Class Agent: Ryan Arey, '11

Where do you live?

Parma, Michigan

Activities as a student:

Delta Gamma, tour guide, Student Alumni Association, Gamma Sigma Alpha, Mortar Board, Omicron Delta Epsilon

Why did you choose Albion?

I knew I wanted a small college, where I would be more than just a number, and where I could become involved on campus. I was drawn to the individual attention, opportunities in and out of the classroom, and the all around community feel of the campus.

What is one of your favorite Albion memories?

I trained for and ran my first half marathon with Professor Vicki Baker! I mentioned doing a half marathon during one of my first classes with her and she said she ran too, so I asked her if she would like to do one together, and we did! Albion is unique in that professors really do go the extra mile for their students.

How did your experiences at Albion impact your life as an alumna?

Albion has helped me to become a more confident and well-rounded individual. Taking a variety of courses, to fulfill the liberal arts requirements, really helped me to discover my passions and career interests. Also the alumni network is phenomenal, and it is neat to talk with fellow alumni and share stories of our time at Albion College.

How do you see your role as a Class Agent?

I see my role as Class Agent as a liaison between the College and my class. Not only do I work to help keep my class informed about what is taking place at Albion College but I get to help our class stay connected!

Why do YOU give back to Albion?

I give back to Albion because I know my experience wouldn’t have been the same without the support of gifts to the College. I made lifelong friends and memories at Albion and giving back is just a small way to show my gratitude to the place that gave me so much.

Tuition Free Day

What is Tuition Free Day?

Tuition Free Day is a symbolic day within the academic year where student's tuition “runs out” and gifts from alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and other individuals begin.

Why is it so important?

Without the support of generous gifts to Albion College, Albion would not have all the resources we have today. Tuition only covers about 80% of a student's education; the other 20% comes from gifts.

What does Tuition Free Day do?

Tuition Free Day raises awareness of our generous supporters and educates current students about why giving back is important. Students have the opportunity to learn about what gifts to the College benefit, write a few thank-you notes to College donors, and just enjoy a fun day to show some purple and gold pride!

This year…

Leading up to Tuition Free Day, Albion held its first photo contest with the various "price tags" around campus. Each price tag displays how campus buildings came to be and illustrates the private support that provides these opportunities.

During Tuition Free Day, students, faculty, staff, parents, and alumni gathered to enjoy pizza and cake while having a chance to spin the Wheel of Wisdom, search for words in our tuition- related word search, and write thank- you notes with the help of the Student Alumni Association.

Softball Complex

(Rendering courtesy Foresight Design)

In spring 2000, Albion's softball field was dedicated as Dempsey Field, honoring Class of 1954 alumni Cedric and June Luke Dempsey, who have shared a love for athletics since their college days. A star athlete as a student, Cedric Dempsey went on to serve as president of the NCAA.

Under the athletics master plan, the softball complex will move to the east and benefit from its close proximity to the central plaza created as part of this plan. In addition to its new infield, the softball facility will have new dugouts, bleachers, and permanent outfield fencing.

"There has been a rise in competition for facilities in the MIAA and these facilities will place us on par with our MIAA rivals," Athletic Director Matt Arend said.

Building this softball complex, with permanent outfield fencing, will ensure that Albion will be eligible to host conference championship games. Relocating the softball complex will also open up other outdoor fields for uninterrupted intramural and club sport competition.

Named gift opportunities include:

• Naming of softball complex
• New red clay infield for Dempsey Field
• Backstop with brick wall
• Permanent outfield fence
• Permanent dugouts
• Scoreboard
• Permanent bleachers
• Press box and public address system

Influential 20s Competition

Which class will win the Influential 20s Competition?

The Influential 20s Competition is a new challenge for Britons who graduated within the past 20 years (1993-2012).

What is the challenge?

The challenge is to show the impact of the Influential 20s. Twenty classes banding together to help give back to current and future students is powerful and gives young alumni a chance to demonstrate their passion for Albion College.

What's in it for the class?

To heat things up, the class with the highest participation rate by June 30, 2013, will be presented with the Spirit Rock Award during Homecoming Weekend 2013. This is your chance to be the first class to have their year placed on the Spirit Rock Award!

Interested in helping your class? Become a class agent!

Who's currently in the lead?

The class of 1997 is currently in the lead, but there is still plenty of time to help your class WIN the Spirit Rock Award!

Will this really have a large impact on Albion College?

Graduates within in the last 20 years account for 36% of Albion College alumni (8,526 out of 23,769). Young alumni involvement is vital to the future of Albion College. Your gift, no matter the size, will make an impact on the lives of current and future Albion students.

Where do our gifts go?

The Albion College Fund or Briton Scholarship Fund, supported by unrestricted gifts, allows Albion to use the money where the need is greatest -- including (but not limited to): scholarships, campus improvements, faculty support, and academic programs. Your gift to the Albion College Fund helps purchase books for the library, support student research projects and secure critical pieces of equipment for our classrooms.

It is also possible to designate your gift to a specific department, project, or team. No matter where you designate your gift, it will go towards benefiting Albion College as a whole!

Learn more about the Albion College Fund and what unrestricted gifts can do for the college.

Are gifts to the College tax-deductible?

Yes, gifts to Albion College are tax-deductible. After you have made your gift you will receive a gift receipt in the mail.

Make a gift today so you can count as a participant for your class!