Institutional Advancement

From nonprofit organizations in Southern California to a world-class research team in Maryland, Albion College’s 2021 Distinguished and Young Alumni Award winners span the country as they work to make the world a better place.

Now part of the Corella & Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, the program will have enhanced capacity in its efforts to partner with local communities.

In a year full of strife and uncertainty, Caryn Ryan, ’79, wanted to do her part to make sure the year also ended with hope. “Healing is a really big thing and this giving was a function of that,” said Ryan, whose matching gift of $20.20 to Albion College’s Student Assistance Fund came on a day that saw an Albion College Giving Tuesday-record 386 gifts from 343 donors.

Nearly 42,000 gifts and pledges totaling more than $101 million across four key priorities lead to the campaign’s conclusion 18 months ahead of schedule. The success underscores the interconnected impact experienced every day by Albion students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends, and boldly sets up the College for an engaged, purpose-driven future.

Robert Richmond began his higher education at Albion more than a half-century ago, and those two years in the south center of Michigan left an impact on him that continued his entire life. Although he didn’t receive a degree from Albion, he has left a remarkable legacy on the institution through a bequest that amounts to one of the largest gifts in the College’s history.

Giving Tuesday, a worldwide event to help nonprofit organizations, was held December 3 and a record 330 donors gave more than $150,000 to Albion College, the second-highest total in the seven years the College has taken part. “It was a great number,” said Ryan Robinet, director of philanthropy–strategic fundraising initiatives. “Their gifts will make a difference in the future of Albion College and liberal arts education.”

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Groundbreaking began in mid-August for the expansion of the Dow Recreation and Wellness Center, which will significantly increase fitness and recreational opportunities for all Albion College students. A $5 million leadership gift from Joe, ’82, and Julie Serra, announced in March, kickstarted the project, which is expected to be completed by May 2020.

Albion College alumni and friends answered a call for support over the last year in inspiring fashion, sparking a record fundraising total that will benefit the College for years to come in ways that will prove beneficial and dramatic.

A new endowed gift from Stephen and Susan Brochu Greehalgh, ’74 ’75, will offer a greater opportunity for students with financial need to take part in faculty-sponsored academic trips. “I believe that experiential learning can make all the difference in a liberal arts education,” Stephen Greenhalgh said.