Personal relationships with faculty and friends are some of the defining characteristics of an Albion experience. Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of relationships. This interactive web series will provide opportunities for you to stay meaningfully engaged.
As we social distance, Albion College is bringing alumni from across the world together. Picture yourself on the couch or yoga mat being able to connect and do life with other Brits in the convenience of your own home. Relationships with faculty and friends are what define an Albion experience and now more than ever, we are here for our alumni as we create opportunities for you to stay meaningfully engaged.
Questions? Contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at 517/629-1835 or .
Albion College's Institutes prepare students for life in our complex and global world. Choose which Institute you want to connect with: The Gerald R. Ford Insitute for Public Service, The Carl A. Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management, and the Lisa and James Wilson Institute for Medicine will all host Zoom calls featuring alumni guests, highlighting what is new for their programs, and inviting conversation about your experience in the field.
Big Read, Big Gratitude a Year of Inauguration Web Series
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Albion's Big Read aims to empower youth and bring communities together through shared reading experiences. Join President Mathew Johnson and Big Read Leadership to learn about how, in its 6th year, Albion’s Big Read strengthens community by creating shared experiences through reading. This year's book is Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.
JQ Williams, '08 owns and operates the Northern Yoga Center in St. Paul, MN. She is excited to offer this FREE virtual yoga class. Never done yoga before? Don't worry! This class is perfect for all skill levels.
April Fools' Day at Albion College
Wednesday, April 1, 2020
A History of April Fools' Day at Albion College with Current Albion College Archivist, Elizabeth Palmer, '10.
Albion's Best Stay Home, Stay Safe Meals
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Join The Foundry's Emily Verbeke, '03, and Albion Malleable Brewing Company's Ben Wade, '99 and Dr. Charles Moreau as they share their staple recipes and the perfect pairings of beer and food — Albion edition! From delicious chicken pot pie and Briton Brownies to the perfect brew, we have you covered, and you will see the businesses and leaders that are helping transform downtown Albion. A fun opportunity to see a window into the progress to date and the future of our namesake city from those leading the effort.
Student Research Spotlight
Wednesday, April 15, 2020
This time of year traditionally represents the culmination of our students tireless efforts in research and capstone projects. As our students have transitioned to online learning, we hope you will join us as a few of our remarkable students share their work!
This week’s Web Series will showcase the following students research:
History major Lauren Bergeron, ’21 sharing her research on the racial prejudice of Civil War Soldiers
Biochemistry major Noah Robertson, ’21 sharing his research on drug synthesis
Art and Finance major Scott Wistinghausen, ’20 sharing his paintings about opening the dialogue on toxic masculinity.
Earth Day Celebration
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Join us for a celebration of the 50th Earth Day! Albion College was a leader in the first Earth Day and we are continuing the tradition together. We will take a look back at the 1970 celebration with CBS News and look forward to celebrations to come! Featuring The Whitehouse Nature Center, art and music created in honor of the day, and environmentalist alumni who are making a difference in their field.
Commencement Speakers, Speeches & Traditions
Wednesday, May 6, 2020 7:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Join us to celebrate alumni gradiversaries and this year's graduates, by looking back on historic commencement speakers, speeches and traditions. Archivist Elizabeth Palmer, '10, will be back with Library Co-Director Michael VanHouten to share notable stories from past commencements. Hear about Albion's better known and unique keynote speakers such as at the time Vice President George HW Bush. They will also share about the senior horn tradition and other past commencement traditions.
Albion in Athletics
Wednesday, May 20, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET
Miss sports? We do too.
Join us as an all-star Briton lineup looks back on great moments in Albion athletic history and highlights the impact of Albion alumni on the sports industry. Host and legendary Albion men’s basketball coach Mike Turner, ’69, will welcome several special guests, including:
Cedric Dempsey, ’54, former NCAA President, and his wife, June Dempsey ’54;
Kyle Klein, ’97, quarterback of the 1994 NCAA Division III championship football team;
Lara Juras, ’91, vice president of people and culture for the Minnesota Vikings;
Craig Kirby, ’85, founder and CEO of Golf. My Future. My Game.
Duncan Beagle, ’70, and Kirk Heinze, ’70, who will describe the 1970 baseball team’s victory over Michigan State 50 years ago;
Caden Ebeling, ’21, who will talk about the men’s basketball 2019-20 MIAA championship season.
Mary Anne Egnatuk, ’76 Title IX era swimmer and longtime coach.
Celebrating President Ditzler
Wednesday, June 3, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET
Join us on Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. as we celebrate President Ditzler and hear his reflections in his final month as President. We hope to highlight his incredible vision for our campus and show our appreciation for his leadership.
We would love to take this time to discuss all that has been accomplished in the last 6 years, including:
Join us on Wednesday, June 17 at 7:30 p.m. ET as we welcome Dr. Johnson, incoming President, and his partner, Dr. O’Neill, to the Albion community. After their first few weeks in Albion, hear what drew them to the College and community and why they moved across the country to lead here.
Enjoy this sneak peek before Dr. Johnson officially takes office on July 1.
What Do You Love About Albion?
Wednesday, July 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET
Join President Mathew Johnson on Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. ET as he asks an alumni panel what they love about Albion.
You have told us what you love about Albion by emailing us at , and now President Johnson is excited to host a conversation on the topic.
James L. Curtis Alumni Leadership Award
Wednesday, July 29, 2020, 7:30 p.m. ET
Join host Milt Barnes, ’79 and Dr. James L Curtis, ’44 on Wednesday, July 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET to celebrate Dr. Darrell Williams, ’77, the inaugural James L Curtis Alumni Leadership Award recipient.
Dr. Curtis grew up in Albion, received his biology degree from Albion College in 1944 and his M.D. from the University of Michigan in 1946. Thus began an incredibly successful career in psychiatry. Mostly based in New York, Dr. Curtis' research and service to students and patients fueled his rise to become Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University, Associate Dean of Cornell University Medical College, and Director of Psychiatry at Harlem Hospital Center. Additionally, his commitment to many professional organizations established Dr. Curtis as a true leader in his field.
Dr. Williams received his psychology degree from Albion College in 1977 and went on to study dentistry at the University of Detroit. He practices dentistry with Advantage Health Care Centers, providing his services to underserved communities in the Detroit area. He also provides free dental screenings and referrals for elementary schools in marginalized Detroit neighborhoods. Additionally, Dr. Williams works with local youth, volunteers his time, and created with his wife, Yolanda, the Troy and Shirley Williams Scholarship to help minority students at Albion. In 2014, he was ordained as an elder in the Faith Tabernacle Worship Ministries in Southfield. Visit our website to read more about Dr. Williams and the James L. Curtis Alumni Leadership Award here.
Join host Amy Everhart Perry, ’08 to celebrate three of this year’s Distinguished and Young Alumni Award recipients: Christopher Blaker, ’14, Deanna Behring, ’85, and Craig Kirby, ’85.
Christopher Blaker, ’14
Christopher Blaker, ’14 is an American historian who works for the Department of the Navy as a scholarly book and journal editor at Marine Corps University Press. He has published a book and numerous articles in journals and magazines and gives lectures throughout the country. Chris has offered historical consultation on a Hollywood film, and was recently featured on NPR.
Deanna Behring, ’85 currently leads and coordinates Penn State's portfolio of international research and educational programs. She has worked for the Central Intelligence Agency and the Department of Commerce. She is also working on her first book, a guide to help students find their way in the “passion economy.”
Craig Kirby, ’85 is a retired political strategist whose clients have included presidents and federal legislators. His nonprofit organization—Golf. My Future. My Game.—gives youth, people of color and women a unique opportunity to strengthen problem-solving and career-development skills through mastering a challenging sport.
Celebrating Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient: Kevin Chalut, ’99
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 5:30 p.m. ET
Join us for a conversation with Kevin Chalut, ’99, a 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient.
Kevin Chalut, ’99
Kevin graduated from Albion in 1999 with a degree in Physics and Mathematics and received his Ph.D in Physics from Duke University in 2005. He is currently a British Royal Society Research Fellow in Physics at the Cambridge University Stem Cell Institute. Kevin leads an interdisciplinary team of researchers who are making important new discoveries about the nature and development of stem cells.
Please register online by Wednesday, August 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET to receive a Zoom link for this week's event. Any questions please reach out to .
Keeping Albion Residential a Year of Inauguration Web Series Event
Wednesday, September 9, 2020 7:30 p.m. ET
Why is it worth all the effort to be on campus this fall?
President Mathew Johnson will talk with Wesley Hall Senior Residence Assistants Antonio Nelson, ’21, and Rachel Goldner, ’22, about how COVID-19 has impacted the student experience. As upperclassmen leaders charged with welcoming first year students, Rachel and Anotonio understand the importance of the residential experience to help students belong in our Albion community.
Join the 2020 Richard M. Smith Common Reading Experience
Wednesday, September 23, 2020 7:30-8:15 p.m. ET
Thi Bui explores her family’s story of migration and immigration in The Best We Could Do. She depicts the life her parents had in Vietnam and the life she now has in the United States. She shows us the value of exploring our own story to discover the importance of ethnic identity, nationality, and family.
You're invited to read and participate in this year’s Common Reading Experience! Join us on September 23 as Alan Headbloom, ’75, and LaRhonda Richarson, ’21, lead students and alumni in a conversation about the book and the opportunity it gives us to better understand our own stories and the stories of others.
The Best We Could Do is sold on Amazon and is available at local bookstores or libraries upon request.
HOMEcoming: Tailgate at your place, a Year of Inauguration Web Series
Wednesday, October 14, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Kick off Virtual Homecoming with the 2020 Chem/Comm tailgate with Cliff Harris, Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Karen Erlandson, Chair and Professor of Communications. Hear what is new at HOME and in the larger Albion community from Cliff, Karen and fellow Albion alumni.
Albion College is an undergraduate, liberal arts institution committed to academic excellence. We are learning-centered and recognize that valuable learning takes place in and outside the classroom, on and off campus. We prepare students to translate critical thought into action.
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Thi Bui explores her family’s story of migration and immigration in The Best We Could Do. She depicts the life her parents had in Vietnam and the life she now has in the United States. She shows us the value of exploring our own story to discover the importance of ethnic identity, nationality, and family.