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the Rock

Photo by S. Briggs

Albion College sponsored a number of events in October to raise awareness of domestic violence and to educate the campus community on ways to address this issue on both a personal and a societal level. The College’s Anna Howard Shaw Women’s Center, Office of Residential Life, and Student Health Services sponsored these events in partnership with the Battle Creek domestic violence shelter, S.A.F.E. Place.

Olin Hall Gets Facelift

Olin Hall. Photo by S. Briggs

Visitors will notice a number of changes made over the summer to campus facilities, most notably the removal of Epworth Hall and extensive renovations in Olin Hall.

Following the move of the Biology Department to newly constructed Kresge Hall last year, Olin Hall is now undergoing a thorough renovation to convert the former laboratory spaces on the first two floors for general classroom use. Office spaces are also being prepared for the Liberal Arts Institute for Premedical and Health Care Studies, the Education Department, and the Communications Studies Department, all of which will move into their new quarters in the coming months. The Psychology Department remains on Olin’s third floor, and renovations will be completed there as well.

Epworth Hall. Photo courtesy of Albion College Archives

Epworth Hall, which began life in 1916 as the home of the Physics Department and in recent years served as temporary office space, was demolished in July after it was determined that it could not be renovated due to structural issues. During the demolition process, metal from the building was recycled, and the limestone base and engraved nameplate were removed and saved for future use on the campus. Epworth’s Spanish-style roof tiles were sold to a restoration roofing firm. The area has now reverted to green space, opening up the Quadrangle to unobstructed views of Goodrich Chapel and Wesley Hall. Future plans include creating a landscaped walkway connecting Wesley and Goodrich to the Quad. For more on Epworth Hall, visit our photo gallery of sheet signs displayed there through the years.

New European-style horse walkers at Held Equestrian Center. Photo by R. Heathman

Increasing student interest in the College’s equestrian program resulted in the expansion this summer of the Held Equestrian Center’s Heathman Indoor Arena and the construction of a second 40-stall stable block and two European-style horse walkers.

Becher Heads Advancement Staff

Eric Becher

Eric Becher joined Albion College as vice president for institutional advancement in August. In this role, Becher oversees the areas of alumni/parent relations, major and planned gifts, corporate and foundation relations, the Albion Annual Fund, and external communications. He previously served as vice president for institutional advancement, marketing, and institutional research at Concordia University-Ann Arbor.

“Eric Becher’s 27 years in higher education—both as a music faculty member and as an administrator—have uniquely prepared him to lead Albion’s Office of Institutional Advancement,” said President Donna Randall. “He has extensive experience in strategic planning and a solid record of fund-raising success—both of which will be extremely valuable as we assess the opportunities we have before us here at Albion.”

While at Concordia University-Ann Arbor, Becher broadened the reach of the entire advancement program, which resulted in significant increases in annual giving and number of donors. He also led the university’s comprehensive strategic planning process.

Prior to joining the national Concordia University System in 2003, he served for three years at the University of Connecticut Foundation, including two years on the senior staff team as assistant vice president. He worked on all aspects of the university’s $470-million capital campaign, with a special focus on the fund-raising for the School of Fine arts.

Becher began his career as a university music educator and band director. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education from the University of Michigan and is a Ph.D. candidate in higher education administration at the University of Louisville.

Israeli Women's Soccer Team Visits Albion

An October visit by the ASA Tel Aviv women’s soccer club made possible a cultural exchange on many levels. Here, members of the Israeli club, wearing medals presented by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, and the Briton women’s soccer squad pause for the playing of their countries’ national anthems prior to a scrimmage at Alumni Field. Later, the Israelis met with Albion students for an informal discussion led by College chaplain Dan McQuown. Photo by D. Trumpie

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Albion College ◦ Albion, Michigan ◦ 517/629-1000