LaRohnda Richardson ’21

Accounting students gain hands-on training volunteering with VITA community tax program

For Kevie Lamour ’25, it was a journey into something with which she really wasn’t that familiar.

It was a journey of forms and deductions; of exemptions and refunds; of W-2s and 1040s; of donations and expenditures.

The Haiti native came to Albion College and settled on political science as her major before recently adding economics to her plate.

So when she volunteered over the winter to join other Albion students to help local residents fill out their taxes, she admitted with a laugh, “I didn’t know what the heck I was doing.”

But she does now. And what she and the other student volunteers learned was far more important, and educational, than refunds and dependents.

“It was the first time I had to think about filing taxes and every case is different,” she said. “But for me, it’s the

personalized touch to it. We try to make it as personal as possible. I just want to help people go through it and it’s just nice to give something back.”

It’s been some 20 years since retired economics professor Gaylord Smith created the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help those in need in the Greater Albion community navigate the complicated waters of tax preparation and filing.

It was an opportunity, he believed, to help those who could use a hand with one of the necessary, often exhausting, frequently annoying, and sometimes expensive realities of American life. And it can be especially tough on older filers and those with limited financial means, who need to file but can’t really afford to go to an accountant or a tax service.

So two times a week initially and then once a week as tax season drew to a close, VITA volunteers gathered in shifts

in Room 106 of Robinson Hall to help with tax conversations, to answer questions, make suggestions, help fill out the forms and, finally, e-file returns.

The program has remained popular over the years as more than 1,000 people have used it.

“A lot of people in the community know about us,” said adjunct economics professor Leah Parker-Roth ’15, who along with professor Connie O’Brien and alumna Ashlin Tabiadon ’17, coordinated the student volunteers this season. Renee Harlow ’12 schedules and organizes appointments and solves the various logistical issues.

“We have a lot of return clients,” Parker-Roth said.

Parker-Roth ’15 knows the program better than most because she’s been here before. As an Albion College student who double majored in accounting and business and organizations, she volunteered in VITA for four years and gained valuable insight on not only how to work through taxes, but how to work with people.

She took that experience and turned it into a job with a small accounting firm before finding an unexpected opportunity to return to her alma mater as an economics

Mateo Diaz ’24, Juan Lopez ’24, and Gerelmaa Batjargal ’26 work through a problem.

professor. Economics professor John Bedient, who took the mantle from Smith, recently handed the VITA program over to Parker-Roth. Fellow economics professor John Carlson also devoted a decade to the development and progress of the program. Bedient has been a long-time advocate for the program and will return as its leader this year.

“It’s a chance to give back to the community and have students get some real-world work to go with their book knowledge,” he said. “We teach them about the effect of taxes at the 30,000foot level in class. But this is down and dirty and it’s putting numbers in boxes.”

Those interested in volunteering must first complete and pass three IRS-mandated courses over a two-day training session in January. The courses focus on professional ethics, tax law,

and discussing tax returns with clients.

“It can be difficult,” Maya Batjargal ’26 said. “The documents are different for everyone and sometimes there are questions about why someone got a lesser refund. You have to be ready for unexpected questions.”

At the beginning of tax season, VITA was open twice a week in Robinson Hall for at least three hours. Appointments are set up and volunteers take customers through the entire process of consultation, gathering important documents, and helping them fill out their local, state, and federal tax forms.

The taxes are filed on the IRS-approved Taxslayer software and, after the numbers are plugged in, Parker-Roth examines the returns before they’re e-filed.

Volunteers are allowed to only work on basic 1040 taxes. And if students run into a tax roadblock, the professors are there to provide guidance.

Parker-Roth said the experience for students is invaluable.

“It gives them an understanding of professionalism and understanding [of] the diligence of this type of work,” she said. “Whatever realm of business you go into, you have to be diligent and responsible. It also shows them how not only to work with clients but with their student peers. It gives them real-world experience.”

VITA also provides an opportunity for the volunteers to gain academic credit as participants in the program. But the practical experience is what really matters, Bedient said, such as learning attention to detail, working collaboratively, and interacting with the public.

“It is an opportunity that employers value,” Bedient said. “Once students put VITA on their resume in an interview, an employer’s ears perk up. They know they must pass an IRS test that’s not easy. Also, employers know VITA requires students to demonstrate with each client valued behaviors like attention to detail, active listening, and collaborative,

problem-solving skills.”

The VITA program this year featured an array of students, many of them who are majoring in accounting and economics, but some of them who are just interested in helping.

The volunteers this winter included: Maralgoo Ariunbaatar ’26; William Barr ’25; Gerelmaa Batjargal ’26; Enkhmaa Buyanbadrakh ’26; Mateo Diaz ’24; Alexis Glaser ’25; Kevin Herrera ’26; Kevie Lamour ’25; Stephanie Ledezma Gonzalez ’24; Juan Lopez ’24; Canon Rose ’25; Maiwand Zahin ’26; and Jadlyn Riley ’24.

“I wanted to get some real-life hands-on experience,” said Enkhmaa Buyanbadrakh ’26, a native of Mongolia who is an accounting major. “I’ve learned a lot from this. I’ve taken so many accounting classes but this helps me with hands-on learning.”

And Bedient believes the program remains as vital and important as ever.

“This is a way to do charitable work in the community and that’s been my biggest benefit from it,” he said. “I can also help students help community members. We’ve gotten a lot of good vibes helping people who really need help.”

Stephanie Ledzma ’24, Ashlin Tabiadon ’17, and Maya Batjargal ’26 work through forms for a client.

Poland trip underscores the horrors of the Holocaust

Having made the journey several times, Jocelyn McWhirter isn’t surprised by the reactions or emotions of the Albion College students who experience the life-changing trip to Poland, a highlight of the Holocaust Studies Service Learning Project.

McWhirter, a professor of religious studies, knows that reading about the horrors suffered by Jews or watching documentaries about the Holocaust is one thing–visiting the concentration camps where the torture was inflicted and the graves where victims’ relatives are buried is quite another.

“Auschwitz in particular stirs up varied emotions including grief, anger, revulsion, numbness, and wonder at the horrors inflicted on the million-plus Jews from all over Europe who suffered and perished there,” McWhirter said. “Cramped living conditions, long, twice-daily role calls, public executions, separation from families, a

starvation diet, torture in camp prisons, the looming threat of gas chambers and crematoria, I could go on--it’s all too much to comprehend.”

This year’s trip was the first since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The traveling group included 15 students and four faculty and staff. The trip is the second part of a full-credit course with two components. During the spring semester, the class met in seven, twohour class sessions to learn the basics of Jewish life. The students read four books and wrote a paper in addition to their journals written in Poland. Assistant Professor of

History Laura Brade taught the classroom portion of the course.

Their itinerary included visits to Wrocław, Poland (formerly Breslau, Germany), where the group worked in a Jewish cemetery largely neglected since the 1940s; and a tour of Kraków, including the ghetto where Jews were housed before deportation plus the former Schindler factory where a plaque donated by Albion College in the early 2000s is still mounted on the outside wall. The group also visited the now-demolished concentration camp Plaszów (featured in the movie “Schindler’s List”).

“Reflecting on the work that we’ve done, I can confidently say that our presence has been felt in the paths that we’ve opened and the people whose names we’ve uncovered,” said Abby Dombrowski ’25, a history

major. “I’ve learned so much here, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of this team.”

McWhirter said one of the trip’s most memorable moments was when the group was joined in Poland by Frank Kelemen, the retired former director of Albion’s College Counseling Center. Both of his parents survived internment at Auschwitz as well as at other camps. At the Auschwitz subcamp Birkenau, students lit candles and gathered around Kelemen as he prayed for his family members and victims.

“Frank recited Kaddish and a prayer along with some writings of his father [who survived imprisonment in Auschwitz II - Birkenau],” said Ella Bolster ’26, an anthropology major. “We all felt the energy around us as he spoke.”

Experiential learning that prepares students to make an immediate impact.

“I decided my main focus would be representing Albion’s ethnic diversity, but also giving people a platform to stand on and tell their stories.”

—Ashlynn Reed ’24

Collecting Albion’s recipes, embracing its long-ignored voices

A fourth-generation gardener from Blissfield, Michigan, the field-to-gardento-table pipeline is nothing new to Ashlynn Reed ’24.

She’s long known that the best meals usually start in fields and gardens or at farmer’s markets, not the supermarket. Her family grew fruits and vegetables ranging from zucchini and tomatoes to pumpkins and strawberries.

“We have a lot of family recipes, one of them being our zucchini bread,” Reed said. “And it was a staple during breakfast. My brother and I would always have it right before school.”

“I grew up cooking a lot, but I also worked in food service all throughout high school,” she continued. “Didn’t really like it, but I did like cooking. I came to Albion with a family history of gardening.”

So it was somewhat of a no-brainer when, at the urging and encouragement of Trisha Franzen, master gardener at the Albion Community Garden (ACG), Reed decided to create an Albion cookbook. At the time, she was working at ACG as an intern through Albion AmeriCorps and Albion College Center for Sustainability and the Environment, where she’s now employed as sustainability coordinator.

The two-year project, which culminated with the publishing of The Albion Community Cookbook (Cookbook

Publishers) would prove more challenging than expected. Along the way, Reed learned that collecting prized recipes is one thing; gaining the trust (and recipes) of voices traditionally ignored throughout Albion’s (and the country’s) history is another. Much of that Albion history and present-day legacy is documented in her senior thesis, which won Outstanding Senior Honors Thesis.

“[Ashlynn] understood the importance of belonging in a community,” said Thom Wilch, professor of earth and environment. “She understood that belonging requires real relationships with people. She had to work hard to gain people’s trust.”

From internship to published author

That became evident during the various food-distribution efforts in which Reed participated.

Reed’s work through ACG and in partnership with the Albion Healthcare Alliance and the Albion Community Table had been eye-opening before she’d compiled a single recipe.

“Albion is a food apartheid. The situation in Albion is definitely race-motivated and systematically motivated,” she said. “There’s not a ton of fresh produce in Albion. And [when] there is, it’s not affordable and it’s not great quality.”

“The ACG distributes food–through the senior center and we also have a stand outside the main garden location,” Reed said. “Tuesday distribution at the Albion Community Table usually has a long line of community members…although there is almost never any fresh produce for those distributions.”

Yet another issue was that some recipients had no idea what to do with some of the food items.

“A lot of times what we find at the garden is that you give somebody an eggplant

18 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

or you give somebody some squash or something, they don’t always know what to do with that,” Reed said.

Gaining trust and recipes

Reed started the cookbook project by examining the dozens of cookbooks at the Albion District Library, some of which date back to the 1890s. Despite the demographic diversity which had been present in Albion at least since the 1920s, there was virtually no representation of those populations, giving the false impression that those groups hadn’t existed or made any culinary contributions.

“There were only two cookbooks that had ‘ethnic’ sections, but they were really vague,” Reed noted. “[The cookbooks] really didn’t portray the importance of diversity in Albion.”

For example, despite Albion’s long presence of African Americans, many of whom were part of the Great Migration from the South, there were no recipes

involving southern staples such as collard greens or okra. Native American recipes were also sparse. Suddenly, the project became more complicated than Reed originally thought it would be–getting recipes and stories from groups which had historically been ignored.

“I decided my main focus would be representing Albion’s ethnic diversity, but also giving people a platform to stand on and tell their stories,” Reed said.

Reed’s outreach to the community included posters, Facebook and Instragam posts, flyers to churches, and handing out business cards at community events. Her research was aided by funding from Albion College’s Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity.

“I learned a lot as an outsider but in the end I became an insider,” Reed said. “I really feel like I’m a part of this community now. But it was tough and sometimes frustrating. There is, historically, a bit of a lack of trust

between the college and some members of the community.”

She was able to break through some of those layers of mistrust. The result of Reed’s efforts is a cookbook replete with recipes for soups, vegetables, side dishes, main dishes, desserts and breads, snacks, sauces, and seasonings all working to represent Albion’s diverse history.

There is an entry from a churchgoer who submitted a cake recipe from a dear, departed friend; a traditional wild rice recipe from a tribal member of the Gun Lake Potawatomi.

“I met with him and we talked about the Wild Rice Initiative on the Kalamazoo River and in the Whitehouse Nature Center, and he gave me some recipes,” Reed said. “That was fascinating. It was awesome.”

“[This project] was very enlightening,” Reed said. “I’m really proud of my work, and I’m really thankful to everyone who shared recipes and their stories.”

“The support Albion provided me throughout the past four years has instilled confidence, and I am looking forward to this next chapter of my academic endeavors.”

—Alyvia Martinez ’24

Albion experience prepared graduate for marine-life study

Duke University isn’t often compared to Albion College, but it’s nice to know the two institutions are similar in at least one regard.

“The Duke Marine Lab was like Albion, on an island. It is such a small-knit community and it was super easy to make connections with the faculty and other students,” said Alyvia Martinez ’24. “That sort of community impacts students’ lives.”

Martinez spent the Fall 2023 semester at the Duke Marine Lab as one of two visiting student scholarship recipients. While there, Martinez focused on another community–short-finned pilot whales. Using sound recordings and spectrogram data gathered near Cape Hatteras, Martinez collated and charted the whales’ use of nonlinear phenomena vocalizations, which are a mystery to researchers.

“This was a short project, so I could not draw any definite conclusions, but we were able to predict that they use these calls to socialize,” Martinez said.

Her work, she hopes, adds to the marine lab’s mission to understand and protect the ocean and its inhabitants. “Many whales migrate from Nova Scotia down to Florida. It’s important to track their behavior (where they feed and breed) so we do not disturb them,” she said. “With this knowledge, boats will know where and when to avoid collisions with

whales, especially with cargo ships or military vessels.”

At Duke, Martinez also took courses in oceanography, invertebrate marine biology, and marine animal behavior and physiology, with class activities that included whale watching, shark tagging, and catching horseshoe crabs and flounders. She discovered another academic similarity between Duke and Albion.

“I took the marine biology course at Albion with Dr. Abigail Cahill, and she had us write a mock research proposal,” Martinez said. “That project helped me

with creative and analytical thinking and those skills transferred. In three of my four courses at Duke, we had to come up with a research project. Already knowing how to write a research proposal helped a lot.”

This fall, Martinez heads back to Duke University, where she will be a doctoral student in deep sea biology.

“The support Albion provided me throughout the past four years has instilled confidence, and I am looking forward to this next chapter of my academic endeavors,” she said.

“Hearing any of my works is a reminder that something I created connects performers and listeners in a way only music can.”

—Luke Rivard ’24

Albion College Io Triumphe!

How one Briton composed his musical path

As college sophomores often do, Luke Rivard ’24 made the dismaying discovery that he’d chosen the wrong major. “I was on track with music education, but I realized that teaching in a school system was not what I wanted to do,” he recalled.

Instead, Rivard felt compelled to study music composition, an activity he explored briefly in high school, but he realized this would be a challenging course shift. He had limited instruction on theory and composition in high school. “What I had done was simple and poorly written, really not good at all,” Rivard said.

Albion’s small music faculty not having a composition specialist also complicated matters. Yet two years later, thanks to the support of Albion’s entire Music Department, Rivard is poised for the next step in his professional career. This fall, Rivard will join a graduate program in composition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, alma mater of music professor and Honors Program Director Lia Jensen-Abbott.

“Pursuing composition would not have been possible without constant support from my faculty and staff mentors,” Rivard said. “They recognized my potential and advocated for me. I am grateful for the dedicated members of the Music Department who molded me into a capable musician.”

Since 2022, Rivard has studied virtually with New York-based composer Philip Wharton, hired as an Albion adjunct

instructor for this specific purpose. Other Music Department faculty, staff, and students have played a part, giving six performances of Rivard’s compositions: a voice/piano song cycle, wind quartet, handbell choir piece, a fully orchestrated flute concerto, an original piece for orchestra, and an orchestrated version of Scott Joplin’s “Silver Swan Rag.”

“I remember the first time I heard my song cycle being sung. I couldn’t stop smiling (despite the text setting being an Edgar Allen Poe poem) because the music I wrote came to life,” Rivard said. “Hearing any of my works is a reminder that something I created connects performers and listeners in a way only music can.”

The opportunity to work with so many of Albion’s ensembles and musicians greatly impacted Rivard’s approach to composition. “I focus on creating interest for potential audiences. I have noticed that a lot of modern classical music fails to reach everyday audiences because it is either far too complex or too repetitive,” he explained. “My goal with composition is to find the middle ground between the sound in my head and what will be perceived. Connection with an audience is the ultimate goal.”

“I like the process of finding starting material for new pieces. Sometimes it is a weeks-long process and sometimes it flows right out of me,” he continued. “I also have fun picking apart all the components of those themes to develop them and keep them interesting.”

Albion may have played a pivotal role, but Rivard does note one other critical piece of his success. “I eat chocolate when I feel uninspired,” he concluded. “That often helps.”

Rivard graduated from Albion College in May with a Bachelor’s of Arts in Music Performance. He has received many awards. These include the Helen Sue Koether Memorial Music Scholarship, the Dr. Philip Mason Orchestra Prize (2x), the Donald S. White Music Theory Award (2x), the Jacqueline Maag Prize in Music History, the Anthony Taffs Award in Music Composition (3x), the Louis Upton Rowland and Ruth Carter Rowland Endowed Scholarship, and an Outstanding Honors Thesis Award. He is also a member of Mortar Board and Pi Kappa Lambda.

SYMBOLS FROM THE INSTALLATION OF ALBION’S 18 TH PRESIDENT

The Albion College community celebrated an inspiring new chapter in its proud history on Saturday, April 20, with the installation of its 18th president, Wayne P. Webster.

Installation came at the end of Purple & Gold Week, which included the 34th Annual Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium; Honors Convocation; alumni and presidential guest panels; a Spotlight on Albion showcase event featuring faculty-led initiatives from the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, the community gardens and student farm, and our unique partnership with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi as well as “5-and-Done” and poster presentations featuring community-based student projects; and a variety of music, crafting, and dance activities. Albion also recognized seven alumni with awards for their distinguished contributions to their alma mater and their respective professions.

Investiture

During the installation ceremony, Joanne “Joey” Edwards Miller ’75, chair of the Albion College Board of Trustees, formally “invested” Wayne P. Webster with the authority of the office of the president. The word originates from the Latin verb “investire,” which means to clothe in, cover, or surround.

President Webster officially assumed his position as Miller read the following words and presented him with the presidential medallion: “Dr. Wayne P. Webster, in the presence of this distinguished company of family, friends, alumni, students, faculty, staff, members of the academy, and honored guests, it is my duty and high privilege to confirm that the Board of Trustees has elected you the 18th president of Albion College. As chair of the Board of Trustees and acting on its behalf, I hereby confer upon you the authority necessary for the proper exercise of your duties and responsibilities as chief executive officer of Albion College.”

Presidential Medallion

Scan here to view video, photos, and more from Purple & Gold Weekend and the Presidential Installation.

As detailed in a small engraving on the back, the president’s medallion was “given in honor of the presidents of Albion College by the family of Belle A. and George E. Dean (of Dean Hall and Bellemont Manor) February 6,1971.” The medallion was first worn by President Bernard T. Lomas ’46. Photographs indicate it was also worn by Presidents Melvin L. Vulgamore, Peter T. Mitchell, and Donna Randall. It is uncertain if Albion presidents prior to President Lomas wore any kind of medallion.

Faculty Marshals

Faculty marshals play an important role in an installation ceremony to organize the faculty and other dignitaries for the processional and recessional and assist with the general flow of the event. Those providing marshaling duties during the installation ceremony included professors Craig Bieler, Tammy Jechura, Andrew Christopher, and Head Marshal Jocelyn McWhirter.

Ceremonial Mace

The ceremonial mace is an ornamental staff made of wood used to lead the academic procession. It serves to signify the importance of the event and the order of the academic procession. The head marshal, professor Jocelyn McWhirter, has the honor of serving as the mace bearer, or custodian of the mace, and in this capacity serves as lead for the academic procession at all college ceremonies.

Academic Procession

An academic procession topping nearly 200 individuals opened the installation ceremony in Goodrich Chapel. It included Albion faculty, trustees, past presidents, student government representatives, administrators, alumni class representatives, and delegates from colleges, universities, and educational associations in Michigan and across the country.

Academic Regalia

Regalia of many colors and stripes was worn by members of the faculty; delegates from other colleges, universities, and educational associations; trustees; the president’s cabinet; and the platform party. Doctoral gowns are more elaborate than traditional robes and include a five-inch velvet panel down the front and three velvet chevron bars on each sleeve. The velvet trim color on a doctoral gown identifies the degree and academic discipline of the individual wearing it. The presidential gown stands apart with a fourth chevron on each sleeve and is made in Albion’s legacy purple.

Professor Emerita E. Dale Kennedy

S cenes from Whitehouse Nature Center appeared on the screen as Luke Rivard ’24, a music composition major, played a flute solo titled “Where are the watchers?” written in 2020 by his composition instructor, Philip Wharton. Wharton says of the piece, “During the pandemic of 2020, I walked late at night in New York’s Central Park and heard the occasional birdsong. It occurred to me that I should be seeing lots of birders lurking about as they searched out the migratory visitors. These people, of course, were not around. Did the birds wonder about the disappearance of their watchers? I wrote this piece in response to this question.”

Early on in the footage, Professor Emerita of Biology E. Dale Kennedy is seen looking through her binoculars. Kennedy is a behavioral ecologist whose research focuses primarily on factors that affect clutch size and breeding success in birds. During Purple & Gold Weekend, she led a tour of the Nature Center for interested guests.

Benediction

A benediction is a common element typically added at the end of an installation ceremony. The benediction for President Webster’s installation was provided by Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg ’80, retired spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Tikvah in Troy, Michigan. Rabbi Arnie now serves Congregation Beth Shalom of Traverse City on a part-time basis.

In one of the more tender moments of an already-moving ceremony, Rabbi Arnie delivered the priestly benediction from the Book of Numbers, alternating from Hebrew to English, and placing hands on President Webster’s shoulders.

Class Representatives

Nearly 80 alumni class representatives from the classes of 1959 to 2023 joined the academic processional for President Webster’s installation ceremony. Alumni serving as class representatives held class signs with their graduation year and wore purple cords with a special Albion College presidential seal.

Around The Rock

Albion alumnae win National Science Foundation Fellowships

Alyvia Martinez ’24 and Anna Crysler ’22 have been named National Science Foundation Graduate Fellows. The awards, worth nearly $150,000 each, will underwrite three years of graduate study and research materials for each recipient. Lauren Bergeron ’22 received an honorable mention.

“These awards are highly selective, with about a 15% acceptance rate,” said biology professor Abigail Cahill, Martinez’ research adviser. “The fact that our students are competitive in this field speaks to their experiences in the classroom developing their writing and scientific thought, and to their research experiences on- and off-campus.”

“I went back and forth about whether or not to apply, but ultimately [one of my professors] was able to give me a final boost of encouragement during Homecoming,” said Crysler, who will start the doctoral program in bioengineering, focused on antimicrobial peptide design, at the University of Pennsylvania. The award, she noted, will “potentially give me more

freedom in the research questions I am able to ask in graduate school without being limited by specific grants or proposals of the lab I join.”

“I was just hoping to get an honorable mention, but to actually be awarded a fellowship had me jumping with joy,” said Martinez, who heads for Duke University for a doctorate in biology, examining deep-sea visual ecology and sensory biology. “My advisor or potential collaborators do not have to find funding for me as I now can support my own research,” she noted. “The sky is the limit.”

Albion observes rare event along with community

Hundreds of people enjoyed the sunny–and not-so-sunny day on the Quadrangle April 8,

free pairs of eclipse-safe glasses, while students helped dozens of visitors view the eclipse via the Palenske Hall Observatory telescope.

“One of those visitors reminded me of myself when I saw the eclipse in 2017, a little kid ecstatic to see something so cool,” said Bailee Shankleton ’27, one of the telescope staffers. “This event really showed the connection there is in Albion-it’s not just a college. The students and faculty are part of the community.”

Zellner pointed out that the eclipse also highlighted Albion’s connection to the international community of astronomers. In support of Astronomers Without Borders, Zellner has collected more than 10,000 pairs of eclipse glasses used on April 8. They will be distributed to astronomy educators working around the world.

Albion College’s Physics Department will continue indefinitely to accept glasses. Visit www. astronomerswithoutborders. org for instructions on finding other collection sites.

Thrift shop proceeds benefit community endeavors

No one was more surprised than Alaina Shepardson ’25 when her sustainability projects class assignment, an on-campus clothing thrift sale, raised $1,500 for the Center for Sustainability and the Environment (CSE) in 2023.

This past spring, the second annual CSE Thrift Sale collected more than $1,800, which was split among Albion Community Gardens, AlbionHomer United Way, and CSE’s student research fund.

The college’s Ludington Center, located in the heart of Albion’s downtown Superior Street, helped boost this year’s success.

“The Ludington Center made the sale more accessible to the community and we had a mix of community members and students come,” Shepardson said. “This event showcases CSE’s mission of environmental education and community engagement by promoting the donation and recycling of secondhand clothing items. Our hope is that the funds will go to support sustainability and food security in our community, both issues CSE cares a lot about.”

Albion helps Kresge Foundation celebrate 100-year milestone

From our most iconic buildings and spaces to programming, Albion College is grateful for the numerous ways the The Kresge Foundation has supported campus life at Albion College throughout its history.

President Wayne Webster had the honor of being included in their centennial celebration, Tuesday, June 11, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, which beautifully captured their transformative impact on organizations and people across the state of Michigan and beyond. Former President Barack Obama made a surprise appearance at the event along with many other local and national dignitaries and celebrities. The program also showcased the debut of a short documentary of Kresge’s 100 Years of Philanthropic Service, which includes a glimpse of Kresge Gymnasium at 2:36 and a brief word from President Webster at 3:27. View by scanning the QR code.

Zellner joins NASA team

Nicolle Zellner, professor of physics and the Herbert H. & Grace Dow Trustees’ Professor in the Sciences, is a member of a select NASA team, CASA Moon (Center for Advance Sample Analysis of materials from the Moon and beyond).

She’ll study lunar samples and has been added to the panel that will determine the nominal samples to be collected by astronauts sent to the moon via NASA’s Artemis program. Professor and Chair of Earth & Environment Carrie Menold is also a member of CASA Moon, serving as internal-inclusion plan liaison and assisting with external outreach.

Winter/Spring Albion Athletics Highlights

BASEBALL: Three named All-MIAA, Cole Giesige set Albion single-season record in strikeouts (74) and led the MIAA. Two have advanced to Academic All-American ballot.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: Jody May reached his 200th career win with a 78-73 win over Kalamazoo on Jan. 31.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL: Brazil Watkins, Riley Davis, and Lolo Reed all earned All-MIAA honors.

MEN’S LACROSSE: Five received All-MIAA honors.

WOMEN’S LACROSSE: Finished fourth in the MIAA in head coach Emily DiRado’s first season; Saw three athletes named All-MIAA with Audrey DeWaters earning First Team honors.

SOFTBALL: Kearney Miller earned First Team All-MIAA honors after setting the school record for RBIs (37) and doubles (15) in a single season. Miller and Jacqueline Jozefczyk were named Academic All-District.

TRACK & FIELD (Outdoor): Two-time All-American Avery Campbell and DaMario Chapman competed in the NCAA DIII Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Campbell took fifth place in the 100m dash and seventh place in the 200m dash, and Chapman took 21st in the 100m dash. Campbell won the DIII NCAA Elite 90 Award, presented to the athlete at the championships with the highest GPA (4.0).

The team took three of the four league MVP awards at the MIAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships: Omar Gordon Jr. repeated as the Men’s Field MVP after earning the honor in 2023, junior thrower Tess Anthony captured her year-long sweep as the Indoor Field MVP and now as the Outdoor Field MVP, and Avery Campbell picked up her second Track MVP award after winning in 2022.

SWIMMING & DIVING: Hannah Fathman and Mattie Smith were named All-Americans after qualifying for the NCAA DIII Swimming and Diving National Championships; Fathman was third in the 50 free and sixth in the 100 free; Smith was seventh in the 200 breaststroke; Fathman was selected as a College Sports Communicators Academic All-American.

TENNIS: Both the men’s and women’s tennis programs earned the ITA Regional Community Service Award.

MEN’S WRESTLING: Demond Harrison and Max Honiss qualified for the NCAA DIII National Championships; Seven wrestlers placed at Regionals –the most since the program’s revival.

WOMEN’S WRESTLING: Four qualified for the NWCA National Championships; Two Regional winners for the first time in program history.

Economics and management department chair earns second Fulbright Award

It’s been a busy, accomplishment-filled year for Vicki Baker, Albion’s E. Maynard Aris Endowed Professor in Economics and Management and chair of the Economics and Management Department.

In April, her ninth book was published and she completed an ACE Fellowship at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. Then, May brought the announcement from the U.S. Department of State and the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board that Baker had received a prestigious Fulbright Specialist Program award (her second) to complete a project at Franklin University Switzerland.

Fulbright recipients are selected based on academic and professional achievement, demonstrated leadership in their field, and their potential to foster longterm cooperation between institutions in the U.S. and abroad. Fulbright alumni include 60 Nobel Prize winners; 88 Pulitzer Prize winners; and 39 heads of state or government.

“Being able to secure this second grant allows me to continue developing my skills in the areas of faculty and leadership development, strategic partnerships, and

supporting faculty in liberal arts college environments, particularly for those in professional fields,” Baker said. “And I get to expand my network and enhance my skills in a global context. Fulbright is a competitive program and I am proud to represent myself and Albion College in this esteemed program and globally in liberal arts college contexts.”

Baker called her fellowship year at Hope College transformative. Her focus there was collaborating with The Office of the Provost to develop a department chair and program director succession management and mentoring program.

“This project work required my engagement with so many units and departments across campus to develop the necessary content, and I loved every moment of those interactions and program development,” Baker said. “The program pilot will launch this fall and I was asked by Hope to stay connected to help support those efforts which I am thrilled to do.”

Her most recent book, A Toolkit for Mid-Career Academics: Cultivating Career Advancement (Routledge/Taylor & Francis),

offers action-oriented tools to engage (or re-engage) mid-career programming at the individual faculty, institutional, consortial, and grant-funded levels. The book offers solutions to two driving questions faced by mid-career faculty: “What’s next?” and “How to navigate?” Baker edited the book along with Aimee LaPointe Terosky and Laura Gail Lunsford.

“Readers will find resources for immediate implementation and, importantly, mid-career

faculty will find ways to ignite their passion in building their career pathway forward,” Pamela Eddy, associate provost for faculty affairs and development and professor of higher education at William & Mary, wrote in reviewing the book.

Baker said one of her priorities as a management professor is disseminating good scholarship and practice.

“This book is just one more way for me to do that,” she said.

Tech Savvy Seniors program builds connections and reduces

digital barriers

We love to think about (and brag about) Albion as a small college that opens countless new worlds to students. This past spring, 27 of them became the world openers for local seniors, helping build bridges over the digital divide.

Thanks to Albion College AmeriCorps and Introduction to Human Services students, Tech Savvy Seniors (TSS) launched this past spring, pairing the students with folks who need help with apps, devices, web forms, and maybe a little companionship.

In partnership with the Albion Healthcare Alliance and other senior-focused community programs, TSS provided 12 community members with weekly in-home visits over eight weeks, and worked with dozens more who attended drop-in sessions at the Forks Senior Center.

“Just turning on a computer or getting a new remote can be overwhelming for some older people,” said Albion College Americorps Director Lindsey Knowlden, who also teaches the introduction to human services course.

Knowlden noted that while access to a cell phone or

computer is an issue for some seniors “many of them have these devices, and may have had them for a long time, and just don’t know how to use them,” she said. “They were shown one time how it worked, and that’s not enough for most people.”

To help their clients become truly savvy, TSS provides a minimum of six visits for each in-home client. A pair of Albion students visits weekly, helping with everything from understanding a remote control to setting up email and social media accounts, printing photographs, and using a cell phone camera.

“A lot of what we do isn’t something you would just know,” said Anaka McCoy ’25, an environmental studies major and French minor from Jackson and AmeriCorps participant. “We do things like customizing a keyboard for a certain device, or getting this specific phone to talk to this specific printer. We did one time have a printer that didn’t work because it was unplugged but that took only a few minutes to fix.”

Not all seniors are technology newbies. McCoy said current trustee Mae Ola Dunklin

and her husband, Bob, are TSS clients. “Mr. Dunklin is president of the Albion NAACP and we worked on their website,” McCoy said. “We set up electronic banking and the ability to collect membership dues online. We’re also organizing the transfer of files to electronic storage.”

Connecting seniors to family and the world

Each of Knowlden’s human services students gave 20 hours to TSS. “This was a learning experience that helped humanize seniors to a younger generation, learning about their backgrounds and challenges. Their service improved students’ ability to speak clearly and explain things to diverse populations. It also improved their confidence and problem-solving ability, as they often had to research answers to help the clients,” she explained.

Aysia Yokely ’27, a kinesiology major with a human services concentration from Detroit, said seniors gain a sense of empowerment

and independence through learning how to use smartphones, tablets, and other devices.

“I remember one particular moment when I helped a senior connect with their family through video calls,” Yokely said. “Seeing the joy on their face as they saw their loved ones, who were far away, was truly heartwarming.”

That sense of empowerment, Knowlden said, is a driving factor for TSS.

“It may seem unimportant for folks to be able to watch tv or be on social media, but if you’re not connected to these things, it can be isolating and lonely,” Knowlden said. “TSS also builds confidence so that people can try the next new technology when it pops up.”

At long last, the Class of 2024 has its moment!

“It’s time to walk the stage, for the majority of us for the first time, for some the only time, and for some the first of many,” Sheridan Leinbach ’24 charged to her fellow classmates. “We have left huge shoes to fill and a lasting impression. Let’s take this next step, with everything we have learned, and become alumni!”

Leinbach, a political science and history major and women’s study minor graduating with Albion College Honors as well as the outgoing president of Student Senate from Lansing, Michigan, was one of five speakers from the graduating class who shared messages during commencement, May 4.

“We are not just classmates; we are a family bound by shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped us

“I was often asked if it was too difficult being far from home. Yes, there were times when I held back my tears, feeling homesick and guilty not being there for my family when we had to say goodbye to our grandpa and uncle,” said Aminaa Injinash ’24, an international student from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, who graduated with Albion College Honors with a math and economics major and data analytics minor. “Being far from home is hard but having fewer opportunities is also hard, so I had to choose my hard just like everyone else here. But it gets much easier with people who offered invaluable solace and support, and proved the sacrifice was more than worth it, transforming this campus into my beloved sanctuary.”

into the compassionate and resilient individuals we are today,” added Rodney Mitchell ’24, a psychological science major with a neuroscience concentration and cell and molecular biology minor graduating with Albion College Honors, and fellow senior class speaker.

To be sure, this commencement was bittersweet for members of the Class of 2024—many of whom missed out on their traditional high school graduations in spring 2020, as schools were forced to respond to a rapidly growing Covid-19 pandemic with virtual, drive-through, and other socially distanced ceremonies. Consequently, most graduates never had the opportunity to visit Albion College in person before making the decision to enroll in fall 2020.

THE CLASS OF 2024 BY THE NUMBERS

total students participated in commencement.

Top majors for the Class of 2024

There were six international graduates, hailing from Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Liberia, Mongolia, and Nigeria

49 summa cum laude | 36 magna cum laude | 50 cum laude

Kinesiology (34) Psychology (34) Biology (30) 27

students graduated with Albion College Honors, recognizing students who maintain a minimum 3.5 overall GPA while taking additional Honors Program coursework and writing an original thesis.

graduates were also inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society

11 students graduated with a cumulative GPA of 4.0

David Reimann, professor of mathematics and computer science, who provided the customary faculty farewell, continued with the theme of resilience and added: “You are also a beacon to others who are navigating the rough seas of life. Your presence provides hope and comfort to many—some that you see and some that only see you. You are someone’s lighthouse.”

Albion’s 16th

President Mauri Ditzler served as the commencement speaker and was awarded a Doctor of Humane Letters in recognition of his leadership and vision, his efforts to diversify the student body, and his unwavering focus on community-based learning and service.

Where are members of the Class of 2024 heading next?

It’s often said that from Albion, you can go anywhere. And that’s certainly true for this year’s graduating class. Here are some of the first destinations for members of the resilient Class of 2024.

Rodney Mitchell (Albion College Honors)

Major: Psychological Science with a Neuroscience concentration

Minor: Cell and Molecular Biology

Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine

Will attend the University of Michigan Medical School as a post-baccalaureate student in preparation for medical school and serve on the Albion College Board of Trustees as a recent graduate trustee.

Sheridan Leinbach (Albion College Honors)

Majors: Political Science, History

Minor: Women’s Studies

Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service

Pursuing a master’s degree in public policy from American University.

Lauren “Lolo” Reed Major: Biology

Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine

Will travel to Africa over the summer as a medical volunteer in Kenya and Tanzania prior to applying for medical school in the fall.

Luke Rivard (Albion College Honors)

Major: Music with a performance emphasis

Pursuing a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Lauren Farley (Albion College Honors)

Majors: Art History, Spanish

Pursuing a juris doctorate degree from the University of Miami School of Law.

Classidy Scales

Major: Psychological Science Minor: Sexuality Studies

James L. Curtis Institute for Race and Belonging

Pursuing a doctorate in philosophy with a specialty in religion and morality from the University of Washington.

Karina Muñoz

Majors: Physics, Mathematics

Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine

Working as a CAD design specialist with Solaray Engineering and planning to pursue a master’s degree in civil engineering to eventually become a professional engineer for the state of Texas.

Aminaa Injinash (Albion College Honors)

Majors: Mathematics and Economics

Minor: Data Analytics

Working as a data analyst at Revela in Detroit.

Bryn Cavanaugh

Majors: Integrated Marketing Communication, Psychological Science

Minor: Marketing Management

Working as a marketing manager with WaltersDimmick Petroleum in Marshall, Michigan.

Sarah Starkey

Major: Kinesiology-Exercise Science

Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine

Build Albion Fellow

Working as a medical device sales representative with Lochness Medical Inc. in Detroit.

Malena Solis

Majors: Psychology, Sociology

Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management

James L. Curtis Institute for Race and Belonging

Build Albion Fellow

Working with Albion College AmeriCorps in preparation for either a career in human resource management or the pursuit of her master’s degree.

Sabrina Fitzgerald (Albion College Honors)

Major: Political Science

Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service

Pursuing a juris doctorate degree from the School of Law at the University of Detroit Mercy.

Lauren Busuito Major: Psychological Science

Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine

Working as a research technician for the Prechter Bipolar Research Program at the University of Michigan.

Shannon Barba (Albion College Honors)

Majors: Computer Science, Physics

Minor: Applied Mathematics

Pursuing a master’s degree in robotics from Purdue University.

Scan to watch the archived livestream of the 2024 Commencement Ceremonies, to view a photo gallery, and more.

drop ins

Quenching a thirst for art knowledge through collected works

Professors’ offices can be counseling centers, laboratories, or even sanctuaries.

Considering art historian Bille Wickre has been part of Albion’s faculty for more than 30 years, you might expect her office to be a museum.

You’d be wrong. “It kind of looks like a library blew up in here,” Wickre said (rather proudly) of her corner on the second floor of the Bobbitt Visual Arts Center. “I have books about everything.”

Liberal arts faculty have to be generalists and, for Wickre, “everything” includes art

history books spanning the past 800 years and genres ranging from medieval religious iconography to contemporary LGBTQIA+ artistic movements. Wickre has read nearly all the books and most have been part of a course she’s taught, used either by her or one of her students.

“When students need help with a paper, I just keep handing them books and they leave with their arms full,” she explained.

Wickre’s library also contains several books that she’s added to the academic community.

With professor emerita Anne McCauley, Wickre founded Albion’s Celadon Press, which to date has produced four volumes of scholarly research and criticism written by students, faculty, and staff, featuring artwork from Albion’s own collections.

Three volumes came out of the History of Prints classes team, taught by McCauley and Wickre. Students learned art history, made original prints, and wrote an essay for publication on an Albionowned prints by artists including Degas and Picasso.

Wickre reflected on the experience of creating catalogs with students and colleagues. “These classes and books were good experiential learning projects for everyone,” she said. “I loved collaborating and sharing ideas with Anne and learning from her in the classroom. The students were engaged with prints at a profound level—both making and studying them.”

Wickre anticipates expanding her library, thanks to Albion’s changing student demographics. “Recently, I’ve read more books that explore the evolving

human condition–identity, social position, immigration, politics, death among other things. Our students have different interests and our classes must address them and the theories that frame them,” she said.

And don’t let the books fool you. Wickre has a passion for scholarship, but it’s all rooted in art. Her shelves also contain artwork by students and visiting artists, while near her desk is a work by American artist Mary Beth Edelson, a gift to the college collection from Elizabeth Harmon-French ’51.

“Elizabeth is so generous. When I admired the piece, she offered it to the college,” Wickre said. Also hanging adjacent to her desk are a Philip C. Curtis drawing and a Paul Cezanne print.

Happily for Wickre, there’s also room for gifts from students and colleagues, such as the folded-paper animal head a former student’s daughter made, the Van Gogh doll with removable ear, and an assortment of photos and cards.

“This is a very inspirational space because I have so many things students and colleagues have given me,” Wickre concluded. “Almost everything I do, I do for students and it comes back a hundredfold.”

Retiring Faculty

While Paul Anderson has taught nearly every math class and many computer science classes offered by his department, his tenure has been marked by a love for colleagues and offices across campus. He mentions being hired, tenured, and retiring alongside philosophy professor Bindu Madhok as one of his career highlights. He was a co-recipient of Scholar of the Year because of a research collaboration with biology professor Dale Kennedy, served the Provost’s Office as a data analyst for retention efforts, and was invited onto thesis committees for students studying physics, psychology, communication studies, and biology. A devoted fan of Briton football, Anderson spent many years helping former coach Craig Rundle recruit new students. With research interests spanning theoretical time series analysis, and applied hydrology and climatology, Anderson published articles everywhere from The Annals of Statistics to Water Resources Research.

A case could be made that Dianne GueninLelle has spent the past 37 years bringing the Francophone world to Albion while taking a lot of Albion to the Francophone world. Her work developing an innovative first-year seminar contributed to French-Albion partnerships for the Economics and Management Department and Albion’s piano competition. Her long-time leadership of the community’s sister city program has resulted in national awards, with thousands of school children, senior citizens, elected officials, college students, and residents of all three cities traveling back and forth for more than 20 years. GueninLelle’s French courses have included field trips to Quebec and Louisiana, providing her students with life-changing experiences of culture and language. Guenin-Lelle has received numerous awards for teaching, scholarship, and service at Albion College, including the Howard L. McGregor, Jr. Professorship in the Humanities and the Phi Beta Kappa Scholar of the Year Award. A scholar of historic and contemporary culture in the New Orleans region, Guenin-Lelle also served Albion for five years as associate provost.

In Memoriam

Albiontenure: 1962-1995

Mark Hoffland came to Albion 20 years ago as the Theatre Department’s technical director – but since then, he’s done everything but appear onstage or sew costumes. Hoffland has supervised hundreds of students learning how to build sets, run sound, and design lighting, and has directed even more students in nearly 30 productions. In the classroom for 19 years, Hoffland has taught upper-level courses in history and analysis, along with Introduction to Theatre and a first-year seminar he designed and has taught for the last seven years. He also directed and designed the set for “Thread of the Warp,” Albion’s only performance entry to the American College Theatre Festival for more than 30 years. During most of his time at Albion, Hoffland also judged the Michigan High School Thespian Festival and the Michigan High School One Act Festival.

For Bindu Madhok, the last 34 years have been a labor of love engaging students to appreciate and enjoy philosophy. Her impact on Albion students from a wide range of majors cannot be overstated: Of the 15 courses she created, 13 have focused on ethical theory as well as its application to areas as diverse as medicine, law, public policy, the environment, neuroscience, business, and international development. In addition to philosophy majors, nearly every Ford and Gerstacker Institute member, along with every business major, has taken one of Madhok’s courses as a graduation requirement. Madhok has served a total of 19 years chairing two different departments – philosophy and international studies – and has received the John W. Porter Endowed Professorship, the Sleight Endowed Chair of Leadership Studies, a Teacher of the Year Award, and the Richard Baird Faculty Leadership Award. In retirement, she will continue her research and writing on meta-ethics and international development ethics, work that earned her 14 Albion College faculty development grants.

Bob Dininny, professor emeritus of chemistry, Jan. 1, 2024, age 91. Affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Death” for his exacting standards, Bob taught analytical chemistry by having his students do water-quality testing for local industry, municipalities, and the Kalamazoo River. “The joke in the department was that it took two people to replace Bob,” said Provost Lisa Lewis, who was hired with her husband (professor of chemistry Craig Bieler) to share Dininny’s position. “Bob had a reputation for being gruff, but he would come to the department and bring us his molasses cookies. He had a huge heart.”

Class News

1960

Robert Bartlett ’60 was selected by the American Society for Artificial Internal Organs as the inaugural recipient of its Kamal and Narayan Bonde Lifetime Achievement Award in Artificial Organs Development. He continues to run the Extracorporeal Life Support Laboratory at the University of Michigan.

1961

Ted Everingham ’61 received the National Eagle Scout Association (NESA) Outstanding Eagle Scout Award from the Great Lakes Division Michigan Crossroads Council, May 29, recognizing scouts who have demonstrated remarkable achievements well beyond their scouting endeavors by excelling in their careers at local, regional, or national levels.

1966

Sharon (Parsons) Chace ’66 recently published her latest book of poetry, Strengthening Hearts and Minds. Illustrated by her daughter Amy, the book features children with a variety of interests and diverse backgrounds. The book is intended to affirm the spiritual lives of children from different walks of life and is available through Wipf and Stock Publishers as well as Amazon.

1967

Peter Mitchell ’67 and his wife, Becky, traveled to Spain this past spring on a 15-day road scholar tour of Spanish art. While in Bilbao, they met with fellow Briton Ioseba Monte Perez ’05.

Ioseba serves as president and CEO of COECA, a family company that manufactures silicon seals.

1962

After gathering with fellow Britons for their 50th reunion, Darrell ’72 and Judy Battjes Kenyon ’71 decided to keep the celebration going. Alongside friends Gordy Berg ’72, Ken Dill ’72, Paulette Stenzel ’72, Don Haffner ’72, and Galen Tanner ’72, the BritTrippers went on an adventure to Traverse City in October 2023. The group aims to get together in different locations each year to learn, laugh, and create more memories together.

1975

Kim Strable ’75 recently retired after more than two decades as director of athletics at Greensboro College. Kim was Greensboro’s first full-time AD.

1976

John Wakeen ’76 has been retired since 2014. He and his wife, Gail, are now living year in Englewood, Florida. John worked from 1980 through 2014 in two Michigan community mental health centers as an outpatient therapist and as supervisor of a children’s outpatient program.

1978

James Pauley Jr. ’78 recently published his second novel, An Unconditional Friendship: Messages from a Colorful Granny and an Off-Color Gay Guy, in May 2024. Pauley’s first book, Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings, was published on March 6, 2023.

Both of Pauley’s books can be purchased on Amazon or directly from his website, jpauleyauthor.com

1980

Robert Belf ’80 has been named women’s basketball head coach at Oakland Community College. He has held head coaching jobs at Henry Ford College, Madonna College, and Kentucky Wesleyan College, in addition to being a former assistant coach for Albion. Robert is also the parent of Rachel ’24 and Robert III ’27.

Dave Eifler ’80 recently retired as president of Horizon Bank Southwest Michigan and North Central Indiana. His career in banking extended over four decades.

1981

Joel Manby ’81 delivered the keynote address at the Conference of Automotive Remarketing on March 27, 2024. Manby’s speech focused on how to steer a business toward lower turnover, higher employee engagement, greater customer satisfaction, and stronger profits using insights from his book, Love Works: Seven Timeless Principles for Effective Leaders. Love Works has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide.

1982

Barry Petrucci ’82 recently finished a 23-year pastoral appointment at Portage Chapel Hill United Methodist Church. He recently began his new appointment at Wyoming Park UMC.

1984

Virginia Fallis ’84, who serves as vice president and senior consultant at Hammond & Associates LLC, was named a Crain’s Detroit Business Notable Leader in Fundraising in June 2023.

1985

Deanna Behring ’85 launched her life coaching business, Treetop Coaching, on March 1, 2024. She is offering coaching services both online and in-person.

1987

Jim Cox ’87 was recently appointed assistant vice president of correctional education at Ashland University. In this capacity, Jim collaborates with faculty and professional peers to administer degree-bearing higher education programs to incarcerated individuals across 14 states and the District of Columbia. Additionally, he oversees the development and implementation of engaging-andaccessible educational initiatives tailored specifically for formerly incarcerated individuals.

1989

Thomas Bres ’89 was officially announced as president and CEO of Quext, an apartmenttechnology company based in Texas. In this role, Thomas is responsible for merging the Quext and Homebase teams in order to maximize customer satisfaction and product offerings.

Jennifer Pope ’89 was named to Forbes’ Top Women Wealth Advisors Best-in Arizona list for

2024, her fourth Forbes award. She has spent 21 years with UBS Financial Advisers.

1992

Peter Anastasiou ’92 has been appointed to the board of directors at Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. With his expertise in CNS and business development, he will help advance Harmony’s mission of providing new treatments for those with unmet medical needs.

1993

Stephen Mattichak ’93 recently joined the comprehensive heart and vascular team at MyMichigan Health, continuing his work as an interventional cardiologist.

Scott Merchant ’93 will soon start his first season as head football coach for Lawrence Technological University. He previously spent four years as assistant coach at Albion before embarking on a high school coaching career that lasted nearly 30 years. He is a 2022 inductee to the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

1995

Melanie Brown Piana ’95, mayor of Ferndale, has been honored with the Michael A. Guido Leadership and Public Service Award by the Michigan Municipal League. This award acknowledges her outstanding leadership, advocacy, and dedication to fostering community well-being.

Jason Potter ’95 received the Horace Mann Educator of the

Year award from Springfield, Illinois, Public Schools. Jason has taught science for 21 years with the district’s Southeast High School, and was nominated by his students for the award.

1999

Bob Bruner ’99 is in his second month serving as city manager of Troy, Michigan. He has served as the city’s deputy manager since 2019.

2001

Heather Heintz Dlugosz ’01 joined Lindner Center of HOPE in Mason, Ohio, as the medical director for the Harold C. Schott Eating Disorders Program. She also holds an associate professorship at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience.

Treasa Gourlay Merchant ’01 recently joined Kingsley High School in Kingsley, Michigan, as a physical education teacher and softball coach.

2002

Colleen Thomas ’02 received her Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina–Greensboro in educational leadership and cultural foundations. Colleen works as an assistant professor at Lansing Community College. She is the daughter of Robert Thomas ’72 and Mary Ellen Meyers Thomas ’73.

2003

Nate Sowa ’03 was promoted to clinical associate professor in the Department of Psychiatry

at University of North Carolina School of Medicine. In addition, he serves as associate vice chair for virtual and integrated care in the department. He has been a member of the faculty since 2018.

2006

Wesley Todd ’06 has been elected vice president of Lewis Reed & Allen, a law firm based in Kalamazoo. Wesley originally joined the firm as an intern in 2008. He now serves as their specialist in criminal and family law as well as doing civil litigation.

2005

Curt Ahern ’05 celebrated the grand opening of the Ahern Family Chiropractic in Jackson, located on the corner of Horton Road and Weatherwax. He is dedicated to helping families feel their best with natural chiropractic care.

Michael Huff ’05, a Mendon native and current Ypsilanti resident, received the title of Seventh Dan Junior Grandmaster in taekwondo during a ceremony at the 2023 Tae Park Tae Kwon Do Tournament at Gerald Ford Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids on Nov. 12, 2023. Huff is one of only 1,000 in the world to accomplish this feat.

2006

Dayna Corrion Hottle ’06 was named a Top Woman in HVACR for 2023 by Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigerator News. Co-owner of C&C Heating & Air Conditioning in Roseville, she is a third-generation business owner and has worked in the HVAC trade for 20 years.

Brandy Norton ’06 recently accepted the position of senior archaeologist with AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm.

2008

Gabrielle Hart ’08 is teaching Spanish and psychology at Clarenceville High School, her alma mater. Gabrielle was recently recognized as the 2024 Secondary Teacher of the Year for the Clarenceville School District. She is in her 14th year of teaching.

2009

Casey Dexter ’09 has been promoted to dean of undergraduate experiences at Berry College. He served for the past two years as interim dean of academic services. Casey and Brynn Howard Dexter ’07 live in Rome, Georgia.

2010

Katherine Ross ’10 joined the education law group at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C. She was named a Super Lawyers Michigan Rising Star in 2023 and a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch for 2024.

2015

Patrick Buck ’15 recently began working as a faculty member in the history department at Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy.

Craig Kreger ’15 is the community engagement coordinator for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline of America, Western Washington area. Craig works in 32 of Washington’s 39 counties to educate the public about the 988 organization’s resources.

2017

Olivia Savage ’17 is the new girls basketball head coach at her alma mater, Dakota High School in Macomb.

2019

Miro Dunham ’19 began work as an assistant instructional technologist at Albion College in March 2024.

Lara Piekacz ’19 joined the Detroit Police Department as an administrative specialist in April 2024.

Sean Strube ’19 has been appointed vice president of economic development for the Monroe County Business Alliance. In his new role, the Monroe native will be involved in development activities for existing businesses as well as those looking to move into the county.

2021

Emily Eggenberger Simmons ’21 recently began her role as Michigan Legislative Consultants’ (MLC) first-ever lobby associate. Emily returns to MLC after interning with the firm while a student at Albion.

2022

Latrell Crenshaw ’22 recently accepted the position of director of economic development and executive director of the Diamond BID at County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce. He previously worked with economic development in the City of San Diego.

Alexandria Eberly ’22 graduated from Ohio University in 2024 with a master’s degree in administration.

Rachel Goldner ’22 returned to Albion in 2024 after earning her LLMSW. She joins the Counseling Services team at the college.

Haley McQuown ’22 graduated from the University of Oregon in 2023 with an M.S. in chemistry and a research focus in molecular sensors and probes.

Willow Montague ’22 is resigning from positions at the Indianapolis Zoo and Indianapolis Children’s Museum to pursue a graduate degree in paleobiology at the University of Bristol in England.

Akaiia Ridley ’22 graduated from Eastern Michigan University in May 2024 with graduate academic honors with an M.S. in preservation studies.

2023

Madison Grieb ’23 recently received a 2024 Schoolcraft College Pythagorean Prize, a competitive award bestowed by their mathematics department. Madison earned a biochemistry degree at Albion, and is studying mathematics.

Ian Lee ’23 just finished his first semester as the English teacher at Marshall Opportunity High School in Albion.

Peter Loch ’23 joined Grosse Pointe South High School as a U.S. and world history teacher. Loch, who played baseball during his time at Albion, also helped coach baseball at Grosse Pointe South this spring.

Build a legacy. Refer a student to Albion.

Did you know that children, grandchildren, and siblings of Albion College graduates can earn an additional $3,000 per year in scholarship money for being referred by you? Learn more at albion.edu/scholarships

Alumni Award Recipients

Albion College honored seven outstanding alumni for significant contributions to their fields, government, and their communities as professionals and volunteers during its Purple & Gold Celebration in April.

James L. Curtis Alumni Leadership Award

Marcus Gill ’04

Head Boys Basketball Coach, Concord High School

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Jackson County Intermediate School District Albion, Michigan

Michael Thomas ’06

Head Boys Basketball Coach, East Kentwood High School Caledonia, Michigan

Distinguished Alumni Award

Michael Juchno ’93

Consulting Partner – Digital, Data and Analytics, Ernst & Young South Lyon, Michigan

Keith Roberts ’81

Retired Chief Financial Officer, Dimplex Thermal Solutions Augusta, Michigan

Young Alumni Award

Joey Barcheski ’14

O wner, FrankZ Restaurant Frankfort, Michigan

Marie Brown ’14

Family Medicine Physician, Oaklawn Medical Group Marshall, Michigan

Mitchell Moore ’16

Chief of Staff to Michigan State Senator Michael Webber East Lansing, Michigan

Nominations are now being accepted through October 31 for the 2025 Alumni Awards. Please go to albion.edu/alumni

Weddings

Daniel Henney ’01 to Ru Kumagai on Oct. 20, 2023, in a private ceremony with only close family members in attendance. Henney attended several colleges, including Albion College, Alma College, and Elgin Community College.

Sara Galante ’08 to William Wheeler on Sept. 4, 2023, in Livonia. Alumni in the wedding party included Erin Schultz ’05 and Kristen Krum ’08. Other alumni in attendance were Megan Ermler ’07 and Kathleen Sims Young ’07. The Wheelers also welcomed their first child in April 2024.

Caitlin Burgess ’10 to Eric Ward on Sept. 30, 2023, in Birmingham. Bridget (Colosimo) Tyler ’10 was the matron of honor. Other alumni in attendance included Renee (Burns) Jones ’82, Amanda Vocke ’10, Elizabeth (Reimann) Williamson ’10, and Debra (Gibbs) Eaton ’11. Caitlin is the daughter of alumni Matthew ’81 and Kelly (Howerth) Burgess ’81.

Ami Milligan ’17 to Parker Bowen ’19 on March 29, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. The wedding party included best man Ryan Lowe ’19, maid of honor Morgan Benham ’17 and bridesmaid Kristine Mussell ’17. Other alumni in attendance included Rachel Zawodny Fridenberg ’18. Ami works in therapy management for Halifax Health Brooks Rehabilitation and Parker is a chiropractic physician making their home in Ormond Beach, Florida, with their two dogs Darla and Maple.

Kaitlyn Hibbs ’18 to Nick Clarke ’18 on May 18, 2024, in a private ceremony with only close family members in attendance.

Emily Eggenberger ’21 to Noah Simmons on June 24, 2023, at the Amway Grand Plaza. Many Britons were in attendance to celebrate their big day.

Baby Britons

Emma Joanna to Crystal Heuft Berg ’09 and Ron Berg on March 29, 2022. She is their first child.

Brendan Patrick to Sean ’10 and Lacie Carter Thornton ’11 in August 2023. He joins big brother Eamon. The Thorntons reside in Traverse City.

Kaia Joan Arnold-Blauvelt, Feb. 12, 2024, to Kelsi Blauvelt ’12 and her husband, David Arnold. Kaia joins big brother Owen Quinn Arnold-Blauvelt, age four.

NEWS FOR CLASS NOTES

Ava Rose on Aug. 19, 2023, to Carl Wharam ’12 and Kelli Wharam. Carl is a doctor of physical therapy in Downers Grove, Illinois.

Margot Reid, Dec. 9, 2023, to Jeanette Guminik-Wichern ’14 and her husband, Kyle Wichern. Margot joins big brother Henry Atlas, age two.

Esudari to Ninjin Bilegsaikhan ’16 on May 30, 2024. Ninjin works as a life coach and lives in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

Please send us your news about promotions, honors, appointments, marriages, births/adoptions, travels, and hobbies. Notes will be accepted through September 30, 2024 for the next issue. Send to: Editor, Io Triumphe!, Office of Marketing and Communications, Albion College, 611 E. Porter St., Albion, MI 49224; send via e-mail to classnotes@albion.edu; or use the convenient online form at albion.edu/ classnotes. Be sure to include your full name, class year, address (postal and e-mail), and telephone number along with your message.

Obituaries

Prentiss “Moey” Brown Jr. ’48, Dec. 3, 2023, in St. Ignace. Drafted in 1944 while still in high school, Moey spent two years with the U.S. Navy before entering Albion, where he became the MIAA’s best half-miler. After graduating from the University of Michigan Law School, Moey went into practice with his father and brother. He served as St. Ignace city attorney for more than 50 years, was on the original Michigan Title Standards Committee of the State Bar and coowned a title insurance company for more than 50 years. Among the business and civic organizations he served for decades are the Mackinac Straits Hospital & Health Care Center Board, the City of Mackinac Island and several surrounding township governments as city attorney, the First National Bank of St. Ignace board, the Union Terminal Piers/Arnold Line board, St. Ignace Kiwanis (as a founding member), and Albion’s Board of Trustees, which he served for 30 years. Prentiss is the founding donor of the Prentiss M. Brown Honors Center. Moey is survived by children Stephen ’72 and Janet Reinhart Brown ’72, Charles ’73 and Nancy Olson Brown ’76, Scott ’74 and Mary Brown Clement ’76, and Benjamin ’79; ten grandchildren including Katie Brown Swords ’01, Michael Brown ’03, Marion Clement ’03, and Allison Brown ’11; 12 great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews including Prentiss M. Brown III ’68, Susan Brown ’74, Sally Brown ’77, Paul Brown ’80, and M. Caroline Brown Cheeseman ’83.

Margaret “Peggy” Jay Kay ’49, Dec. 31, 2023. After student teaching at Albion’s Dalrymple School, Peggy taught first grade

in Battle Creek, Michigan. She was active for seven decades with the Philanthropic Educational Organization (PEO). She was predeceased by her husband, George ’50, and is survived by two sons and a grandson.

Manus Spanier ’51, April 10, 2024, in Prescott, Arizona. As a new doctor, Manus joined the U.S. Army Medical Corps, serving in Germany. The first internal medicine specialist to practice in Prescott, Manus spent 30 years with Yavapai Regional Medical Center. He developed the hospital’s cardiopulmonary laboratory and its programs for cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation and preventive medicine. Manus also chaired the Arizona State Board of Medical Examiners. In retirement, Manus ran marathons in the Arctic and Antarctic, pursued post-graduate studies at Arizona State University and Dartmouth College, and played French horn in the Yavapai College Orchestra. He wrote numerous essays on ancient Greek and biblical history, including a definitive “History of Ancient Greek Vases.” He is survived by two sons and five grandchildren.

Janet McInally Campbell ’56, Feb. 20, 2024, in McKinney, Texas. A Delta Zeta at Albion, Jan taught elementary school following her graduation. As a resident of southern California, Jan received a special commendation from Torrance Memorial Medical Center, where she logged nearly 7,000 hours of volunteer service over 30 years. Jan is survived by her Albion sweetheart Bruce ’64, three children, 5 grandchildren, and one great grandchild.

Diana Beatty Roe ’56, March 20, 2024. A native and lifelong resident of Angola, Indiana, Diana was a member of the Angola United Methodist Church and many civic organizations, serving on the Angola Tree Board of Directors and as president of the Carnegie Public Library Board. She held a master’s degree in education from the University of St Francis in Fort Wayne. Diana is survived by her Albion sweetheart Donald ’54, their son Philip ’87, four grandchildren including Karragen Roe ’23, and two great-grandchildren.

Sylvia Page Malott Tomlinson ’56, March 8, 2024, in Boulder, Colorado. Sylvia dedicated her life to helping others as a registered nurse. She was preceded in death by her husband Chuck ’54 and five children including Lynn Tomlinson Stockebrand ’81 and Brenda Tomlinson Schmitz ’90, nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren.

Richard Osgood ’57, April 23, 2023. After studying physics at Albion, Dick earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University. With Hewlett Packard, Dick helped develop the first hand-held calculators. He raced Porsches and led the Porsche Car Association in the 60s, opened a clock shop in Los Altos, California, in the 1980s and, in retirement, volunteered with the Portola Valley & Alpine Railroad. Dick is survived by his Albion sweetheart Sue Stevens Osgood ’57, two children, two grandchildren, and John ’59 and Marilyn Mayhew Osgood ’60.

Jerry Stephenson ’57, Dec. 8, 2023. After his sophomore year at

Albion, Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Army and was sent to Nuremberg, Germany, with the 9th Infantry Division. He patrolled the Czech border, earned a sharpshooter medal, and was discharged with the rank of corporal. Jerry spent more than 30 years with the Shulton Company, retiring as national director of specialty sales for American Cyanamid, the successor company to Madam Shulton. In retirement, Jerry enjoyed playing trumpet with the Marco Island Strummers, a Dixieland jazz band that performed in Marco Island/Naples area. He also was active in the Marco Island VFW Post, serving as vice-commander and post bugler. During his two years at Albion, Jerry met Barbara Hawke Stephenson ’56, who survives him with their two children and one grandchild.

David Allen ’58, Aug. 31, 2023. After completing majors in German, political science, and history at Albion, David studied Czech at the U.S. Army Defense Language Institute, earned a master’s degree from the University of Colorado, and earned his Ph.D. in German literature from Washington University. He was ordained into the Jesuit priesthood in 1979 and spent much of his career in hospital ministry, ending with 18 years as chaplain at Good Samaritan Hospital in Baltimore.

Bob Royle ’59, Aug. 8, 2023, in Fort Myers, Florida. Bob was a Sigma Nu at Albion and active in many theater productions. He received a master’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and in Chicago worked for Leo Burnett, McCann

Erickson, and Young and Rubican. Moving to St. Louis, Missouri, in 1972, Bob was the founder and executive director of Complete Health Care, a home care agency with nine offices throughout Missouri. He is survived by three children, nephews Timothy Royle ’89 and Michael Royle ’92, and niece Megan Royle Carrella ’95.

Kay Keller Robertson ’60, April 6, 2024. Kay’s professional career was spent in Clarkston Public Schools. She was active with many Clarkston organizations, including the United Methodist Church, the Community Historical Society, Clarkston SCAMP, the Independence Township Library Board, and Clarkston Garden Club, of which she was a 50-year member. Kay is survived by two children, four grandchildren, and brother-in-law Gary Robertson ’60.

Taylor Snow ’60, April 13, 2024. A former mayor and Citizen of the Year in Three Rivers, Taylor was a co-developer of the Bank of Commerce/National Bank of Detroit in Lansing, and eventually retired as president of the First National Bank of Three Rivers. He served a dozen civic organizations in Three Rivers and St. Joseph County, and was a recipient of the Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship. Taylor and his late wife Mary Reed Snow ’60 are survived by three children including T. Christopher ’85, five grandchildren, and three greatgrandchildren.

Karen Munro Vournakis ’66 , Jan. 21, 2024. in Charleston, South Carolina. Karen “left out” of Albion after her sophomore year to marry her college sweetheart, the late John Vournakis ’61. Over the next 12 years, Karen returned to Albion and finished her degree, while also accompanying and supporting John as he pursued graduate study in New York, Czechoslovakia,

and Massachusetts. Karen earned an MFA from Syracuse University and held teaching positions at Colgate University and Dartmouth College. In the 1990s, she opened Karen Vournakis Studio Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, eventually joining several other art studios and collectives. Karen’s work is represented in numerous public and private collections including the Bibliotheque National (Paris, France); the Griffin Museum of Photography (Boston, Massachusetts), and collections at Syracuse University, Colgate University, and Albion College. She and her late husband John ’61 are survived by their son Christopher; two grandchildren, brother-in-law James Vournakis ’66 and nephew John Vournakis ’09.

Marjorie “Midge” Pries Kinder ’62, March 21, 2024, in Lititz, Pennsylvania. Starting her teaching career in the Detroit suburbs, she founded and developed a pre-primary emotionally impaired program that was recognized by the Michigan Department of Education. In 2001, Midge cofounded Kinder Associates and created Wellness Works, a studentcentered mindfulness curriculum. Before retiring from Kinder Associates (now run by daughter Wynne), Midge worked with 10,000 K-12 students, focusing on children in urban schools, in special education programs, and in juvenile detention facilities. Midge also spent more than 40 years studying and teaching yoga. She is survived by her Albion sweetheart Rick ’62, two children and two grandsons.

John Sinclair ’63, April 2, 2024, in Detroit. In 1971, Stevie Wonder, Bob Seger, Allen Ginsberg, Abbie Hoffman, Bobby Seale, John Lennon, and Yoko Ono all appeared at an Ann Arbor rally to protest John Sinclair’s imprisonment for marijuana

possession. Lennon and Ono wrote and performed a song about Sinclair’s situation and the rally, attended by 15,000 people, was widely credited with influencing the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision to review John’s case. John’s sentence was reduced and the conviction was eventually overturned. At the time, John was manager of Detroit rock band MC5 and co-founded and led the White Panther Party, which he described as working to wage total assault on racists, capitalism, and the criminalization of marijuana. He was also indicted for conspiring to bomb a government building, but the case was dismissed by the U.S. Supreme Court which ruled that FBI evidence had been obtained illegally. A Flint native, Sinclair spent most of his life in the Detroit area, writing poetry and advocating for civil rights and marijuana law reform. He is survived by his wife, Patricia, two daughters, three stepdaughters, and one granddaughter.

Mary Totten Behnan ’64, Oct. 24, 2023, in Farmington Hills. A member of Delta Zeta, she majored in English and minored in music performance. She is survived by Ramsey, her husband of 53 years, three children and four grandchildren.

Donna Schenkelberger CoreyNelson ’64, April 2, 2024. After earning a degree in English at Albion, Donna completed an MFA at Michigan State University. While living in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Donna became a certified scuba instructor, work that led to her lifelong interest in Florida manatees. She wrote and illustrated Manatee: A First Book for Children, and founded both the Sundiver Productions Company and the Starthrower Foundation, to support the protection of and educate the public about manatees. As part

of this work, she collaborated with the Sirenia Project with the University of Florida on citizen science research. During this time, she returned to teaching for the Crystal River (Florida) school district as the lead instructor for their Art Smart Vocational Program. Donna is survived by two daughters and a granddaughter.

Jean Schramm Wiler ’66, March 1, 2024. At Albion, she was a member and served as president of Delta Zeta. In 1965 she was a member of the homecoming court. Jean received a master’s degree from Western Michigan University and later created a company called Smoke-Free Services guiding businesses to remove smoking from their environments. She is survived by Albion sweetheart John ’64 and two daughters.

James Bullen ’67, Dec. 17, 2023. Following medical school at the University of Michigan, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Navy, reaching lieutenant commander in the medical corps. For nearly five decades, Jim served as a dedicated and beloved internal medicine practitioner in the Alpena area. He is survived by Cecilia, his wife of 52 years; their son Bob ’02, and a grandson.

Frank Burdine ’68, Nov. 22, 2023. An English and political science major at Albion, Frank’s professional career began in a classroom at Detroit High School. Frank eventually returned to Albion to direct the Professional Management Program (now the Gerstacker Institute) and serve as dean of students. A long career in human resources was spent at The Ohio State University, Deloitte, Robert Morris University, GMAC, and American Capital. He is survived by Albion sweetheart Barbara Gale Burdine ’70, a daughter and one grandchild. Lucine Folgueras ’69, Feb. 7,

2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Lucine was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and majored in art and art history. Lucine studied intaglio in Paris at Oxbow School of Art, earned a graduate degree from Wayne State University, and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin. She ran a successful financial services practice specializing in retirement planning, and was a certified mindfulness meditation teacher. In 2017, she opened a public studio, where she pursued photography, drawing, and painting.

Robert Tiderington ’69, April 8, 2023. After receiving a J.D. from Wayne State University, Bob started his career with Cook, Nash and Deibel and went on to become the president and CEO of Fischer-Flack Inc., a company founded by his father. He is survived by his wife, Sherry, four children, nine grandchildren, and former wife and good friend Sara Elliott Phillips ’69.

Gary Wolcott ’72, July 16, 2023. A studio art major at Albion, Gary earned a master’s degree in community mental health counseling. A family crisis began his lifelong work for brain injury survivors, beginning as a volunteer with the National Head Injury Foundation in Framingham, Massachusetts, eventually becoming their director of education and professional development. He later began a consulting business in Maine focused on educators and school districts providing services to students with brain injuries. Gary helped establish a brain injury rehabilitation center and an assisted living center that enabled many residents to leave long-term institutional care. Working with Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, Gary added

brain injury as a recognized disability category. He eventually retired as director of Maine’s Office of Aging and Disability Services. Gary is survived by Albion sweetheart Susan Crain ’71, two sons and a daughter, four grandchildren, and brother Roy ’74

Sarah Clark ’73, Oct. 31, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska. Licensed to practice law in both California and Texas, Sarah worked for the IRS in Kansas City before setting up as an independent legal contractor in Missouri. She was active in both the DAR and PEO. Sarah is survived by three sisters.

Susan Meade Drengler ’75, Feb. 17, 2021, in Tucson, Arizona. After earning a doctorate in neural pharmacology from the Chicago Medical School, Susan worked for Abbott Laboratories designing diagnostic assays. She is survived by her Albion soulmate and classmate Keith ’75, two children, five grandchildren, and sister Mary Meade Barcenaus ’87.

Rodney McLeod ’76, Oct. 14, 2023. An economics and history major at Albion, Rodney lived with schizophrenia but enjoyed unending support from his parents, siblings, and nephews and nieces. He is survived by two brothers and a sister.

Lyndean Lenhoff Brick ’81, Feb. 27, 2024. Lyndean was the founder and CEO of Advis Inc., a leading healthcare consulting firm active in 42 states. A nationally recognized Medicare expert and master of healthcare regulation and compliance, Lyndean was once featured in Crain’s Chicago Business as one of the city’s notable women in healthcare. She served as chair of the Illinois Hospital Licensing Board for over 20 years, resigning

in January 2024, and also volunteered at a local women’s shelter. Lyndean was a regular guest presenter to organizations and conferences across the country, and the Healthcare Financial Management Association honored her with their annual Distinguished Speaker Award. She is survived by her husband, Myron, three children, her mother, and sister Alyssa Lenhoff Briggs ’85.

Arpi Vartanian ’87 in January 2024. Arpi was a member of the Armenian Assembly of America for more than 30 years and, at the time of her death, served as its regional director in Yerevan, Armenia. She previously served in Washington, D.C., as the organization’s interim executive director. A native of Detroit, Arpi’s cross-cultural knowledge made her a valuable liaison for U.S. and Armenian nonprofit organizations and government representatives. She was awarded the Medal of Gratitude in 2017 from Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan, a Certificate of Congressional Recognition from U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-California), and a Certificate of Recognition from Los Angeles by Mayor Eric Garcetti. The Armenian Assembly will establish an internship scholarship, for a program she helped create, in her honor.

Robert Ellerbruch ’96, Nov. 26, 2023. Robert worked as an actuary throughout his professional life. He ran marathons in 30 states before the pandemic interrupted his goal of running a marathon in all 50. Robert is survived by his parents, a brother, and former wife Kristine Heffel ’96.

Jenny Tobin ’03, April 14, 2024, in Rockville, Maryland. After graduating from Albion with a double major in chemistry and

physics, she earned a master’s degree in nuclear engineering from the University of New Mexico. Jenny spent her career at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. She is survived by her husband, Aaron Gonzales; daughter Eva; two stepchildren, parents Dann ’72, and Francy Tobin, two siblings, cousins Doug Tobin ’67 and Bruce Tobin ’70, and honorary aunts Beth Boysen Bauer ’78 and Norma Taber ’78.

Andrew Adams ’08, March 20, 2024. After earning a law degree from the University of Georgia, Andrew worked in the finance industry, and was a video gamer, guitarist, and proud “girl dad.” He is survived by Albion sweetheart Megan Sebold Adams ’08, daughters Madeline and Isabella, and parents, Douglas and Chryle Adams.

FRIENDS

Earl Holton, former trustee, May 10, 2024. From his initial employment stocking shelves in their Grand Rapids store, Holton rose to a 16-year tenure as president of Meijer, Inc. During his tenure in that position, Meijer expanded into Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky, more than doubling its regional presence. Along with serving on Albion’s board, he was a board member for Old Kent Bank, CMS Energy, Steelcase Inc., Spectrum Health Group, Grand Valley University Foundation, and Goodwill Industries, and a trustee of Grand Valley State University. He was co-chair of the capital campaign for the creation of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, and received an honorary doctorate from Grand Valley. He is survived by Donna, his wife of 72 years; four children including Elizabeth Holton Dolce ’77, eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

HABEN SWABEN

Io Triumphe! Io Triumphe! Haben swaben rebecca le animor…

Taking its name from the second line of Albion’s beloved “Io Triumphe!” cheer, “Haben Swaben” seeks to brighten the focus on alumni and students through sharing diverse memories of common bonds. In this issue, we ask alumni to reflect on significant experiential learning opportunities.

VISITING AFRICA

“I was FYE mentor for the inaugural ’Africa: Myth and Reality’ trip to Cameroon, and we visited French professor Emmanuel Yewah’s home village of Batchingou. We had the honor of visiting the home of the village king, who broke protocol to serve us a dinner of tripe soup. The village elders and council were shocked when he served each of us individually, a gesture of great respect and breaking hundreds of years of tradition. Despite years spent immersed in American life, Dr. Yewah’s reverence for the king and his dedication to honoring his home culture and traditions left a lasting impression on all of us. It was a powerful lesson in humility and respect.”

—Lewis Cardenas ’02

EXPLORING ITALY

“When I chose to spend a semester abroad in Venice, Italy, I was asked what I was going to do there? I would reply ’study Italian and look at art.’ It’s true, I didn’t have an internship or work on building connections that would further my career, which are also great ways to spend a semester off-campus, but I did learn to love the sound of church bells ringing all the time, the way that walking through Venice smells like salt water and fish and fresh bread all within the space of a few steps, that Italian is a song and it’s not spoken so much as sung, and more things than I can possibly fit in a paragraph.”

—Jamelah Earle Vincent ’01

LEARNING THE VALUE OF SERVICE

“Collaborating on bringing the AIDS Memorial Quilt: The Names Project to the Kellogg Center had a deep impact. Working with the student committee and with the guidance of Tracy Howard and Jennifer Schreer Yawson allowed me to explore my interests in service. It helped me understand the value of serving others for a greater purpose.”

—Joe Taylor ’06

WHAT HAPPENS IN VEGAS…

“On our MATH 257 (Mathematics of the Gaming Industry) field trip, we walked the whole Las Vegas strip, every hotel and casino. I can’t speak for the others, but I definitely had an obsession with the Bellagio fountains. We learned a lot about the math of the gambling industry in the classroom, but over our many days in Las Vegas, we really got to witness the behavioral and psychological aspects that go along with it.”

—Grace Hoffman ’22

WORKING OUTSIDE MY COMFORT SPACE

“My internship in Washington, D.C., was in a small, minority-owned, two-woman firm representing minority clients in an urban setting. (Quite a contrast for a white kid from the rural suburbs of Flint.) This opportunity opened my eyes to the microaggressions and fundamental biases built into our society. Since those days, my actions are guided by considering those who live a different experience than me. I also learned I did not want to pursue a legal career. Some around me thought I had wasted my time by not moving into this lucrative career path. This was a pivotal decision, one I alone had to make, and I’m very glad I did. It helped me eliminate a choice in which I may have been financially secure but personally miserable.”

—Michael Haines ’85

ALBION

Turning a liberal arts education into a Fourth Estate invite

Like many first-year students, Ryan Kadro ’99 had no idea what he wanted to be when he entered Albion College in the fall of 1993. Much of his time was spent devising a path from Division III goalkeeper to the 98 World Cup.

His years at Albion, however, provided him with the creative space to pursue several passions and taught him to think critically (and practically). Those cherished years also brought him together with his wife (Maggie Kuhn ’00) and equipped him with knowledge which today allows him to thrive at the highest levels in broadcast media.

The Emmy-Award winning producer serves as CNN’s senior vice president of content strategy. During his prior time at CBS, Kadro helped create “CBS This Morning.” His career has taken him across the globe covering major events–sometimes hobnobbing with the likes of Oprah, heads of states, and celebrities such as NBA-great Charles Barkley and Gayle King.

“At Albion and CBS and, now, CNN, curiosity is a virtue rewarded,” Kadro noted. “Every day is a new opportunity to learn about a different issue in our country or an event reverberating around the world. My liberal arts education prepared me incredibly well for life in a newsroom. Taking classes in English, history, religion, philosophy, and even geology classes (we’ve covered lots of volcanoes through the years) provided a foundation for thinking critically about the world.”

Treading a ’different path’

Among Kadro’s fond Albion memories are the friendships made playing soccer; a tremendous sense of pride earning a 3.0 in astronomy; film-making classes; his favorite professor, Religious Studies Professor Selva Raj; and forming a college band, Jaba The Funk.

“We used to play Wednesday nights at the bars in town and in Marshall and occasionally at the Goodrich Club,” Kadro

said. “Absolutely incredible memories of trying to tread a little different path.”

Kadro’s most-important Albion connection came on his first day on campus in 1996.

“I saw this beautiful woman (Maggie) in the hallway at a party,” Kadro recalled. “I remarked to my friend Ian Kessler that I was going to marry that girl. It took her three months to finally agree to a date. We went to see Bob Dylan in East Lansing and stayed up all night talking.”

The couple has been together ever since. They live in Irvington, New York, with their children, Brady, 17, and Cecilia, 15.

Both of their first significant, post-graduation jobs were at NBC. And that experience brought Kadro’s career passion into focus.

“I visited Maggie in New York [who was interning at NBC during her junior year at Albion] and was blown away that she was working in the

same building where Nirvana had performed on Saturday Night Live,” he said. “For the first time in my life something that seemed so inconceivable became attainable. Because of her Albion experience, I could literally touch the stage made famous by so many people I admired.”

His journalism career has included stints with NBC, CBS, Quibi, and The Recount. He joined CNN in 2022. He’s led coverage of historical events such as the 2016 Presidential Election, President Donald Trump’s inauguration, and the firstever broadcast from the Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture.

“I remain grateful and indebted to Albion for helping me grow up, figure out what I wanted to do with my life, and introducing me to my life partner, Maggie,” he said.

To suggest an extraordinary Albion graduate to be profiled email communications@ albion.edu

Kadro and his then girlfriend (now wife) Maggie Kuhn ‘00; with President Joe Biden; posing with CBS colleagues Gayle King and Charles Barkley; sharing a moment with Oprah Winfrey on the set of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.”

611 East Porter Street

Albion, MI 49224

Campus radio station

WLBN was the campus radio station that existed on campus in some capacity since 1951.

From 1951-1961, the radio station was known as WANR. For the first five years it only broadcast to Seaton and Wesley Halls.

WANR was entirely run by students. Topics focused on music, sports, news, and campus announcements. In 1958, it broadcast its’ first sporting event–an Albion vs Calvin basketball game. Throughout the 1950s, the broadcast expanded and was transmitted to several fraternity houses and then eventually through other local radio stations in Albion and Marshall.

Starting in 1969, the radio station was known as WEXL. Donations and grants were the sole income for the station.

In 1979, the station was known as WAMX. The station became more album-oriented, and concentrated on a rock format, featuring spots for jazz, country, and classical.

Starting in 1983, the station was changed to WLBN. In 1996, WLBN moved to the Kellogg Center where it remained until its closure around 2018.