2010 Accents Fall

40 Pages·2013·4.58 MB·English

t
a c c e n s
Alma College Alumni Magazine News and Events for Fall 2010
The Hogan Project is complete
Also inside: Alma in 60 seconds
accents
Fall 2010
editor
Mike Silverthorn
designers
Beth Pellerito
Aimee Bentley
photographer
Skip Traynor
printing
Millbrook Printing
contributors
Ellen Doepke
Susan Heimburger
Brent Neubecker ’95
alumni notes compiled by
Alyse Redman ’10
board of trustees
Candace Croucher Dugan, Chair
Ron R. Sexton ’68, Vice Chair
Larry R. Andrus ’72, Secretary
Bruce T. Alton
C. David Campbell ’75
David K. Chapoton ’57
James C. Conboy Jr.
Gary W. Fenchuk ’68
John C. Foster ’67
Nancy E. Gallagher ’80
Glenn D. Granger ’83
Greg Hatcher ’83
Richard P. Heuschele ’59
Kevin R. Johnson
David P. Larsen ’84
David F. Lau
Donald A. Lindow
John McCormack
Thomas J. McDowell
James T. McIntyre ’69
Stephen F. Meyer ’80
Roger L. Myers
Antje Newhagen ’67
Marcia J. Nunn ’73
J. David Pierce
move-in day 2010
David T. Provost ’76
D. Michael Sherman ’74
Alma’s class of 2014 arrived on campus Saturday, August 28 and were officially Lynne Sherwood
welcomed to campus by faculty and staff who helped carry their belongings into
the dorms.
CORRECTION
A story in the Spring 2010 Accents
on the cover:
incorrectly identified the mother of
The new Hogan Center is complete and open just in time for the arrival of our Aimmi Haverbush-Knarr ’01. Aimmi
is the daughter of Dr. Thomas Hav-
students. The 2010 Freshman Convocation took place in Art Smith Arena.
erbush of Alma and Mrs. Jeanenne
Arnold of Traverse City.
features
6
The Alma Experience in 60 seconds
Vaughn Brines ’10 has an ambitious goal for Alma’s new TV commercial:
One million hits on YouTube. Seem unrealistic? Not to Brines, the director
of the innovative spot that uses stop motion photography to promote the
Alma Experience.
12
Hands-on learning in integrated health
Alma rolls out three new academic majors designed to prepare students for
work in rapidly changing career fields — within a liberal arts foundation
— in biotechnology, environment studies and healthcare administration.
David Provost ’76 is this year’s Distinguished
16
Art Smith Arena honors a legacy Alumni Award winner. Read more on page 20.
The Hogan Center construction is complete, and Alma’s brand new
environmentally friendly Art Smith Arena sparkles with fresh paint,
varnish and lights. The arena is named after the long-time teacher and
coach with an Alma College legacy.
departments
20
Banking on Michigan
Armed with a business strategy and a vision for customer-focused service,
6 thistle & pipes
David Provost ’76 rescues a failing bank and revitalizes a community. He
is the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award. 17 highland games
26 19 great scots
The talk radio voice that booms
Tim Nester ’98 has solutions for all of the world’s biggest programs — 28 tartan tidbits
as ridiculous as they may seem. The audience for his streaming radio
talk show as grown from a few hundred local listeners to more than
20,000 around the world.

accents is published in October, Febru-
28
Leadership legacy: Ron Kapp
ary and June for alumni, parents, students
The former professor and provost taught more than 2,500 students dur- and other friends of Alma College. Send
ing his 32 years at Alma College. But to him, teaching was more than
comments to Mike Silverthorn, Accents
just a job. He took a genuine interest in impacting and shaping the lives
editor, Alma College, 614 W. Superior St.,
of the students he taught.
Alma, MI 48801-1599, or e-mail:
[email protected].
mission
alumni.alma.edu/accents

@
Alma College’s mission is to prepare graduates who think critically,
serve generously, lead purposefully and live responsibly as stewards
of the world they bequeath to future generations.
www.alma.edu 3
My freshman year
Dr. Jeff Abernathy
What an exciting introduction I have had these Our priorities will emerge over the coming
President
past four months to Alma College. I have come year, but among the most important work will
to see the great passion you have for Alma. be our efforts to ensure that the great story
of Alma College is known far and wide. The
That passion is part of what a college education
great work that Alma does needs to be known
is all about. Ralph Waldo Emerson said that the
across the country.
purpose of a college is to “set the hearts of its
youth on flame.” Alumni help in this work in so many ways. I
would be especially grateful if you will intro-
As 400+ freshmen arrived on campus earlier
duce Alma to those high school students you
in the fall, I reminded them I’m a freshman, of
know. And if you have opportunities for current
sorts, as well. I’ve felt all of the usual butterflies
Alma students or recent graduates in your
that they are feeling. Like them, I’m meeting lots
workplace, please let us know!
of people for the first time, settling into a new
home. Like them, I’m thinking a lot about what An Alma liberal arts education has never been
these next years will hold. more important than it is today: our great gift to
the world is our work helping students come to
These next years will be exciting as we build on
a deeper sense of meaning and purpose as they
the great success President Saundra Tracy had
prepare to lead and to serve communities across
through her years at Alma. As we make our
the country and around the globe.
plans, I would like to hear from you about your
hopes for the college. I look forward to getting to know the Alma
community in this, my freshman year. I hope
My first months have convinced me of two things:
you will stop by when you are next on campus.
* First, we must be rooted in our identity. We
On the following page I’ve listed some ways in
will not attempt to be what we are not: We
which you can stay in touch.
are Alma, and there is no prouder claim we
Go Scots!
can make.
• Second, our plan must respond to our
changing environment, with its many chal-
lenges for liberal arts colleges. We will plan
Jeff Abernathy
for a college whose 150th year will be even
President
brighter than its 125th.
4 accents
Meeting Tom Anthony ’72 and his daughter Devon ’09 at the July alumni
reception on campus.
2010 Orientation Committee students participated in a scavenger hunt.
A crazy photo with Dr. Abernathy was on their list of items to acquire! Addressing students at the 2010 Freshman Convocation
Enjoying Alma’s first home football game with wife Rebecca, son Rohan
and daughter Maren Meeting Alyse Redman ’10 at the welcome picnic
You can reach President Abernathy in several ways:
[email protected] facebook.com/almapresident twitter.com/jeffabernathy Phone: [phone]
www.alma.edu/about/offices/president
www.alma.edu 5
Alma Experience in 60 seconds
The
New AD CAMPAIGN promotes the transformative opportunities that students have to learn and grow at Alma
lma College is rolling taken in preparing the TV spot. The actual been done before, and something that was
A
out a new 60-second commercial incorporates more than 500 still professional, not amateurish,” says Brines,
television com- images all packed within a 60-second story- a student photographer and video editor
mercial that uses stop motion line that illustrates the many transformative during his four years at Alma. “We brain-
photography, upbeat music opportunities that students have to learn and stormed various messages that we wanted
and humorous visual affects to grow during their four years at Alma. to incorporate into the commercial, and we
promote the “Alma Experi- agreed we wanted to reach multiple audi-
Brines, who completed a Program of
ence” to multiple audiences. ences, including prospective students and
Emphasis major in screenwriting and film
families as well as alumni.”
The commercial will air on production at Alma, was approached by the
television throughout the state College’s Marketing and Communications Early in the planning, Brines and the
in coming weeks. In addition, Office to direct an in-house production of a planning committee determined that stop
Brines
the spot is posted on YouTube, TV commercial for the College. Brines, who motion photography, not video, would be
where already it is generating attention on interned with a professional Brazilian film the means to an original presentation of the
the Internet. company in Sao Paulo in 2007 and again Alma Experience.
in 2009, worked with a campus planning
“This commercial is going to be a hit,” says “With stop motion photography, you have
committee that included Laurie DeYoung,
2010 Alma graduate Vaughn Brines, who more latitude for presenting concepts of
associate director of admissions; Carol
worked with in-house professionals and stu- time and space,” says Brines. “You can take
Hyble, vice president for advancement; Beth
dent staff to produce the commercial during more dramatic and creative leaps from scene
Pellerito, director of marketing; Mike Sil-
his senior year. to scene than you can with video. We had so
verthorn, director of communications; and
many scenes to describe the Alma Experi-
More than 20,000 photographs — includ-
Skip Traynor, digital media editor.
ence — to try to do it with video would have
ing shots taken to scout campus locations
“We determined that we wanted an been nearly impossible. Plus, stop action is
and test scenes, actors and extras — were
original project, something that had not novel, artistic and fun to watch.”
6 accents
Alma Experience in 60 seconds
The
New AD CAMPAIGN promotes the transformative opportunities that students have to learn and grow at Alma
Share your
Brines worked with marketing and com- Scotland was actually shot on a mid-Michi-
munications office staff to coordinate the gan farm that raises Highland cattle.
Alma
shooting of the 19 scenes depicting the
Some scenes were more complex and chal-
fictional Alma Experience of student James
lenging than others. The bowling scene, for
Thomson, Lachine senior. Playing a sup-
example, was shot from the top rung of a Experience!
portive role as James’ fictional girlfriend in
nine-foot ladder as James “bowled” down
the spot is Gabby Abrego, Rochester Hills
the lane. In the rock-wall scene, Brines shot
senior. Both James and Gabby are real Alma No one tells Alma’s story better than
the climbing photos while clinging on his
students, not professional actors. our students and alumni. That’s why
own rope with one hand.
we’re asking YOU to submit your
“We couldn’t have asked for a better
Helping set the tone for the commercial are three to five minute video sharing
individual to play the main character,” says
music and lyrics by the Freelance Whales, a your Alma Experience. Perhaps it’s
Brines. “James never questioned what we
New York City band that granted musical a story about a professor with whom
asked of him. He brought everything — in-
rights to the College. you made a special connection, or a
cluding an enthusiastic commitment to the
The commercial’s “call to action” is an turning point in your college career
project, a willingness to take risks and super
invitation to view additional “Alma Experi- that helped shape the person you are
facial expressions —into every scene.”
ence” content on the Alma College Website: today. Your video will appear on the
The final version is fast moving, often www.alma.edu/experience. The site asks for Alma College Web site and be part of
humorous and highly visual. Many scenes submissions from Alma alumni to submit our Alma Experience ad campaign.
include student extras and glimpses of Alma their own “Alma Experience” videos. Please submit your video at:
faculty playing cameo roles. Most scenes
www.alma.edu/experience/
Visit www.alma.edu/experience to watch
were shot on-campus, with the exception of
alumni_experience
the commercial.
the bowling, airport and Scottish country-
side scenes. The off-campus scene depicting — Mike Silverthorn
www.alma.edu 7
Coming in 2011:
Alma’s Quasquicentennial
Since its founding in 1886, Alma College has dramati-
cally affected the lives of thousands of graduates. Set
forth by the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan, the Col-
lege’s founding resolution declared that, “We will, with
God’s help, establish and endow a college within our
bounds.” The College’s founding was made possible by
Ammi W. Wright, a lumberman, businessman and civic
leader who gave 30 acres of land and more than $300,000 Campus Day, 1966 From 1956: The inauguration of Dr. Robert Swanson, Alma’s ninth president
to found and sustain the institution in its early years — a
sum equivalent to $6.2 million today.
In anticipation of Alma’s 125th anniversary observance
in 2011, we would like to ask you — our alumni — to
tell us your personal Alma College defining moments.
Frame it in 100 words or less and send it to me by email.
We will print as many as we can in an upcoming issue of
Accents as a way to celebrate the endearing core values of
an Alma education.
Mike Silverthorn
Editor, Accents
[email protected]
From 1975-76: Provost Ron Kapp and English Professor Joe Sutfin
From 1986: Ted Koppel with President Oscar Remick.
From 1973: Pioneer Hall demolition. Alma College faculty and staff at a faculty-student baseball game
Gunda Kaiser, professor of Spanish, and Earl Hayward, assistant professor of French From 1969: The Old Main fire. From 1953-54: Music with Professor Rufener.
From 1956: The inauguration of Dr. Robert Swanson, Alma’s ninth president From 1992: Good Morning America visits campus for the 25th anniversary of the Highland Festival.
From 1974: The cornerstone ceremony for the Swanson Academic Center.
From 1986: Ted Koppel with President Oscar Remick.
From 2002: The inauguration of Saundra Tracy, Alma’s 12th president.
www.alma.edu 9
From 1953-54: Music with Professor Rufener. From 1897: The Alma College campus, including the library, Folsom, Old Main and Pioneer halls.
Empowering students
Alma professor honored nationally for service learning efforts
Ed Lorenz seeks to empower students to “He also has been a leader in the develop- Lorenz also led a Spring Term course on the
take initiative in resolving global issues ment of Alma’s service learning program, Mexican border that explored the effects of
related to rural development, pesticide use, helping shepherd it from initial start-up,” public policy on cross-border issues.
border issues and human rights. His efforts says Selmon. “Admiring colleagues have
“The goal is to empower students,” he says.
have not gone unnoticed. come to call him ‘a force of nature.’”
“With issues like the ICC and DDT, what’s
Lorenz was named a national finalist for His nomination was based on his efforts to amazing is that a lot of people aren’t doing
Campus Compact’s 2010 Thomas Ehrlich engage students through the College’s Pub- much about them, so my idea of service is
Faculty Award for Service-Learning. lic Affairs Institute. In 2008, the institute getting students to apply what they’re study-
hosted the Eugene Kenaga International ing to something that’s actually happening.
The prestigious award recognizes professors
DDT Conference, which brought medical I want students to see that they can actually
for exemplary engaged scholarship, includ-
and environmental experts from around the have a voice in public policy.”
ing leadership in advancing students’ civic
world to Alma College. As a result, Lorenz
learning and enhancing higher education’s Lorenz was one of four national finalists
and other participants produced a consensus
contributions to the public good. for the award. Other finalists included Joan
statement that was published in the journal
Francioni of Winona State University, Judith
Of the five honored faculty members, “Environmental Health Perspectives.”
Liu of the University of San Diego and
Lorenz is the only one from a private liberal
More recently, a group of students in- Nancy Orel of Bowling Green State Univer-
arts institution.
spired by his Spring Term course “Lead- sity. Barry Checkoway from the University
“In the classroom, Ed has inspired stu- ership in War and Human Rights” orga- of Michigan was selected as the recipient of
dents to take on projects that have led to nized a retreat in Chicago to address how the award.
significant national recognitions, includ- the United States can move forward with
— Ellen Doepke
ing multiple Fulbright, Jack Kent Cooke membership to the International Crimi-
and Udall award winners,” says Provost nal Court, which prosecutes individuals
Michael Selmon. for crimes against humanity.
10 accents