Serra Dow Expansion Project

Joe and Julie Serra have given a $5 million leadership gift to launch a fundraising initiative to make two dreams a reality. The first is a newly expanded fitness and student activity facility at the site of the current Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The second is a new or renovated competition facility for the volleyball and basketball teams that currently call Kresge Gymnasium home.

Albion College was a magical place for Joe Serra, '82. He credits his time at Albion as one where he learned a lot and developed skills that eventually made him a successful Michigan businessman.

Joe and his wife, Julie, are now giving back, as a $5 million gift they bestowed to the College last spring will focus on a major expansion at the Dow Recreation and Wellness Center. The new fitness area will add about 11,000 square feet and feature a full range of exercise equipment, an additional multipurpose exercise room, new locker rooms (including all-gender) and more. See the construction cam.


  • October 4–5, 2019

    Leave your legacy on the new Dow Center expansion with a beam-signing ceremony set for Homecoming weekend. Details are forthcoming.

  • Mid-August, 2019

    The ground is being cleared and construction begins on the expansion of the Dow Center, which is targeted to be completed by May 2020.

  • March 14, 2019

    In front of students, faculty and staff in Upper Baldwin, President Ditzler and Joe Serra announces the $5 million gift that will benefit the health and wellness needs of all Albion College students.



I'm hoping it will help draw future students to consider and be a part of Albion.

Joe Serra, ’82

This is a great opportunity to enhance what Albion College has to offer.

Milton Barnes, ’79
Director of Student Success Initiatives

It's something that our students deserve.

Mike Turner, ’69
Major Gifts Relationship Officer

It allows more students to come to the gym where we can have a safe space to work out.

Sarah Subhi, ’19

It's bigger than just working out. It builds confidence in who you are and makes you who you are.

Jaylin Fordham, ’19


Watch a live stream of the construction.


Leave your Legacy

All gifts will help make this project a reality.

Partner with us to leave your legacy at Albion College. Naming opportunities are available, including:

  • all-gender locker room
  • lobby
  • multi-purpose room
  • gathering hall
  • conference room
  • East/West gallery
  • director's office
  • main entry vestibule
  • And more…

For more information contact the Albion College Office of Advancement by phone 517/629-0402 or by email .