Io Triumphe! Winter 2024

Io Triumphe!

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF ALBION COLLEGE

INSIDE

Collaborative spirit propels partnership with Nottawaseppi 8

An interdisciplinary team of Albion faculty, students, and staff collaborate with local Indigenous tribe to restore and preserve a sacred plant.

24 Albion’s 18th president meets challenges with opportunities as he joins the campus community.

38 Learn the favorite campus haunts of generations of Albion alumni in Haben Swaben

VOL. LXXXVIII, NO. 1

WINTER 2024

Contents

Io Triumphe!

WINTER 2024 VOLUME LXXXVIII, NO. 1

Features

INTERIM EDITOR

Albion College, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi learn from each other in unique partnership to preserve a sacred plant in Nottawa Creek.

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Homelessness is a Housing Problem

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DESIGNERS/ILLUSTRATORS Katherine Hibbs Liz Newman

Prof. Greg Colburn ’95 explains the nearperfect connection between homelessness and the lack of affordable housing.

From Football to Footholds

Jake Weber

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Albion Alumni tackle Mt. Rainier, the most heavily glaciated peak in the Lower 48.

Alumna Demonstrates Power of Making Change at Local Level

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Ayesha Ghazi Edwin ’07 has a record of success as a city council member in Ann Arbor.

EXP (Experiential Learning)

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Albion students are working to build career and life skills in the classroom and outside of it.

Meet Albion’s 18th President

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ADDRESS UPDATES Office of Alumni 611 E Porter St. Albion, MI 49224 albion.edu/alumni

CONTACT THE EDITOR 27

Associate Professor of English Krista Quesenberry’s new Drawing Together initiative has invaded her office, where one wall displays artwork gifted to her.

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Departments AROUND THE ROCK CLASS NEWS EXTRAORDINARY ALBION HABEN SWABEN

Melissa Anderson Eric Westmoreland Elizabeth Palmer ’10 Terrence Kendricks ’24 Ty’Nayia George ’25 Chenier Crawford ’25 Makebu Bantu ’25 Gabriel Patnode ’27 Sabo PR

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

Dr. Wayne Webster is all in for Albion in his first months on the job.

Drop Ins

CONTRIBUTORS

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 28 32 37 38

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On the Cover: Students place birchbark boxes they made out of locally-available, biodegradable materials in the Nottawa Creek, near the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi’s Pine Creek Reservation, to collect macroinvertebrate. The deployment was preceded by a ceremonial offering of tobacco, and the team was honored when Nottawaseppi leaders gave the device a Potawatomi name: wigwas-mkek (wigwas-mkok in plural), which translates to “birch bark container.”

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.

STAY CONNECTED @ALBIONCOLLEGE

2 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Letter from the President THE ROAD TO THE FUTURE STARTS HERE AT ALBION our institution, embodied by our campus composition, dedicated faculty and staff, and innovative experiential learning opportunities, provides our students with a unique advantage—a true liberal arts experience combined with focused career preparation that sets them on the path for real world success. What’s great for us is that you don’t need to be a Brit to know what I’m talking about. The Wall Street Journal recognized Albion College in its 2024 WSJ/ College Pulse Ranking as the Midwest’s top-ranked liberal arts college— second only to Lake Forest College in Illinois—largely because of Albion’s commitment to diversity and our ability to improve the social mobility of our students upon graduation.

Albion College stands at the threshold of a transformative journey into the future, one that continues to be deeply rooted in our community.

As I engage with the far-reaching family of Brits, one consistent theme emerges—the profound impact of four years at Albion on the personal and professional trajectories of our alumni. This impact extends beyond the campus, with experiences in Albion and the surrounding communities oftentimes taking center stage.

Our interconnectedness to the place we call home is palpable, evident in campus interactions, community collaborations, and strategic partnerships envisioning a vibrant future for Albion. The essence of

Albion has been a leading stalwart of the liberal arts at work since 1835. Rightly so, the evolving world demands a forwardthinking approach to liberal arts education that attracts the next generation of students interested in the careers of the future.

Likewise, our campus has been collaborating on ways to address the College’s longstanding budget issues in strategic ways that demonstrate our deep commitment to Albion’s mission and long-term financial sustainability. Much work lies ahead but we are making great strides in reducing barriers to student success, creating spaces where students can find salience in their identities and have fun, bringing more focus to our operational structures, and laying the groundwork to tell Albion’s story in the most effective and compelling ways.

nurturing spaces that foster community.

Their interdisciplinary, human and placecentered work, highlights the intrinsic value of an Albion education, emphasizing learning across the liberal arts and applied experiences.

We explore achievements of faculty, staff, and students, contributing to incremental improvements over time as well as transformative projects that magnetize people and development. Albion, a nurturing ground for personal growth, resonates across diverse fields, influencing businesses, non-profits, healthcare, policy, education, and corporations.

Our commitment to community building and curiosity-driven connections thrives in the places and spaces that define Albion College. As we chart our course into the future, we stand united in our mission to create a lasting impact, ensuring Albion remains a beacon for transformative education and community development.

Go Brits!

Dr. Wayne P. Webster President

In this issue, we delve into the impactful stories of Albion alumni committed to

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Connection to nature is key for environmental science major Bonnie Lord ’26 of Alma, Michigan, is many things. ✔ Managing editor of The Pleiad. ✔ Treasurer of the Earth and Environment Club. ✔ Prentiss M. Brown Honors student. ✔ Member of the Center for Sustainability and the Environment and Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership and Public Policy. ✔ Triplet.

She loves to ask questions about the environment.

She is an avid birdwatcher. “I will pick a certain bird and come to the Nature Center and look for it. Once I find it, I look for a new, different species.” Her favorite bird is the pileated woodpecker.

She has many hobbies.

Her other hobbies include drawing, baking, sewing, and reading.

She loves breakfast.

“I am definitely a breakfast person. Eggs sunny-side up and toast!”

She loves horror movies.

Her favorite horror movie is Jaws, “if you consider that a horror movie.”

If you need to find Bonnie Lord, start at the Whitehouse Nature Center. She spends a lot of time there, whether to watch birds or work on her Foundation for Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity (FURSCA) project related to the Kalamazoo River.

“The FURSCA project is looking at how dissolved organic carbon interacts with the stream bed environment in the Kalamazoo River,” said Lord. “My research is a continuation of previous research that tried to simulate river conditions. I’m actually doing the research in the river.”

Lord said the research takes leaves from different trees and dissolves them in water from the river. The “leaf tea” that is produced is then analyzed to see how the different leaves interact with the bed and drainage. It will help our understanding of how landscaping affects the environment.

Her love of the outdoors is, well, natural, having grown up with parents who were both park rangers.

“I have always loved the outdoors and science and how we interact with the world and perceive the outdoors,” Lord explained.

“We can and should have a good reciprocal relationship with the environment. Sustainability is necessary, and we need to be urgently committed to it.”

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Being outdoors comes naturally to this environmental science major

Albion 24/7 REUSE, RECYCLE, RESTORE

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Albion College is committed to doing its part to care for the environment and help sustain our natural resources for the future. Faculty, staff, and students help reduce waste and conserve resources by reusing, recycling, and restoring as much as possible.*

Facilities and Operations Department that works hard to coordinate collection of materials to be recycled.

528

Trees saved (17 trees per ton of paper recycled).

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1,862

Total number of recycling containers on Albion’s campus.

Pounds of air pollution eliminated (60 pounds per ton recycled).

62,060

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Cubic yards of landfill space preserved (3.3 cubic yards per ton recycled).

127,223 Kilowatt hours of electricity conserved (4,100 per ton recycled).

Pounds of materials recycled (cardboard, newspaper, mixed paper, plastic, glass and metal).

217,210 Gallons of water preserved (7,000 gallons per ton recycled).

Different types of recycling containers. (Blue containers are for returnable cans and bottles. Containers with yellow lids are for mixed paper, metal cans and foil, corrugated cardboard and boxboard, plastic containers, jugs and tubs.)

* 2022 stats calculated by Granger Waste Services.

Winter 2024 | 5

WITH JOHN HIBBS, DIRECTOR OF GROUNDS In addition to the main campus, John Hibbs and his Grounds staff assist with maintaining the Dow Athletic Complex, Held Equestrian Center, Whitehouse Nature Center, and various surrounding properties. of campus. We mulch all our leaf litter for use in our landscaping; my hope is to eventually eliminate the need for wood mulch, which saves trees and reduces costs. Picnic tables on the Quad are made of recycled materials, all used oil and filters from our combustion engines are recycled, and I’m pleased that over 62 tons of other materials have been recycled since 2021! And those are just a few of the many sustainability-related things we do.

What’s that ’little thing with a big impact’ for Grounds?

Io Triumphe!: Ok, we admit it – we love what you do, but tend to overlook the role Grounds plays in the residential college experience. How do you define your mission, beyond just making this place look awesome?

Hibbs: I like to say that our mission is to enrich and enhance. We focus a lot on aesthetics, but we also address faculty and staff needs, safety, and fiscal/ environmental sustainability. Ultimately, however, the student experience is the focal point of our daily routine.

How much is sustainability a factor in your day-to-day work?

Our department consistently looks for ways to incorporate this charge. We divide perennial plants to beautify other areas

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While our trash and recycling initiatives are commendable, greater efforts by the campus community would be appreciated.

My staff spends an initial hour every morning touring campus for trash in parking lots and outside of building entrances. The extra moment to take pride in how the campus looks would enhance our daily experience.

Do you secretly wish you had a desk job?

Not at all. I spend a fair amount of my time on the computer and in meetings, but working outdoors is as fun as it looks.

We get to see the fruits of our own labors, and we have the nicest landscaped areas and athletic complex in the MIAA to show for it. I may be a bit biased (laughs). Most importantly, I enjoy the daily interaction with students, which is the reason we all do what we do.

What areas are most intensely maintained?

The quad has to be intensely maintained due to the functional requirements with special events throughout the year.

Ditzler Way boulevard, about which I get the most positive comments annually, is such a highly visible area with traffic and pedestrian flow and its location relative to Baldwin Hall, Kellogg Center, and the Bonta Admission Center.

Also, with so many students involved in athletics and theatre, the Dow Athletic Center is maintained at a very high level.

What’s your favorite spot on campus?

When you stand in the greenspace between Vulgamore Hall and the historic Observatory, you can see what makes campus special in every direction - Wesley Hall, Goodrich Chapel, and Fiske house to the north, Stockwell Library and Kresge Gymnasium to the west, the Ferguson Administration building to the south, Robinson Hall to the east, and, of course, the quadrangle. There’s also a buckeye tree that is planted nearby. I love Albion, but a portion of my family is from Ohio! That particular spot represents so much of what makes this campus a home.

Building connections through the places we share Albion College students, alumni, faculty, and staff are actively working to strengthen connections between people and the places they share. This place-centered mindset, for many, harkens back to lessons learned at Albion. Read more about the unique ways they are sustaining important relationships, working to improve quality of life in their communities, and more in the pages that follow.

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Albion College, Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi learn from each other in unique partnership Tall slender strands of wild rice rising out of the Nottawa Creek are helping to nourish a partnership between Albion College and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi tribe in Michigan’s Calhoun County.

“The rice is a part of our connection to the land. It’s about our values and culture,” said elder, veteran, and Nottawaseppi Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Doug Taylor.

Known to indigenous Anishinaabe people as manoomin, or “the good berry,” this aquatic plant has nourished the Potawatomi and other Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes, both physically and spiritually, for generations.

Understanding how to help manoomin’s thrive is very important to the Anishinaabe culture, which in Michigan includes the Potawatomi, the Odawa and the Ojibwe (or Chippewa).

Once widespread, manoomin in Michigan was nearly eradicated by settler activities. Today, all twelve of Michigan’s federally-recognized tribes are working with state, federal, and regional partners to restore and preserve the sacred plant.

“We have very vigorous manoomin beds here, but we are still learning a lot about the science,” Taylor said.

Dr. Allison Harnish, associate professor of anthropology, contacted the tribe in 2020 to discuss the potential of initiating a collaborative research project. When Taylor and John Rodwan, environmental director for the tribe, communicated their interest in working with Albion faculty and students to support ongoing manoomin restoration efforts, Harnish introduced them to Dr. Abigail Cahill.

Cahill is an associate professor and marine biologist at Albion who studies small animals called macroinvertebrates. The aquatic worms, leeches, snails, crayfish, and insect larvae are useful for assessing water quality and the health of wetland ecosystems.

At the time, Cahill was supervising the undergraduate honors thesis research of Jess Garcia-Lopez ’22, who found macroinvertebrate populations were richer and more biodiverse in areas of the Kalamazoo River where manoomin grows. This result seemed to corroborate prior knowledge on the part of Indigenous communities about the importance of wild rice for overall ecosystem health. In the three years since, Cahill has been attempting with students to replicate this finding, but with an added twist.

One conventional method for studying macroinvertebrates is to replace two sides of a small rectangular plastic container with a fine metal screen. Researchers fill a series of containers with leaf litter (food for the macroinvertebrates) and anchor them in the

8 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

river for two weeks. The devices are pulled from the river and the quantity, ratios, and diversity of macroinvertebrate species is logged.

“When we shared Jess’s findings with Doug and John, they challenged us to build a macroinvertebrate collector out of locallyavailable, biodegradable materials, rather than plastic–which contains harmful chemicals and contributes to global pollution problems,” Cahill said.

Cahill, Harnish, and several students including Garcia-Lopez, Jason Bigpond ’22, and Madeline Prall ’22 experimented with making screens out of pine needles and deer hide. They soaked birchbark to make it malleable, then folded it into rectangular boxes. “We were adapting technologies traditionally used in the manufacturing of birchbark canoes for a new purpose,” said Harnish. “But, we were worried about the thin strips of bark retaining their shape when submerged in water and tossed by currents, and we weren’t confident in our ability to weave the screens on a large scale. We’d also been thinking we needed to reproduce the rectangular shape of the plastic collector, until John showed us a picture of a cylindrical birchbark storage jar.”

That’s when the students, Cahill, and Harnish realized they could be wrapping the birchbark, instead of folding it. But, the cylindrical container would still need a rigid interior frame to support the flexible birchbark exterior.

Daniel Jeremiah ’25, Adrian Sanchez ’26, Prof. Allison Harnish, John Rodwan, Miles Newman ’25, Doug Taylor, Ty’Nayia George ’25, Prof. Brad Chase, Kelvin Crone-Willis ’25, Prof. Abigail Cahill, Monica Day

The response to that request came from biology major Daniel Jeremiah ’25, a junior from Nigeria, who used 3-D printing technology to design and create the prototype of the macroinvertebrate collector that is currently being used by Cahill and her students. In place of plastic filament, Jeremiah’s design calls for a mix of wood pulp and corn starch. The 3-D printed biodegradable frame is then wrapped in birchbark and tied with artificial sinew.

“We looked at a lot of bug catcher designs,” Jeremiah said. “We needed to incorporate natural ingredients that were strong and kept it cost effective. We wanted to use birchbark, because that is culturally significant to Potawatomi people.”

With the design established, Jeremiah worked with then-director of the Whitehouse Nature Center Jason Raddatz ’91 and other Nature Center assistants to print a dozen frames in spring 2022. Harnish’s ANTH 325: Methods in Anthropology students assembled the two halves of the 3D-printed frames, stuffed them with leaf litter provided by the College’s

Grounds crew, wrapped them in birchbark and tied them with artificial sinew. Cahill and her students deployed the collectors and analyzed their contents.

Cahill said the manoomin project has Albion College students across three departments (biology, environmental studies, and anthropology) assembling, deploying, and analyzing the collectors and their contents.

“We are comparing the abundance and diversity of macroinvertebrates in sites with and without manoomin,” said Kelvin CroneWillis ’25, an environmental studies major from St. Louis, Missouri.

While the premise of the project may seem simple enough, Cahill said the variables change with each season, making the project even more challenging.

“It’s how the critters are responding to the seasons over time,” Cahill said. “It’s complicated to unravel, but it is cool to have this opportunity.”

After multiple trial runs and multiple iterations of Jeremiah’s design, it was determined the birchbark collectors function just as well as the conventional plastic ones, though they are smaller in size. The seventh iteration of the collection device is being printed in the College’s new Innovation Lab with help from Sarah Noah, Albion College’s Director of Instructional Technology and Web Development.

“Once upon a time, we were thinking we needed to seal the collectors with spruce sap, and Sarah 3-D printed a mold that would allow us to push the sap through a hot glue gun,” Harnish said. The collaboration between students and faculty, across multiple academic departments, with Instructional Technology and the Whitehouse Nature Center is reflective of the intimate, integrative, and experiential learning that happens at Albion College. That this work is being carried out in partnership with the Nottawaseppi follows an ethical and inclusive shift happening in the natural and social sciences, which have not always approached Indigenous communities with a collaborative spirit.

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“It’s a marriage of world views, of Western and Indigenous science,” said Harnish. “We are working directly with them and they are leading what we do. We are not telling them what we are going to do on their land.”

The mutually-beneficial partnership highlights the knowledge and worldview of the tribe while providing experiential learning and community outreach opportunities for students.

“We are neighbors,” said Rodwan. “We knew about Albion’s connection to the land. Albion has a rich history of tribal participation. Some places just want to put a plaque up on their football stadium (about the land). Albion is more collaborative and we wanted a partnership where we could learn from each other.”

Beyond the scientific data, Cahill said the benefits of the partnership for Albion has many layers.

“We are producing knowledge for all of us to share,” Cahill said. “None of our students had met the tribe before but the tribe has connected with them now. This is an opportunity for students to do very tangible work and hands-on learning that contributes to new knowledge that helps the tribe.”

While the “birch bark box” is collecting information to help the tribe, Taylor said it is the outside-the-box thinking the partnership has generated that is significant beyond the boundaries of the reservation.

The team has plans to release the blueprints for the device so other tribes and tribal partners who are studying aquatic ecosystem health can use it and make their own modifications.

“This project validates our life ways and values through science,” Taylor said. “It is providing education and experience to the students and brings to light that which has never been published. It makes the students the keepers of the subject matter. It helps us build a sustainability model that will help our people in the future.”

In September, the Albion team, which until then had been exclusively studying manoomin and macroinvertebrates in the Kalamazoo River,

10 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

were invited to deploy the now tried and tested biodegradable collectors in Nottawa Creek, near the Nottawaseppi’s Pine Creek Reservation.

The deployment was preceded by a ceremonial offering of tobacco, and the team was honored when Taylor and Rodwan gave the device a Potawatomi name: wigwas-mkek (wigwas-mkok in plural), which translates to “birch bark container.”

After some discussion, it was decided that Albion College students Jeremiah, CroneWillis, Adrian Sanchez ’26, Miles Newman ’25, and Ty’Nayia George ’25 would deploy seven wigwas-mkok in recognition of the Seven Grandfather Teachings and the Seven Generations philosophy, which guide Anishinaabe people to live “in a good way.”

These teachings, which were communicated to those gathered by Taylor, urge humans to be sincere in their actions, words, and character by practicing love, respect, bravery, truth, honesty, humility, and wisdom. They maintain tradition and encourage sustainable futures by calling for accountability to three generations past and three generations yet to come.

Six of the seven wigwas-mkok will be retrieved after two weeks, so analysis can begin. One will stay in the Nottawa Creek through the winter and into next year as a symbol of the ongoing relationship between the tribe and the College.

In a recent visit to Albion College, Taylor and Rodwan recommended the manoomin and macroinvertebrate research team plant yellow birch trees to offset the greenhouse gasses that are emitted when 3-D printers use electricity.

Director of the Whitehouse Nature Center, Monica Day, has already identified an ideal location and plans for the birch to replace an invasive species that’s altering the soil chemistry and displacing native plants on which local fauna depend.

“This is about history, the present and the future,” Taylor said. “It is not just about our tribe, but everyone on Earth and preserving the environment for everyone.”

Playing music is a community affair at Albion Sheila Burlingame-Smith ’80, still remembers the excitement when Albion’s Music department hosted a visit from venerated composer Howard Hanson in April 1979. “I was concert mistress and frightened that he was going to fall off the podium once he got there,” she recalled. Too frail to conduct the orchestra’s performance of his Second Symphony, Hanson nonetheless worked with the students in rehearsals and conducted the concert finale.

“He took the time to speak to everyone … it was a wonderful experience,” said Burlingame-Smith.

She also thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience – but Hanson aside, last fall Burlingame-Smith found herself on the same Goodrich Chapel stage, once again performing Hanson’s Second with the Albion College Symphony Orchestra (ACSO). “For four years, Albion College was my home away from home,” Burlingame-Smith said. “The ACSO is where I built into a musician from my teenage years. I am grateful to still be a part of it.”

Thanks to Burlingame-Smith and some 30 other community members, the ACSO is the Music department’s largest ensemble and one of the College’s foremost community collaborations. With high school students, current faculty and staff, professional and “just for fun” musicians and alumni, the community contribution can’t be overstated.

“More members make the sound fuller, but being able to come together and make music with players from all these different backgrounds, that’s rare,” said Director Ji

Hyun Kim. “We have members who have never played in an orchestra before; we have members who have played for six decades. It’s been awesome and an honor to be part of this.”

And while she’s enthusiastic about the “coming together” to make music, Kim doesn’t leave those connections to chance. Early rehearsals include icebreakers, Bring a Friend Day, and concert clothing share and trade days. Small group performances in the community also help enhance the “togetherness” vibe.

“I joined two years ago, because Drew Dunham asked me to,” said percussionist Kevin Metz, better known as professor and chair of the Chemistry department. Metz in turn recruited his two high-school aged children to join that year, turning orchestra rehearsal into a family activity. Dunham is the long-time registrar at Albion and associate orchestra director.

“I’ve remained in orchestra because I love what Dr. Kim is doing with this ensemble,” Metz continued. “The environment she has created is wonderful. I loved doing orchestra with my kids and I enjoy interacting with all

the students, most of whom I would never have met anywhere else on campus” Izzy Endsley ’25, describes orchestra rehearsal as a “welcome break” during the week, a chance to visit with other friends. “One of my closest orchestra friends is my stand partner, Endsley said of Doug Winters, a retired minister. “My playing has improved so much because of him.”

Winters isn’t the only community member looking out for Endsley. “I have been offered job and internship opportunities by some community members, and I have had some help me with school,” she said. “Overall, If I ever need help with anything I know that orchestra is always a resource I can turn to.”

Closing in on 50 years as an off-and-on member of the ACSO, Burlingame-Smith reflected on what keeps this relationship going. “Sometimes it’s not just about the music – it can be the performance hall, or the group you are performing with that makes it super special,” she said. “Singing or playing ‘Albion, Dear Albion,’ gets me every time.

That song and the ACSO always make me feel like everything is going to be all right.”

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HOMELESSNESS IS A HOUSING PROBLEM HOW S TRU C T U R A L FAC T O R S E X PL A IN U. S . PAT TE R N S

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Alumnus illuminates root cause of homelessness in popular book Professors of real estate aren’t generally known for writing page-turners, but Gregg Colburn ’95 has managed to produce a manuscript in high demand from industry experts, government officials, and more. Two years after the publication of “Homelessness is a Housing Problem,” his book is still selling well, and Colburn, a faculty member at the University of Washington, has done some 100 speaking engagements throughout the U.S. and Europe, with a book tour scheduled for Australia this spring. He’s spoken at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School, the Silicon Valley Foundation, and Carleton College (as its convocation presenter), and has met with elected officials from several U.S. states and major metropolitan areas. Colburn participated in a panel discussion with Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, and knows Washington Governor Jay Inslee is a fan. “I get texts from people telling me, ’The governor mentioned your book again,’” Colburn admitted with a smile. “He doesn’t always remember my name but he does like the book.”

In “Homelessness is a Housing Problem,” written with Clayton Page Aldern, Colburn explains the near-perfect connection between homelessness and the lack of affordable housing in communities. Despite the thousands of hours he spent gathering data and writing the book, Colburn needs very little time to explain how one obvious “fact” of homelessness – that it’s the consequence of drug use, mental illness, or poverty – is just plain wrong.

“Of course, some homeless people have mental illnesses or substance abuse problems, or are poor, but these are not root causes. They’re what we call ‘precipitating events, Colburn pointed out. “Expensive housing markets like Seattle don’t have more addicts than other places.

Detroit has more poverty, but fewer of those poor people are homeless. These ideas don’t hold up as reliable indicators of homelessness.”

In contrast, the availability and affordability of housing in a given community will reflect its rate of homelessness, regardless of geographic location, population, and most demographics. “Again, we’re not saying no other factors are related to homelessness,” Colburn said, “but if you’re poor or addicted

or mentally ill in a rich city, it has much more significant consequences.”

problems. They can also have confidence that investments in one metric will pay off in two.

An economics and management major whose “first career” was 17 years in investment banking, Colburn notes that the roots of his current work may have been planted at Albion.

“I wasn’t a political science or public policy major, but I took a lot of those classes,” he said. “In my major and all my classes, I had great professors who helped me develop the intellectual curiosity that eventually took me from the private sector to academia.”

Paying attention, Colburn says, is also the right thing to do.

Coburn, who holds masters degrees in social work and business administration and a doctorate in public policy, knows firsthand that “a lot of researchers have segmented homelessness and housing policy research and call them two different things. I always joke that I’m bringing them back together, because they’re one and the same.”

The beauty of his research also lies in the fact that it can be prescriptive, Colburn says.

Knowing that changes in affordable housing will affect rates of homelessness – and vice versa – communities can anticipate and address negative changes before they become entrenched

“We can wait for people to experience homelessness and initiate the crisis response, or we can start to think about the system,” he said. “I hope to encourage community leaders to focus on affordable housing. This saves money and alleviates a lot of suffering in the process.”

And while the interest in “Homelessness is a Housing Problem” has caused Colburn to miss deadlines for his second book manuscript, he reports that it’s almost finished – just in time for him to start work on a third book, looking at the very different phenomenon of homelessness in Europe.

“When you’re writing a book, you don’t know if anyone is going to read it,” Colburn mused.

“Selfishly, it’s nice to know people want to read my work. But the fact that people all over the country tell me we’re making an impact with this book and research ... well, that’s really gratifying.”

Winter 2024 | 13

ALUMNI FEATURES

FROM FOOTBALL TO FOOTHOLDS:

Albion alumni tackle Mt. Rainier, most heavily glaciated peak in Lower 48 Back in 1994, it would have been difficult to convince members of Albion’s national championship football team they’d ever encounter a more rewarding challenge.

But nearly 30 years later, those gridiron stars are collectively shaking their heads in awe and wonder, returning this past August from a lofty challenge to climb one of the most dramatic peaks in the contiguous United States – Mt. Rainier in Washington state.

“This is not fun,” Tim Schafer ’96 kept telling the rest of the group as they battled through blizzard conditions while hoisting heavy backpacks and sporting crampons and ice axes.

“But it marks the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life.”

Schafer was on of six Briton alumni who set out the morning of Aug. 4 to summit the 14,410-ft. peak, which is slathered in glacial snow and ice all year long.

Schafer was joined by Michael Montico ’94, Albion’s All-America quarterback — who was the only one not to have played on that national championship team – along with Jared Wood ’96, Todd Morris ’95, David Lefere ’97, and Derek Mazur ’95.

Montico now directs a practice in sports medicine in Milford. Mazur, Wood, and Schafer all live in Clarkston. Wood was an outside linebacker and now works as a sports

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psychology coach. Mazur played safety and is a school social worker. Schafer was a cornerback and safety and now runs a financial consulting firm. Lefere played safety and is now an investment banker with LaGrey LLC in Grand Rapids.

All six have been lifelong friends since enrolling at Albion and joining Alpha Tau Omega. Mazur and Montico go back even further to their elementary school days.

They’d always enjoyed at least one summer outing together on the golf course, but Mazur and Montico were able to talk the other four into something that would test more than their ability to drive, chip, and putt. Both had some hiking under their belts, and when they set their sights on Rainier, their friends bit.

They spent time this past spring and summer preparing by taking hikes, sometimes with packs replicating the 40 pounds they’d carry on the way up (and after using up their food and drinks, would weigh 20 or 25 during the descent).

Everyone felt qualified to go, but nothing could prepare them for the sight they saw high above from the airplane that took them to Seattle: Mt. Rainier looming in all its snow-capped glory, daring all who would challenge it with a gain in elevation of some 9,000 feet, three times the elevation gained during climbs on Colorado’s peaks, for example.

Their cheerleaders included assorted children and five wives – Wood is widowed – along with their beloved coach, David Egnatuk ’71, who coached Albion athletes in football (23 years) and track (36 years plus 10 as an assistant). He was contacted before the climb and asked to keep his fingers crossed from his home in Missouri.

Starting their ascent at 9 a.m. that Friday morning, the group hiked six hours to Camp Muir, their base camp. After four to five hours of rest, they set out at 11 p.m. to finish their trek to the top, meaning the next six hours were done in the dark.

But that wasn’t their only challenge. While most the men started out in T-shirts and shorts, the weather turned especially nasty for the final ascent the next morning, with a blizzard coming out of nowhere and the temperature plummeting to 22 degrees.

The Albion crew was actually part of two teams making the climb along with six guides. Their team numbered nine in all, and the other eight.

Four individuals were unable to finish (that group included Morris) and were escorted down by two of the guides.

When bad weather threatened, the four remaining guides informed those left that if even one more couldn’t commit, they’d pull the plug. “So it was all or nothing for the last part of the climb,” remembers Mazur, “and all along

the line, you could hear but not see people pushing for one another.”

blast going out there, but also sharing in all the training that was involved ahead of time.”

The final push, he says, “was the most physical taxing thing I’ve ever done. We physically were all suffering from a lack of oxygen and lightheadedness, and at times you really didn’t know where you were going.“ The ascent was made even more dangerous by crevasses – deep gorges in the ice and snow – that had to be negotiated by laying ladders over the gaps and crossing them gingerly.

Schafer added: “I was hurting pretty good by the time we got to the top, given the snowstorm and everything else. But it was an extreme sense of accomplishment. Still, I don’t think it’s something I’m ready to do again. I’ve checked that box.”

At times, they were walking glacial ledges just 18-24 inches wide, says Mazur, “and using ice axes to dig into the side and help maintain our balance. We used trekking poles on the way up, but those can be dangerous on the way down, so they got put away.”

During the final drive to the summit, everyone was wearing virtually every piece of clothing they’d packed, including snow goggles, caps, multiple layers of parkas and thick gloves. At the summit, Mazur remembers seeing Schafer laying on the ground trying to catch his breath.

There was a brief celebration amid high-fives and a planting of the Albion College school flag, something Mazur had been hiding in his pack.

“I’d had that thing in my pack all week,” he said with a laugh. “But it held a lot of meaning, and for all of us. Albion has always been a home to us, and just very special. Everything always comes around to the friendships that bloomed and blossomed there.

“People talk about the experience of going to a large school, but we’re all in agreement that special moments and relationships can happen at small schools, too.

“We’ve made lifelong bonds, and those have endured over the years. Together, we’ve celebrated things and also supported each other through tough times, including the loss of Jared’s wife, Celeste, whom we lost to cancer. He’ll tell you to his last breath how much we all mean to him, and to each other.”

After 15 minutes or so of revelry and taking pictures that included the five with the Albion flag, down they went to join Morris. They’d made the round trip in just under 17 hours.

“It was hard work, but it was also an awesome experience,” Wood said. “The six of us had a

Just days after returning home, Coach Egnatuk received word of the summit. “I think it was pretty special to have them thinking of me after their achievement,” he said. “It certainly demonstrates the perseverance and camaraderie that defined them during their days as Albion College student-athletes.

“They’re part of a very special group,” he added. “Those guys stand out, because they had and continue to have a profound belief in each other.”

That camaraderie is what helped Albion to an unprecedented NCAA Division III National Championship, and against some incredible odds. Though they won their first three outings, nobody was picking them to have an undefeated season and go all the way.

Albion entered the playoffs 9-0 and faced powerhouse Mt. Union, winning by just one point, thanks in part to not one but two blocked extra-point attempts.

In the next playoff game, the team traveled to St. John’s in Collegeville, Minnesota, where cold and icy conditions reigned, and snow mounds were piled up along the sidelines. Winning there set Albion up for the title contest against Washington & Jefferson, where they came in as underdogs but emerged with a 38-15 victory. (Highlights of that game can be viewed via ESPN on YouTube.)

Coach Egnatuk wasn’t surprised his former players were able to transfer that winning attitude into their conquest of Rainier: “Their ascent proves that if you put in the time and believe in yourselves, you can do some very special things with your life.

“What these men did made me very proud to be an Albion College Briton!”

Mt. Rainier offers chills, thrills, potential danger Mt. Rainier is not for the faint-hearted.

It takes strength, preparation, and determination to ascend it, even if you’ve chosen the least difficult of 12 routes up, including “Disappointment Cleaver,” which the Albion group did.

Going up and down, you’ll cover eight to nine miles, and that’s with a loaded backpack and in weather conditions that can change on a dime.

Most climbers spend a night or even two during the challenge. Even in good weather, the mountain can present avalanches, rock falls, crevasses, and precarious cliffs.

Some 60 percent of climbers choose to hire guides.

It’s not an especially technical climb, but only 50 percent of the 10,000 or so who attempt it yearly make it to the top. And here’s a sobering statistic: Since 1897, Mt. Rainier has claimed some 400 lives.

Source: National Park Service

Winter 2024 | 15

Alumna demonstrates power of making change at local level When Ayesha Ghazi Edwin ’07 and her partner started their family in 2018, she knew their kids needed to grow up in her adopted hometown of Ann Arbor.

“I wanted my kids to have the experience I had of this diverse and welcoming community,” said Ghazi Edwin, who was a toddler when her parents emigrated from England to Ann Arbor.

16 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

She believes that Ann Arbor still is a great place to live – and as a city council member, she’s working to make it even better. Now in her second year on the Council, Ghazi Edwin is focused on equity, accessibility, and affordability, and is excited about the lessons she’s learning from this mandate to lead.

“City Council has been an eye-opening experience; I’ve learned up close how important local politics are and how much impact people can have if they get involved locally,” Ghazi Edwin explained. “Local commissions make decisions about neighborhoods and roads and schools. As a councilperson, I love

helping residents learn how they can get involved.”

She may be new to elected leadership, but Ghazi Edwin’s interest in making a difference goes back to her college days. “Albion was where I realized my love for social policy and social justice,” she said, citing an internship with Amnesty International and the Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service as important influences.

“I’m glad I veered off my original path toward law school.”

Ghazi Edwin modestly describes herself as a “working mom of two young children,” but this understatement is, well, an

“

We need the diverse voices, identities, and lived experiences of our community represented at the council table.

”

understatement. She’s the deputy Director of Detroit Disability Power, along with serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Ghazi Edwin further serves as chair of the Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission, a position appointed

by Governor Gretchen Whitmer.

As the Council’s liaison to the Ann Arbor Human Rights Commission and the Commission on Disability Issues, Ghazi Edwin has been part of several impressive achievements. She helped the city ban “conversion therapy,” end discrimination practices related to housing and employment, and passed an ordinance allowing residents to use county-issued

identification to access city services. She’s helping ensure that roads, sidewalks, and city services are accessible to senior citizens and those with disabilities – in part by advocating for the city’s first full-time staffer devoted to disability issues.

She’s also playing a big role in Ann Arbor’s “Zero Plan” for achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. “The Bryant Park neighborhood, which is in my ward, is going to be the first low-income and carbon-neutral neighborhood in the country,” she explained.

State and federal grants will support the construction of a geothermal network, while home weatherization and other “groundbreaking” projects will

bring individual homes into the community’s carbon neutrality.

“I’m proud that climate change is an issue our community deeply cares about. We are a city leading the way nationally in our work on climate change,” she said. “We’re going to help build a better world for everyone.”

Despite her already full plate, Ghazi Edwin notes her excitement about a new relationship with Albion. She squeezed in a oneon-one meeting with President Webster just weeks into his tenure, where they discussed what she might do for current students.

“We talked about me possibly coming to Albion to work with Ford Institute members, or maybe

they will come to Ann Arbor to see what I do,” she said. “I like Albion’s interest in giving students more community-based experience.”

She’s hoping – maybe even planning – to both advise and inspire Albion students to eventually seek elected office.

“I decided to run because I have two children under 5 years old and am a full-time working parent,” she shared. “We need the diverse voices, identities, and lived experiences of our community represented at the council table.

I hope my service on Council will inspire Albion students and others to say to themselves, ’If she can do it, so can I!’”

Winter 2024 | 17

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Experiential learning that prepares students to make an immediate impact.

Esports team creates community through collaborative atmosphere, professional skill-building opportunities Esports is still in its infancy at Albion, but you wouldn’t know that by spending any amount of time with its 58 student-athletes in the team’s Esports Lab in the lower level of Ferguson Hall.

“A lot of time people don’t take esports seriously,” said Amyrah Simmons ’26 of Desoto, Texas. “We perform as a sports team. We bring home trophies. We earn it but people don’t think we earn it because it is just video games.”

Amyrah and her identical twin sister, Alaceia, joined the team last year. The pair are both theater and communication studies majors and part of the esports production team, helping to promote the program and organize matches. Amyrah is also playing competitively as part of the Valorant team after spending the summer practicing the title. A trained eye could tell the sisters apart but to hear their shared passion for esports at Albion you’d think they were the same person.

18 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

“Everybody roots for each other,” said Alaceia. “You are trying to better yourself but at the same time you are trying to root for your team because if we all do well we can all bring home something to reinforce our program.”

Beyond trophies and team recognition, the skills in teamwork, project management, tech, communication, and production the students are developing through the program are setting them up for success after Albion.

The program has a hyper-organized structure led by its coach, Karlo Delos Angeles and supported by title-specific (aka, game) coaches who specialize in training and film review with players, a Emma Brinkman ’26 observes competition.

Enkhbaatar Saranbaatar ’27 at practice in the Esports Lab. Amyrah Simmons ’26 focuses while her Valorant teammate provides an encouraging thumbs up. Gabe Garcia ’27 competes on NBA 2K as teammates look on.

Amyrah Simmons ’26, Enkhbaatar Saranbaatar ’27, Ezra Moore ’24, Drake Malcolm ’24, Colby Prais ’26 Alaceia Simmons ’26 and Head Coach Karlo Delos Angeles pose for a photo with an opponent at XP412 Gaming in downtown Albion.

roster of highly-skilled student producers, and the social communication tool, Discord.

Emma Brinkman ’26, a sophomore from East Tawas, Michigan, is one of the program’s lead production managers, helping to manage the program’s Discord servers across teams, promote competitions, run streams, create highlights from games, and much more. In this role, she is gaining experience with a variety of technologies, video and photography equipment, learning project management principles, and leadership communications. She also has been practicing with some members of the Super Smash Brothers team in hopes of eventually playing the title competitively.

“Communication is very, very open here and we’re all respectful to each other even though we all come from different places, different backgrounds, and diverse beliefs. We are all very different people but we have similar interests,” said Emma.

The program uses Discord to support communication among teams competing across various titles as well as for general communication to share information on new people joining the program, team rules and regulations, general campus or athletic announcements, matches for the week, roles, live Twitch streams, esports chats, team announcements, team scheduling, skill videos, inspiration, voice chat, photos of team workouts, a Minecraft channel, a channel for Pokéman and other card games, an art channel

for team members who like to draw, a general chat, photos of team workouts, the birthday corner to keep up on team birthdays, and more.

“Discord pretty much keeps us all in check with one another so we are able to stay connected,” explained Emma.

Many team members said they wake up in the morning, read their emails, and check Discord.

“It’s the gamer’s email or the gamer’s morning news,” explained Alaceia.

Delos Angeles said the reactive nature of esports requires the team to have excellent communication in order to adopt a rigidly adaptive structure, which “is definitely chaotic, but a welcome challenge for me and my team as we adapt something non-traditional to the practical education of students and studentathletes interested in this field!”

A former basketball player in high school, Gabe Garcia ’27, knew he wouldn’t be able to continue his varsity playing career at Albion but shortly after arriving on campus he found a home on the esports team. Gabe, a first-year kinesiology major from Dallas, TX, earned a spot on the three-person NBA 2K team which had a successful playoff run this fall.

Gabe’s transition to Albion; however, had some early bumps this fall. He had been communicating regularly with his dad about feeling homesick. He even thought seriously about returning to Texas. He decided to stay because of esports.

“I was thinking about transferring back home and talked to my family about it. But after chatting with our coach and my teammates, I told my family I am going to stay,” Garcia explained. “I feel like the relationships I’ve built here I won’t get anywhere else. There are people here that I would never talk to in the halls of another school but when we come into the lab we are all cool.

“I always tended to keep things in. Being involved is helping me grow as a person and realize that I am never alone. People here help you. They generally care and I’m realizing it is OK to let them help you.”

Gabe made such an immediate impact on the program that his NBA 2K teammates recommended him to serve as captain in the spring semester.

Enkhbaatar (Inky) Saranbaatar ’27, another first-year student from Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, said he is learning skills that are helping him navigate his time as a student at Albion as well.

“Communication is key,” said Inky. “Most of the games here are team games so communication is a key factor. It helps build skills to open yourself and express yourself.”

Interested in catching an upcoming esports match? You can do so from the comfort of your home via Stream.

twitch.tv/albionbritsesports

Winter 2024 | 19

Cass Burgess ’24 transforms students into zombies while building pathway to future career in special effects makeup Cassidy “Cass” Burgess ’24, a theatre major from Fife Lake, Michigan, served as lead makeup designer for Albion’s fall production of Michael Ogden’s zombie thriller, 2AZ. Cass was awarded a certificate of merit for achievement in stage makeup design from the The Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival following the close of the show.

After college, Cass plans to continue his work and passion in performance makeup.

We caught up with Cass to learn more about how he got interested in makeup, the special experiences.

20 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Io Triumphe!: Tell us about your background and why you decided to pursue a career in makeup artistry?

Burgess: I’m an artist and a jack of all trades who loves theater and creativity. I’ve enjoyed working with makeup since I was a teenager, with special effects (SFX) and creative makeup being my favorites. I was privileged to take a stage makeup class taught by our very own Stephanie Henderson, where I received most of my “proper” training.

What makeup techniques and styles are you most comfortable with?

I’m trained to contour faces for stage and camera lighting properly, design looks for actors’ faces and allergies, design and do makeup looks based on time period, design SFX and accommodate for allergies with that, and so many other things. My favorite style is definitely SFX, though.

Are you familiar with a variety of makeup brands and their product lines?

Yes! My favorite brands are Mehron and Nyx. Mehron makes products for theater and cosplay that are affordable and high quality, and Nyx makes products that are great for the stage and everyday looks.

How do you address and manage allergies or sensitivities that clients may have to certain products?

Design around any sensitivities or allergies an actor might have! This was something that I really ran into while designing the SFX makeup for 2AZ. Several of my zombie actors had latex sensitivities and/or allergies, and I designed looks that were still fun and graphic that did not involve latex.

How do you manage your time during a makeup application, especially when working with tight schedules?

I always design makeup looks to be as streamlined as possible. I also practice any new techniques I might need on myself multiple times to ensure that I can do them quickly.

When I’m working with a makeup crew, I also meet and train them ahead of time in everything that they may need to do.

How do you express your creativity through makeup artistry?

Each makeup look I design is carefully researched and chosen specifically for an actor.

I enjoy expressing my creativity by working with costume designers, directors, and actors to make sure everyone looks good on stage.

It’s a lot of fun to work with the individual challenges of each show.

What was the best part of being involved in the production of zombies?

I enjoyed the whole process, but I think the best part was hearing the audience’s visceral reactions to the zombies opening night. I felt so proud of my work, my makeup crew, and the zombies themselves.

What tips would you give to younger people who want to do things like this?

Just do it! Start practicing on yourself and work up from there. You’ll be surprised just how much you can do with what you have on hand. There are also tons of resources online on how to do all kinds of makeup. My personal favorite places to look for makeup tutorials are YouTube and TikTok.

By Ty’Nayia George ’25

In addition to being the makeup designer for 2AZ, Cass is a graphic designer for the College’s esports team, and serves as an Interfaith Ambassador—a new spiritual life initiative to promote religious and spiritual belonging on campus.

Albion’s 2AZ production receives accolades The Albion College Theatre Department’s fall production of Michael Ogden’s gory action spectacular, 2AZ, has received numerous accolades from the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival.

• Burgess was recognized with a Certificate of Merit for Achievement in Stage Makeup Design for his role as lead makeup designer.

• Stage Managers Hallie Charlefour ’25, a computer science major from Blissfield, and Jillian Bentley ’26, a theatre and history dual-major from Flat Rock, received a Certificate of Merit in Stage Management.

• Alaya Swoope ’25, an anthropology and theatre dual-major from Chicago, IL, received an Irene Ryan Acting Nomination.

2AZ is a story about who survives and what they become after the world ends. The play was originally developed and world-premiered

by Jeff Daniels’ Purple Rose Theatre Company in 2015. Albion’s production was only the second live staging of 2AZ.

Winter 2024 | 21

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Albion students travel with international contingents to learn about democracy and leadership in a global context

22 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Kara Anderson ’25 and Adrian Sanchez ’26, were among two select cohorts of American students chosen to participate in international conferences during the fall of 2023. As a student delegate, Anderson attended the Athens Democracy Forum in Greece, while Sanchez was among 22 students who comprised the entire attendance of the Leaders Across Borders conference in Belfast, Republic of Ireland and Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.

“We met people and worked with guest presenters who had firsthand experience with the civil war in Ireland. Getting the perspectives of people who lived through that experience of war, peace, and reconciliation was incredible,” said Sanchez, noting that the conference was held in Ireland to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement that brought an end to the conflict between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

“While the history of the two countries was prominent throughout the conference, we also had time for self-reflection and dove into what it means to reconcile different groups of people while also actively participating in the “unlearning” that is needed in many cases.” Sanchez noted that the conference topics were wide-ranging and often eyeopening. “There’s a lot more going on than the three headlines we see in the U.S. every day,” Sanchez said, noting that the 20 conference delegates came from 7 countries in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. “It was cool to see the new perspectives of students from different countries and the issues they’re seeing in their own communities. I’ve hardly ever been able to put my cross-cultural communication skills to work and the entire week gave me the opportunity to do so.”

And while he was sobered by the realization of “how many things all have to play

ATHENS G

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2023

together to bring about something like peace,” Sanchez left Ireland with some optimism. “I met students from all over the world who know so much and are doing a lot to make things better,” he concluded. “I can say the experience gave me a much bigger sense of hope for people in general. I’ve also recently been putting more thought into how these conflict mediation and reconciliation processes would look in different countries. I am extremely thankful to Albion College, Ohio Wesleyan University, and the Great Lakes Colleges Association for providing me with this one-of-a-kind opportunity. My outlooks on many subjects were shaped in ways I didn’t think were possible, let alone the interpersonal relationships that flourished in between.”

The fifth Albion student to attend the Athens Democracy Forum, Anderson heard from – and met with — world heads of state, diplomats, industry leaders, activists, and her fellow student delegates from 20 colleges and universities and 12 countries.

She especially enjoyed discussions with 25-year old Zimbabwean Namatai Kwekweza, winner of the inaugural Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, and Liz Alderman, The New York Times’ Chief European Business Correspondent.

“They were inspirational role models with valuable advice,” Anderson noted. “Liz Alderman told us, ‘If you follow your passions you will be successful in some way — and happier.’ I have decided I want a career in human rights because that is what I am passionate about, but I know it will not be easy.

Hearing that I am making the right choice was very reassuring, and helps with my motivation.”

According to Anderson, one key takeaway from Athens is “that we need to do more than think and talk – we need to ‘do.’” She’s already taken this to heart, serving as a “Protecting Democracy” panelist for a Human Rights Educators USA virtual training, and writing a blog post on key takeaways and action

ideas from the Forum. A member of Albion’s Human Rights Lab, Anderson is also planning several advocacy projects for the Lab, campus, and community, including support of international human rights campaigns and partnerships with local civic organizations for local antiracism activities.

“The Athens Democracy Forum was an amazing and enriching experience. The opportunity to travel, meet new people, and hear from so many passionate individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives was life changing,” added Anderson. “I will never forget my time in Athens, and I am leaving with a renewed determination to take action on the pressing issues facing our world. I am grateful for Albion College, the Global Liberal Arts Alliance, the Democracy and Culture Foundation, and everyone else who helped make this possible.”

Winter 2024 | 23

Dr. Wayne P. Webster: Inspiring leader, consensus builder, collaborative decision maker Wayne P. Webster may have begun his official duties as Albion College’s 18th president on July 1, but he’s been preparing a lifetime for this new role.

Webster brings 23 years of experience in – and great love for – higher education and the liberal arts to Albion. Renowned for his exceptional fundraising abilities and commitment to collaboration, Webster has held executive roles focusing on growing philanthropic support, strategic planning, budgeting, shared governance, DEI and belonging, economic development, marketing, and more. The unanimous choice of the 15-member search committee, he embraces Albion’s liberal arts legacy and its mission to prepare students to make positive contributions to society.

“It is a true honor to serve as the 18th president of Albion College,” Webster said during the public announcement of his appointment. “I was drawn by Albion’s history and legacy as a strong liberal arts and sciences institution focused on experiential learning, holistic education, and solid outcomes. An Albion education prepares students for success in their careers and readies them to make significant contributions to our society and world.

“All of my interactions with Albion throughout the years have affirmed these beliefs. I look forward to forging strong relationships with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and the Albion community as we strive to enhance and strengthen the College.”

24 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

In his initial 100 days, Webster prioritized listening and engaging with faculty, staff, students, and alumni in transparent ways to understand Albion’s role in higher education and the steps needed to ensure its future success.

Webster has talked with faculty across campus, attending department and committee meetings and touring facilities to hear their ideas and issues. He has connected with staff, asking what they think sets Albion apart from other liberal arts colleges and learning about their concerns and suggestions. He’s met with students, joining them for lunch in Baldwin, for athletic practices and games, for events and performances to learn more about how the College can serve them better. He also met with hundreds of alumni as part of events across the country.

Webster’s professional journey includes leadership roles at several private colleges, most notably as interim president of The College of Wooster, where he oversaw a successful $40 million student center expansion, a budget realignment process, and successful accreditation review.

During his career, he has led initiatives to raise more than $250 million to fund endowments, support capital campaigns, enhance infrastructure, and engage with constituents.

Recognized by his peers as a consensus-builder

and thoughtful listener, Webster has worked in executive leadership roles at nationally ranked private colleges with enrollments between 1,000 and 2,000 students in Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, as well as a larger public institution in Colorado.

A native of Colorado, Webster holds a B.A. in public administration and political science and an M.A. in management from Doane University in Nebraska. He earned his Ed.D. from The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. He holds a certificate in fundraising management from The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Webster has taught in the classroom, presented at conferences, and published articles on topics ranging from education to strategic planning and philanthropy.

He is married to Sally Webster, and they have two children, Stella (11) and Reid (forever 6), whom they lost in fall 2020 due to complications from leukemia. They have one cat, Asher, and two dogs, Baxter and Brinkley, who enjoy long walks in Whitehouse Nature Center.

A Q&A with Dr. Wayne Webster What do people need to know about you as a leader?

People should know I have a good understanding of the challenges and pressures that a school like Albion College is facing.

I am starting my tenure here by listening and learning so we can jointly identify opportunities for improvement. Informed decisions are the most effective, so I will do my due diligence and seek input before we tackle an issue. When I’m ready to move, I will have a clear sense of what the next steps will be – and I will communicate those steps.

In a meeting, I’m likely to ask questions – in fact, I ask a lot of questions. It’s rare for me to sit and pontificate about an issue. I will sit and absorb before making decisions that will be based on what I am hearing.

We’ve been having important conversations about our budget and the realities of higher education. As we continue to tackle these issues, I want to listen to our campus’s thoughts and ideas and learn from their expertise and experience.

What are the biggest opportunities and challenges the College is facing?

Like all colleges and universities, particularly private liberal arts institutions, the challenges facing higher education are fairly well known.

We will have fewer 18-year-olds graduating from high school in our home state of Michigan and our primary territories throughout the Upper Midwest in the next decade, which is already having a direct impact on Albion. In addition to increased competition in attracting students, we’ll also face more competition from other institutions and the private sector for faculty and staff. We must also confront greater price pressures from students and families who are averse to borrowing and will want to see value for the dollars invested in a degree.

As a society, we are coming out of the pandemic with a different perspective on work and what we value in our lives. I see this post-pandemic period as a real and permanent shift. We don’t

yet know what direction things will go in, but when we look back at this point in 10 years, we will see a permanent shift in the way colleges operate, function, and think about their work.

This is a transition all of higher education will go through, not just Albion College.

As I have shared, I strive to see these challenges we are facing as opportunities. I know that working together, we can highlight what makes Albion College distinctive and attractive to students, faculty, staff, and donors so we can set up the College for sustainability.

How has your time at The College of Wooster prepared you for your new role at Albion?

My final year at Wooster was a true career highlight, providing me with presidential experience and engagement opportunities that will benefit Albion. The issues we’ve had to tackle at Wooster are similar to what we are facing here.

One of the first things I learned as interim president was the critical importance of bringing everyone along with me. Whether they were students, faculty, staff, alumni, or donors, our stakeholders first needed to understand what we were trying to achieve and why we were headed in a certain direction. It was my job to explain that – and to make sure everyone understood their unique role in that process so they would be ready to participate.

My role is to empower people to feel a sense of ownership and responsibility – and then give them the tools they need to succeed.

What does collaboration mean to you?

Collaboration entails seeking out the typical avenues of engagement and feedback from our community. To me, it also means leaning into informal channels, such as walking around campus, meeting people over a cup of coffee, observing their connections, and engaging in meaningful discussions.

I believe and am committed to the principles of shared governance. I look forward to building strong working relationships with our faculty and staff. I’m just as mindful of the power of a cup of coffee and asking the right questions.

What do people need to know about you as a person?

I’m unassuming. I play the role of president in the way I need to, but I don’t need the limelight on me all the time. I’m mindful of the fact I’m always representing the institution. Albion College has so many great things that should be highlighted. It’s important to focus on the College, its mission, and its people – not just me.

I usually have a smile on my face. I like to find fun and positive things in every situation. I see every challenge as an opportunity. Some people have called me an optimist, and it’s true, I approach things from a positive perspective. Yes, we have issues to overcome, but many of the challenges we face are really disguised opportunities.

What are your impressions of Albion since taking office?

My first semester at Albion has overall been very much what I hoped it would be.

As I learned through the interview process and during my early tenure, this is a special place. Our faculty are committed and are talented. Our staff care and work hard to support our mission.

Our students are superior in so many ways.

They are smart, caring, passionate, and are deeply interested in personal connections with their faculty, their coaches, their mentors, and yes, even their president. Our students reflect the workplace of today and of the future. They are diverse in all forms, they are passionate about the environment, equity, and fairness, and they are champions for transparency.

When they ask questions, they expect wellthought out and sincere answers. They believe in accountability. All of these attributes will make them successful in years to come.

I have truly enjoyed getting to know our students, whether having them over to the house for s’mores or attending their plays, sporting events, music events, lectures, and more.

Winter 2024 | 25

Since arriving in Albion in July, President Webster and his family have fully immersed themselves in campus life.

From hosting s’mores night and moving refrigerators into residence halls to flipping pancakes for Fuel for Finals late night breakfast and slick dance moves with the TKEs, many Instagram-worthy moments were captured.

26 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

drop ins mechanics of comics, they pick up a marker and draw alongside their students. I wanted to push myself to try new techniques, build my confidence, and show that I understand drawing is a type of thinking — just like writing.”

Teaching the mechanics of comics through drawing together “Comics are fun because sometimes a student who shows no interest in a novel or a poem will light up for a comic — visuals and text together can make magic,” Assistant Professor of English Krista Quesenberry said.

“If a particular genre gets people sitting with a book in their hands, I’m all for it.”

You might expect an English professor to say this (well, in the 21st century, anyhow), but in Quesenberry’s case, she has put her money where her mouth is.

Recipient of the 2023 Joyce G. Ferguson Faculty Development Award, Quesenberry used the majority of her grant funding to establish the Albion College Library Graphic Medicine Collection, consisting of more than

100 books addressing health and wellness topics in graphic formats.

It’s a cool collection — but what really makes it special is Drawing Together, a graphic medicine experience open to all. Modeled off of a virtual gathering of the same name started by the Graphic Medicine International Collective in 2020, Drawing Together at Albion has been a monthly gathering throughout the fall semester. Quesenberry supplies crayons, markers, paper, snacks, and a space for participants to enjoy the health benefits of creativity and companionship.

“Drawing Together is not about skill in any way, shape or form,” Quesenberry said. “It’s about not setting the kinds of goals for

creative expression that we set for ourselves in the classroom.

It’s great to get beyond the classroom walls and see what can blossom from students’ minds and hearts when I’m not setting rules or expectations.”

Drawing Together has even been an experiential learning opportunity for Quesenberry, who is sure she is a better teacher now than before the project began.

“I wanted to break out of being a teacher and scholar of comics who ‘doesn’t draw’ — someone for whom comics is purely theoretical, just material for analysis,” she said. “I wanted to start teaching more like the scholars who inspire me, such as Susan Squier or Lynda Barry. When they teach the

Somewhat to her surprise, Drawing Together has invaded Quesenberry’s office, where one wall displays artwork gifted to her.

“I don’t usually have mementos of my students’ creative expressions — not when my students are turning in memos or research projects,” Quesenberry mused.

“But Drawing Together has given me both some great new wallpaper and tokens of this time we’ve spent together.”

Art may be the appeal, but Quesenberry notes that community is the constant.

Working with tangible materials in groups is “deeply joyful and very, very special in this particular cultural moment when, I think, most of us are feeling more isolated and are having more trouble making meaningful connections,” she said. “One of my favorite pieces of feedback from frequent participants is that they’re coming back ‘for the community,’ and that’s exactly why it’s called Drawing Together.”

Winter 2024 | 27

Around The Rock International e-ship exchange program continues with Paris-based management school

Two librarians walk onto a bridge…

Last summer, when Hillsdale College Librarian LeAnne Rumler contacted Albion College Library Director Jill Marie Mason ’01 the topic wasn’t books – rather, Rumler wondered if Mason would accept a gift in memory of her mother, Nan Finton ’75. “I took LeAnne on a tour and we gravitated to the bridge right away,” said Mason, referring to the space that connects Albion’s Stockwell Memorial Library and Seeley G. Mudd Learning Center buildings.

“She could see how much the students like being there.”

Thanks to the Nancy A. Finton Trust, the “bridge” got new carpeting last fall. This semester, the College added new furniture,, lighting that can be changed to a variety of colors and settings, and ceiling beams that will add architectural interest and improve acoustics for multiple low-level conversations.

“The Library bridge is a popular spot for both socializing and studying. With windows overlooking the magnificently maintained Quad and its proximity to the busy café, it is the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee, meet with colleagues, or see your friends coming into the library,” Mason said. “As a fellow librarian, Rumler knows first-hand that libraries are the hub of a college campus – places not only for knowledge building, but also community building.

As stewards of campus history and home to the Albion College Archives, the library is a fitting place for a lasting tribute to Nan.”

28 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Nine Albion students, Roy Mathews, executive director of the Gerstacker Institute for Business & Management, and Vicki Baker, E. Maynard Aris Endowed Professor in Economics and Management and Chair of the Economics and Management Department, traveled to Paris for a week this fall to work with three global teams to develop businessto-business (B2B) ideas as part of the Gertstacker Institute’s annual International Entrepreneurial Exchange Program.

This 14-year partnership between Albion and Paris-based apprenticeship and management school, Sup De V, is made possible by the City of Albion’s sister city relationship with Noisy-le-Roi, France.

Each year in October, this program allows Albion students to travel to France for a week to collaborate with peers at Sup De V on ideation, marketing research, and competitor analysis, led by Sup De V’s new business development trainer, Catherine Bruneteaux-Swann.

In spring, the Sup De V students and faculty travel to Albion to present their culminating B2B ideas at the College’s Elkin R. Isaac Research Symposium.

Wesley Hall gets “refreshed” in preparation for 100th birthday When asked to create a list of priority building projects on the Albion College campus, Clark Dawood ’98, knew exactly where to start.

Keeping the nonagenarian up to date takes some work, but “Susie” (one of the building’s historic nicknames) is worth it as it is the first home away from home for nearly 400 students.

Albion students develop military resource management app with Black & Rossi A group of six Albion students were engaged by Texas-based defense consulting firm Black & Rossi to assist in developing a proof-of-concept tool for locating commercially available resources, such as food, water, and fuel, that military leaders could use when their supply chains are interrupted.

“Wesley is the most important residence hall on campus,” said Dawood, assistant dean for community living. “It houses almost the entire class of firstyear students. It is the first home Albion students have on campus, so making it safe, welcoming, and beautiful is critical.”

Susanna Wesley Hall, built in 1926, was the first campus building dedicated to housing at Albion. The East and West Halls, along with the Kresge Dining Room, were added in the 1950s.

For its first 50 years, Wesley was reserved for female students; today, it celebrates nearly 50 years housing each first-year class.

Along with a makeover for the entrance lobby and other common spaces, Wesley has all-new shower facilities and the College is remodeling restrooms to be more private and comfortable for students of all gender identities.

It’s also home to Albion Community Table, providing storage space and a site for their weekly food distribution, along with an “in-house” opportunity for students to participate in community service.

The students served as consultants through the Albion College Community Collaborative, or AC3, an experiential learning laboratory that allows students to connect with real-life clients to solve reallife problems.

In November, executives from Black & Rossi and local representative Paul Egnatuk, legislative aide to Rep. Jim Haadsma, traveled to Albion for the team presentation of the tool, potential applications, and its proposed next steps.

Col. Bill Black ’82, founder and CEO of Black & Rossi and a retired member of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, and Ethan Sutton ’17, senior analyst with Black & Rossi, became engaged with AC3 to give back to their alma mater in a more meaningful way. Following the students’ presentation, Black & Rossi decided to extend its support for a third year.

Fall Albion Athletics Highlights that 14 of the 19 2023 graduates of the Institute remain in the state and that interest in Detroit metro appears to be rebounding.

Betz recognized for service and contributions to kinesiology organization Students learn strategies, gain community at GLCA Student of Color Leadership Conference Fifteen Albion students traveled with staff to DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana this fall to attend the Great Lakes Colleges Association (GLCA) Student of Color Leadership Conference. Many of the students who attended the conference are executive leaders in their Multicultural Student Organizations, Student Senate, Community Living, and more.

Fordies share their thoughts on what it will take to keep them in Michigan after graduation Senior Emily Abramczyk ’24 and juniors Monika Rosas ’25 and Kearney Miller ’25 were featured heavily in a Crain’s Detroit Business story about Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s “Growing Michigan Together Council” and ways the state is facing the challenge of keeping and attracting more educated and talented young people amid a slowing state population growth rate. In the story, the students share what’s driving their decisions to stay or head elsewhere after graduation.

“I can see myself on the east side of the state, definitely. I’m from Kalamazoo. Just being (in Detroit) this summer I can see myself there long term. I’m definitely drawn to the Detroit area,” said Kearney Miller ’25, who spent her sophomore summer interning with the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, which builds and maintains the famed RiverWalk.

Eddie Visco, executive director for Albion’s Gerald R. Ford Institute for Leadership in Public Policy and Service, told Crain’s

Associate Provost and Professor of Kinesiology Heather Betz this fall received the Founder’s Award from the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine (Midwest ACSM), recognizing her extensive service and contributions to the organization.

The award was presented at Midwest ACSM’s annual meeting in Indianapolis, IN. Betz served on the Board of Trustees for the organization as the Student Representative, Member-AtLarge, and the President from 2009-2018.

Betz and her colleague, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology Ahalee Farrow, brought six Albion seniors to the chapter’s annual meeting. All six students plan to enter into various healthcarerelated careers.

“The conference was an eye opening experience for me. I met a lot of new people and got a lot of insight on how they got to where they are today,” said Larry Reed, Jr., a kinesiology and communication studies dual-major from Detroit. “This opportunity has allowed me to

get an idea of what steps I need to take to achieve my goals.”

After Reed completes his degree at Albion, he plans on taking a gap year before pursuing a master’s in public health, and possibly, communication.

He attributes the conference to providing him with the confidence needed to make his post-graduate decision.

From left to right in the photo: Quincie Cheeney ’24, Marrissa Price ’24, Mekylla Lewis ’24, Larry Reed ’24, Kaylan Privett ’24, Dr. Anastasia Fischer, MD, FAAFP, FACSM, President, American College of Sports Medicine, Jya Lynem ’24.

FOOTBALL Nick Fannon was named Second Team AFCA All-American and MIAA Defensive MVP. The Brits went 7-3 in Travis Rundle’s first year.

Nine student-athletes were named All-MIAA

VOLLEYBALL The team placed second in the MIAA for the first time in history.

Olivia Alexander ’24 became the second All-American in program history.

Jenna Schienke ’24 earned the MIAA Senior Impact Award.

Five student-athletes were named All-MIAA

MEN’S SOCCER The team claimed fourth place in the MIAA WOMEN’S SOCCER Four student-athletes earned All-MIAA status.

The Brits upset No. 16 Calvin University, 3-2, on Senior Night.

CROSS COUNTRY Five women and two men earned personal records (PRs) during the NCAA regional meet in Akron, OH.

Associate Provost and Professor of Kinesiology Heather Betz, pictured in center, receives the Founders’ Award from colleagues of the Midwest Chapter of the American College of Sports Medicine.

Faculty & Friends Retirements Maureen Balke Whether it was 16th-century Renaissance music, 18th-century classical composers, 19th-century art songs or 21st-century pop ballads, Maureen Balke has helped Albion students perform and appreciate the music of many worlds. Popular demand for her Honors seminar on Schubert’s Vienna required her to teach it several times; her first-year seminar on the musical “Rent and the Bohemian Life” — which she taught 15 times — is equally as popular. During her 35-year tenure, Maureen continually studied vocal pedagogy and human anatomy to provide her vocal students with exceptional preparation to win competitive awards and prepare for careers in performance and teaching. She received New Teacher of the Year Honors at Albion, and was one of four artists nationwide to receive a National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship for the Aston Magna Academy on Schubert.

GOLF Women’s golf set a single-season school record with a 341.5 average.

EQUESTRIAN Hunt Seat team won 1st place and finished 3rd twice, with one rider winning reserve high point of the show. Hunt Seat’s top riders competed via invite at two Tournament of Champions (Indiana and New Jersey). The team has five more competitions in the spring before postseason. Western team has won 1st place four times, 2nd place twice, and had one rider win reserve high point of the show and one win high point rider. Western has six more competitions in the spring before postseason.

ESPORTS NBA 2K 3 vs. 3 team placed second to Neuman University, Fortnite trios made the playoffs in their first year of in-person competition, and Call of Duty and Super Smash Bros. teams each placed third among MIAA competing schools.

Winter 2024 | 29

John Bedient John Bedient is retiring after 44 years as an economics and management professor.

Beyond serving as the department’s “utility player,” teaching accounting, finance and marketing classes, Bedient created some of the first computer-based templates used by textbook publishers for teaching Lotus 1-2-3 (and now, what he doesn’t know about Microsoft Excel probably wouldn’t fill a matchbook).

For many years, John led the Gerstacker Institute and advised the Accounting Society. He has directed the College’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program for the past 13 years, which trains students to help hundreds of local citizens complete their taxes. John has been the recipient of Albion’s New Teacher of the Year and Faculty Advisor of the Year awards.

Scott Hendrix From the Writing Center to the Writing Consulting Program, to the Writing Competence Exam, and the Writing Proficiency Requirement, Scott Hendrix has played a major role enhancing the excellence and influencing the writing work of Albion students.

The first director of both the Writing Center and the Writing Consulting Program, Scott has also served as director of the Academic Skills Center and the two writing assessment initiatives. He has been a part- or full-time member of the English department faculty during his 24-year tenure, and has taught several first-year seminars. He also spent more than two decades as a member of the First-Year seminar committee, serving as its chair for more than 10 years.

30 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Principal ArShawn Parker ’20 discovered a passion for education through volunteer work Community Schools. “I like being a leader,” Parker said. “ I like having a school-wide impact with what I do.”

Three years out of Albion, ArShawn Parker ’20, isn’t surprised to be the youngest person on his staff. That fact, however, *did* surprise some of the 30 teachers and 450 students at Concord Elementary/Middle School, where Parker now serves as Middle School Principal and K-8 Director of Interventions.

The job is a promotion for Parker, who served last year as K-8 Assistant Principal at Concord

Parker credits Albion College with helping him find his passion and talent for education. “I was volunteering with kids, trying to be part of the Albion community,” he recalled. “Some of my professors saw the potential I had.

Therefore, they told me I should think about teaching; I never thought about education prior.”

Principal Parker spends a lot of time in CMS’s classrooms, an activity he sees as key to his ability to lead. “I’m always engaging with students and teachers,” he said. “I try to have more positive interactions so when I have to work on disciplinary or restorative measures, they know that I’m

trying to help them succeed.

That sometimes means there are consequences or difficult conversations. It’s a lot easier to engage in restorative practices and discussion when we have solid relationships established with students.”

His enthusiasm for his role extends even to the toughest aspects of leadership. “We have to engage in difficult dialogues, to reach every individual student, or change policies and procedures for the whole school,” he reflected.

He’s firm, though, in his belief in the potential of each and every student. “We have to have the mindset that every student can learn. There’s a lot we can do if that’s what we believe.”

Alumnus shapes food culture course based on onand off-campus learning experiences at Albion course is taught in English. Along with professor-made ratatouille, students have tastings of olive oil, baklava, and hummus during their examination of 16 countries ranging from Spain and Portugal to Israel and Palestine.

Last semester, Mark Anthony Arceño ’10, taught Mediterranean Food Culture for the third time at The Ohio State University, yet found some of his course prep was harder than before. “The first time I taught this course, I had around 40 students,” he recalled. This time, I made ratatouille for 104 students. I love this class, but I’m really going to have to think about sustainability for the next one.”

Program Coordinator for OSU’s Comparative Studies Department, Arceño’s course is actually part of the University’s Department of French and Italian, although the

Beyond the obvious attraction of food, Arceño notes that his course meets OSU’s general education requirement of a “lived environment” study. “A lived environment” approach can be cultural, political, or biological, but this course looks at the culture holistically,” Arceño said.

“Agriculture is affected by politics and economics and these in turn impact the social culture.”

Despite the very different cultures of OSU and Albion, Arceño is clear that his undergraduate experience inspired what he does with his students. “My first-year seminar, Albion to France and Back, really showed me what experiential learning is all about – we learn in class, we go to France, we come

back and talk about it. I spent my junior year in France and did my doctoral work in France, because of what I learned and did in my first two years at Albion.”

As a result, Arceño fills his course with the types of dynamic activities and sources that enriched his Albion studies. “My class is centered around food, but we also look at films and talk to filmmakers, researchers, restaurateurs. The students even have an assignment in the library’s rare books and manuscripts collection, working with Mediterranean cookbooks,” he said.

“I would love to take students to France or even the farmer’s market, but with 104 of them you can’t do that,” he said. “But I think I’m giving them a pretty comprehensive picture while being landlocked in Central Ohio.

It’s pretty ambitious but I like to think the students are enjoying it.”

In Memoriam Albion tenure: 1986– 2020 Bill Bartels, professor emeritus of geological sciences, Dec. 5, 2023, age 68. Bartels taught “around the calendar” for most of his tenure, in the classroom, at Earth & Environment’s Summer Field Camp, and with dozens of student researchers on campus and in remote areas of the Western U.S. For almost all of this time, Bartels was also an adjunct research scientist with the University of Michigan’s Paleontology Museum. In addition to being named Phi Beta Kappa Scholar of the year, Bill received the Langbo Endowed Professorship, four teaching awards, and three awards for his involvement with extracurricular student groups.

“Bill pulled me off of a business track and changed the course of my life,” said Chris Claes ’13. “He was the greatest teacher I ever had. I will miss his stories and his complaining and his laughing while we caught up over a beer.”

Albion tenure: 1977 – 1997 E. Scotty Cracraft, professor emeritus of economics and management, Nov. 23, 2023, age 92.

A USAF veteran who served during the Korean War, Cracraft was a military and Ford Motor Company accountant before his tenure at Albion. A popular professor, Cracraft was a long-time adviser to the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

“I have never encountered any professor who took a more personal interest in the lives and successes of his students,” said Gaylord Smith, emeritus professor of economics and management. “Rarely would we engage in conversation without the topic turning to Joe’s midterm or Sally’s internship. He was academic advisor for more than twice the normal load of students.”

Albion tenure: 1967-2005 Ralph Davis, professor emeritus of philosophy, Feb. 8, 2023, age 81. After helping develop Albion’s Great Ideas program, Davis became its first director, then the first director of its successor, the Prentiss M. Brown Honors Institute. An “ordinary language” philosopher with a serious side hustle as an artist,

”Uncle Ralph” especially enjoyed teaching interdisciplinary classes.

“This philosopher encouraged my studies. This Buddhist encouraged my spiritual life. My love of ancient philosophy came from his seminar on Love and Goodness,” reflected Erin Wakefield Holmes ’93. That course, she further recalled, introduced her to a philosopher who perfectly described Davis. “We read a text from Martha Nussbaum. She said, ’The best teachers don’t make students into carbon copies of themselves, they help their students become their best selves.”

Albion tenure: 1960-1994 Dean Dillery, professor emeritus of biology, May 24, 2023, age 94.

A zoologist and ecologist, Dillery was proud of his contribution to the field of spider research through Albion alumni George Uetz ’68, Matthew Persons ’91, Eileen Hebets ’94, and former Albion Biology Professor Gail Stratton, all of whom entered the field thanks to Dillery’s influence. “I took his invertebrate zoology class my sophomore year, and it changed my life forever,” said Uetz, professor of biology at the University of Cincinnati.

“He invited students to his house for an invertebrate tasting dinner. I was one of only three who showed up, as others assumed it would involve chocolatecovered grasshoppers. Instead, we were treated to a feast of clam chowder, shrimp, scallops and crab cakes.”

Albion tenure: 1962-1995 Bob Dininny, professor emeritus of chemistry, Jan. 1, 2024, age 91.

Affectionately nicknamed “Dr. Death” for his exacting standards, Dininny taught analytical chemistry by having his students do waterquality testing for local industry, municipalities, and the Kalamazoo River. “The joke in the department was that it took two people to replace Bob,” laughed interim 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.” A Celebration of Life for Bob Dininny will take place May 11, 2024 at Albion First United Methodist Church.

Albion tenure: 1986-2008 Doug Goering, professor emeritus of art and art history and emeritus College trustee, Oct. 27, 2023, age 81. Goering won a number of awards for teaching, scholarship, and service, which included a term as associate dean of the faculty and seven years on the Board of Trustees.

He attended dozens of athletic competitions each year, following the football, basketball, and track and field programs well into his retirement. “Doug was a wise mentor and beloved friend,” said Brook McClintic Griese ’97. “I’m grateful that I was able to say goodbye to him in his last days, and to share with him just how much he has meant to me and to so many who were deeply impacted by his genuine care and loving kindness.”

Albion tenure: 1973-2000 Bill Hayes, emeritus professor of psychology, Aug. 18, 2023, age 88. Hayes’ first doctoral student (emeritus professor of psychology David Hogberg) encouraged Hayes to leave SUNY Buffalo and become Albion’s psychology department chair.

Hayes developed Albion’s Human Sexuality course and spent 300 hours with a Michigan rehabilitation facility to prepare a course focused on drug use and abuse. After taking Human Sexuality, Teresa Cook ’82, became Hayes’ teaching assistant and – with his encouragement – earned a graduate degree with a specialization in human sexuality. “I have been in private practice for over 30 years,” Cook said.

“Dr. Hayes was the foundation of my education and I am forever grateful for his guidance and influence.”

Albion tenure: 1962-1997 Jack Crump, emeritus professor of chemistry, Feb. 9, 2023, age 91. Crump walked away from a lucrative career with Dow Chemical in order to join Albion’s faculty. A passionate teacher, he developed a “desktop lab” kit so non-science majors could do simple experiments, and encouraged Dennis Gaswick (now professor emeritus of chemistry) to develop a student research program that eventually

became Albion’s Foundation for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity. With Gaswick and the late Dan Steffenson, Crump also wrote a chemistry textbook. “I came to Albion a disciplined athlete but not a disciplined scholar,” said Jim Wilson ’77, founder of Albion’s Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine.

“Jack ’turned the light on’ for me. His pushing allowed me to realize the potential I didn’t know I had.”

Albion tenure: 1962-2002 Paul Loukides, emeritus professor of English, July 11, 2023, age 85.

Loukides taught creative writing and composition, developed the College’s first film studies courses, and wrote a series of books published by Bowling Green State University, home to one of the country’s preeminent film studies programs. Jan Corey Arnett ’75, a professional writer for nearly 50 years, recalled Loukides request for her to write “outside of her comfort zone.” Said Arnett, “I got an “A,” but I was disappointed in him because it seemed like pointless, wasted, useless writing, and how could he reward that? Now I can see that Paul saw what I needed to do for my own good. He was a great instructor and I appreciate what he nudged me to do for the difference it has made.”

Albion tenure: 1968-2004 Max Noordhoorn, emeritus professor of German, June 30, 2023, age 85.

“Max had high standards, respect for staff and students, diligence, and care in his preparation for classes,” said Emeritus Professor of German Ingeborg Baumgartner, who spent all but her first two years at Albion with Noordhoorn. Known for his Hawaiian shirts and sockless Topsiders, Noordhoorn used everything from nursery rhymes to literary criticism as teaching tools. “Max pushed us to be more strategic writers and thinkers,” said Niko Kanagawa ’05, who was awarded a Fulbright Teaching Fellowship in Germany. “I was gaining my voice in a foreign language and felt like I wasn’t faking it. Max was instrumental in refining our abilities and instilling confidence in what we could accomplish.”

Winter 2024 | 31

Class News 1957

1972

1961

1973

Robert Probst ’57, and his wife, Gwen Tipton, were named Paul Harris fellows by the Kendallville, IN Rotary Club for their outstanding service to the community.

Ted Everingham ’61, received the U.S. Sailing Association (USSA) Harmon Hawkins trophy. The award recognizes Ted’s contributions in race administration, and he will keep possession of the trophy until a new recipient is announced. Although he didn’t learn to sail until the age of 29, his enthusiasm for the sport led him to eventually umpire many times for the Louis Vuitton Cup (a qualifying race for the World Cup), the U.S. Match Racing Championship and the U.S. Olympic trials. In service to the USSA, Ted spent decades deciding race infraction hearings and was central to the USSA’s development of umpiring rules and practices, considered among the best in the world. Along with developing the modern judging system, Ted spent many years training USSA race officials. He continues to practice law in the Grosse Pointe area, and serves as president of the Albion College Alumni Association.

1962

Dave and Joan Dudley Chalk, both ’62, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 15. They have three children including Steven ’89, and five grandchildren. They live in Santa Rosa, CA.

1967

William Hershey ’67, is the author of “Taking the Plunge into Ethiopia” published in 2023 by the University of Akron Press. The book recounts his work with the Peace Corps in 196870. An Ohio-based journalist for more than 40 years, William was part of a reporting team that won a 1987 Pulitzer Prize for the Akron Beacon Journal.

1971

Gerald Knight ’71, recently released The Fall of the Saudeleurs, fourth in his Legends of Lainjin series. He currently heads a CPA tax practice in Illinois and spent more than 15 years in the Marshall Islands, serving as the national archivist for much of that time. Gerald lives in Palos Hill, IL.

32 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Charlotte Williams-Brooks ’72, and her husband, Donald, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2023. The still-happy couple lives in Oak Park.

Ted Lind ’73, participated in an exhibition of abstract painters held

by Halifax Public Libraries in Nova Scotia. His 40-year career in arts education and curation included work with the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Albany Institute of History & Art, the Cincinnati Art Museum, and the Newark Museum. He lives in Nova Scotia.

1974

Marsi Parker Darwin ’74, was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records in 2023 for owning the world’s oldest living chicken, Peanut, who turned 21 last spring. Marsi presents the full story through her children’s book, My Girl Peanut and Me, available at DarwinsEden.com.

John Joseph Tome ’74, was awarded the Order of Saint Romanos by the Orthodox Holy Synod of Bishops.

The award recognizes influential arrangers, composers, teachers and conductors. John has served as choirmaster at Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Burton for 36 years, and his choral arrangements are used at churches throughout and beyond the diocese.

1976

Larry Scott ’76, was elected to the Henry Ford Macomb Hospital Board of Trustees. A shareholder and member of the O’Reilly Rancilio Board of Directors, Larry works as a metro Detroit commercial litigator. He and his wife live in Harrison Township.

1980

David Harrison ’80, is the chief procurement officer for NN, Inc, a global diversified industrial company that manufactures high-precision components and assemblies. The Michigan native brings a myriad of experiences to the role having served as senior executive procurement, sourcing, and logistics roles in manufacturing for over three decades.

1982

Anne Pence Lundquist ’82, presented a keynote address at the 2023 American College Personnel Association Student Assessment Institute. She serves as director and assistant professor at The Hope Center in the Department of Urban Health and Population Science at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. She teaches, researches, and publishes on the topic of equity-minded assessment.

1983

Class of 1983 members Denise Gray Barron, Peggy Siefert Griffin, Sue Neely Hagedorn, Jill Hershey Hoppie and Kelli Buchanan Prenner (along with Trudy Siefert Lampen ’85) are all anticipating their 41st annual gathering this fall. The first one was held during their senior year and Peggy noted that even the pandemic didn’t stop the reunions; they carried on with masks and met outdoors. “All of us truly treasure our time at Albion and retell stories each time we meet.

They never get old!” she concluded.

1984

Doug Parker ’84, is a new member of Quantas Airlines board of directors.

Parker retired as CEO of American Airlines in 2022 and resigned as chair of the American Airlines board last spring.

Denise Cheney Schaffer ’84, received an Excellence in Education Award in March 2023 from the

Michigan Lottery. The award honors outstanding public school teachers and includes cash awards for the teacher and the classroom. Denise has taught for 18 years at Wilcox Elementary in Holt Public Schools.

1985

Gail Stulberg Costa ’85, was named to the 2023 Forbes “Top Women Wealth Advisors – Best in Pennsylvania” list. A Certified Financial Planner, Gail also holds a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor designation and leads Costa Leonard Wealth management Group in Sewickley, PA. Dave Valkanoff ’85, was announced as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Benchmark electronics, a global provider of engineering, design, and manufacturing services. In his new role, he will lead manufacturing operations in the United States, Mexico, Asia, and Europe.

1986

Tim Ward ’86, cycled 2,400 miles through Michigan last summer to raise money and awareness for Chance For Life, an organization that works with prisons across Michigan to provide support services to prisoners returning to daily life. He lives in Birmingham.

1990

Terence Thomas ’90, was reelected last fall to his seat on the Grosse Pointe City Council.

BRAVO TO BRITONS Frances Courter Behm ’91, was appointed in December 2022 to the federal bench in Michigan’s Eastern District.

Nominated for this position by Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow and President Joe Biden, Behm’s approval included support from three Republican senators.

At the time of her new appointment, Behm had served as a judge for Genesee County’s circuit and probate courts for 13 years, recently assigned to the civil and criminal divisions and Business Court. She earlier spent 15 years in private practice focused mostly on business litigation and probate law. Behm lives in Grand Blanc.

BRAVO TO BRITONS

1991

Mike Murray ’91, retired with the rank of lieutenant colonel after 32 years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps, both active duty and with the Reserves. He is Head of Gift and Estate Planning at Hillsdale College.

1992

Janet Clover Lounsbury ’92, was recognized as a 2023 PNC Bank Market All-Star, a distinction granted to fewer than four percent of the company’s workforce. She is a PNC senior choice connect specialist and lives in Goshen, IN.

1994

Chris Behling ’94, recently became vice president for underwriting at Northwestern Mutual, adding to his responsibility as head of risk selection standards. He joined the company in 2021. Along with his economics and management degree from Albion, Chris holds a master’s degree in theological studies from Harvard University Divinity School.

1996

Christina Cleland-Hursey ’96, was one of three female athletes named to the Greater Lansing Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2023. Christina earned 12 varsity letters at Albion in soccer, basketball, and softball. She is head coach for the Mason High School girls’ soccer team.

1997

Kimmi Dukes Pinkowsky ’97, was awarded the Judy-White Ora award at Farmington High School, recognizing her devotion to her classes and students. She is in her 23rd year teaching art in the Farmington district.

1999

Kevin Crawford ’99, recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for his latest role playing game (RPG), Cities Without Number. Since 2010, Kevin’s RPGs have attracted more than $1 million in crowd-funded revenue. He lives and works near Benzonia.

2000

Mike Dobbins ’00, is half of the music project Luminous Wavez, which recently had two songs signed by 10 West Music Library, allowing them to be acquired for television or film

use. Their latest EP, “Ashes of the Artist,” is available on most popular streaming sites.

Matthew Randazzo ’00, is president and CEO of the Greater Cincinnati Foundation. He moved to Ohio from a similar position with the Dallas Foundation, which increased its endowment to nearly $600 million under Matt’s leadership. Prior to his current focus on community development, Matt spent 15 years working in education, helping to lead and develop programs focused on educational equity.

Emily Mull Trentacosta ’00, was promoted to vice president of strategy & insights by AMC Global, an international custom market research firm specializing in launch strategies and brand tracking. Emily has been with AMC Global for more than a decade.

Allyn Luce ’00, has been promoted to chief operations officer at ABC US, a leading manufacturer of engineered fasteners for residential and commercial building material industries based in Ohio. Luce has worked with ABC US for more than 20 years.

2001

Abbe Ernstes ’01, was recognized as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a credential for advancement professionals committed to the highest ethical standards. Abbe is senior director of philanthropy for Cathedral High School in Greencastle, IN. Jennifer Daniels Umberger ’01, joined Kettering University as their vice president for marketing and communications. She lives in Fenton.

2002

Sarah Pruess ’02, joined Northern Kentucky University as senior associate athletics director for student services. In this role, she will oversee compliance, academics, and athletic training for NKU athletes.

2003

Ron Laing ’03, was recently promoted to the position of director of service at Purem by Eberspächer in Novi.

Philipp Roosen ’08, was a co-recipient of the 2023 Team Innovation Award presented by the American Chemical Society, the nation’s largest professional organization for chemistry-related researchers, educators, and industry professionals. The award recognizes developers of innovative ideas that have become a commercialized product. Philip was part of the Pfizer team that developed the BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, rising to the additional challenge of accelerating this process in order to help combat the 2020 pandemic. He currently works as a principal scientist at Pfizer. He holds a master’s degree in chemistry from Michigan State University and earned his doctorate at the University of California Irvine.

2004

Sarah Pike Anderson ’04, was promoted to director of client services at The BSMNT, an Integrated Agency in Indianapolis, IN. She resides in Carmel with her husband and their three children.

Emily Knaus Pucker ’04, completed her PhD in English from the University of Alabama, and has been hired by Georgia College & State University as an assistant professor of English and coordinator of composition.

Elizabeth Vogel ’04, was appointed Traverse City’s city manager, starting her term in January 2024.

Dan Fingas ’04, is the new climate action coordinator for the Vermont Natural Resources Council. He has previously worked with community organizations in Michigan, New York, and Vermont. He and his wife live in Plainfield, VT.

2005

Jesse Snow ’05, received the 2023 Dr. Mary Chandler Lowell Award from Foxcroft Academy, his high school alma mater. Foxcroft Academy alumni nominate and choose the Lowell Award recipients for outstanding professional success. Jesse is an oral/ maxillofacial surgeon practicing in Wells, ME.

2006

Ross O’Hara ’06, was recently invited to contribute a post titled, “What Good Is College?” to Psychology Today’s blog. Ross is a behavioral researcher at Persistence Plus, where he develops scalable interventions that improve college

student retention. He also travels the country talking about how nudging can reshape the college student experience.

2007

Kris Alber ’07, is in his second year as executive chef at Highland Meadows Golf Club in Sylvania, OH. An avid golfer and self-described foodie, Kris says his current culinary focus is “Midwestern chic.

Fazyza Husseini ’07, joined Grosse Pointe High School in spring 2023 as their French teacher. She previously taught at the elementary level in the Detroit area.

2008

Jennifer Cristante Buskey ’08, previously dean of students at Rama Road Middle School with CharlotteMecklenburg Schools, has been promoted to assistant principal at W.R. Odell Primary School in Concord, NC. Bill Webster ’08, is co-founder of Fidelis, an engineering consulting firm based in New Boston. The company recently became an official sponsor of Stalybridge Celtic, a football club located in Manchester, England.

2009

Angel Ingram Rock ’09, traveled to Kenya in July 2023 to participate in a music education program for children, and she plans to make this a yearly service project. Angel is in her 14th year as a music educator and received her National Boards Teaching Certificate in Music in December 2023.

CORRECTION: In the Fall 2022/Winter 2023 issue of Io Triumphe! a photo of biology professor William Gilbert (page 31) was mistakenly identified as his colleague Ken Ballou.

Winter 2024 | 33

Baby Britons Will Forgrave ’09, was elected the Sixth Ward City Council member for Jackson. This is Will’s second term on the Council.

Tim McCann ’09, was appointed head football coach at Leslie High School, his alma mater.

2013

Katie Condon ’13, is vice president for enrollment management at Eastern Michigan University. For the past nine years, Katie was director of enrollment management at West Virginia University, where she also taught courses in communications.

2014

Devin Underhill ’14, joined Tusculum University as an athletic trainer.

Her work centers on TU’s varsity and junior varsity men’s basketball programs and the cross country and track & field teams. During her prior four-year stint with the Pioneers, she served as the assistant athletic trainer for women’s basketball and the men’s and women’s tennis teams.

2015

Leah Parker Roth ’15, is in her second year as a visiting adjunct professor of accounting in Albion’s Economics and Management department. She and her husband live in Livonia.

2016

Corbin Livingston ’16, returned to Albion as a visiting assistant professor for the 2022-23 school year. Last fall, she joined the chemistry department at Beloit College as an assistant professor.

2018

Cait Gailey ’18, has been selected as the inaugural head coach of the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinal women’s lacrosse program, set to begin competition in the Spring of 2025. She previously served as an assistant coach at the NCAA Division I, Detroit Mercy, and had an exceptional lacrosse career, receiving Albion’s Athletic Achievement Award for her performance during her final season.

2019

Griselda Iñiguez ’19, was promoted to assistant director for student success within Albion’s Cutler Center. Griselda joined the Cutler Center staff in 2021.

34 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

Phillip Voglewede ’19, received a Rackham Merit Fellowship from the University of Michigan, which includes six years of full graduate study funding. Last fall, Phillip began work on a doctorate in history.

Parker Shannon ’19, co-authored an article printed last fall in the journal Machine Learning, Computational Pathology, and Biophysical Imaging.

He is a research laboratory technician with University of Michigan Medicine.

Mackie Black ’19, is a business writer for NEXUS LCM, LLC. She lives in Raleigh, NC.

2020

Laura Hakamaki ’20, received the Miss Congeniality Award at the 2023 Miss Michigan USA Competition. A former member of Albion’s softball team, Laura currently serves as director of corporate development at Michigan Psychological Care in St. Johns.

2021

Kurt Jolly ’21, recently joined the Bison Wealth Planning Team (affiliated with Raymond James) in Chelsea/Ann Arbor, where he will serve as a financial advisor.

Nathan Periat ’21, is studying at the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry.

Jazmin Rosas ’21, serves as the family services coordinator for the Nehemiah Center, providing assistance to low income families who are invested in seeking a better future for their children through education, emotional wellness, and spiritual enrichment, in Houston, TX. She lives in Missouri City, TX

2023

Casmer Johnson ’23, is currently pursuing a graduate degree in organizational leadership at Northwood University.

Elena Welker ’23, was inducted into the 2023 Catholic League Hall of Fame, an honor reserved for graduates of Michigan Catholic schools who further excel as collegiate scholars/athletes. At Albion, Elena received three allconference awards in basketball; in track, she was named an Academic All-American and competed in the national championships.

Ellis Ruth Andrews on Feb. 13, 2023 to Rachel Searls Andrews ’05, and her husband Jake. Proud Uncle and Aunt are Dan ’11 and Elizabeth Searls Palmer ’10. Ellis joins big sister Quinn. Rachel is a music teacher and theatre director at Black River Public School. The family resides in Holland.

Thomas William Anderson Oliver, born Oct. 7, 2022 to Lisa Anderson ’09, and her partner, John. Lisa is a product steward and regulatory specialist for DuPont’s healthcare medical silicones business in Midland, handling product stewardship for the business in the Americas. The family lives in Cadillac, amid their barns, chickens, and gardens.

Michaela Caroline, born Dec. 25, 2022 to Dan ’11 and Elizabeth Searls Palmer ’10. Happy aunt is Rachel Searls Andrews ’05. Elizabeth has served as Archivist for Albion College and the United Methodist Church since 2019. Dan continues to work in the music departments at Albion and Hillsdale Colleges as the adjunct guitar instructor. The family resides in Jackson.

Vivienne Marie Schumaker, born Jan. 19, 2023 to Alex and Alyssa Kulczycki Schumaker, both ’14. The family lives in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Emileigh Lorraine and Sofija Marie, born July 25, 2022 to Nikola and Sarah Casey Milosavljevic, both ’18.

The identical twins join big sister Milica Milinka, 2. Sarah works as a stay at home mom, while Nikola is a quality analyst for Pfizer. The family lives in Jackson.

Elias Perry, born April 14, 2023 to Alex and Virginia Kivel Reid, both ’18.

Alex is working as a quality engineer and Virginia is taking a break from teaching to stay home with Elias. The family lives in Mason.

Waverlee Hazel Bennett, born Sept.

24, 2022 to Nicole Young ’21. The family lives in Albion.

Haylee Rose Klingler, born Feb. 25, 2023 to Mitchell ’14 and Cassie Vince ’19. Mitchell works at Gross Stabil Corporation in Coldwater. Cassie works as a nurse at Oaklawn Hospital. The family resides in Marshall.

NEWS FOR CLASS NOTES Please send us your news about promotions, honors, appointments, marriages, births/adoptions, travels, and hobbies. Notes will be accepted through March 31, 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/iotriumphe/classnotes. Be sure to include your full name, class year, address (postal and e-mail), and telephone number along with your message.

SAVE THE DATE We say it a lot, but really, there is no better time to visit Albion than this spring! Here are a few of the reasons why … for more, keep your eye on albion.edu/events.

MARCH 19-28, 2024 Albion Everywhere – gatherings are being planned across the country and online – definitely, one will be near you!

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024 Elkin R. Isaac Student Research Symposium – the first day of our Purple & Gold Weekend (April 17-21, 2024).

SATURDAY, APRIL 20, 2024 Installation of Dr. Wayne P. Webster, 18th President of Albion College and the culminating Purple & Gold Celebration and Alumni Awards Ceremony.

SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024 Commencement OCTOBER 4-5, 2024 Homecoming

Weddings

Obituaries

Elizabeth “Libby” Heimler ’11, to Duncan Crystal, Sept. 23, 2023 in Mill River, MA. Libby’s best man was Andrew Hurteau ’12; Caroline Dobbins Hurteau ’12, also attended.

Justin Sleight ’43, July 28, 2023, less than two weeks before what would have been his 101st birthday in Byron Center.

A nine-year member of Albion’s Board of Trustees, Justin and his brother Norman ’40, established the College’s Sleight Leadership Endowment. Justin built a solo ophthalmology practice into LO Eye Care, with several offices throughout Michigan.

He served as an Associate and clinical professor of surgery with Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine, and as supervising Ophthalmologist for the State of Michigan. With college sweetheart Margie Wardell Sleight ’44, Justin lived for a year in Sierra Leone and made three other trips to the country to provide free ophthalmologic care. Closer to home, his civic service benefitted the Lansing Urban League, The Greater Lansing Chamber of Commerce, Friends of CROP, the Board of Education, and Mobile Meals, along with the Ingham County Medical Society, and the Michigan State Medical Society. He and Margie were married for 72 years. Justin is survived by four children including Kenneth ’69, three grandchildren, three greatgrandchildren, eight step-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.

Katy Stringham ’12, to Derek Ramsay, Aug. 26, 2023 in Traverse City. The Bridal Party included Jules Wurzler Hobstetter ’11, Jill McManaman ’11, and Katie Broekema Tolksdorf ’12. Officiating was Elizabeth Heimler ’11, and alumni in attendance were Jacob Engel ’13, Austin Denha ’17, and Alex Yaw ’14.

Shannon Murphy ’17, to Alex Schrader, May. 27, 2023 in Urbana, IL. Alumni in attendance included Corissa (Detwiler) Helm ’16. Shannon is a postdoctoral researcher at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA. TJ Sanders ’17, to Molls Lovoll, Oct. 31, 2022. Wedding guests included best man Max Tech ’17, and Joshua Engel ’15. TJ is currently working out of Fort Myers, FL, and is an emergency management specialist for FEMA. Bradley Simonich ’17, to Andrea Benson ’18, Oct. 1, 2022 in Muskegon. Alumni in attendance included John Hunter ’69, Zach Hubbell ’17, Nick Deppner ’17, Charlie Shinske ’17, Rebecca Rizer ’19, Hunter Jackman ’19, Katie Hirzel ’20 and Alex Tokie ’20. The couple lives in Alexandria, VA. Alyson Barra ’18, to Efrain Andres Guirola Diaz, Feb. 8, 2023 in

Pittsburgh, PA. Aly is a project assistant for diversities at the Association for Theological Schools.

The couple lives in Pittsburgh.

Andrew Vinopal ’18, to Catherine Dodds ’19, Oct. 15, 2022 in Maumee OH. Catherine is a writer in process of publishing her first book and Andrew is attending Central Michigan University’s graduate program for conducting.

Sydney Graham ’19, to Kedric Gabriel ’19, Nov. 11 2023 in Bloomington, IN. The wedding party included Miro Dunham ’19, Griselda Iñiguez ’19, Alex Hoinville ’19; other guests included Cathy Forsgren ’19, and Marketing and Communications Assistant Jake Weber. Sydney and Kedric work for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and make their home in Bloomington.

Karissa Bush ’20, to Will Taylor, Aug. 5, 2022, in Honolulu. Karissa is attending Hawaii Pacific University for a doctor of physical therapy degree.

Mark Cardy ’16, to Nicole Wisdom, Nov. 3, 2023. Alumni in attendance were Christopher Herweyer ’17 and Michael Varney ’17.

Bridget Colosimo ’10, to Jordan Tyler, Dec. 17, 2022 in East Lansing. Alumni in the wedding party were Caitlin Burgess Ward ’10, and Debra Eaton ’11. Other alumni in attendance were Liz Reimann Williamson ’10, and Amanda Vocke ’10. The Tylers reside in East Lansing, where Bridget has a rewarding job as the Circuit Court adoption clerk.

your next visit, COME STAY WITH US.

517-629-8520

Mary Ann Jelsch Harding ’47, April 29, 2023 in Fort Myers, FL. After earning her degree in education, Mary Ann spent 40 years as a teacher, primarily in elementary education with Utica Community Schools.

She is survived by two children including John ’84, and four grandsons.

Miriam Crone Taber ’49, April 30, 2023, in Grand Rapids. A Detroit native, Miriam did nurse training at Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo before enrolling at Albion after WWII. She supported the ministry of her late husband Harold ’50, especially as a Sunday School teacher and Bible study leader, an activity she continued for decades. A dedicated knitter, Miriam made and gave away hundreds of hats, mittens and baby blankets. She is survived by three children, including Sally Taber ’74, and Norma Taber ’78, as well as 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Patricia Smith Peirson ’49, Feb. 13, 2023.

Pat studied education at Albion, then taught in the Detroit area. Her later careers involved work as a substitute teacher, realtor and bank teller. She and her late husband, Robert, lived in Colorado during the last part of their 62-year marriage. She is survived by three children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Patricia Smallwood Bonta ’50, Dec. 30, 2022 in Grand Rapids, age 89. While studying art and English at Albion, Pat joined Delta Zeta and met her sweetheart Frank Bonta ’49. The two were married just weeks after Frank’s graduation. Pat and her family were dedicated supporters of Albion, giving lead gifts for the construction and expansion of the Bonta Admission Center,

the Frayer Office of Financial Aid, and the Charles and Julie Frayer Scholarship. Pat is survived by Chuck and Julie Bonta Frayer, both ’77; Steve and Amy Bonta Bender, both ’78; six grandchildren including Lauren Bender Bentham ’05, and Alison Bender ’08, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jocelyn Cook Hodgman ’53, May 30, 2023 in Kalamazoo. At Albion, Jocelyn pledged Alpha Xi Delta and studied education, working as a middle school teacher in the 1950s. She enjoyed gardening and volunteered for many environmentallyfocused causes. Jocelyn is survived by Richard, her husband of 68 years, and three children.

Willard Meader ’54, June 3, 2023 in Richland, WA. An Alpha Tau Omega and member of Albion’s football team, Bill eventually had a 30-year career as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon, board certified in aerospace medicine. Among many awards, Bill received the USAF Distinguished Service Medal, and retired with the rank of brigadier general. He served as president of the Society of USAF Flight Surgeons and the Space Medicine Branch of the Aerospace Medical Association and was a Fellow of the Aerospace Medical Association, the American College of Preventive Medicine, the American College of Physician Executives and the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He received Albion College’s Distinguished Alumni Award in 1985 and requested that the Io Triumphe! be chanted at his funeral. Bill is survived by Sharon, his wife of 62 years two children, two grandsons and three great-grandchildren.

Patricia Moody Bradshaw ’54, Nov. 20, 2022. Pat taught for a year following graduation, then after raising her family, she taught middle school home economics and English for several years in the Battle Creek area. Pat is survived by Jim ’54, her husband of 68 years, three children including Patrick and Connie Bradshaw Cahill both ’82, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Ann Brundage Carley ’55, Oct. 13, 2022 in Rolling Hills, CA. After eventually graduating from Purdue University, Ann taught high school in the Chicago area. she then moved to the headquarters of the A&P Corporation, becoming manager of the food services division and the executive dining room. During her sixty years in California, Ann was active in Delta Gamma, PEO, Women’s Community Club of Rolling Hills and the board of directors of the South Coast Botanical Society. She is survived by four children, including Stuart ’86, and niece Mary Brundage Kempinski ’85.

John Lignell ’55, Nov. 18, 2022. From 1963 to 2013, John was a family physician with Charlevoix Area Hospital. He was a founding member of the Charlevoix Lions Club, and was a member of several local choirs and

Winter 2024 | 35

barbershop quartet groups. John spent two years with the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Glasgow, MT. He is survived by four children and 10 grandchildren.

Hugh Morrison ’55, April 6, 2023 in Battle Creek. After graduating from Albion, where he was a proud member of the golf team, Hugh spent three years in South Korea as a U.S. Army interpreter. Back home, he worked for Kellogg, eventually retiring as a member of their 25 Year Club. Hugh was an inaugural inductee of the Battle Creek Amateur Sports Association and Michigan Amateur Baseball Association Wall of Fame at Bailey Park. He is survived by daughter Linda Morrison ’85.

Tom Brown II ’56, March 30, 2023 in Chelsea. After graduating from Albion with degrees in English and history, Tom earned an M.Div. from Boston University, where he met and studied with Martin Luther King, Jr., experiences that influenced Tom’s life work. He spent 40 years in pastoral service for the United Methodist Church in Michigan. Along with his ceaseless work for social justice and peace, Tom created, founded, organized, and managed the Neighborhood Health Visitors Programs in Flint and Albion which continue to be active. Just in retirement, Tom was a member of Albion Health and Wellness Action Team, Albion Peace Alliance, and Albion Area Lifelong Learners, along with alumni groups for Albion College, Boston University, and the Albion TKE fraternity.

After the death of his Albion sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Pat Sanford Brown ’53, Tom and his family established Albion’s Sanford Brown Family Music Scholarship. Tom is survived by three children, including Steven Brown ’79, and Mary Brown Lenardson ’85; three grandchildren including Julie Lenardson Brannan ’13, and four great-grandchildren.

Larry Hepinstall ’56, Jan. 21, 2023. After graduating from Albion, Larry earned graduate degrees at Claremont Graduate University and the University of Washington before spending two years in South Korea (1969-71) as a Fulbright Fellow. He spent three decades with the University of Maryland University College Overseas program, which continues to offer classes and degrees to U.S. military personnel wherever they serve. As an instructor and administrator, Larry lived at various times in Vietnam, Germany and Thailand. In retirement, Larry became an enthusiastic assistant to his wife, Hi Soo, following her around the U.S. and on international tours with her critically-acclaimed cookbook, Growing Up in a Korean Kitchen. He is survived by Hai Soo, their daughter and granddaughter, and brother David ’62.

Harold “Hal” Mills ’56, while working for a local CPA firm while studying at Albion College, Hal was inspired to work in a career in accounting that began with Price Waterhouse in Detroit. He held executive finance positions with several California companies and eventually retired as treasurer for the Automobile Club of Southern California. Hal was a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon and immediately following graduation, served two years with the U.S. Army. He is survived by his Albion sweetheart

36 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

of 67 years, Barbara Bain Mills ’56, three children, and seven grandchildren.

Thomas Frederick Brown ’57, Feb. 12, 2023. As a Methodist minister, Tom spent his career in New York and in England, where he served two churches in Yorkshire.

He taught American Red Cross CPR classes for many years and was a member of Rotary. Tom was predeceased by Albion sweetheart Kaye Schilling Brown ’58.

They are survived by five children, three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

Gloria “Gayle” Huffton Park ’57, Aug. 31, 2023 in Montour Falls, New York.

Gayle spent her junior year at Kinnaird College in Lahore, Pakistan, through the Presbyterian Board of Foreign Missions.

She also saw Afghanistan, India, the Philippines, Hong Kong, the USSR, Italy, Austria, and Germany, where she taught briefly on a U.S. Air Force base. As a special education teacher, she worked with blind students in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and Bergen County, New Jersey, and children with multiple disabilities in Tempe, Arizona. As a member of the Celebration of Life Presbyterian Church of Mesa, Gayle worked to respond to humanitarian concerns on Arizona’s border with Mexico.

Her efforts on behalf of women earned special recognition from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. Gayle also spent many summers as an archeological dig volunteer in Abiquiu, New Mexico. She is survived by her daughter and three grandchildren.

Rosemary Pearson Reed ’57, March 23, 2023 in Lansing. Most of Rosemary’s 33-year career in education was spent in Lansing Public Schools, where she served in the classroom and as a school counselor.

She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and sang for decades with its gospel choir. Rosemary is survived by two children and five grandchildren.

Wayne Chapman ’58, Oct. 15, 2022. Wayne ran cross country and track at Albion, before earning a master’s degree At Western Michigan University. He spent 36 years teaching and coaching in Marcellus, Athens, Homer, Springfield and Battle Creek, and is in the Athletic Hall of Fame for Battle Creek Central and Homer High school. In retirement, Wayne worked as a docent for the Kalamazoo Air Zoo and as a server in the Salvation Army’s Battle Creek kitchen. He is survived by his high school sweetheart, Nancy, three children, six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

John “Jack” Niggeman ’58, Oct. 19, 2022. After Albion, a tour of duty with the U.S. Army and a graduate degree from the University of Michigan, Jack moved to Pennsylvania, where he eventually owned multiple McDonald’s franchises in two counties. He was part of the group that created the company’s first Ronald McDonald House, still operating in Philadelphia. He is survived by Albion sweetheart Judith Smith Niggeman ’61; two sons including David ’86, and six grandchildren.

Andrew Jackson ’60, Nov. 8, 2022.

Andrew began his career as a teacher in

Howard City and Big Rapids before moving to school administration in Kentwood Public Schools. During this time, he also earned an M.Div from Garrett Theological seminary, eventually leaving education for pastoral service with United Methodist churches in Grand Rapids and Byron Center. He spent many years working with the United Methodist Lake Louise summer camp program, and served as a chaplain for the Michigan State Police. Andrew is survived by his wife, Phyllis; two children including Diane Jackson-Symes ’94, and two grandchildren.

Carol Throop Lewis ’60, June 20, 2022 in East Lansing. Carol began her teaching career in Marshall and then taught for several years in Bloomfield Hills before leaving teaching to raise her family. She later returned to the classroom as a special education teacher in Plymouth for nearly 20 years. In retirement, Carol was president of the Bay View Woman’s Council for many years. She is survived by her Albion sweetheart John ’60, three children and 11 grandchildren.

Judith Bodkin Potter ’61, March 17, 2023 in Asheville, NC. She taught English at the middle school, high school and college levels, and in retirement, volunteered for literacy programs and as a tutor. Judy was a member of both the Mayflower Society and Daughters of the American Revolution and held leadership roles in the Waightstill Avery DAR chapter. Judy is survived by two daughters, three grandchildren and a great-grandson.

Gail Hurst ’61, Sept. 3, 2023. A biochemist and pharmacokineticist, Gail’s first foray into industry research was with Alza Corporation, where he was principal developer for the first successful timedependent medication for glaucoma.

Working with Dow Chemical/MarionMerrill-Dow, Gail oversaw metabolism and toxicology studies required for FDA approval of clinical trials. He was awarded several patents and was proud of his contributions to many high-profile medicines that included treatments for allergies (these included Allegra), cancer, and Parkinson’s disease. Gail organized many reunions for Coach “Ike” Isaac’s former players. He is survived by Ruth, his wife of 55 years, his sons Dave ’94, and Derrick, two granddaughters, and his twin brother Wilbur ’61.

Whitney Hames ’62, Feb. 19, 2023 in Raleigh, NC. Whit spent 24 years as a professor of psychology and gerontology at Siena Heights University, retiring in 2001. His retirement years were spent in the garden and enjoying golf, baseball, and any competitive games he could find.

He is survived by Albion sweetheart Linda Shields Hames ’61, four sons and seven grandchildren.

Patrick “Rick” Pruim ’64, in July 2023.

Rick was a member of Alpha Tau Omega and after Albion, earned a fine arts graduate degree from the University of Michigan. He is survived by Albion sweetheart, Judy Christl Pruim ’65, two daughters and four grandchildren.

Gerald Toshalis ’66, July 11, 2023. Jerry spent his life in ministry to the United Methodist Church, serving as a pastor, Samaritan Center administrator, and spiritual guide/consultant to churches in transition or conflict, working in Indiana, California, and Michigan. At Albion, Jerry was a member of Sigma Chi. Jerry is survived by Barbara, his wife of 57 years, two children and two grandchildren.

Ralph “Gene” Muenchausen ’67, March 13, 2022. Gene’s athletic career at Albion included three MIAA football championships and being named MVP of the 1967 baseball team, which he captained. He went on to become a Marine corps officer in Vietnam and founded Baron Industries of Michigan. In retirement, he single-handedly set up “First Monday”, a luncheon group for Albion Alumni in the Detroit Metro Area. Gene was inducted into Albion’s Athletic Hall of Fame as part of the undefeated 1964 football team. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Nancy Andrews Muenchausen ’66, a daughter and two stepchildren.

Kirk Leighton ’67, September 21, 2023 in Winchester, PA. A four-year member and captain of Albion’s mens’ tennis team, Kirk was a 2001 inductee to Albion’s Athletic Hall of Fame. His sister Sally Leighton Newth ’71, reports that Kirk specifically requested no obituary be prepared, but she noted, “Albion was ‘where he made friendships that lasted for 60 years. He was successful in his career and I think he would say Albion prepared him well, but it was the friendships that meant the most to him.’” Along with Sally, Kirk is survived by his wife Barbara, three children, and four grandchildren.

James Kibbey ’70, Jan. 7, 1983. A professor with the New York Law School (NYLS) at the time of his death, Jim’s own battle with AIDS led colleagues to form a pro bono AIDS panel which eventually became the LGBT Bar Association of Greater New York, one of the city’s most active special-interest bar associations.

NYLS continues to honor two students annually with its James P. Kibbey Memorial Award for Excellence in Commercial Law. Joan Parnkopf Stipe ’72, March 18, 2023.

At Albion, Joanie majored in English and art and pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. After graduation, she returned to her home state of California and enjoyed a 39-year career teaching art at Ensign Middle School in Newport Mesa School District. She obtained a master’s degree in education while teaching, and in 2008 was named Outstanding Middle Level Visual Educator of the Year by the California Art Education Association. She is survived by David, her husband of 40 years, two sons and two granddaughters.

Rick Scofield ’74, May 16, 2023. A tireless champion of Howell, Rick and his late parents William and Joy Oddy Scofield, both ’49, had a city park renamed in their honor in 2019. Rick himself was named Howell’s Citizen of the Year in 1986. His passion for service extended to county and regional organizations, and ranged from economic development to education

ALBION and the arts. He worked with his father in the family business of May & Scofield, an international auto supplier and major Howell employer for more than 70 years, which transitioned into May & Scofield Electronics, with offices in Howell and the UK. He is survived by his wife, Mary, two children and a granddaughter.

Rick Horner ’74, April 13, 2021. At Albion, Rick was a member of the swimming and diving team. He worked with RHD Tire for more than 30 years, and enjoyed golf and antique cars and trucks. He is survived by his wife, Donna.

Timothy Schrank ’74, Sept. 9, 2023. Tim worked in grocery retail for many years, for both large chains and as an independent store owner. He is survived by Michelle, his wife of 14 years, 10 children, and 13 grandchildren.

Lura Gallaher Parker ’79, Jan. 10, 2022, at her home in Conneautville, PA. Lura lived in five different states and had given birth to her four children by the time she and the late geology professor emeritus Jack Parker arrived in Albion. Her diverse employment history includes Willow Run, a War on Poverty-funded Head Start in Austin, TX, and a hospital in Albion. Lura and Jack were married for more than 62 years at the time of his death in 2011. She is survived by three children, including Marsi Parker Darwin ’74.

Scott Dillery ’83, Feb. 22, 2023 in Campbellsville, KY. An Albion native and son of the late biology professor emeritus Dean Dillery, Scott taught mathematics at Albion College from 1994-2000 before becoming a professor of mathematics at Lindsey Wilson College. Early in his career Scott was a visiting professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Scott was an active supporter of Lindsey Wilson’s swim program and continued the canoeing passion he developed in Albion. He is survived by Albion sweetheart Sue Dryer Dillery ’80, three daughters and three grandchildren.

Laurie Pusey Kish ’83, Nov. 6, 2022. Laurie worked for Dart Corporation as their director of training and development. She held a master’s degree from Full Sail University and had been restoring a historic home in Three Rivers. She is survived by John, her husband of 30 years, and their son.

Ryan Matthew Luebkert ’99, May 21, 2023.

He studied biology and was a standout on the Briton baseball team before becoming a pharmaceutical/military contract sales representative for several large companies.

He competed in many triathlons, including a half Ironman. He was also an avid snow and water skier and earned his license as a small aircraft pilot. From his home base in Saginaw, he traveled the state in support of his children’s baseball and hockey teams. Ryan is survived by three sons and his mother.

Mitchell Pender ’13, Jan 30, 2023 in Horseheads, NY. A chemistry major at Albion, Mitch completed his graduate studies at Cornell University, earning an MBA in 2018 and a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in 2019. He then joined Corning, Inc., and held various technical management positions as part of their leadership development program. Mitch was a certified skydiver and car enthusiast who restored a 1965 Mustang with his father. Surviving Mitch is Yingchao Wang, his wife of four years, his parents and brother Josh ’15.

One of few living veterans of WWII turns 100

Alex Pool ’15, April 28, 2023. After his Albion graduation, He attended Michigan State University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Alex is survived by his wife Morgan, children, Declan and Emarie, his parents and two siblings.

Back Stateside, Duncan became the first member of his family to attend college. During his senior year, he also became a father.

“After Mary Jo was born, my wife Norma couldn’t climb the stairs to our campus apartment,” Duncan recalled. “I had to get a friend and we carried her up in a chair.” Norma, who was Duncan’s high school sweetheart, passed away in 1998.

Margaret “Maggie” Cripe ’17, June 5, 2023. At Albion, Maggie majored in communication studies and was a sister of Alpha Chi Omega. She then spent six years in Chicago with Alight, a human resources consulting firm. Maggie is survived by parents Matt and Beth Judd Cripe ’86, her brother, and a large extended family, including aunt Mary Judd Hazen ’88.

Akane Sturtevant ’22, Nov. 30, 2022.

An English-creative writing major, Akane had finished her first novel by the time she graduated summa cum laude from Albion. Beyond writing, Akane enjoyed photography, drawing and playing the flute and bass guitar. She worked as an English tutor for Japanese students in the Battle Creek area. She is survived by her parents and three siblings.

Friends Barbara Edwards Stowell May 24, 2023, in Marshall. Born, raised, educated and married in Wisconsin (to the late biology professor emeritus Ewell “Doc” Stowell), Barb spent most of her life in Albion. With Doc, and on her own, Barb mentored and nurtured generations of Albion College students, forming many relationships that lasted for decades. Barb enjoyed a 90th birthday party on campus, thrown by several 1960s alumnae, who had often traveled to and with Barb to celebrate other birthdays. She once raised $400 for the College by auctioning one of her famous cherry pies, and was a legendary presence in the kitchen of Albion’s First United Methodist Church. Well into her 80s, Barb helped open the church kitchen for use by dozens of community groups, and herself directed a monthly seniors luncheon that was open to the entire community. The Whitehouse Nature Center named an arboretum in the Stowells’ honor.

Grant Duncan ’49 celebrated his 100th birthday this past fall, enjoying the accolades that come with being a veteran of World War II – although he also remembers when that distinction wasn’t quite so distinctive. “There were plenty of us in Alpha Tau Omega,” he recalled. “I wasn’t the only one.”

A teenager and a new husband when he enlisted in the Marine Corps, Duncan was deployed with the 1st Marine Division to the South Pacific, fighting in Guadalcanal and several other campaigns. Trained in radio intelligence, Duncan intercepted and deciphered Japanese code.

Beyond fatherhood and his biology studies, Duncan enjoyed fraternity activities, the Geology Club, and representing Albion on the tennis team. After graduating from Albion, he went on to earn an MBA from Michigan State University and held leadership positions at Ford Motor Company and Fiat Allis.

“I feel amazing and amazed,” Duncan concluded of his new centenarian status. “I can’t believe I made it this long.” Duncan is among the few living veterans who served in World War II.

Ian Bredice ’05, July 9, 2023. A studio art and art history major at Albion, Ian lived as an artist, music lover, and animal rescue practitioner in Winston-Salem, NC. He is survived by his mother Sherri Bredice Lang, former administrative assistant for Albion College’s Center for International Education.

Winter 2024 | 37

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” is a new feature that seeks to brighten the focus on alumni and students through a devotion to sharing the diverse memories of some common bonds. In this inaugural feature, we ask alumni their favorite campus hangouts as well as those places they most regret never going in during their time at Albion.

THE EAT SHOP

“It was the best gathering spot.”

—Richard Torley ’50

The Eat Shop was in the space where the Ceramics building is now. It was not a campus building.

“My father was in the class of 1939 and used to go there. The Eat Shop had a great atmosphere and even the professors were seen there. The great juke box included Bob Dylan and Gordon Lightfoot (Gordon performed a concert in Goodrich Chapel). I liked the Bear Dog sandwich (pork sausage burger with cheese).

And coffee. Lots of coffee.”

—Jan Lefler Kinzinger ’73

“They had a great pinball machine in 1961.”

—Doug Walton ’65

Eat Shop ­—Brad Collins ’70

“The Eat Shop was convenient since first-years could not have cars. I could sit with my friends and drink coffee. I had not been a coffee drinker before college … even now when I drink a cup, I am transported to that time in my memory.

—Mary Huemiller Bragg ’69

INTERNATIONAL HOUSE “I most regret not having been a resident of the International House. I enjoyed my French classes and it would have enriched my Albion experience to have lived in that environment. I eventually did stay there for two nights when my son, Art Bragg ’99, was attending his first-year orientation.”

–Mary Huemiller Bragg ’69

38 | Albion College Io Triumphe!

“I liked it and my friends could be found there.”

—Bruce Wineman ’66 “Good company and cheap coffee.”

—Jim Rogers ’69 “The place for hot coffee and a "Kool" cigarette.”

—John Schlecht ’59 “At the Eat Shop, you could get cokes and such; play cards and meet other students etc. I met Frank there.”

—Joyce Weiss Joranko ’55 (“Frank” is of course the late Frank Joranko ’52, longtime baseball coach and namesake of Albion’s Joranko Field.)

“Great French fries and shakes; burger if you needed something more substantial. The ladies behind the counter were just the friendliest and always ready to cheer you up after a test you thought you failed.”

—Tom Carnwath ’73

HERRICK THEATRE “As a theatre major and scene shop employee, I practically lived in the Herrick Center. A favorite memory is sorting through boxes of ancient lighting instrument parts to clear out the black box balcony with my friend Erik Caldwell ’92. We managed to assemble three working instruments. We each kept one and surprised Dr. Tom Oosting with one. I still use mine as my favorite reading lamp. My son Jeremy is a junior at Albion and seeing my son Ryan ’22, perform on the Herrick stage was such an incredibly thrilling return to a favorite place from my past!”

—Andrea Chambers Klooster ’91 “I truly regret never attending a campus theater production while I was a student. Bobbitt, Pleiad publications, and the Herrick stage are where student achievement is put on display for everyone to enjoy, criticize, and benefit from. I do try to make it to at least one production per year now. Theatre Department Chair Zach Fischer is a gift to the Albion faculty and community.”

—Michael Haines ’85

713 PERRY STREET PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT

TAU KAPPA EPSILON HOUSE

This would be in the green space directly north of Bobbitt. The last of the houses there were torn down 20 years ago.

”As a TKE, I was always in the house and inviting people over to hang out. The weekends were my favorite when we weren’t busy and had the opportunity to just spend time as a brotherhood.”

—Skylyr Zink ’22

“My favorite campus hangout was the basement at 713 Perry Street where the Philosophy department was located. Faculty and students used it often.”

—Doug Johnson ’71

LIBRARY

“The Kappa Delta lodge. I found there a community of intelligent, interesting, accepting, diverse young women.”

—Jill LePla Neuville ’69

“I liked the library, lots of newspapers, magazines, books and quiet study desks.”

—Steve Belcher ’67

KELLOGG CENTER “Jared Minor ’14, Brad Melpolder ’14, Brad Collins ’14, Zach Francis ’15, and I spent so much time in the Kellogg Center shooting pool together our senior year.

Most evenings we could be found there playing 8-ball doubles, singing along to Frank Sinatra on Jared’s iHome (probably being so annoying to students trying to study), and having the time of our lives.”

—Chris Blaker ’14

OBSERVATORY “I regret never visiting the observatory during my student days. Visited Professor Arthur Monk’s office often: together we looked for humanity in history, but I never saw the heavens.”

—Rob Reed ’60 “My dad used to ask me nearly every time we talked if I made it to the Observatory yet and I kept saying, ’No, but I’m going to go!’ … and I never did. One day I need to make it happen !”

—Melanie Peldo Stager ’97

CHARLIE’S TAVERN NATURE CENTER & VICTORY PARK

“Charlie’s Tavern - Great Pizza and $1 pitchers.”

—Greg Northrup ’68

“In the Nature Center as well as Victory Park, the scenery and the serenity were great for keeping physically fit and for calming one’s nerves when classes, exams, or a certain roommate were getting to you. I met some of my best life-long friends as a Brit.”

—John Daoud ’89 “My favorite hangout wasn’t technically on campus, but the College had so much going on in Victory Park that it felt like campus. My group loved to hang out there, specifically on the little island. On pleasant weekends, we would often meet up to study, hang out, and have a picnic.”

—Annalisa Simmer ’06

THE STAG BAR & CASCARELLI’S The Stag Bar was purchased and absorbed by Cascarelli’s – it’s that lower dining room on the north side of the bar.

THE KELLER The Keller served more or less the function of the current Eat Shop and was closed when the Kellogg Center went online in 1996. It was adjacent to Lower Baldwin and had a deliciously dive feel.

“The original Keller was a frequent hangout for my roommate and me when we lived in Whitehouse. It was a quiet, informal escape from the room, and convenient even when the weather was horrible.

We ate quite a few Briton Burgers while on study breaks.”

—Jan Sperry Baumgras ’73

KAPPA DELTA LODGE

“Dave’s stag bar was the Wednesday night party place to be!!!”

—Mac Martin ’74 “You could find me at the ATO House or the Stag Bar.” —Bob Scholl ’72 “The Keller was cozy, open late to feed you while studying, and you never knew who you might meet there.”

—Laura Vanderbout Clark ’76

“The Keller was the place, of course.

Playing ’Mamas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys’ on the jukebox, splurging on milkshakes and BACs, and just waiting to see who would show up.

Close second: Fiske House porch swing.”

—Carolyn Curtis Gessner ’86

“Cascarelli’s always felt like ’Cheers.’

You’d go in and see people you knew, and Jim Cascarelli would be behind the bar. It was fun to have green beer on St. Patrick’s Day and sometimes sit with your professors.”

—Amy Mayo-Moyle ’97

Winter 2024 | 39

Office of Marketing and Communications

NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID ALBION MI PERMIT NO. 35

611 East Porter Street Albion, MI 49224

Flashback to Dean Hall Cooperative George Dean, Class of 1896, gave Dean Hall to Albion College in 1928, two years after Wesley Hall opened and proved to be a bit too small to house all female students.

The Dean Hall cooperative, which had residents cooking and cleaning together, was the first of its kind in a Michigan denominational school. “It was hard to check in at 8 p.m. on weeknights and we were in great demand as babysitters,” Edna Bartley Foss ’50 told fellow “Deano” Katie Cavanaugh ’98 in 1997. Norma Gohle ’47 added, “we had squabbles and we complained about chores, but we built a bond of friendship that has spanned 50 years.”