A beautiful spring afternoon on the Albion College campus formed the backdrop for 2017 Commencement and its celebration of education on Saturday, May 6. Along with recognizing some 280 graduates, Albion gave honorary degrees to educators Michael Milkie and Linda (Carmitchel) Yonke, '75, and retired Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Inspector General Jess Womack, '65.
There is a bond that still holds fast with many Albion College students who were part of what was then known as the Professional Management Program, and which evolved and was renamed the Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management. It was a new and different step for Albion, and the students who joined in knew they were doing something special that could change their lives. And leading the way were Frank Burdine, ’68, who returned to his alma mater in 1977 to run what was known then as Pro Man, followed in 1978 by John McConnell, an Albion economics professor, who coordinated the program until 1980.
Vicki Baker, professor of economics and management, has been studying the changing definition and scope of liberal arts colleges, and her research has drawn the interest of national media.
The nine incoming first-year students, introduced at an April 27 evening event in Upper Baldwin Hall, represents the largest group of Fellows yet as the program prepares to enter its third year. They will receive four-year tuition, room and board from the College in exchange for engagement in service projects that will benefit the Albion community.
